Author: Sharon Guda

ROLE OF GERONTOLOGY NURSE

Post author By Sharon Guda
Post date September 15, 2023
No Comments on ROLE OF GERONTOLOGY NURSE

Gerontology nurse also known as geriatric nurse or gerontological nurse,specialize in holistic care of elderly population

The nurse plays a critical role in ensuring access of health care services and promotion of healthy aging to the aged.This gives the nurse the forefront of understanding the specific roles in order to provide holistic care.

Below are the different roles of a geriatric nurse.

NURSE ADVOCATE

The nurse plays a crucial role in ensuring the aged are treated with dignity,respect and their voices heard in decision making of health care services.Every elderly needs an geriatric nurse advocate to allow their interests and rights collaborated in the care.The responsibilities include:

Promoting Patient Autonomy: Nurse advocates empower older adults to make informed decisions about their healthcare. They ensure that patients have access to information, support, and resources to exercise their right to autonomy.
Ensuring Informed Consent: Nurse advocates explain medical procedures, treatments, and potential risks in a way that older patients can understand. They facilitate the informed consent process, ensuring that patients have the information needed to make decisions about their care.
Respecting Dignity and Privacy: Advocates uphold the dignity and privacy of older adults by ensuring that they are treated with respect, that their personal information is kept confidential, and that they have the opportunity to maintain their personal hygiene and appearance.
Supporting Transitions in Care: Nurse advocates assist older patients during transitions in care settings, such as hospital to home, and advocate for continuity of care and appropriate follow-up.
Promoting Cultural Sensitivity: Advocates consider the cultural and individual needs of older patients and tailor care plans accordingly, respecting diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
Advocating for Geriatric-Specific Care: Nurse advocates promote the importance of geriatric-specific care, emphasizing the unique needs of older adults and advocating for specialized services when necessary.

NURSE EDUCATOR

Advocates provide education to older adults and their families about their rights, available healthcare resources, and preventive measures to maintain health and well-being.

This therefore enhancing knowledge,skills and the overall wellbeing of the aged.The responsibilities include:

Developing Educational Programs: Create educational programs and materials tailored to the unique needs of older adults. These programs may cover topics such as health promotion, disease prevention, medication management, and chronic disease self-management.
Promoting Health Literacy: Focus on improving health literacy among older adults by providing clear and understandable information about their health conditions, treatment options, and self-care techniques.
Empowering Self-Management: Encourage older adults to take an active role in managing their health. Provide guidance on setting health-related goals and developing action plans to achieve them.
Promoting Preventive Care: Educate older adults about the importance of preventive care, including vaccinations, screenings, and regular check-ups, to maintain their health and prevent complications.
Medication Education: Teach older adults about their medications, including proper dosages, administration techniques, and potential side effects. Emphasize the importance of medication adherence.
Support for Caregivers: Educate family caregivers on how to provide safe and effective care for their elderly loved ones, addressing topics like wound care, mobility assistance, and emotional support.

NURSE RESEARCHER

The specific role of a nurse researcher is to promote evidenced based care through gaps identification in healthcare to improving the quality of care, promoting healthy aging, and addressing the unique healthcare needs of the elderly population.

Stay updated on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in elderly care to inform future research priorities.

Develop research studies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, qualitative research, and other research methodologies, to investigate issues related to elderly care.

Nurse researchers assess the current state of knowledge in elderly care to identify gaps in research. They determine where further investigation is needed to improve care for older adults.

NURSE CONSULTANT

A geriatric nurse consultant is an experienced and highly skilled nurse who provides specialized expertise, guidance, and support to improve the quality of care and services for older adults in various healthcare settings. The responsibilities include:

Assessment and Care Planning: Conduct comprehensive assessments of elderly patients to determine their physical, psychological, social, and environmental needs. Develop individualized care plans based on these assessments, focusing on promoting the well-being and quality of life of older adults.
Clinical Expertise: Offer expert clinical knowledge in the management of complex health conditions commonly seen in the elderly, such as chronic diseases, cognitive impairments, and polypharmacy (multiple medications).
Medication Management: Review and optimize medication regimens to ensure appropriate use, minimize potential side effects, and prevent drug interactions.
Policy and Program Development: Contribute to the development of policies, programs, and guidelines related to elderly care, advocating for policies that promote quality care and support for older adults.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, social workers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, to ensure comprehensive and holistic care for older adults.

