DISCUSSION POST # 1 Reply to Nozomi

  This term, I am with a women’s health nurse practitioner in an OB/GYN office. I was always under the impression that women’s health is mostly about well-woman exams, Pap smears, and pregnancy-related exams. However, to my surprise, the NP provides numerous in-office procedures, such as vulvar biopsy, endometrial biopsy, and various contraception insertions. In particular, endometrial biopsy was a procedure that I have only read about in literature before, and it was truly a valuable learning opportunity for me. According to Long (2021), endometrial biopsy involves obtaining a sample of the endometrial tissue using a device inserted into the uterus. This sample is then analyzed by a pathologist to guide the treatment decisions (Long, 2021). The most common indications for an endometrial biopsy are abnormal and postmenopausal uterine bleeding (Long, 2021). Additionally, a thickening of the uterus and infertility are also indications for biopsy (Vitale et al., 2023). Endometrial biopsy is a safe and cost-effective procedure that may be done in the office setting (Long, 2021). Traditionally, endometrial samples were obtained by a diagnostic dilation and curettage (D&C) or operative hysteroscopy, both of which are done with the patient under general anesthesia in the operating room (Vitale et al., 2023). Endometrial biopsy, therefore, is less invasive and more cost-effective. It is recommended that the patient takes oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prior to the procedure to minimize the discomfort (Long, 2021).

            Another procedure that I commonly see in women’s health is Pap smear, which is one of the techniques that I would like to become proficient in by the end of this term. In fact, I have been able to experience some hands-on practice for Pap smears in the office. Many organizations, such as the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend cervical cancer screening for women over the age 21 years, though the screening intervals vary by organization (Gavinski & DiNardo, 2023). This demonstrates the importance of cervical cancer screening for women’s health. Thus, even if I my current career plans do not include becoming an expert in women’s health, I would like to master the basic skills of women’s health, and Pap smear is one procedure that I would like to become comfortable with during this course.

DISCUSSION POST # 2 Reply to Sahra

The road to becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) has not only expanded our education but also provided us with the rare chance to watch and participate in a range of medical procedures that have deepened our understanding of patient care. Throughout our NP program, there may have been moments when we watched or perhaps actively engaged in processes that had a lasting influence on our learning experience.

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the foreskin that covers the head of the penis. While circumcision is frequently done for cultural, religious, or personal reasons, there are also possible medical advantages, such as a lower risk of urinary tract infections as well as specific sexually transmitted diseases (Mielke, 2019). During my clinical experiences, I got the opportunity to witness a newborn’s circumcision. So far, we have had at least one case every time that I have been at the clinic, so I had the opportunity to assist the doctor throughout the process. A precise combination of professional expertise and compassionate discussion with the family was necessary for the surgery. The extreme care to detail, aseptic procedure, and detailed post-operative instructions demonstrated the complex aspect of healthcare.

One topic that has captivated my attention is trauma or emergency medicine. The skill to stitch correctly takes on a whole new level of importance in these fast-paced, frequently high-stress settings. While my current rotation does not directly entail suturing, I appreciate the need to possess basic suturing abilities, particularly in situations when quick wound closure is crucial.

Because one of my ultimate objectives will be to stay with my present employer and work at one of their several urgent care microsites, learning this ability would allow me to give quick care to patients with traumatic injuries, reducing the chance of infection and expediting the healing process (Tottoli et al., 2020). While my current rotation does not give direct exposure to emergency suturing, I am thrilled about the possibility of developing these abilities in the future and contributing to patient care in urgent situations. In the end, strengthening my suturing abilities will allow me to deliver complete and effective care to patients in a variety of medical settings.