Mikaela Bernadette Lao Jiz de Ortega September 7, 2019

DUTY REFLECTION

My first clinical rotation in the hospital was in Labor and Delivery. I was nervous to
begin this clinical because I have little experience handling babies. Now this time being my
third. This clinical rotation will last for 4 times however, I learned so much information and
hands-on skills that built off of the theories we heard in lectures and of course with the guide of
our Clinical instructor, Maam Juvy. I’ve noticed, though, that no matter how many lecture
classes I attended, once I placed myself in a real life situation where my skills are used, that’s
when I am truly put to the test. However, 2 consecutive delivery room exposures I feel more
confident in my ability to apply my skills to patients.

On the Labor and Delivery floor, in essence, you have two patients: the mother and the
baby. We did assessments on the mother and baby. The neonatal assessments included the Apgar
Scoring and the vital signs. Of course, one of the most amazing aspects of the obstetrics rotation
is the opportunity to experience a birth of a baby. I was fortunate enough to assist in two vaginal
births. In addition to maternal and newborn assessments and sterile technique, I was able to
witness skills like intramuscular injections unto the mother for she was administered lidocaine. I
was not only able to practice taking vital signs and assessments and assisting a vaginal birth. But
I also gotten the chance to do mini tasks that are actually fun when you’re doing nothing if the
delivery room isn’t that busy like learning to fold a gauze pad and making cotton balls. It sure is
stress relieving.

Our day ends with everyone feeling exhausted and having no energy at all. But it doesn’t
matter for we have a very productive day for we felt privileged. Having the opportunity to watch
life enter the world was a remarkable experience for me, and one that I will never forget. I will
cherish my days in the delivery room for the rest of my life.