Reflections from UT Nurses
on Bethnay's House of Friends Alzheimer’s & Dementia Respite Care Program
Forty University of Texas School of Nursing senior undergraduate students visited House of Friends (HOF) this past spring. Students came in groups of 10, supervised by Clinical Instructor Linda Chambers, and visited House of Friends from 9:00-11:45am over a four week period. From the HOF perspective, the visits by the students have been rewarding and enjoyable! Starting September 16th, UT nursing students will rotate in to HOF for a fall field experience.
Comments from the UT nursing students about their HOF Visit!
- The main nursing skill that I practiced was therapeutic communication. It was important to not judge the participants on any of their behaviors and to just treat them with respect.
- Nursing skills that I practiced were, in order of importance: active listening, reflection, and observation/assessment.
- This experience definitely broadened my view of the scope of nursing practice. It's so easy to only focus on the nursing role at a hospital or clinic but it truly touches so many other areas as well.
- I thought the volunteers did a great job in really communicating and watching over the participants. They always made sure everyone was having fun and smiling. They never left any participant out.
- Finally, I will admit that I was a little apprehensive about working with this population, but at the end of the day, I was very grateful for the experience. I can now truly see that this population consists of a very special group of people who have much to offer to many, including younger generations.
- There were many things that were surprising to me. I was surprised at how the program was free, how many of the volunteers were older as well, how joyful the volunteers were, and how cognizant the participants were and how they seemed to really enjoy and remember activities and volunteers at the House of Friends.
- The most surprising thing about the experience for me was how many regular volunteers they have who come and commit their time every Thursday for five hours. It was really great to see the connection the volunteers have made with the participants of the program and their families. Photo: Linda Chambers (back/left) with 6 of her nursing students.