NURSE MANAGER

The leadership role held by a geriatric nurse to oversee other staffs provide care to the elderly.The responsibilities include:

Leadership and Administration:
- Provide strong leadership to the nursing team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and standards of care that meet regulatory requirements and promote the well-being of elderly residents.
Staffing and Scheduling:
- Recruit, hire, and retain nursing staff, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and other healthcare professionals.
- Develop and manage staffing schedules to ensure appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios and adequate coverage for all shifts.
Quality Assurance and Improvement:
- Monitor the quality of care provided to elderly residents, ensuring it aligns with best practices and regulatory standards.
- Conduct regular assessments, audits, and performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
Patient Care Coordination:
- Oversee the coordination of care for elderly residents, including comprehensive assessments, individualized care planning, and ongoing evaluation of care plans.
- Collaborate with healthcare providers, therapists, social workers, and other professionals to address the complex healthcare needs of older adults.
Budget Management:
- Develop and manage budgets for the nursing department, allocating resources efficiently and controlling costs while maintaining high-quality care.
Safety and Infection Control:
- Implement and enforce safety protocols and infection control measures to prevent accidents and healthcare-associated infections among elderly residents.
- Address safety concerns promptly and provide staff with relevant training.
Staff Development and Education:
- Provide ongoing education and professional development opportunities for nursing staff, particularly in gerontology and elderly care.
- Encourage staff to pursue certifications and training relevant to caring for older adults.

Tags AGEISM, Healthy ageing, OLDAGE, UNDECADE, WHO

Geriatric Education Health Education

IMPORTANT HERBS IN AGING

While herbs are mostly known for Traditional Medicine,several herbs have been studied and their potential uses are acknowledged.However,more research is still encouraged to understand in detail the mechanisms of such herbs.Below are the popular herbs and their potential uses.

1. GINSENG

There are two types of ginseng,American and Asian ginseng.

“American Ginseng root, Panax quinquefolius” by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Program/ CC0 1.

contains ginsenosides , used as an anti aging antioxidant.

reduces stress and promotes a sense of wellbeing.

boosts body immune system ,fighting diseases.

used as an adaptogen,maintaining body’s energy levels and overall vitality.

PRECAUTION;can cause bleeding problems,hypoglycemia,insomnia,decrease in INR when used with Warfarin.

The effectiveness of ginseng varies with the type used,method of preparation,dose and other individual factors,that said its advisable to consult your medical practitioner before use.

2.GARLIC

aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

contains antibacterial and antiviral properties that aids in infections control.

used as a detox by removing harmful toxins from the body system.

promotes bone health by increasing bone density and reducing risk of osteoporosis.

reduces cholesterol levels and blood pressure,reducing risk of cardiovascular diseases.

has anti inflammatory properties.

3.ST. JOHN’S WORT

“Hypericum perforatum L.” by E. M. Meyer and E. Haug/ CC0 1.0

also known as Hypericum perforatum.

a herbal supplement best known for mood related and mental health disorders.used to manage mild to moderate depression by increasing serotonin levels.

Used to relieve menopausal symptoms.

useful for sleep disorders,obsessive-compulsive disorders{OCD},Attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorder {ADHD},neuropathy,Seasonal Affective Disorder{SAD}

PRECAUTIONS;St John’s Wort interacts with various medications which can lead to a potentially harmful drug interaction.ie antidepressants,anticoagulants,birth control pills.

Always consult your healthcare consultant before,for appropriate guidance on usage.

4.ECHINACEA

“Echinacea Flower” by Skitter Photo/ CC0 1.0

Stimulates the production of immune cells enhancing body’s defense mechanism against infections.used as a natural immune booster during common cold and other respiratory infections.

