A Report
from Our Nurse in Viera on SCI Training.
Initially, I would like to thank CFPVA for helping me attend the VA-mandated
training on SCI Primary Care. It was a wonderful experience and I couldn’t
have gone without their support.
I furthered my knowledge base and added to my ‘on-the-job’ training
here at the VA in Viera. I learned a lot of new info such as, an SCI patient
doesn’t experience shingles as a non-SCI person will. There are no blisters
or rash; this makes diagnosis a very difficult process. I learned something
as simple as pressure mapping can be extremely helpful in the prevention of
pressure ulcers, because it gives the provider the info to arrange for new corrective
appliances. New to me were the different levels of injury to the SCI patient
and the impact on their daily living and how, as a nurse, I can assist them.
I found
the explanation of the rehabilitation involved in the initial injury of SCI
veterans very helpful. It made me understand why SCI veterans are so independent
and so vigilant about maintaining their independence. I hope that, as an SCI
nurse with this training, I will be proficient in enabling them to maintain
this independence. The instructors also provided a tour of the Cleveland VAMC,
which illustrated further the significance of the Hub facility and the amazing
technology available to the SCI veteran, not only in their initial stages of
injury, but also for annual assessments and emergencies. Additionally, I found
the spoke facilities such as Viera provide interim care so veterans don’t
have to drive hundreds of miles for access to SCI care.
There
are so many things I learned about, nutrition, pressure ulcer prevention and
treatment, proper equipment, appropriate exams by SCI providers and nurses,
medications to deal with SCI special problems, and many other issues pertaining
to SCI veterans. They are all critical and of the utmost importance, which is
why we are here—to ensure that SCI veterans acquire everything they need
to maintain optimum health, both physically and mentally.
It is
truly an honor to serve those who have served the United States of America and
I feel privileged. I thank you all for the service you have given our country,
and, in some small way, I hope to reward you for what you’ve sacrificed
for our land. Thanks again to CFPVA for their contribution to my education.
God Bless America!!
Linda
Russo, RN, CNOR
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