Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Cleveland Department of Public Health

Today I assisted with the reproductive health clinic at the Cleveland Department of Health J. Glen Smith Health Center. The outpatient clinic, funded by Title X, is staffed by nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, and lab personnel. Depending on staffing, I have the opportunity to participate in different stages of the process. Whether I am gathering histories during triage or performing discharges, the emphasis on prevention is conspicuous. Patients are constantly presented with offers of free condoms and safe sex education. A booklet displaying graphic images of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) complements posters with powerful messages: “If you get the AIDS virus now, you and your license could expire at the same time.” Many patients lack resources or access to other types of healthcare, so the clinic is filled with pamphlets and posters regarding diabetes, healthy diets, smoking cessation, domestic violence, human trafficking, and cancer screening.

Patients seeking reproductive healthcare at our clinic register with the secretary, visit phlebotomy, receive an exam by a nurse practitioner, and are typically discharged by a nurse. I was responsible for discharges today, which included notifying patients of their HIV results and diagnosis, providing treatment, and discussing STD and pregnancy prevention strategies. I gave patients education regarding diagnoses of genital warts, chlamydia, non-gonococcal urethritis, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. We frequently prescribe antibiotics and hormonal contraceptives, so I am now familiar with the mechanism of action, side effects, dosages, and contraindications for these medications. I hope they appear on the NCLEX!

My favorite part of the experience is informing patients that their HIV and STD test results were negative. Patients are relieved to hear the news, and are typically mentally receptive to prevention education. Look for more updates in the coming weeks! Between immunization, reproductive health, and flu clinics, this department is definitely keeping busy.

1 comment:

  1. Recently in the sphere of legal action you believe you’ve jammed STD or else you poverty to progress to a selection of with the aim of you maintain not,
    a vacation to your general practitioner strength of character probably be present advantageous. For the reason that, in nature, it’s easier to know yet to be of occasion so you’ll maintain the
    capability to reduce its destruction more readily than lay inside your guarded condition forever and not know with the aim of you might be present already putting your wellbeing by the side of chance.
    STD tests are pretty straight ahead, quick, trustworthy and confidential. It’s therapeutic protocol to see to it that unknown however the long-suffering re the outcomes of the exam and you can be present
    certain with the aim of rebuff in a row strength of character rotate with no your understanding.
    std tests

    ReplyDelete