Ointments or creams may be applied on wounds,skin irritations to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.

used for mouth care to reduce symptoms of gingivitis.

used for urinary tract infections,ear infections.

PRECAUTION;Consult your healthcare provider if using

5.TURMERIC

“White turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria) illustration from Medical Botany (1836) by John Stephenson and James Morss Churchill.“/ CC0 1.0

Has a yellow spice, derived from the root of Curcuma longa plant.

used as an anti inflammatory-age related diseases ie heart diseases,arthritis.

used as antioxidants by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.

used to promote liver health,skin health,digestive health,

may be used to manage pain associated with arthritis,musculoskeletal conditions.

Curcumin aids to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity therefore preventing type 2 diabetes

6.ROSEMARY

“Rosemary shrub, fresh herbs” by U.S. Department of Agriculture/ CC0 1.0

Rosemary oil is used to promote hair growth and reduce hair.

reduces wrinkles and skin aging signs

alleviates signs of indigestion improving gut health

improved memory and cognitive function

While these herbs may have potential uses as stated,it is important to note that,several studies are still encouraged to fully demonstrate their effective mechanism.seeking medical consultation is highly recommended to avoid dangerous interactions.

Tags Healthy ageing, OLDAGE, UNDECADE, WHO

Health Education

5 moments of Hand Hygiene

Post author By Sharon Guda
Post date May 4, 2023
No Comments on 5 moments of Hand Hygiene

1.Before touching a patient

To minimize the risk of cross infection from the caregiver or health care practitioner to the patient whose immunity is lower.

2.Before a clean/aseptic procedures

To protect the patient and care provider from harmful germs.

3.After a procedure/after body fluid exposure

To protect the healthcare provider and its environment from germs.

4.After touching a patient

To protect the patient and yourself plus the environment from germs.

5.After touching a patient's surrounding

To protect the attendant against germs within the patient’s surrounding.

SHARE THIS:⇓

Tags handhawashingdiagram, handhygiene, handwashing

Geriatric Education

Tips to Healthy Aging

Aging is inevitable. Some of us are found ready while others get in by surprise. The fact remains everyone is responsible for how they age.

We believe you can age like fine wine if you take care of yourself and follow the tips below.

1.Be ready to age.

As days go by, there your cells grow. Your biological and physiological processes never stops at any stage of your life until death. For Every birthday you celebrate count it graciously, Remind yourself that you are aging, that your years are increasing, that your body is changing in every way. Engage your mind every day to prevent future psychological age related disorders

2.Eat healthy

Diet plays a major role in how our body is built. Eating a healthy and balanced diet helps the body to get enough nutrients it requires to function and grow.

Proper nutrition aids in controlling weight, prevention of diseases like Hypertension, heart diseases, osteoporosis, cancer and also diabetes.

Nutrient rich feeds are advised, for every healthy lifestyle To include Fruits and vegetables ,fat free diet,

Protein’s to include sea food, poultry lean meat, cereals and nuts. Whole grains like brown rice, oat meal. Avoid calories in soda, alcohol, fries.

While maintaining the healthy diet ensure good hydration, drink enough liquids. Aging comes with a lose of sense of thirst , therefore its advisable to be keen and keep a track on hydration. Have a jar or a bottle specific for the same in a common and particular place where you can always remember to drink.

3.Maintain a Healthy weight.

Age and weight are core anthropometric measurements. As you age the body changes. Healthy weight is a Body mass index(BMI)that is normal or healthy ranged, measured based on your weight and height.

To ensure healthy weight you need to ensure healthy eating. Keep track of your BMI to ensure its not lower or above the normal range.

Overweight risks diseases like kidney disease, high blood cholesterol, cardiac diseases, type 2 diabetes. Underweight is also a risk as it predispose to low immunity and weak bone or bone loss.

4.Maintain Physical Activity

As everyone is unique, before engaging in any type of physical activity, ensure you consult your health care provider or a health care professional. Physical activity improves balance and muscle strength. Lowers the risk of heart diseases, anxiety and psychological problems.

