San Felipe Neri Nursing Home

So January 4, 2010 was the start of our duty in the mental institute. Unfortunately, we had to transfer to another place. We ended up having our duty at San Felipe Neri Nursing Home! (What's with the Neri by the way?) I was kind of happy because I wasn't motivated and excited at all when we were in Mandaluyong, Mental Health Center. The place was lonely and dirty and somehow scary. There were also a lot of students and I felt that it was going to be boring. Good thing though, we got destined to another area which was better since we had the whole place for ourselves.

It was a small building and we had our own room with a large rectangle table and was bright because of the large window. The hallway was long and quiet but it didn't feel lonely. So I was excited and calm. I wanted to know my patient right away. I was interested in knowing their story. I wanted to know how it feels like to be able to interview people like them and stay professional at the same time.

We got our assigned patients and I was lazy but after a while, I started studying my patient's chart. I immediately looked at the diagnosis and the doctor stated, "Alcohol and drug abuse". An easy topic! So my patient was only for rehab. Then I looked at his biodata and my patient's initials are J.N.

We were asked by our C.I. to begin the nurse-patient interaction. At first, I had the questions organized in my head. Since I didn't bring anything with me, I had to listen carefully and remember everything my patient says. So we began interacting. I started with asking him how he is. As we continued, I tried leading my patient to tell me why he was brought here but somehow I realized my patient was as smart as I am. He knows when to stop and change the topic. He was leading me instead so I had to think of another way of bringing us back on track.He was very hard to interrupt since after a few minutes, he was already talking a lot and sharing a lot of opinions and experiences with me. I admit I wasn't comfortable with the way I was sitting since I had to slump. We were only using stools.

After the interview, we organized games for the patients. We were all shy at first and somehow it felt awkward. But the longer we stayed there, the deeper we got to know our patients. We even joined in the games we organized for them. Then, during interactions, some were in groups while the rest of us were laughing and sharing stories with our patients. We got more information than what we were expecting and we didn't have to think about what we need to ask. It just went naturally.

At that moment, I said to myself, I wish we could still be here next week. I want to continue having our duty here. But that thought had to be erased. I was disappointed because I was having an easy time with my patient since he was so cooperative and intelligent but he had to do something that somehow shattered my thought of wanting to work there again.

He introduced me to his friend and I said hello with a smile. On our 4th day there, before we went home, my patient called me and gave me a piece of paper. I was touched that I received something from him but as I was trying to feel the paper, a certain shape came into my head. Why does this paper feel like it's heart-shaped? I looked at it and my eyes grew wide and very very wide! It was a LOVE LETTER from my PATIENT! I was nervous. Thoughts came rushing in my head. I don't want to come back here tomorrow again! I want to be absent. Why the heck did he give a freaking love letter to someone 20 years or more younger than him?! I started reading the letter and while I was reading I was uttering curses in between. I couldn't even finish reading the letter. I was frustrated. Then a little while, my classmate tapped me and threw another paper. Guess what, another letter! And this time it was from his friend! I was shocked! My classmates along with Sir were teasing me saying that my beauty is psychiatric! It was funny though. These guys haha.

The following day was our last day of duty in the nursing home. We partied with the patients and even played fun and exciting games! There were a lot of prizes as well. Then it was really funny because my patient was well-dressed and even sprayed a strong perfume. I just went with the flow but I never gave him signs that I was interested. I maintained professionalism. And our relationship was a nurse-patient relationship.

It was time for us to go. We said our goodbyes to our patients. It was really sad because we had a lot of fun and we felt like a family. Others looked sad and with teary eyes but they didn't let their tears fall. But before we got to leave the place, my patient gave me a bracelet. I didn't know how to react because I know it isn't allowed to accept gifts from patients but then my C.I. saw him giving me a gift. My C.I. smiled and teased us. What the heck was that LOL! Then we left and laughed as our driver drove us home.

But I realized one thing. Those times that we spent inside that little building, we dutymates didn't feel like classmates at all. I felt that they were my brothers and sisters. And we grew closer than ever. That's what made me happy and safe. Because I have them with me and I thank our patients for bringing us closer :) They had their parts in our lives as well.