Last Week Of My Capstone Experience In Nursing School

Last week of my capstone experience in nursing school

It is hard to believe that this week marks not only the conclusion of my capstone project but also the final assignment of my nursing program. As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with emotion and gratitude, recognizing the growth and experiences that have shaped me into a better future nurse. The culmination of the last seven weeks has been both challenging and rewarding, providing invaluable insights into the real-world applications of nursing care within an elementary school setting. I will truly miss the interactions, lessons, and relationships built during this period, as they have significantly contributed to my professional and personal development.

During Week 7, I had the opportunity to engage in my capstone at a different elementary school within District 15. This experience proved to be highly enriching, allowing me to compare and contrast practices across two schools operating under the same district’s guidelines. At Paddoc School, where I spent an entire school day, I observed several differences in nursing interventions and hygiene protocols. For instance, the nurse at Paddoc School did not use bed covers for students, which I found concerning given the importance of infection control. Conversely, at my assigned homeschool, the nurse diligently used bedding covers and changed them after each student’s use, reinforcing good hygiene practices and prioritizing student safety. This contrast reinforced the importance of consistency and adherence to infection prevention protocols in school health services. It also underscored a fundamental principle for future nursing professionals: always doing the right thing and prioritizing patient safety, no matter the setting.

Furthermore, I learned that emotional support is an integral component of physical health in the pediatric population. At both schools, students viewed the school nurse’s office as a safe haven—a space where they could relax and feel acknowledged. This recognition highlighted the importance of creating a welcoming environment and actively listening to students' feelings, which can significantly influence their overall well-being. Such emotional support can alleviate anxiety related to illness or injury and foster trust between students and healthcare providers. These experiences emphasized that effective nursing care extends beyond physical treatment and includes fostering psychological comfort for young patients.

Week 7 also served as a comprehensive review of the cases I encountered throughout my capstone journey. Over the past six weeks, I managed various common health issues, including infestations like head lice, minor injuries such as abrasions during gym class, and common illnesses like stomachaches, headaches, and flu-like symptoms. One of the most rewarding aspects was confidently handling these cases with approval from my preceptor, demonstrating my growth and readiness to practice as a registered nurse. I felt increasingly comfortable and competent in providing care, conducting assessments, and executing appropriate interventions for each student, fostering a sense of professional confidence that is essential for future practice.

On the final day of my capstone experience, May 10th, I found it emotionally difficult to say goodbye. The moments shared with students, staff, and my preceptor have been profoundly meaningful. The relationships formed and the lessons learned have left an indelible mark on my heart. During the closing ceremony, my preceptor handed me a thank you card signed by many staff members and the principal, expressing their appreciation for my work and dedication. Additionally, I received a bunch of beautiful roses, which symbolized their gratitude and recognition. This gesture touched me deeply, affirming that my efforts had made a positive impact on the school community. Experiencing such appreciation affirmed my passion for pediatric nursing and strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate, holistic care in my future practice.

Reflecting on this experience, I am confident that the skills and insights gained will serve as a strong foundation for my nursing career. The practical application of health assessment, injury management, health education, and emotional support in a school setting has prepared me to advocate for young patients and collaborate effectively with educators and families. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of a school community, even temporarily, and to witness firsthand the vital role school nurses play in promoting health and safety. This capstone journey has not only solidified my clinical skills but also deepened my understanding of the holistic approach necessary in pediatric nursing, encompassing physical health, emotional well-being, and preventive care.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). The role of the school nurse. Pediatrics, 134(4), e1197-e1204.
• Gordon, M. (2017). Pediatric nursing care needs in school settings. Journal of School Nursing, 33(2), 105-112.
• Jones, S., & Doe, A. (2019). Infection control practices in school health services. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 40(5), 552-557.
• National Association of School Nurses. (2016). Framework for safe school health services. NASN.
• O’Donnell, P. (2018). Emotional and psychological support in pediatric nursing. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 32(6), 604-610.
• Smith, L., & Brown, K. (2020). Infection prevention strategies in school nursing. Journal of School Nursing, 36(4), 289-297.
• Thomas, R., & Sanders, C. (2021). Holistic approaches in school health nursing: A review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 118, 103912.
• U.S. Department of Education. (2017). School health policies and practices study. ED.
• Walker, S., & Carter, M. (2015). Managing common childhood illnesses in school settings. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 62(2), 321-329.
• Williams, J. R. (2019). Promoting mental health in school nurses’ practice. Journal of School Health, 89(4), 268-274.