Helpful Sources American Civilization, A Brief History: Ch 7 ✓ Solved
Helpful Sources American Civilization, A Brief History: Ch 7-11
Provide a reflective journal for the NRS-493 Professional Capstone and Practicum. Ensure to cover the following aspects:
- New Practice Approaches
- Interprofessional Collaboration (C4.3)
- Health Care Delivery and Clinical Systems
- Ethical Considerations In Health Care (C2.3)
- Practice of Culturally Sensitive Care (C5.3)
- Preservation of Integrity of Human Dignity in the Care of All Patients (C5.4)
- Population Health Concerns
- Role of Technology in Improving Health Care Outcomes (C4.1)
- Health Policy
- Leadership and Economic Models
- Health Disparities
- Outline of Overall Personal Discovery
- Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)
Paper For Above Instructions
The reflective journal for the NRS-493 Professional Capstone and Practicum is a crucial component for understanding and articulating one's learning, experiences, and insights gained throughout the course. In this reflective piece, I will delve into key areas including new practice approaches, interprofessional collaboration, health care delivery systems, ethical considerations in health care, cultural sensitivity, human dignity, population health, technology's role in health outcomes, health policy, leadership models, health disparities, and my personal discoveries. This comprehensive approach aims to demonstrate not only a grasp of theoretical knowledge but also practical applications in the field of nursing.
New Practice Approaches
In the field of nursing, new practice approaches are essential for improving patient outcomes and adapting to the rapidly changing healthcare landscape. One significant practice approach is the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP integrates clinical expertise with the best available research and patient values. For example, during my clinical rotations, I employed EBP in managing diabetic patients by utilizing the latest guidelines for glucose monitoring and management, which improved their overall health outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019).
Furthermore, adopting innovative technologies such as telehealth has transformed patient care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach allowed healthcare providers to deliver care remotely, ensuring that patients could receive necessary consultations without the risk of exposure (Hollander & Carr, 2020). As I reflect on my experiences, it is clear that embracing new practice approaches is foundational to delivering high-quality care in nursing.
Interprofessional Collaboration
Interprofessional collaboration is critical in enhancing healthcare delivery systems and improving patient outcomes. Throughout my practicum, I collaborated with pharmacists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care. This collaboration fostered comprehensive care planning and addressed the multifaceted needs of patients (Reeves et al., 2016).
One case that exemplified effective interprofessional collaboration involved a stroke patient who required not only medical treatment but also rehabilitation and social support. By working alongside physical therapists and case managers, we developed a holistic care plan that significantly improved the patient's recovery trajectory. My experiences underscored the importance of teamwork and communication in achieving positive health outcomes.
Health Care Delivery and Clinical Systems
Understanding health care delivery systems is fundamental to improving nursing practices. My observations during the practicum revealed the intricacies of patient flow, resource allocation, and care transitions. Effective clinical systems, such as Electronic Health Records (EHR), streamline documentation processes and enhance communication among healthcare providers (McGowan et al., 2019).
By utilizing EHRs, I noted a reduction in medication errors and improved adherence to treatment protocols, demonstrating how technology optimizes healthcare delivery. Additionally, analyzing data on patient outcomes helped identify areas for clinical improvement, emphasizing the role of data-driven decision-making in nursing practice.
Ethical Considerations in Health Care
Ethical dilemmas frequently arise in nursing practice, requiring strong ethical reasoning and decision-making skills. Through my experiences, I encountered situations that involved end-of-life care and patient autonomy. Understanding the ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and respect for autonomy guided my decisions (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).
One poignant instance involved advocating for a terminally ill patient who desired to discontinue aggressive treatment. Engaging in open discussions with the patient and family about their values and wishes reinforced the need for compassion and respect for patient autonomy in practice.
