I attended two activities: IPEP at St. Lukes Home and a mass casualty training at the fire
station.
At St. Lukes Home, the focus and purpose of the day was assessing GI function of the
elderly who were living at the home. First, there was a lecture about GI function by a doctor.
Secondly, I joined a team of medical, pharmacy, and nutrition students and we assessed two
elders. After the assessments, we brought our findings to the doctor. Lastly, I attended a
debriefing that highlighted important findings and conclusions about the days activities.
At the mass casualty training, other students and I listened to a lecture about how to
manage and respond to dangerous situations as a healthcare professional. I was able to reaffirm
my knowledge of how to apply a tourniquet. At the end of the lecture, I was assigned to a team of
students. We had a list of available resources for our disaster planning. We needed to coordinate
with other teams in order to effectively plan for the disaster with the available resources. I
learned how much effort and planning it takes to prepare for a mass casualty.
The elderly GI activity was held at St. Lukes Home for four hours. The mass casualty
training was held at fire station one for four hours. Combined, I participated in eight hours of
professions. Each member added knowledge and experience, which was helpful in directing the
The mass casualty training helped me to learn the importance of preparing for the worst,
but hoping for the best. No one knows when a trauma or mass casualty will happen. Health care
professionals need to have the correct training and preparation necessary to plan and coordinate
with other resources regarding helping others in the community during a disaster. I personally
learned that it takes a lot of effort, teamwork, and resources to help resolve a disaster, like a
I would recommend both professional activities in the future because they both helped
me to learn the importance of collaboration with others. Nurses cannot do everything on their
own. Teamwork is necessary and nurses need to be a vital component of the team by
5. Brochure or proof of attendance obtained? Yes for Mass Casualty. No for IPEP.
Signature on validation of clinical hours form obtained? In progress (Patty will sign off