N479 Professional Activity Evaluation Form

Your Name: Becky Patty Date of Activity: 2/8/20, 2/20/20 Faculty name: Mary O’Connell

1. Describe the community service/professional activity/s you attended or participated with

(be specific about the purpose and your role):

I attended an interactive class on labor support techniques taught by a certified doula. I was a

student and also a model for some of the positions and techniques that we learned, so that we had

a visual and better understanding. I also shadowed Dr. Kiser, observing and assisting her while

she met with patients with women’s health concerns.

2. Where was this held and what was was program/activity length?

The class was held in room 470 in the College of Nursing. It lasted from 9:30am to 4:30pm,

for a duration of 7 hours. My shadow shift was at Clinica Amistad from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.

3. Discuss the value of this experience to you (be specific).

The class was very valuable to me because my best friend since elementary school is

pregnant with her first child and is due this coming April. I am so glad I had the opportunity to

learn from an experienced doula. I got a great refresher on the biological processes and impacts

of pregnancy and labor, a better understanding of the emotional environment during labor, tips to

help her have a comfortable and happy pregnancy, and techniques to use during labor to help her

stay as calm as possible and lessen her pain. I was able to teach and show my friend and her

husband everything I learned.

It was a privilege to work with Dr. Kiser, she has such compassion and extensive

knowledge of her field. I learned more about women’s health, but I mainly gained a deeper
appreciation for clinics like Clinica Amistad and those that strive to provide as much medical

and emotional assistance that time and finances allow.

4. How would you continue to use this experience throughout your nursing career?

I do not plan to go into the field of labor and delivery, but that does not mean I will never

care for a pregnant woman and I will have pregnant women in my personal life. I can easily

show them a few types of massage or techniques to lessen their back pain, and even explanations

of the physiological factors of pregnancy and labor. The experience of working with those who

do not have health coverage has opened my eyes to just how much I take for granted, for myself

and in other areas I provide care. I want to be able to support those I care for, either by finding

ways to lessen the cost while still offer thorough care.

5. Would you recommend this specific communnity/professional experience in the future;

why or why not? (Describe)

I would absolutely recommend this class to anyone, not just those in the health field.

Pregnancy is a part of everyday life; everyone will encounter pregnant women in their personal

lives and all of these techniques do not require extensive education or medical expertise, just a

little time and lots of love. And I also would recommend the experience of volunteering at

Clinica Amistad, it’s the perfect example of how compassion and determination can get things

done that seem impossible and the power of volunteer work.

Brochure or proof of attendance obtained if applicable? Yes, labor class Signature on

validation of clinical hours form obtained? No, we stayed later than expected and in our haste

to leave, so the clinic could be locked, I forgot to remind her for a signature