Engage in an activity that you like. Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight.

All physical activities like walking, watering plants, dancing helps.

As you age, your body physique changes. and therefore the type of physical activity you engage in varies. Passive Range of motion is also effective to bed bound individuals.

5.Quit Smoking, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

Trying to quit smoking and drinking at the same time is incredibly hard. Since most alcohol users tend to also smoke, smokers are also likely to use alcohol. It is therefore advisable you seek professional aid on how to quit gradually.

Although the recreational activities are pleasurable at the moment, they tend to have a long term effect on health of an individual.

Alcohol can lead to liver cirrhosis, cardiac diseases as well as kidney diseases, while smoking causes cancer of the Lungs, esophagus, throat, colon, rectum etc.

Millions of individuals/addicts have successfully quit alcohol and smoking every year, therefore you can be one of them.

Get help in various addiction support groups

1.https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/support-groups/

2.https://startyourrecovery.org/treatment/support-groups

Tags Healthy ageing

Geriatric Education

OLD AGE DEPENDENCY

The two children and an old woman here,fall on the “burden”category.

In an Africa,Most old age people don’t increase wealth with age,rather reduce .

As in the current generation,where most millennials and gene Z are taught about economic crisis,stock market,saving plans,insurance plans.

These seem not to have worked well in the 18th and 19th century.

With the increasing old age population,we have to understand the economic burden that fates it.

In 2019, there was 9%increase of older person from 6% in the 1990s.This is projected to increased to 16%by 2050.

An economist Carl Ballod, 1913 categorised population by age, according to the contribution they made to the nations economy.

1.Adults between age 20years and 60(the category that’s is fully capable working)

2.Youths between age 15years – 20years and 60years -70 years(have a reduced capacity to work)

3.Youth under 15years and adults over 70years(incapable of working)

Ballod assumed that,the category between age 15-20 and 60-70,are able to survive by sustaining themselves.The under 15 and over 70years are the highest burden since they are not productive in utilization of social resource hence increasing the dependency ratio,While the best category of adults between 20 and 60 are very independent,they can provide for themselves by working it out what they have.

“Belastungskoeffizient” which is the coefficient of burden.

It’s the number of persons under 15 or over 70 years divided by the number of persons between 20 and 60years

Therefore to promote healthy ageing,where getting old is no longer considered a burden,rather an achievement and a well lived healthy lifestyle.

We encourage healthy ageing by corresponding to the Sustainable development Goals (SDG)

SDG 1- eradication of poverty
SDG 3- Healthy lives and well being at all ages
SDG 5-Promoting gender equality
SDG 8-Favourable work and economic goals
SDG 10- Reduced inequalities
SDG 11-suistainable cities and communities

Let’s keep saving the old generation.

https://youtube.com/@melaihealthcare

Tags Africa, OLDAGE, UNDECADE, WHO

Geriatric Education

OLD AGE.

While everyone wants to live and not die,most people fear getting old

The smiles we see old people put on,is such a heartwarming feeling.

Life has an end which is death,and to every living thing/human.. there’s a lifespan.

We love seeing our first, second,third and maybe firth generation,but how can a new generation start without the previous one getting old.?

We will try using steroids,hormones,and all we have been told to look young,but that doesn’t make us young..The years don’t regress,the growth doesn’t stop,the age doesn’t reduce.

If we appreciate that life has to go on,days have to count,age has to add up,then we will be happy when our old age time comes.

It’s beautiful to those who embrace it well,you don’t have to have it all,have all your pension,but accept that you can be happy and put on a beautiful smile while old

“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old,you grow old when you stop laughing”

GEORGE BERNARD SHOW

As one gets old ,they become compassionate with family.They want to extend their generosity to grandchildren,they want to spend more time with their family..

Its a beautiful feeling to see a generation alive in you

“Age is simply the number of years the world has been enjoying you.”

…et al

The grey hair that most fear,is what makes getting old look beautiful..

Cultivate a spirit of taking care of your beauty in your own way..

Once one gets into old age,they revisit their life with their creator.They become spiritual.