Practice of Culturally Sensitive Care
Culturally sensitive care is paramount in providing holistic nursing care. My interactions with patients from diverse backgrounds highlighted the importance of understanding cultural differences and beliefs, which significantly impact healthcare experiences (Campinha-Bacote, 2019). I learned to assess cultural factors influencing health behaviors and to modify interventions accordingly.
For instance, while working with Hispanic patients, it became evident that family involvement in healthcare decisions was crucial. By facilitating family discussions, I was able to create care plans that respected cultural preferences and improved patient satisfaction.
Preservation of Integrity and Human Dignity
Preserving human dignity in patient care is a fundamental principle in nursing. Throughout my practicum, I prioritized compassionate communication and respect in all interactions. This approach was particularly important when dealing with vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with cognitive impairments (Kitson et al., 2013).
Ensuring dignity involved not only delivering competent care but also listening to patients' concerns and preferences, thereby fostering an environment in which patients feel valued and respected.
Population Health Concerns
Addressing population health concerns is vital for improving community health outcomes. My experiences in community health settings revealed the impact of social determinants on health, such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to care (Marmot, 2018). By participating in outreach programs focused on increasing health literacy among underserved populations, I contributed to efforts aimed at reducing health disparities.
Role of Technology in Improving Health Care Outcomes
Technology plays a transformative role in enhancing healthcare outcomes. The integration of telehealth services during my practicum provided insights into the effectiveness of digital health interventions in increasing access to care. Studies demonstrate that telehealth can mitigate barriers to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities (Bashshur et al., 2016).
Health Policy and Leadership
Understanding health policy is critical for nurses as advocates for patient care. During my experience, I engaged with health policy discussions around healthcare reform and its implications for nursing practice. Leadership in nursing must encompass a deep understanding of policies affecting patient care, workforce issues, and healthcare systems (Wagner et al., 2017).
Health Disparities
Health disparities are a significant concern in healthcare, and addressing these inequities is vital. My practicum experiences reinforced the importance of recognizing the social determinants of health that contribute to disparities. Engaging with community health initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of preventive care can play a pivotal role in reducing these gaps (Institute of Medicine, 2015).
Outline of Overall Personal Discovery
Throughout my journey in the NRS-493 Professional Capstone and Practicum, I have discovered various facets of my professional practice. I identified my strengths, including effective communication and critical thinking, while recognizing areas for growth, such as time management and advanced clinical skills. Additionally, I learned the importance of seeking mentorship and utilizing available resources to enhance my practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the reflective journal has provided me with the opportunity to synthesize my learning experiences in the Professional Capstone and Practicum. By critically analyzing various aspects of nursing practice, I have developed a deeper understanding of my role in improving patient care and advocating for health equity.
References
- Bashshur, R. L., Shannon, G. W., Krupinski, E. A., & Grigsby, J. (2016). The role of telehealth in an evolving health care environment: A national survey. Telemedicine and e-Health, 22(2), 85-93.
- Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
- Campinha-Bacote, J. (2019). Promoting Cultural Competence in Nursing. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 30(1), 98-102.
- Hollander, J. E., & Carr, B. G. (2020). Virtually Perfect? Telemedicine for Covid-19. The New England Journal of Medicine, 382(18), 1679-1681.
- Institute of Medicine. (2015). The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People: Building a Foundation for Better Understanding. National Academies Press.
- Kitson, A., Marshall, A., Bassett, K., & Zeitz, K. (2013). What are the core elements of patient-centered care? A qualitative study. Nursing Research, 62(4), 202-210.
- McGowan, J. R., et al. (2019). The role of electronic health records in medication management. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 76(2), 107-113.
- Marmot, M. (2018). Social determinants of health inequalities. The Lancet, 365(9464), 1099-1104.
- Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
- Reeves, S., Pelone, F., Harrison, R., & Goldman, J. (2016). Interprofessional collaboration to improve professional practice and healthcare outcomes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3, CD007953.
- Wagner, C. E., et al. (2017). The Role of Nurse Leaders as Change Agents in Quality Improvement Initiatives. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 41(4), 321-328.