ISSN ONLINE: 3028-2659

Volume 1 | Issue No. 3 | 2024 | November 2024

The InkSpace Gazette: A Kaleidoscope of Literary Dimensions, a monthly e-magazine published by Visionary Research Association Inc., showcases a diverse array of literary works, research insights, and creative perspectives. Released every month, it continues to provide a platform for visionary voices in the literary and research communities.

Publisher: VISIONARY RESEARCH ASSOCIATION INC.

Address: Visionary Research Association Inc., L&K Building, Purok 5 Pagacpac, Bongabong, Pantukan, Davao de Oro

Email Address: info@visionaryresearchassoc.com

Contact Number: 0976 0555 730

EDITORIAL BOARD

Kei D. Inansugan 

Editor-in-Chief 

Given Mark B. Inansugan 

Illustrator/Editor 

Kethelle I. Sajonia 

Manuscript Editor/Reviewer 

Eric D. Palmerola 

Grammarian/Reviewer


Balanse Ng Buhay

Ma.Leila R. Aguila

Orasang tumitiktok na patuloy sa pag- ingit

Gawaing nakalatag, isip, lakas ang kapalit

Sa bawat minuto ay may bahaging nawawaglit 

Ang balance ng buhay ay paano pa makakamit.

 

Liham na dumarami, takda ay lumalapit

Patuloy na bigat sa balikat, tagos ang sakit

Pagpupulong, pag-aaral na di napapagkit

Teleponong tumutunog,, wala sa tonong awit.

 

Bumibitak na utak, napapagal na katawan

Mga mahal sa buhay, aruga mo ay hinihintay

Magsaya, maglibang, sarili ay pinagkaitan

Dampi ng sariwang hangin, di mo na maramdaman.

 

Ikaw ay isang nilalang, itimo sa isipan

May sariling pangarap at pangako sa buhay

Panandaliang huminto, magpahinga ,magnilay

Pagmamahal sa sarili, hwag ipag- alinlangan.

 

Kayat hanapin ang ritmo, tibok na perpekto

Kung saan ang gawain at buhay ay magkasundo.

Ang balanse, kung matagpuan ay isang regalo

Buhay na payapa, pagkatao ay buung-buo.

Hiwaga

Tonina M. Luna

Mula pagkabata’y nakamulatan na

Mga magulang sa pagsasaka’y nabubuhay

Hirap at pagod sa pagtatanim di iniinda

Maitaguyod lamang mahal na pamilya

 

Musmos na kaisipa’y, bukid ay lilisanin

Tanging dusa ang laging pansin

Dulot ng makasariling damdamin

Sa ibang larangan tadhana'y hahanapin

 

Ngunit sa pagsibol ng tamang kaisipan

Napagtanto ang wagas na kaligayahan

Pananalig, sipag at tiyaga’y mga puhunan

Nang mapagyaman paghahalaman

 

Sa pagtatanim ramdam ang hiwaga

Sa pagal na katawan ligaya ang nadarama

Sa mga butil na ipupunla

Sanlibutan ang magpapala

 

Medication Administration Skills of Pandemic-Era Student Nurses: Challenges and Adaptation to Professional Roles

 

Jean Grace A. Guillermo, RN

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the educational landscape for student nurses, forcing a shift to virtual classrooms and significantly reducing opportunities for hands-on clinical experience. For these students, now practicing professionals, the transition from academic settings to full-time nursing roles came with unique challenges, particularly in mastering critical skills such as medication administration. Their journey, marked by resilience and adaptation, underscores both the hurdles they faced and the strategies they employed to overcome them.


Medication administration is a cornerstone of safe and effective patient care, demanding precision, pharmacological knowledge, and sound clinical judgment. Traditionally, nursing students developed these skills through direct, supervised practice in clinical environments. However, the pandemic disrupted this tradition, compelling nursing schools worldwide to adopt remote learning and rely on virtual simulations. For many students, the lack of real-world patient interactions led to gaps in experience and confidence. This shortfall became apparent as they entered healthcare settings still reeling from the pandemic’s impact, navigating high patient volumes, staffing shortages, and evolving safety protocols.


As these new nurses transitioned into their roles, they encountered several obstacles. Many felt inadequately prepared for practical tasks like dosage calculations, intravenous medication administration, and identifying adverse drug reactions. Compounding this were the complexities of treating patients with heightened illness severity, often requiring intricate medication regimens. These challenges unfolded in high-pressure environments, amplifying stress, burnout, and the risk of errors. Moreover, the necessity to adhere to strict infection control measures during the pandemic added layers of complexity to their routines, occasionally disrupting time-sensitive medication administration.


