*Written by Alexis Garybush*
Yesterday was my first day working with Norwegian nursing students for our community clinical rotation. After we were briefed and received our assignments for the day, my student and I were off to provide care to residents within the assisted living community (located on the school campus) as well as in their homes around the neighborhood. Rather than logging into a computer to see patient information, my student had an iPhone that gave her the H&P of each patient, what needed to be completed during our visits, and within what timeframe each task should be completed. If we needed directions to a patient’s house, the iPhone was our guide. In some instances, biking to a residence is an option if it is too long of a walk.
It was very interesting to see how the student interacted with each patient; it was almost as if they were taking care of a loved one. We helped patients out of bed, assisted with their ADL’s, gave them medicine and even prepared breakfast for them in some instances. This approach to caring for patients is in line with Public Health Core Competencies 5B4 and 5B5; establishing relationships to improve health in a community (e.g., partnerships with organizations serving the same population, academic institutions) and maintaining relationships that improve health in a community. The dynamic of students working with residents on their campus and within surrounding neighborhoods allows aspiring nurses to know what is needed within the community in which they live. The last assignment of the day was not a home visit, rather a call to an elderly man in the neighborhood to make sure that he was doing alright. The relationships that are built between these students and their patients improve not only the physical health of the community, but the emotional health and wellbeing of the community as well.
During our day, my Fitbit reached 10,000 steps much earlier than it normally does (or somedays, if at all!). It really made me appreciate the walkability of the city of Oslo and how our students reach patients by walking, riding a bike, or taking public transit rather than driving from location to location as we are so accustomed to in the USA. The UN’s 11th Sustainable Development Goal, Sustainable Cities and Communities, is definitely a highlight of my clinical experience here.
Chris, Katie, Kira, and Amanda on foot; ample bike rental stations around the city
Having access to a basic service such as public transportation cuts back on air pollution and energy consumption of cars, and having safe walkways and biking paths are an important component to walking to work or school rather than driving. In some areas of Dayton, OH, there aren’t any accessible sidewalks, and so even if your job is only a mile or so away, it could be dangerous to walk the narrow and busy streets. Two of the target goals that are being met in SDG 11 in Oslo are: 11.2: “Access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety”, and 11.7: “Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces…”.
Me, waiting for the bus
My clinical experience relates to my future as an APRN because it allows me to have a better idea of what community and home health care take into consideration. Although I will likely see patients in an office or hospital setting, each of them will have a unique home experience. Some patients may be in need of assistance at home but do not receive any support. Some residents within my community may not have access to public transportation that would allow them to receive the care that they need. I think it is important to keep this in mind as an APRN because outreach is the key to encouraging preventative care, and back home it is even more important to do so as our clients may not have the option to walk to a clinic or have access to public transit get to their provider to be seen.
Yesterday was an amazing opportunity and I am learning so much about Norwegian culture and their perspective of healthcare. I can’t wait to learn more in the coming days!
The Council on Linkages between Academia and Public Health Practice (2014, June 26). Core competencies for public health professionals. Retrieved from http://www.phf.org/resourcestools/Documents/Core_Competencies_for_Public_Health_Professionals_2014June.pdf
United Nations (n.d.). Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/cities/