Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The comeback :)




February 28, 2011, Monday, I experienced a memorable journey at San Lazaro Hospital. Together with my awesome group mates and a witty clinical instructor, Mr. Romeo Belen Villanueva, the rest of the day was spent delightfully, with fun and new learning. I love how the day ended so smoothly. So, I think it’s best for me to start sharing my story.

I arrived in the hospital pathway at around 4am and saw the early birds ( luckily, not angry birds), Miguel, Shela and Hershey. Few minutes later, we saw Mr. Villanueva from afar so we hurriedly composed ourselves so that we’ll look appropriate when he came and so we did. Then, while waiting for our other group mates to come, I approached Mr. Villanueva again to remind regarding my lost I.D and I was so thankful that he positively accepted my explanation.

We left the school at 5 o’ clock. The sky was still dark when we reached the San Lazaro Hospital. The place was so still as if it’s inviting me to sleep. Then, we all went to the Pavilion 5, the classroom area, to have a little pre-orientation with Sir Villanueva. He humbly introduced and talked a bit of history about himself. I respect his mission and vision for all the nursing students of Perpetual-BiƱan because I know he only wants to bring out the best in us. True, first impression never lasts and I am looking forward to enjoy my exposure with his guiding hands and words of wisdom.


We were scheduled to join the second batch that will attend the orientation at the Amphi Theatre. So, to make our ample time useful, Mr. Villanueva toured us to the entire Pavilion inside the Hospital. Of course, we didn’t forget to wear our masks and lab gowns for protection since we’re about to visit patients with contagious diseases.

Mark, Hershey and Me during the hospital tour in San Lazaro Hospital.

Sir Villanueva made our tour exciting. Other than he clearly explained every case in each pavilion, he also allowed us to take photos for documentation. I remember when we visited the Pavilion 8 where pediatric male patients are confined. They looked so weak and frail. Most cases are DHF. There were areas/rooms for strict isolation. Fortunately, no one’s there.

When we’re finally done with the entire Pavilion, we returned to the classroom area. Then, Mr. Villanueva checked our proper decorum. With IDs, by then he knew our birthdays and upcoming birthdays.Thank God, we carried out good impressions to him. Good vibes! And after a long cheerful moment, we left the classroom to attend the orientation. A strict reminder of Mr. Villanueva: DON’T SLEEP DURING THE ORIENTATION.

We still waited a few minutes for the first batch of students to leave the Ampi theatre. And while we’re waiting, there was a kooky cute gay, endorsing a med-surg guidelines book; he made our boring moments fade away.

Finally, we got inside the Amphi theatre. The surrounding looks so sophisticated, very good ventilation and seats. The only thing you could say once you’re there is “ay, sarapmatulog” BUT when the strict reminder of Mr. Villanueva: “DO NOT SLEEP DURING THE ORIENTATION”, get through your thoughts, you’ll try to stay awake as much as you can.

The speaker talked about the history of San Lazaro Hospital, how it all started, the founders, and the cases of each Pavilion. I jotted down notes on my tickler although my penmanship had gone miserable, at least it’s readable.The orientation lasted for one hour. We left the theatre with very hungry stomachs so we chowed down at the cafeteria nearby before we finally leave the San Lazaro Hospital. My experience there was great.

Bottom line, everything that we had talked about during our pre and post meetings with Sir Villanueva will be a naught if none of us complied. I am thankful for a wonderful voyage in San Lazaro with great people.

“If you failed to prepare, prepare to fail”-Sir Villanueva.

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