Final reflection

Ilse Hinojosa

DFC

PN165-01

11/05/2026

DFC

What Went Well

Today was my third day at Columbine Health Care in Windsor. We were able to spend more time assessing residents, and the highlight of my day was completing a new resident’s admission mostly on our own with our instructor supervising. Taking the lead helped me understand what information is important to gather, such as the resident’s usual level of mobility, how much help they need with daily activities, and any safety concerns we should be aware of. It also helped me see why it’s important to ask follow-up questions when something is unclear. I felt more involved in patient care today, and I really enjoyed having more time to talk with the residents and get to know them.

Opportunities for Improvement

I want to keep practicing my head-to-toe assessments so I can develop a routine and feel more confident that I haven’t missed anything. I also want to get better at explaining what I’m doing during the assessment so the resident feels comfortable and knows what to expect. When there’s an opportunity to help with medication administration, I want to pay closer attention to why each medication is given and what we should monitor afterward. I would also like more hands-on experience with inserting a urinary catheter and starting an IV. If I get the chance to observe either skill, I want to focus on how the nurse prepares and ask questions about the steps I’m less familiar with.

Takeaway and Goal for Tomorrow

My biggest takeaway was learning how Parkinson’s disease can affect a resident’s mobility, independence, and daily routine. Activities like getting dressed or walking to the bathroom can take more time and effort than we realize. Talking with residents reminded me to ask what they can do on their own and where they feel they need help. That gives me a better idea of how to keep them safe while still supporting their independence.

Tomorrow, is our last final day and my goal is to complete another head-to-toe assessment and focus on keeping it organized. I also want to help with medication administration and, if I get the opportunity to assess a wound, practice describing what I see, including the skin around the wound and any drainage. I want to ask my instructor for feedback on one thing I did well and one thing I can improve before my next clinical.