Despite these difficulties, pandemic-era nurses displayed remarkable resilience and ingenuity. They leaned heavily on support from mentors and colleagues, whose guidance helped bridge knowledge gaps and build confidence in the absence of formal, structured training. Recognizing their limitations, many also pursued self-directed learning through online modules, video tutorials, and simulations offered by hospitals and professional organizations. Virtual reality simulations, for instance, allowed them to practice medication administration in high-stakes scenarios without endangering patient safety.

Equally important was their focus on emotional resilience. Strategies like mindfulness, therapy, and participation in support groups helped mitigate stress and stave off burnout. By prioritizing their mental well-being, these nurses were better equipped to maintain focus and reduce the likelihood of medication errors under pressure.


The shift from student to professional nurse is challenging under ordinary circumstances, but pandemic-era nurses faced this transition amidst unprecedented disruptions. They were thrust into roles requiring rapid autonomy and self-reliance, learning to make critical decisions and assume significant responsibilities earlier than their predecessors. This accelerated shift not only honed their clinical skills but also deepened their understanding of the far-reaching consequences of their actions on patient outcomes.


Moreover, their experiences highlighted the value of collaborative healthcare. Working closely with interdisciplinary teams, they developed strong communication skills and a collective approach to medication administration, recognizing it as a shared responsibility rather than an individual task. This collaboration fostered a generation of nurses attuned to the importance of teamwork and cooperation in ensuring patient safety.

The experiences of pandemic-trained nurses offer valuable lessons for the future of nursing education and practice. Their adaptability underscores the importance of robust mentorship programs, continuous skills training, and comprehensive mental health support. As healthcare educators and institutions reflect on the pandemic’s impact, integrating these insights into training frameworks will be essential for preparing future nurses to navigate similar challenges and uphold high standards of care.


Ultimately, this generation of nurses exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of the profession. Their journey—from navigating a disrupted educational pathway to thriving in demanding professional roles—illuminates the need for innovative and flexible approaches to nursing education that can withstand crises. These nurses have not only overcome their unique challenges but also set a precedent for perseverance and excellence in modern healthcare.

 

The Society Speaks

 

Pamela N. Alingasa, Ph.D.

I am the earth, a vast, wide space,
Once abundant, a sacred place.
Not human, but I bear the pain,
Of all the harm and endless stain.

Before I was, God shaped me whole,
A paradise to soothe the soul.
With trees that shield, and waters pure,
A haven meant to long endure.

But now, I weep, my heart is torn,
By acts of man, my gifts are scorned.
Garbage thrown, my beauty marred,
My fields left empty, my forests scarred.

You cut the trees that shield your kin,
Ignoring dangers deep within.
You poison rivers, choke the air,
And leave my creatures in despair.

Abundance fades; you will not see,
The harm you’ve done to all, to me.
Tomorrow waits with famines long,
Where once my bounty made you strong.

Oh, people, change—before it’s late,
Confess your wrongs, rewrite your fate.
Think of your children, what they’ll face,
If all my gifts are laid to waste.

Love me as you love your life,
End greed and harm, forsake the strife.
For if you care, and tread with grace,
Together we’ll restore this place.

 

Nature's Irregular Cycle

 

Belen C. Dela Cruz

Leaves fall from the trees,

Autumn winds blow with ease.

The once vibrant green hues.

Will soon change as the season moves ,

As nature's cycle renews.

 

The snow begins to drop,

Covering earth, cold from the top.

Beneath the frozen ground,

Seeds sleep, waiting to be found

When spring at last comes 'round.

 

New plants begin to dwell,

Awakening nature's spell.

The birds return and sing,

As flowers blossom in spring,

A vibrant, joyful thing.

 

The summer sun shines bright,

Warming the world with its light.

Insects hum, wildlife happy,

As growth in nature brings us yappy,

A wondrous, lively community.

 

The cycle ever turns,

As nature sleeps and yearns.

Days turn to years in some time, 

Everyday is a glorious sublime,

Making each season a wonder like a dime.

 

Nature's Irregular Cycle

 

Belen C. Dela Cruz

Leaves fall from the trees,

Autumn winds blow with ease.

The once vibrant green hues.

Will soon change as the season moves ,

As nature's cycle renews.

 

The snow begins to drop,

Covering earth, cold from the top.

Beneath the frozen ground,

Seeds sleep, waiting to be found

When spring at last comes 'round.

 

New plants begin to dwell,

Awakening nature's spell.

The birds return and sing,

As flowers blossom in spring,

A vibrant, joyful thing.

 

The summer sun shines bright,

Warming the world with its light.

Insects hum, wildlife happy,

As growth in nature brings us yappy,

A wondrous, lively community.

 

The cycle ever turns,

As nature sleeps and yearns.

Days turn to years in some time, 

Everyday is a glorious sublime,

Making each season a wonder like a dime.