So today we broke into pairs and learned patient oral care (brushing teeth, flossing, etc) and feeding.  You're thinking,

"How hard can it be to feed someone and brush their teeth?"

If you wanna do it correctly, it's HARD. You have to think about things you never, ever think about when you brush your own teeth like:

Is this patient conscious? 

Is this patient combative? 

Does this patient wear dentures? 

'Cause I floss HARD!

Does this patient have mouth injuries/lacerations/ulcerations? 

Is the patient intubated? 

Feeding seemed pretty straightforward, but involved excessive use of applesauce. Bleh. And then there's info about all the different diets (NPO, puree, clear liquid, renal, low-sodium, mechanical soft... I'll stop - for you).

We also learned to teach patients in the use of ambulatory assistance devices (walkers and canes). One student pretended to be the nurse (ha!) and the other pretended to be an elderly patient with ambulatory difficulties. Under our clinical professors watchful eye, we practiced going up and down stairs and scooting around. Learning how to walk with a cane/walker is hard! Each student took turns "teaching" their "patient" how to use their devices and it was much more difficult than I thought.  I have new respect for Granny at the supermarket who can rock a cane and carry a grocery bag at the same time.

Did I mention we learned this in ONE DAY?

Our most recent clinical classes have focused on activities of daily living and how difficult they can become with age/injury. It's making the truth of getting older a little more difficult to avoid, but also giving a better understanding and appreciation of my patients. Sneaky ol' nursing school.

Oh well. My wrinkly future awaits, and I (apparently) need to learn to love applesauce. Maybe if they mix it with a little Diet Coke...