Competencies:

Completion of Gordon's Functional Assessment, Falls Risk Assessment, Braden Scale for
Predicting Pressure Sore Risk, and the Mini- Mental State Examination.

Performance of blood sugar checks.

Care of a patient with Alzheimer's Dementia (medication administration, assistance with
feeding)

Tube Feeding

Removal of sutures

Care of a patient with a stage 2 pressure ulcer and use of pressure ulcer treatments.

Completion of circulation, sensation, and movement checks.

Assessment of bruit and thrill in the fistula of a diabetic patient.

Understanding of the different manifestations of disease present in the gerontological
population.

Creation of detailed nursing care plan for gerontological rehabilitation patient.

Creation of plan of care specific to patient.

Administration of oral, intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous medication.

Monitoring of central venous catheter.

Monitoring lab results and determining their effect on patient's status.

Patient movement using proper body mechanics.

Performance of patient care for bedridden patient (turn every 2 hours, raise heels, use
pillow for head, safe practice for moving in bed to prevent friction and shear).

Performance of total bed bath.

Skin care for incontinent patient.
Patient Teaching:

Teaching about methods to ensure safe home environment after discharge for patient at
risk for falls:

Adequate lighting (motion activated lighting on stairs and high traffic areas)

Nonslip surface in bathroom and tub rails

Removal of area rugs
Evidence Based Practice:

Use of Gordon's Functional Assessment, Falls Risk Assessment, Braden Scale for
Predicting Pressure Sore Risk, and the Mini- Mental State Examination that are clinically
proven nursing assessment tools.
Personal Reflection
The clinical experience at Altercare of Nobles Pond and Timken Mercy Medical Center
provided experience in the treatment of gerontological clients with rehabilitation needs. I had an
opportunity to apply skills learned in class specifically related to care of the older adult and
targeted to their unique needs. The goals and interventions involved in the treatment of the
patients in the facility were focused on helping clients to live with the implications of long term
illness and improving the quality of life. I found that the most educational aspect of the
experience was observing adjunct therapies used to help patients to attain their maximum
functioning including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.