In the class Medical-Surgical Nursing, a vast amount of knowledge is learned and applied to practice.  This class teaches knowlege of disease processes and interventions for patients with many types of conditions.  We are able to apply our knowledge in caring for our patients during our clinical rotation.  It is an extremely hands on experience.  We work with nurses as well as our instructors to develop the skills we need to become competent. 

     Medical-Surgical nursing brings together content from many other classes and teaches us how to bring it all together.  Our required two-three days of clinical per week allow us to practice and become comfortable with skills and concepts associated with caring and providing for these patients.  This class utilizes critical thinking skills and encourages challenges.  We learn quickly in the clinical setting that providing competent and efficient care is a team effort.  As a nurse we are a vital part of this team and aid in bringing care together as a whole. 

     After this course was completed and the high stress levels subsided, it was easy to see how beneficial this course actually was.  If given the chance I do believe I would try to enter into the situation with confidence in my knowledge and skills.  Being comfortable and having less stress allows for a better learning environment.  Even with out these optimal conditions, I feel I was able for the very first time function on my own as a nurse.  

     Below I have attached a copy of a research paper I wrote on a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patient during this clinical rotation.

users/CNWatts/upload/File/Research_Paper(2).doc