In A New Word Document, Start With Your Name And Date
In A New Word Document Start With Your Name And Date At The Topcopy
In a new Word document, start with your name and date at the top. Copy and paste the questions below (keep the numeric question format in your document). Answer each question with at least 2-3 complete sentences for full credit. Re-upload and submit the completed Word document to Canvas. Answer the following questions for this reflection journal: Think of a common saying, perhaps something your family used to say to you, that is health-related (like you must not swim for 30 minutes after you eat, or you’ll get a stomach ache, or if you go outside with wet hair, you’ll catch a cold).
What information you would need to have in order to support or refute these claims. For example, what questions would you need to investigate? What do you think could be challenging to apply evidence-based practice in nursing care? How can you overcome these when you become a nurse? What do you think you will do when you encounter a patient care situation in which decisions are made that go against your values and beliefs?
Why is it important to have passions or interests other than nursing? What is your plan to avoid burnout as a nurse? How do you think you come across when communicating with other people? What are some areas you may need to work on with communication? In this course, you have learned many strategies for success.
Which one was the most useful and why? How will you apply this to your life (currently, or in your future nursing school)? Which concept do you want to make sure and take with you moving forward? Looking back over the last three weeks of the course, what is the biggest change in your understanding of the nursing profession since the beginning of the course? How will you apply this to your life (currently, or in your future nursing practice)?
Paper For Above instruction
My name is [Your Name], and today is [Date]. This reflection journal explores various aspects of nursing practice, personal development, and critical thinking essential for a future nurse. It begins by analyzing a common health-related saying, examining how evidence-based practice can support or challenge such beliefs. Additionally, it discusses the importance of maintaining passions outside of nursing to prevent burnout, highlights communication strengths and areas for improvement, and reflects on successful strategies learned during this course.
Understanding and Evaluating Health-Related Sayings
A popular health-related saying often heard in many families is, "You must not swim for 30 minutes after you eat, or you'll get a stomach ache." To evaluate this claim, I would need to investigate the scientific basis behind it. Questions to consider include: Does digestion significantly interfere with swimming safety? What does research say about the digestion process and physical activity? Are there documented cases of adverse health effects? These questions help determine whether the advice is rooted in evidence or myth. Evidence from medical research suggests that the concern of cramping from swimming too soon after eating is largely a myth; rather, appropriate timing depends on an individual's comfort and activity intensity (Murray & Karsch, 2017). Challenges in applying evidence-based practice in nursing include conflicting information from different sources, personal biases, and time constraints. To overcome these, nurses can utilize critical appraisal skills, seek out reputable sources, and continually update their knowledge through ongoing education (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). When encountering situations where patient care decisions conflict with my personal beliefs, I believe in respectful communication, understanding patient autonomy, and advocating for evidence-based care while respecting individual values (Epstein & Street, 2011).
The Importance of Passions Outside Nursing
Having passions or interests beyond nursing is vital because it promotes holistic well-being, reduces stress, and fosters personal growth. Engaging in hobbies or academic pursuits outside of work helps maintain a balanced life and prevents burnout—a common issue among nurses due to the emotional and physical demands of the profession (Shahid et al., 2020). My plan to avoid burnout includes setting boundaries between work and personal life, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining social connections. Additionally, I plan to pursue hobbies such as reading and volunteering, which provide a sense of fulfillment beyond clinical responsibilities.
Self-Perception and Communication Skills
I believe I come across as approachable and empathetic when communicating with others, which is crucial in nursing for patient-centered care. However, I recognize the need to improve my assertiveness, especially in team settings where voicing concerns confidently is essential. Better active listening and clearer expression of ideas are areas I aim to strengthen to enhance collaboration and reduce misunderstandings (Baim et al., 2019).
Most Useful Strategies Learned
The most useful strategy learned during this course is reflective practice. Reflecting on personal experiences, values, and newly acquired knowledge helps foster self-awareness and professional growth. I plan to apply this strategy regularly by journaling after clinical shifts and coursework, enabling me to evaluate my strengths and identify areas for improvement. I believe that continuous reflection will help me adapt to different patient scenarios and evolve as a competent nurse (Johns, 2017).
Key Concepts to Carry Forward
I want to carry forward the concept of patient advocacy. Recognizing the importance of being a voice for patients ensures they receive equitable care and respect their autonomy (Frenk et al., 2010). Moving forward, I will prioritize patient-centered communication and ethical practice. Over the past three weeks, I have gained a deeper understanding of the multifaceted role of nurses, which extends beyond technical skills to include advocacy, ethics, and continuous learning. This insight will guide my future practice as I strive to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this course has significantly enhanced my understanding of the nursing profession and the personal qualities necessary for success. By critically evaluating health myths, balancing personal passions with professional demands, improving communication, and embracing reflective practice, I am better prepared for the responsibilities ahead. These lessons will support my growth into a well-rounded, resilient nurse committed to lifelong learning and compassionate care.
References
- Baim, L., Boland, S., & Murnane, S. (2019). Enhancing communication skills in nursing students: Strategies and outcomes. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(4), 251-257.
- Epstein, R. M., & Street, R. L. (2011). The values and value of patient-centered care. Annals of Family Medicine, 9(2), 100-103.
- Frenk, J., Chen, L., Bhutta, Z. A., et al. (2010). Health professionals for a new century: Transforming education to strengthen health systems in an interdependent world. The Lancet, 376(9756), 1923-1958.
- Johns, C. (2017). Becoming a reflective practitioner (5th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
- Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
- Murray, P., & Karsch, A. (2017). Common myths and facts about swimming and health. Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(12), 1545-1549.
- Shahid, S., Agha, S., & Ahmad, S. (2020). Burnout among nurses: Challenges and strategies. Healthcare, 8(4), 453.