Time flew! I only got 3 more weeks left. I think it’s safe to say, this years IP placements have
been pretty unique for everyone due to COVID. What’s unique about mine is that half of the in-patient department (IPD) ward is closed off and is dedicated to COVID just in case a case were to arise on the island. Therefore the patient census on the IPD has been pretty low (8-17 patients) and I’m unable to take on a 4-5 patient assignment. Things I’ve done so far on the IPD were: administer injection meds; prime IVs and administer IV meds; change a dressing; and provide patient teaching.
The majority of the population are of Cree lineage and Moose Factory belongs to Moose Cree First Nation. Common health problems I’ve seen so far in IPD and emerge include diabetes type 2 and related complications like kidney failure, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and amputations; suicide ideation and; alcohol and drug abuse/overdose/withdrawal. The nurses are cross trained in mental health, labour and delivery, pediatrics, acute care, OR and in emergency. They do it all! The IPD is usually staffed with 2 RNs, 2 RPNs and 1-2 healthcare aids, for both day and night shifts.
ER is a whole different story. It’s a lot more hectic and unpredictable; you can be on your feet one shift, or take a 2 hour nap on another shift 😆. There’s usually 1 MD and 2-3 RNs on. Sometimes there’s no clerk and the nurses are expected to do some administrative work. They also request ORNGE to transfer patients to Kingston or Timmins for more advanced care. I’ve had many nursing firsts in ER such as: triage patients; insert an indwelling Foley catheter on a female patient; conduct an ECG; witness blood transfusions; help out with a suspected drug OD and; draw blood samples for labs.
Triaging patients has been a great new learning opportunity for me as it’s helped me think critically about focusing my assessments and asking relevant questions to obtain patient information. I’ve been able to assess patients who’ve come in for suicide ideation, substance withdrawal, potential PTSD; severe anxiety; chest pain; an ear ache; a dislocated/broken elbow; a miscarriage and so much more.
Emergency Room: 3 beds, 3 beds in the hallway and one isolation room. Also has 1 triage room and 2 examination rooms.
There's no elevator in the hospital but there is this ramp! When transferring patients who are bed bound or ambulate via wheelchair, we use this ramp.
I’m hoping im doing some justice in bringing light to what it’s like to be a remote nurse. Thank you for reading! 🙏🏼
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