Most believe in doing good,while some give up on this line of believe.

They become concerned with life after death,which gives them a new beginning to the life they wished they lived and a hope for a paradise life after.

While old age means being weak fragile, dependant,engaging in lifestyle activities increases once lifespan.

Giving the body the active mode,reduces the rates of lifestyle and old age diseases that leads to increased morbidity and mortality rates in this age.

“When we were small children,we all played dressed up and everybody had a good time.So why stop?“

IRIS APFEL

As we conclude,it is clear that old age need us,we need to embrace it,we need to love our first generation,we need care for them,we need to support them.

Let’s not dwell on the bridge they never created,but create the bridge for everyone after us..

“Ageing is just another word for living”

CINDY JOSEPH

As the world is concerned with ageism and older persons, we look forward to a generation that appreciate healthy aging.

According to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,

To foster healthy ageing,we need to work together.Older people must be central to and be fully engaged in this collaboration.

What’s your opinion on old age?

AGEISM

Tags AGEISM, OLDAGE, UNDECADE, WHO

Hospital diary

THE SINGLE TREND IN NURSING

Post author By Sharon Guda
Post date February 22, 2023
No Comments on THE SINGLE TREND IN NURSING

**IS IT TRUE THAT THE FOUNDER OF NURSING TAUGHT NURSES THAT ITS OKAY TO BE SINGLE?**

Everyone wants to be loved,and love at the same time.while we think this a normal phrase to many,to nurses it’s not.

The founder and mother of Nursing..The late Florence Nightingale..died a single woman.

To her marriage life was not a priority, Nursing career was.And this why the nursing pledge “I will put my career first before any other personal need”

Nurses have found it a norm to be single,The truth is nurses need to be loved,but they have been lured into thinking that,It’s okay to be single.

Most nurses have ended up Single.

Not that they aren’t emotional,all nurses have love within them and that’s why they are nurse..you can’t be a nurse if you full of hate for human kind.

Some have said they tried the love journey,ended up Single mother’s, divorced, separated,and unmarried.

Maybe Nightingale should have explained Why it’s okay for a nurse to leave His/Her family die while They are busy saving another’s life.

To some Nurses,we became nurses because our parents supported us,they paid those fees.

According to Nightingale,none of her parents supported her dream occupation and this may have been the reason to why She didn’t put Family first.

We all make choices of life based on our own story,the life we have had.

NURSES…..ITS NOT OKAY TO BE SINGLE,YOU NEED LOVE TOO.

Here is our survey feedback.

You need family to talk to when you get back home from that hectic day.

Find someone who understands the soft and hard skills behind nursing, someone who will not judge you when you want to vent.

As nurses age,most become mentally ill, because they have been hiding from who they really wanted to be.

Nurses,YOU ARE NOT AN EXEMPTION TO LOVE.

If it didn’t work try again.Don’t say “NO”like our mother Nightingale did…

Do you have nurses friends?

What do they say about marriage?

How many nurses do you know who are single?

Leave a comment below…⬇️

Hospital diary

HOSPITAL DEATH

No one wants to talk about death,yet we know every second we are alive,we are second away from death.

Let’s talk about this

When a patient is dying in a public verses a private hospital.

In most cases,we all have a story to tell, perhaps the experience we have had ,with our dying loved ones in either of the set up.

Jane had her mother in Public hospital suffering from Pneumonia.She narrates her story .

“My mother Mrs Anna ,65years old, started feeling unwell on Monday,1990 @2pm.That afternoon she called me asking if I could take her to the hospital.

Being a widow and coming from a lower class,we had not managed to register her for NHIF services.

I happened to take her to our nearest public hospital.Reaching the hospital,it took us atleast 12hours to secure a bed for admission because doctors had told me that she wasn’t quite well to go back home.

How lucky to secure the bed that faster,somehow.

We continued with care in the ward,

ON Thursday 6pm,my mother’s condition started deteriorating..she started having difficulty in breathing,Became restless

Called the nurse,she saw my mother gasping…took her vitals and told me she’s going to search for oxygen..

