Kortani Wilcox

October 25th, 2017

Pediatrics Section 2
Lyle Torrant Experience

Waking up the morning of my Lyle Torrant Clinical experience, I tried to look at it like

any other day. I was not exactly sure what to expect so I wanted to go into the day with an open

mind and think of whatever I was about to encounter as another learning experience in my

nursing education. What I did encounter at my short visit at Lyle Torrant, I lack for words. It was

genuinely a great experience. One of my peers told me that after leaving clinical I would feel

blessed and that was an understatement. In lecture it was emphasized that working with these

medically fragile children we would see that they are children too, and to see their own

personalities come out while working with them touched my heart. I will carry this experience

with me for the rest of my education and furthermore. I am forever grateful for this opportunity.

I got the chance to work with the younger population of the medically fragile students at

Lyle Torrant. On the day of my visit four children were present with the predominant diagnoses

being Cerebral Palsy and seizures disorders. Additionally, all four of the students had the factor

of being premature in common. “Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s

ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in

childhood. Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means weakness or problems with

using muscles” (Cerebral). Babies born early do have a higher risk for disabilities or even death.

Some of the disabilities include CP, breathing problems, hearing problems, and developmental

delays (Reproductive).

Numerous people contributed to the care of the children in the classroom. In the

classroom I observed there was a teacher, a License Practical Nurse, and an additional helper.

The three of them worked together to get the students in their appropriate assistive devices and
Kortani Wilcox
October 25th, 2017
Pediatrics Section 2
changed their briefs. The teacher led circle time which included a book, animals, colors, and a

song welcoming them to school. The LPN is responsible to give the medications, in which they

did not have any on the day of my visit. She is also responsible for suctioning the student’s

tracheotomy if needed, as well as starting the tube feedings. All care providers meet with the

parents and go over goals for the students religiously. They work together to achieve their

mission statement. Students will develop skills necessary in reaching their full independence and

potential. As a result of this partnership, the lives of all will be enriched (Jackson).

As these care providers deliver care to the medically fragile students at Lyle Torrant, they

have legal responsibilities to maintain. As health care professionals they are legally mandated

reporters meaning they must report if they suspect any type of abuse similar to the responsibility

of nurses. They are additionally responsible for their care and safety while they are at school.

The teacher mentioned they have to test the students three times a month to see if they have

improved and this is regulated by the state.

In conclusion, my experience was remarkable and I am happy I got the opportunity to

experience it. Without this clinical setting I would not have experienced working with these

medically fragile patients. With this occurrence, I feel I have gained more knowledge with what

to expect and I would feel more comfortable working with patients with CP and seizure disorders

on a medical surgical floor. I am forever grateful for the experiences the nursing program has

granted me.
Kortani Wilcox
October 25th, 2017
Pediatrics Section 2
Work Cited

Cerebral Palsy (CP). (2015, July 13). Retrieved October 26, 2017, from

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html

Jackson County Intermediate School District. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2017, from

https://www.jcisd.org/Page/998

Reproductive Health. (2017, October 17). Retrieved October 26, 2017, from

https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pretermbirth.htm

Kortani, you’ve touched my heart by your written reflections of how the experience has helped you
grown both emotionally and professionally. By taking the time to critically think and reflect about your
time at the school, you see the deeper meanings and significance in the care of special needs children.
It’s one thing to read of these disorders on a page in the textbook, but when you see them come to life
right in front of you and understand the real struggles associated with simply getting through a
morning…you become a better nursing advocate for this population of patient for the future. This is the
very meaning of critical thinking, which is an essential part to your intrapersonal growth as a care
provider.

Thank you for taking such amazing care of the children at the school this week! I am so very proud to
have students like you demonstrate such professionalism and represent the very best of our nursing
program in the community setting. OUTSTANDING JOB!