Infectious Diseases in Nursing Practice - Essay Example

"Infectious Diseases in Nursing Practice" is a worthy example of a paper on infections.
Infectious diseases are disorders caused by germs, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. They are also called communicable diseases since they are spread through eating, drinking, touching, or even contact. Infectious diseases kill millions of people annually though they can be prevented using medically recommended medicines, proper handwashing, and vaccines, (Rooney, A., 2012). The signs and symptoms of communicable diseases vary depending on the type of disorder. However, infectious diseases cause the infected individual to experience mild chills, fever, and complaints that are manageable through home-based treatments.

In my internship, I spend time entering and researching information on hospital and community-acquired diseases. I had to log all infections into the computer, research, all information that was incorrectly documented on the infection control form. In addition, I revised infection control policies to ensure that all information in the system updated.  The current information would ensure that someone would be held responsible for the cleaning and supervision of all medical and recreational equipment and creating a monthly monitoring flow sheet;  so that the employees can document each month after cleaning the equipment.

Progress Made in the Internship

The internship has provided me with a good experience and vast information regarding infectious diseases. The extensive research together with the research tools employed in my internship has assisted me in making positive progress in my internship. I am able to relate theoretical and practical aspects of infectious diseases. I have a clear knowledge of statistics as well as policies regarding infectious diseases.

Changes That Have Occurred on My Previous Knowledge

My theoretical knowledge did not give me a clear understanding of the actual statistics on infectious diseases. From the statistics collected, I have learned about the need for urgency in the control of infectious diseases, since actual statistics showed that many people suffer from infectious diseases.

A Reflection on My Previous Knowledge Regarding Infectious Diseases

The statistics revealed that infectious diseases are of great concern to hospitals and their employees since they are easily spread through contact. It also showed that many people suffer from infectious diseases. This was similar to what was learned in the classroom.

Theory versus Practice

Theoretical knowledge provided documented information about infectious diseases, which includes the symptoms, signs, and control measures. My internship has provided me with hands-on experience in policy design and formulation. Finally, I have also learned about actual statistics about infectious diseases as well as how to keep data on the diseases.

Experiences about Concepts Learned in Classroom

Many of the concepts learned in the classroom are applied in the field. The measures that were being taken to control infectious diseases were similar. Theoretical information, for example, symptoms, signs, and control measures, were extensively used.

I had a good relationship with my preceptor and the other staff and they accorded me with assistance. My supervisor played a key role in guiding me in applying my classroom knowledge in practice.