Department of Nursing

Pilar Rd, Almanza Uno, Las Piñas, 1750 Metro Manila

Shawn Matthew Manuel NGPRO 117

BSN – 3 April 25, 2024

Reflection paper: 5th day in Waling-waling cottage; 11th duty day

Today is our last day in the Waling-waling cottage. We only had two days to be with them

because yesterday, we did not have our duty day due to massive heat index that is happening in the

Philippines right now. They suspended the class in consideration that the student may never suffer from

excessive heat. However, today, our program head announced that we need to continue our clinical duty

in order to finish the required hours so that we may not have any problems and we cannot have make-up

duties in the future. Today, our program head made changes in our schedule to fulfill the number of hours

that we did not attend yesterday due to suspension. Almost all of us came earlier than our usual call time.

We prepared all the things we needed then went to our designated cottages. As we reached the cottage,

they were still napping but after a few minutes, we started changing their clothes. While changing, other

residents have their independence when changing their clothes. However, other residents were not able to

do it on their own because of their spasticity of muscles and ataxic movements, which are the signs of

having cerebral palsy. We always encounter their different personalities that some are excited to get

changed while others still want to get more sleep. After changing, they are transported to the other side of

the cottage wherein they can socialize with others or watch T.V. while waiting for their merienda. I realize

that the house parents’ job is also a hard thing to do, that’s why you need a lot of patience, and you need

commitment and passion in taking patients with maladaptive patterns.

For this day, we did not encounter any challenges because all the activities we did went smoothly.

All the residents we chose to incorporate in the activities, or therapies, are very happy, cooperative, and

they are having fun with what they are doing. Due to the number of days, we handled them, I conclude
 Department of Nursing
Pilar Rd, Almanza Uno, Las Piñas, 1750 Metro Manila
that we were able to build stronger rapport, in which they become uncomfortable and not intimidated or

overwhelmed when we visit them. They always equipped with their smiles when we interact with them.

Every rotation in the waling-waling cottage is very wholesome and heartwarming because of the

residents assigned in this cottage. It’s very fulfilling that we were able to provide them with the care they

need and at the same time enhancing our way of care towards others, especially our therapeutic

communication. I will probably miss this cottage and I hope we still have the opportunity in the future to

handle them again.