By Grace Robertson
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Children’s Wellness Clinic. It’s been an amazing experience to learn and work there. During our 3 day orientation we were taught by two wonderful FNP students, Jenny Pyle and Samantha Krench, during which we learned all about the ins and outs of vaccines and the components of well-child visits and sports physicals. We were able to brush up on our skills, such as intramuscular and subcutaneous injections, as well as TB skin tests. We were taught common conversation topics with parents; for example, what to say if a parent refuses vaccinations, or what to say if a parent questions the timing of the vaccination schedule. We were taught what elements are important to explain to a patient regarding their vaccinations. All of this information was incredibly useful and pertinent for when we started to work as I encountered many of the situations we prepared for and felt my knowledge was more than sufficient.
The Children’s Wellness Clinic truly runs like a well-oiled machine. All of the nurses, faculty and doctors are dedicated to the success of the clinic and it definitely shows in patient outcomes and care. There is such camaraderie amongst everyone who works there and I definitely felt like part of the team as an intern. Whenever I had a question (which I had a lot of at first), I knew I could ask anyone there and felt confident that they could answer it or at least point me in the right direction. Since there were a lot of us interns, we would also ask each other for advice and help.
The largest component of what we did during our time there as interns was giving immunizations. I will never forget giving my first vaccination. I remember how much my hands were shaking and how slow and unfamiliar everything felt. It’s funny how no matter how many times you practice something in the skills lab, how different it is performing it on a real patient. There’s nothing quite like the nervousness – the first time performing a skill is always kind of an out of body experience for me. I was lucky I was able to give vaccines to several adolescents before I had to give any to toddlers or infants. The other day I gave my first TB skin test, which was not only difficult because it was a crying six year old but also because TB tests require a firm yet delicate touch. Thankfully, I was able to form the ever so small bubble!
I am so thankful for my time at the Children’s Wellness Clinic. It has been a wonderful introduction to pediatrics and I will carry this knowledge with me wherever I go in the future!