Journal of Advanced Nursing Essay Assignment Paper
Discussion
During my Practicum Experience, I set specific goals and objectives to enhance my clinical skills and provide excellent patient care. I can confidently say that I achieved most of these goals to a high degree. One of my main objectives was to improve my ability to assess and diagnose patients accurately. Throughout the practicum, I honed my diagnostic skills and felt more confident in my ability to identify and address patients’ health issues effectively. Another goal was to enhance my communication and interpersonal skills with both patients and the healthcare team. By actively engaging with patients, practicing active listening, and collaborating with my colleagues, I saw significant improvements in my communication abilities. Additionally, I aimed to gain exposure to a variety of medical cases to broaden my medical knowledge, and I successfully encountered and managed diverse patient presentations, contributing to my growth as a healthcare professional. Journal of Advanced Nursing Essay Assignment Paper
Reflecting on the three most challenging patients I encountered during the practicum, each presented unique difficulties. The first patient had a complex medical history with multiple comorbidities, which required a comprehensive and intricate treatment plan. The second patient suffered from Krabbe Disease, a rare condition, and due to its rarity, there was limited research and evidence-based guidelines available for guidance. The third patient had significant anxiety, making it difficult to establish a strong patient-provider relationship and eliciting accurate information for proper diagnosis and management. From these challenging experiences, I learned the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the medical field. It taught me to be open-minded, seek guidance from experienced professionals, and engage in discussions with my peers to find the best solutions. Additionally, I understood the significance of empathy and patience when dealing with complex patient cases, as they often require time and understanding to provide appropriate care.
During the practicum, I had access to a wide range of resources to support my learning and patient care. The healthcare facility provided access to extensive medical literature, evidence-based practice guidelines, and regular educational sessions. Moreover, I had the privilege of working closely with experienced healthcare professionals, including my Preceptor, who was always available to provide guidance and valuable feedback. Journal of Advanced Nursing Essay Assignment Paper
For the patients I encountered, I consistently relied on evidence-based practices to guide my clinical decision-making. I followed established treatment protocols and used the best available evidence to tailor treatment plans to individual patient needs. In cases where evidence was limited, I consulted with specialists and sought expert opinions to ensure the most appropriate care.
Looking back, I would approach certain situations differently. For instance, with the first challenging patient, I would have involved the patient’s family more in the decision-making process to ensure a smoother treatment plan and better adherence to the prescribed regimen (Holden et al., 2020). For the second patient with the rare condition, I would have sought support from online medical communities and forums to connect with other healthcare professionals facing similar challenges, facilitating knowledge exchange and better patient care. Journal of Advanced Nursing Essay Assignment Paper
Managing patient flow and volume was a crucial aspect of my practicum experience. I learned to prioritize patient needs, delegate tasks when appropriate, and communicate effectively with the healthcare team to ensure a streamlined workflow. I also developed better time management skills, allowing me to attend to urgent cases promptly while still giving adequate attention to routine patient care.
Applying my growing skillset to be a social change agent within my community involves active involvement in healthcare awareness and preventive initiatives. By participating in community health events, advocating for health education, and engaging with local organizations, I can promote better health outcomes and empower individuals to take charge of their well-being (Heumann et al., 2021). Furthermore, I aim to use my skills to support underserved populations and collaborate with community leaders to address healthcare disparities and improve access to quality care. Journal of Advanced Nursing Essay Assignment Paper
To improve my skills and knowledge, I plan to engage in continuous professional development. I will attend workshops, conferences, and online courses to stay updated on the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices. I will also seek regular feedback from my Preceptor, fostering a learning environment where constructive criticism helps me grow as a healthcare professional.
Reflecting on the feedback received from my Preceptor, I have found both formal and informal input to be invaluable. The formal evaluations provided specific insights into my strengths and areas for improvement, guiding my focus during the practicum. The informal feedback during daily interactions allowed me to make immediate adjustments to my practices, enhancing my patient care and professional conduct. I am grateful for the mentorship provided by my Preceptor, as it has played a crucial role in shaping me as a competent and compassionate healthcare provider. Journal of Advanced Nursing Essay Assignment Paper
References
Heumann, M., Röhnsch, G., & Hämel, K. (2021). Primary healthcare nurses’ involvement in patient and community participation in the context of chronic diseases: An integrative review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 78(1), 26-47. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14955
Holden, R. J., Valdez, R. S., Anders, S., Ewart, C., Lang, A., Montague, E., … & Zachary, W. (2020, December). The patient factor: Involving patient and family stakeholders as advisors, co-designers, citizen scientists, and peers. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting (Vol. 64, No. 1, pp. 622-626). Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.
450-500 words
Learning From Experiences
Revisit the goals and objectives from your Practicum Experience Plan. Explain the degree to which you achieved each during the practicum experience.
Reflect on the three (3) most challenging patients you encountered during the practicum experience. What was most challenging about each? Journal of Advanced Nursing Essay Assignment Paper
What did you learn from this experience?
What resources were available?
What evidence-based practice did you use for the patients?
What would you do differently?
How are you managing patient flow and volume?
How can you apply your growing skillset to be a social change agent within your community?
Communicating and Feedback
Reflect on how you might improve your skills and knowledge, and communicate those efforts to your Preceptor.
Answer the questions: How am I doing? What is missing?
Reflect on the formal and informal feedback you received from your Preceptor. Journal of Advanced Nursing Essay Assignment Paper