All I remember was her trying to make calls with operator, maintenance,and other departments asking for oxygen cylinders..

Luckily after one hour the cylinder was brought,

To my surprise,the oxygen prongs,masks were not available..took another half an hour to get one.

My mother was saved.

On Friday 8am,I looked at my mother and knew something was also not okay.I called for help

The doctor came,and told me mama had died..

Everything happening too fast,the white sheet was placed over her,and she was transferred to the next room awaiting mortuary..”

Mr John ,a professor in mathematics had his lovely wife Mrs linda admitted to a private hospital,

Mrs Linda was a long time patient at this hospital,they had acquired an insurance cover that took care of the medical bills.

Mrs Linda had undergone a surgery for breast reconstruction.

Three days after surgery,Mrs Linda started developing difficulty in breathing and sweating profusely..

The doctor was called in and she was started on oxygen therapy immediately..

Two days later,Mrs Linda started gasping for air,I saw the nurses call in all doctors

Everyone was there from the surgeon, anaesthetist,ward nurses ICU nurses,and residential doctors ..

They asked me to leave the room so they continue with resuscitation,30minutes of trying to revive my wife back was unsuccessful..

The Surgeon came out and gave me the news.That was my lowest moment.

Everyone left the room,looking frustrated, sweating and exhausted.Two nurses remained,told me how they would do the last office and that I had the one hour to call in family before they would move the body to mortuary..”

We all never know when we are gonna loose our loved ones.

Have you ever lost a loved one in the hospital?

Do you think they deserved better?

What did you learn from their death?

Watch this out

Hospital diary

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS

Post author By Sharon Guda
Post date January 12, 2023
2 Comments on PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS

Maybe you wondering why and how ,you comparing services and level of care in public and private sector.

Let’s have a look at what exactly is happening in there.

**A two factor case,with clear distinction**

Working in a hospital is every medics and paramedics dream.The excitement that comes when joining medical school.

You are then taught everything in its perfection,but reality hits when you step in the hospital.

You get to see every aspect in its totality

Working In either public or private hospital has its own pros and cons.

HERE IS THE PUBLIC HEALTH SECTOR WORLD.

Public hospitals are owned by government and operated through the ministry of health.Currently hospitals are managed through counties hence a distinction when it comes to different counties and how they consider health care a priority.

HOSPITAL POLITICS

when it comes to counties,most employ people of that region(tribe) .The county government decides on how they share power through the board of management.

SALARY

Most counties pay nurses starting salary of ksh 65000,depending with the county can be less or more.

Most nurses complain of salary delay for over 3months.They have to survive on loans or locums from private hospitals or personal businesses

RESOURCES

When it comes to hospital procurement,the counties are allocated money for health sector by the national government and the procurement team is responsible to ensure enough supplies.

In most cases public hospitals lack basic supplies like drugs,gloves,water,electricity,hospital beds.etc

**Get a prescription,buy the drug rule.**

As they say, government hospital stocks panadol and Amoxyl only.There is money allocated for all the drugs needed.

And This is why , there is a slight fee charged at the public facilities,to avoid shortage of resources.

Now depending with the county, you will know,which prioritizes health care

STAFFING

All public facilities are understaffed,many scenarios where one nurse is taking care of 50 plus patients.Or one nurse in a dispensary.

**A duty rota for nurses in a county hospital**

“A nurse has been turned into a machine and not a human being anymore”
Sharon et al

CARE DELIVERY

To this point we don’t expect even good services provided to atleast 50% of our patients..Because of the unavailability of resources, understanding, hospital politics and low salary

In most cases a few health care workers will try their best to give you the care you need,the rest no one cares unless a family member is involved to question.

There is so much in the nurses hand,that a patient is in the hands of a relative untill an incident occurs and there is legal follow up.

PRIVATE HEALTH SECTOR WORLD

**The world where everything looks complicated but then accurate.**

HOSPITAL POLITICS.

Most private hospitals are managed by owners or an association.which makes the politics even worst.Some run their hospitals as a small kiosk while others do very wel

Depending with how flexible and strategic the owner is.

