On the Job: Geriatric Nurse

First Day in Geriatric Care

Initial Impressions and Challenges

• The narrator expresses nervousness about their first day at the geriatric monitoring unit, hoping not to make patients uncomfortable.

• They mention a desire to get involved while being cautious about disrupting the care environment.

Patient Care Experience

• The narrator describes challenges faced during patient care, particularly with feeding an elderly patient who kept falling asleep.

• A specific incident is recounted where the narrator had to change a patient's diaper, highlighting the emotional weight of caring for those in vulnerable situations.

Emotional Impact and Reflection

• The discomfort experienced by both the narrator and the patient after an embarrassing incident is noted, emphasizing feelings of shame from the patient.

• By the end of the day, physical exhaustion and mental fatigue are acknowledged, stemming from both physical tasks and interpersonal communication challenges.

Respect for Nursing Profession

• The experience leads to a newfound respect for nurses' dedication and commitment in handling complex emotional, social, and physical aspects of their job.