Reflection On Professional Self For This Week

Reflection on Professional Self For this first week’s reflection exercise

For this week’s reflection exercise, I am asked to examine my personal experiences and future goals, particularly in relation to my career path. I have extensive experience working in a nursing home for over 20 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Throughout this time, I have developed qualities such as kindness, compassion, and a genuine ability to connect with people. I take pride in being a people’s person, which has allowed me to provide quality care to residents and create meaningful relationships. However, I have also faced challenges, notably encountering rude family members or beligerent residents. I recognize that some of these negative interactions are rooted in the residents’ age and the physical and mental changes that come with aging. These experiences have informed my approach to caregiving, emphasizing patience, empathy, and professionalism.

Paper For Above instruction

As I reflect on my professional journey, I realize that my work as a CNA has profoundly shaped my personal and career development. The years I spent caring for elderly residents have instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and the importance of compassionate healthcare. My experience has also highlighted the significance of interpersonal skills, patience, and resilience—traits I intend to carry forward into my future career endeavors. Despite having dedicated over two decades to nursing home work, I have recognized the need for growth and have taken steps toward pursuing an educational degree to expand my career options and impact.

My unique strengths include my empathetic nature, patience, and ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals. As Dinsmore (2012) emphasizes, identifying what makes us unique is crucial in pursuing meaningful work. I plan to apply these strengths in future healthcare roles, possibly in nursing education, healthcare administration, or community health advocacy. These roles will allow me to leverage my firsthand experience in eldercare while expanding my ability to influence broader healthcare policies and practices. My interpersonal skills will be especially valuable in leadership, training, or patient-centered care initiatives, where understanding and compassion are essential.

Values such as compassion, integrity, and respect are at the core of my identity. I believe that careers aligned with these values not only foster personal fulfillment but also contribute positively to the community. My current work has reinforced the importance of providing ethical, person-centered care that respects each individual’s dignity. Pursuing a career in healthcare management or policy development aligns with my values because it allows me to advocate for improved patient care, better working conditions for staff, and systemic improvements in eldercare services. Supporting these values through my future career will enable me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and enhance the quality of healthcare services.

My professional choices have been significantly influenced by both positive and negative experiences. Positive interactions with residents and their families have reinforced my commitment to caregiving and motivated me to improve the quality of eldercare. Negative encounters, particularly with challenging family members or residents exhibiting difficult behaviors, have taught me resilience and patience. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the complexities inherent in healthcare and have driven me to seek advanced education, aiming to better serve my community. Moreover, witnessing the impact of empathetic care has inspired me to pursue roles where I can advocate for patient rights and foster empathetic healthcare environments.

Defining success for me extends beyond personal achievement. It involves making a tangible positive impact on the lives of those I serve and continuously improving my skills and knowledge. Success includes providing compassionate care, effectively advocating for patients, and advancing my education to broaden my professional capabilities. I aspire to be a role model for compassion and professionalism in healthcare, influencing others to uphold the dignity and well-being of every individual they encounter.

In conclusion, my extensive experience as a CNA, coupled with my personal values and lessons learned, has laid a solid foundation for my future career. I am committed to leveraging my strengths and values to pursue roles that bring about meaningful change in eldercare and healthcare management. My journey reflects a continual pursuit of growth, compassion, and impact—key components of a fulfilling professional life. With this reflection, I am motivated to embrace new opportunities that align with my core beliefs and aspirations, ensuring that I contribute positively to the health and dignity of my community.

References

  • Collamer, N. (2013). The perfect elevator pitch to land a job. Retrieved from https://www.liveyourlegend.com
  • Ashford University. (2016). The elevator pitch [PDF file].
  • Willis, J., & Mitchell, G. (2014). The neuroscience of learning: Principles and applications for educators. Chapter 1.2: Why Should Educators Learn Neuroscience?
  • Red Mountain Multigenerational Center. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://redmountaincenter.com
  • Ashford University. (2014). Bullet point worksheet. Retrieved from https://ashford.instructure.com
  • TEDxGoldenGatePark. (2012). How to find and do work you love | Scott Dinsmore | TEDxGoldenGatePark (2D) [Video].
  • Live your legend. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://liveyourlegend.com
  • Book: Willis, J., & Mitchell, G. (2014). The neuroscience of learning: Principles and applications for educators.
  • Web page: Red Mountain Multigenerational Center. (n.d.). Retrieved fromhttps://redmountaincenter.com
  • Ashford University. (2017). The Multigenerational Center clients [Video].

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