SALARY

Depending with the level of the facility, starting from ksh 15,000 -100,000.

Again some private hospitals are good at their monthly salary payment while those struggling and having a low pay,tend to delay due to low market.

RESOURCES

Most hospitals have adequate supply as the procurement manager is directly supervised by the owner

STAFFING

**A 12hour duty rota in a private hospital.**

Private hospitals consider 12hour shift which favours the hospital on few staffs deployment.

However working in a private hospital guarantee you work more than 12hours during that shift because of work load

CARE DELIVERY

It’s primarily dependant on the mode of nursing care delivery practised .Otherwise most of the private hospital have exceptional care because of the high demands given to the employees

**nurses are expected to give total nursing care**

However,nurses in public hospitals enjoy working there for the following reasons.

Permanent and pensionable job

Job security -no abrupt termination

Less supervision

Long off shift periods on request

While nurses in private don’t enjoy the above benefits,Here are the reasons they enjoy private hospital

Clean environment

Maintaining high social class

Career advancement -on job training

Good technology -adequate resources

Are you a medic?Where do you work?What’s your opinion?

If you were to advise someone,where would you want them work?

Hospital diary

HOSPITAL BULLYING

I leave home an enthusiastic girl, energetic and ready to do what I love .It’s a night shift you know

I barely look at who am working with, because I ain’t that person.it’s time for report already.we start with our usual work prayer.

My night mate comes in minutes after the report has started.We continue with the report till our last patient.For seniority purposes my night mate is debriefed on the patients report missed.

Am not a talktive person so I prefer to do my work with minimal workmate gossip especially if am not used to you.

At 11pm a patient’s relative comes at the desk,he talks to my colleague about his patient.He seem not happy about how the patient is doing.My colleague exchanges with him and later snobs him and leaves for another patient’s room

I can tell the man is offended,He comes again asking my colleague if he could talk to his patient’s doctor,How they exchanged became less of my concerns.but I can tell,things are not good.

He leaves for his patient’s room comes again with a phone,throws it to me asking me to speak to the doctor.Am here wondering what the hell!

**How I felt after my senior colleague left me to handle the escalated**

I asked him to let me call the doctor with the hospital phone,He starts shouting at me,calls me all the names he knows,tells me how small i am,

How lucky I am to be employed in the hospital.

How I don’t deserve it.

With all the noise in the hospital,a nurse in the casualty which is far from the ward call the hospital matron about weird noise.

With all the shouting,my colleague never comes back to the nursing station.

I talk to the doctor,he gives me orders about the patient as per relative request.and tells me he will review the patient next morning.

The matron comes,the man can’t stop shouting .the man says his side of the story and am not,the senior nurses tells the matron about me and the relative,when I had left for another patient.I can easily tell she fixed me where am not to be fixed

Am back at the station,the matron,abusive relative,doctor and senior Nurse are there.The matron tells me to apologize to the man………I never felt offended like that..😢

**You don’t need to get to this point.**

I expected her to know that,This man wanted to beat me,abused me emotionally but she never was for me.Clients are always right.Am told not to attend to the patient until discharge.

I felt offended again,how I had bonded to my patient she was one of my best old patients that I give my best.

A video in 2021

To my surprise next morning,this man is well known by the hospital and every old employee of the hospital.He’s known as a man on heavy drugs.

Do you ever think of that nurse you bullying?

Do you think patients are always right?What’s the use of the CCTV in the hospital?

What culture are we cultivating in the future of nursing?

What would you tell my family if I was killed that night?

Patients will always disrespect nurses because they know,the hospital got their backs
Sharon et al

To the novice nurse

You are not alone,we were there and we concurred

Be brave and know what you deserve

Some see sunshine

While some see sunset

Let us know if you have ever been bullied at work.

What was your story ?

1.Before touching a patient

2.Before a clean/aseptic procedures

3.After a procedure/after body fluid exposure

4.After touching a patient

5.After touching a patient's surrounding

Hello!