Reflective Journal Week-2 - Research Paper Example

Nursing: Infectious Diseases Reflective Journal-2 Affiliation Infectious Diseases Reflective Journal-2 Infectious diseases are disorders caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, virus, fungi and protozoa. Microorganisms are normally harmless and helpful; however, some are disease carriers. Infectious diseases vary; some are passed by contact or through, while others are caused by insect bites, (Lerner, 2008). Similarly, if one takes contaminated foods, he/she can get infectious disease. It is for these reasons that infectious diseases are of great interest due to the high risks of exposure regarding the diseases.

In my internship, I had an opportunity to attend The Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) meeting with my preceptor following his invitation. The speaker, Michelle DeVires BS, MPH, ICC, delivered an informative talk on ”Peripheral IV’s- Overlook source of Infections” and how they are a major cause of infections. APIC meets on a monthly basis, where they share their experience and information regarding current development in infectious diseases. The latest technological development regarding prevention, policies and procedures are also shared.

The meeting was very informative and provided me with good knowledge and experience. I was really influenced and will be joining the group in order to benefit from vast knowledge they provide. Secondly, I was shown a survey form by Hill crest hospital. Since the Joint Commission will conduct a survey in the hospital between January and February 2015, the hospital is getting it ready for the exercise. The form stated Joint Commission preparedness and a list of things to be surveyed by the commission.

I was also shown some of the standards of the commission as well its compliance list. The standards included purpose, patient population, scope, surveillance plan, responsibility for Infection Control Preventions Performance of the employees and key elements of the Infection Prevention Program. Lastly, The Infection Preventionist has been focusing on increased cases of Hepatitis B and C, since last year, within Hill Crest. The causes were stated as being the high patient population and the inability of the population, who come from poor backgrounds, seeking medical help when its late.

The Hill Crest’s sister facility has been cited in the past due to skin infections such as MRSA and poor hand washing. Due to this fact, the facility was conducting an educational program for its staff to raise awareness about hand washing and the different germs as well as how they spread. I had an opportunity also to work with another staff member and put together several infection control binders that covered Proper Hand washing, VRE, MRSA, Scabies, Lice, Hepatitis B & C and Chronic Diarrhea as well as educating the staff on the importance of the disease process and how they spread.

Changes That Have Occurred on My Previous Knowledge I have learned a lot concerning policy development and implementation. I have also learned how to put into practice my theoretical knowledge. Previously, I had less practical knowledge on disease control and prevention, but now I have first-hand experience.A Reflection on My Previous Knowledge Regarding Infectious Diseases Previously, I saw the infectious diseases as not that serious. However, the scale of relevance regarded to it and the alarming reports and statistics I came across in my internship has changed my all idea about the problem of infectious diseases.

Theory versus Practice Theory provided me with theoretical aspects of infectious disease signs& symptoms and control measures. However, it did not give me specific policy measure as it concerns specific hospitals. In my internship, I had a chance to witness the policy measure and the actual ground statistics concerning infectious diseases. However, the advisable control measures and disease symptoms in practice are the same as those covered in theory.Experiences about Concepts Learned in Classroom The theoretical control measures, symptoms and signs as well as causative agents, are the same as in practice.

The only major striking difference is the experience, since in practice, I was able to see the real statistics and policy measure concerning the spread of infectious diseases. The theory provides a good basis in understanding the causative agents and provides knowledge in drafting control measures and policies governing infectious diseases.My relationship with my preceptor has been educative, fruitful and good. I have her full support whenever I need it. The staff members in the hospital have greeted me with help and our relationship has been educative and has provided me with good experience.

My supervisor has been very cooperative and has always offered me necessary assistance whenever I need it. The management leadership is good and organized.ReferencesLerner, B. W. (2008). Infectious diseases. Detroit: Thomson Gale.