Shadowing
This page highlights my shadowing experiences and talks about what I have been able to take away from each one.
Spring 2017
Shadow Abroad (Atlantis Project)
Hospital El Bierzo - Ponferrada, Spain
In the spring of 2017 I got the opportunity to travel to Spain and shadow doctors and nurses at Hospital El Bierzo. I shadowed hospital staff within the Traumatology, Pediatric, and NICU departments. I could not possibly sum up experience in just a few paragraphs so I would be happy to answer further questions or discuss this experience more in depth with anyone who is interested, please see the "contact me" page if you wish to learn more.
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During my time in Spain I learned so much, I was fully immersed in Spanish culture and language. I learned the ins and outs of the Spanish healthcare system and how it differs from ours, and was educated on the concept of universal healthcare. I was able to observe delicate surgical procedures and the daily routines that occur in a typical day at this particular hospital.
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Some of the surgeries I was able to observe while shadowing in the traumatology department included; two total knee arthroplasty's, a total hip arthroplasty, a transverse carpal ligament cut, an arthroscopic shoulder procedure, a tumorectomy within the shoulder, and an instrumented lumbar spine fusion with a posterior approach and bone grafting. For those who may not know traumatology is very similar to what we would call orthopedics here in the United States.
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Some of what I was able to see while shadowing pediatrics includes; infant Dermatitis, heart murmur presented in an infant, fainting spells presented in an adolescent, Cerebral Palsy presented in a child, Diabetes presented in a child, Meningitis presented in a child, West Syndrome presented in an infant, Mononucleosis presented in a toddler, Neonatal Jaundice, acid reflux presented in an infant, low birth weight premature infants, and a cesarian delivery of to-term twins, as well as the everyday routines and evaluations that occur in pediatrics such as APGAR tests, vitals of in-patients, injections, and patient charting.
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This was easily one of the greatest experiences in my life thus far. I never expected I would have an opportunity like this. To shadow doctors and nurses in a foreign country and see all that I was able to was absolutely incredible. Working through language barriers while also taking in as much information as I could was a challenge but something that taught me so much about how to overcome obstacles. Along with the information I was able to learn through this experience theidea of working through challenges was one of my biggest take aways from this amazing trip.
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Summer 2016
Student Position
RSVP OBGYN - Walnut Creek, CA
In the summer going into my junior year at Auburn University I got the amazing opportunity to shadow a Certified Nurse Midwife not far from my hometown. I gained so much experience and knowledge through this and by doing so I really confirmed that this is a career I want to pursue for myself in the future.
While shadowing I was able to see what a typical day looks like for a Certified Nurse Midwife and gain a little over 80 hours of work experience while shadowing Lauren as well and the rest of the medical staff that work at RSVP.
Along with observing, I was able to help room patients and perform daily tasks like preparing rooms, cleaning instruments and taking vitals. I was able to sit in on exams ranging from a typical annual, to pregnancy confirmations and postpartum checkups. I was even able to observe a few minor in office procedures such as IUD insertions, Nexplan removal, and a cervical tissue biopsy.
I learned so much through this experience and I feel confident and more prepared for a future in a nursing program. I now have a better understanding of what it takes to be an excellent nurse, and a solidified belief that this is what I was meant to do. I am so grateful for my opportunity to gain this knowledge and experience and I can not wait to apply what I've learned to my classes and eventually to the working world.
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I would be happy to discuss this experience in depth or answer any questions you have about this experience as I could not possibly sum up such a great learning opportunity in just a few short paragraphs. If you wish to know more please see the "contact me" page.