Reflect On Your Learning Experience Throughout Nursing
Reflect On Your Learning Experience Throughout The Nursing Program In
Reflect on your learning experience throughout the nursing program. Include in your reflection an analysis of your learning experience and how your experience derived from patient-nurse interactions, intra-professional and inter-professional interactions, and appreciation for the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for the profession of nursing. Make connections between the learning experience as well as content from other courses in the curriculum, past learning, life experiences, and future goals. Include in your reflection your next steps and goals as you prepare to graduate. Include in your reflection a discussion on how you have acquired each EPSLO.
Use specific examples from your clinical experiences in NUR 250 and NUR 290 to describe how you obtained each of these competencies. In NUR 250 and 290, I gave medication and made a care plan for patients. I used evidence-based practice, such as the Braden Scale and Morse Scale. During NUR 290/250 clinicals, I worked with orthopedic patients with broken bones, assisting with activities of daily living and observing nurses administering IVs and starting peripheral IVs.
Paper For Above instruction
My journey through the nursing program has been a transformative experience that has deepened my understanding of the multifaceted nature of nursing practice. Throughout my clinical rotations, especially in NUR 250 and NUR 290, I have cultivated essential skills and attitudes that align with the core competencies required for a professional nurse. These experiences have not only enhanced my clinical skills but also fostered a profound appreciation for patient-centered care, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based practice.
Patient-nurse interactions have been pivotal in shaping my learning. In NUR 250, I had the opportunity to develop individualized care plans by assessing patients' needs and preferences, which highlighted the importance of holistic and compassionate care. For instance, working with orthopedic patients with broken bones, I learned to prioritize their comfort and mobility, facilitating activities of daily living. These interactions underscored the significance of empathy, active listening, and effective communication in establishing trust and therapeutic relationships. One memorable moment was assisting a patient in mobilizing after surgery, which reinforced the value of patience and encouragement in nursing practice.
Intra-professional and inter-professional collaborations have demonstrated how teamwork enhances patient outcomes. I observed and participated in interdisciplinary rounds, where nurses, physicians, physical therapists, and social workers collaborated to develop comprehensive care plans. For example, during my clinical shifts, I witnessed how effective communication among team members led to timely interventions and improved recovery trajectories. These experiences taught me the importance of professional respect and open, clear communication in ensuring coordinated care.
The knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for nursing have been reinforced through practical application of evidence-based practices. In NUR 250 and 290, I utilized tools like the Braden Scale to assess pressure injury risk and the Morse Scale for fall risk, guiding preventive interventions. Administering medications and establishing peripheral IV lines with supervision refined my technical skills, emphasizing safety, precision, and aseptic technique. These clinical activities solidified my understanding of pharmacology and vascular access, integral components of safe nursing practice.
My learning has been interconnected with content from other courses, such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and ethics, which provided foundational knowledge for clinical decision-making. For instance, understanding vascular anatomy was crucial when starting IVs, and knowledge of pharmacokinetics supported safe medication administration. Life experiences, including caring for family members and volunteering, have also contributed to my empathy and cultural competence, which are vital for holistic patient care.
Looking forward, my next steps involve further developing my clinical skills, pursuing specialization in orthopedic or rehabilitative nursing, and earning advanced certifications in patient safety and wound care. My long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner, contributing to evidence-based practice and health promotion.
Regarding the EPSLOs (Educational Program Student Learning Outcomes), I have acquired each competency through targeted clinical activities and reflective practice. For example, I demonstrated critical thinking and clinical judgment when developing care plans; effective communication during interdisciplinary teamwork; and professionalism through ethical decision-making and accountability. Specifically, giving medications taught me precision and adherence to safety protocols, while creating care plans honed my assessment and planning skills. These experiences collectively have prepared me for my upcoming transition into professional practice.
References
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.
- Doenges, M. E., Moorhouse, M. F., & Murr, A. C. (2019). Nurse’s book of excel spreadsheets. F.A. Davis Company.
- Lewallen, L. P., & Crane, P. (2019). Becoming a nurse: A foundational guide. F. A. Davis Company.
- Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Wolters Kluwer.
- Yoder-Wise, P. S. (2020). Leading and managing in nursing. Elsevier.
- Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert. Modeling professional development in nursing practice. Advances in Nursing Science, 3(1), 62–72.
- Hankins, M., & Nancarrow, S. (2018). Interprofessional collaboration in healthcare. Elsevier.
- Gordon, S., & Leininger, M. (2017). Culture care diversity and universality. Nursing Science Quarterly, 30(4), 294-300.
- AHRQ. (2020). Patient safety and quality improvement. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
- Schmidt, N. A., & Brown, J. M. (2019). Evidence-based practice for nurses. Jones & Bartlett Learning.