Integrated Experiences III Formal Paper: The Nurse’s Role in the Opioid Epidemic Brief Excerpt: After hearing Kerri Barton’s presentation about opioid use and harm reduction earlier this semester, I was moved to start exploring the nurse’s role in the current drug crisis. So often, it seemed, my patients in clinical had struggled with some type … [Read more…]
From the moment I walked into the health office of Pond Cove Elementary School in Cape Elizabeth, nurse Erin Taylor knew it was going to be a busy day. A number of teachers were out sick, and, as Erin forewarned me, this always meant more students would be visiting her office with stomach pain, headaches, … [Read more…]
An unexpected but integral part of this independent study has been the opportunity to connect with and observe the work of the Maine Department of Education’s School Health Services Team. Initially, I had no idea that this team even existed, yet it has become increasingly clear to me the important role they play in supporting … [Read more…]
One of the most difficult aspects of nursing school is the occasional sense of disconnect between classroom learning and real life. Oftentimes, on exams, we are asked what we would do or say in a given scenario, yet it is challenging to ascertain what actions we would actually take when faced with the situation in … [Read more…]
Course Description: This course explores theoretical frameworks that inform the mental health nursing care of individuals, families, and communities of diverse cultures and backgrounds across the continuum of care. Emphasis is placed on the development and implementation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary when providing nursing care to those with acute and chronic mental illness … [Read more…]
I have always loved learning people’s stories. Even if we have vastly different interests or backgrounds, I appreciate hearing what makes someone happy, the things they are passionate about, and how they choose to spend their time. A friend of mine recently got a new job as a toll collector on the Maine Turnpike. After … [Read more…]
Growing up with family members in law enforcement (and as an avid reader of crime novels), I have always had an interest in forensics, but little knowledge of how it could be applied to the nursing profession. As a first year nursing student, our class had a presentation from another forensic nurse, which first opened … [Read more…]
I found the process of completing a medication reconciliation to be extremely interesting, especially since it was on a close family member. It felt like a deep dive into an often very personal aspect of someone’s life, and I was grateful that my relative was willing to be so open and answer my many questions. … [Read more…]
