Narrative Self-Reflection of the Community Health Service Learning Project:
My clinical experience at the Kings County Hospital in spring semester 2014 has provided me with an excellent opportunity to best utilize my skills while contributing to the health community, patients, and their families. I have molded my skills in order to meet my clinical objectives and simultaneously achieve my goal of becoming a better nurse. The aim of this reflection is to self-evaluate the performance of the tasks required to successfully complete the semester.
Objective 1: Demonstrate Individual professionalism through personal behavior and appearance.
As a nursing student, I was highly motivated this semester to carry out academic and clinical tasks with the ability to handle even the most challenging situations. I tried to demonstrate a strong professional commitment to my nursing education and deliver safe nursing care for my assigned clients. Maintaining client’s confidentiality as according to HIPAA standards was my greatest priority. I attended the clinical dressed professionally and punctually from 8:30am-12:30pm in accordance with the school policy. Being responsible for my own learning by reading required texts books, blogging about the clinical experience and preparing research for clinical learning facilitated appropriate encoding clinical guidance.
Objective 2: Employ analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills when providing care to individuals and families in the community setting.
Each patient is a unique person therefore my approached was based individually with a specific tailored interview, assessment, plan and implementation. During the assessment, subjective and objective data was collected in order to identify patient specific self-care needs. I prioritized the client care base on analysis of data and demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering safe nursing care in a timely manner. Medication was administered by nurses who work at the unit therefore I was not able to practice this skill in this semester. I summarized the impression of patient progress toward outcome and usually patient verbalized optimism and hopeful attitude which is very rewarding for the nurse. I utilized principles of personal safety when I worked at Kings County Hospital.
Objective 3: Effective Communicate with diverse groups and disciplines using a variety of strategies regarding the health needs of individuals and families in the community setting.
Effective communication in the community settings is vital to patients and their families’ health care. In New York City, which is the most culturally diverse place in the United States, hospitals identified many challenges related to a culturally diverse population. In addition, many hospitals admit as extremely challenging finding linguistically competent personnel that would overcome these challenges. Because of the importance of patient’s safety, provision of language services is used with a patient consent. This issue is still work in progress and is not wildly available and is limited to only few languages. Such as Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin. I communicate clearly and effectively with clinical instructor, peers and health care team that I have worked with this semester. In addition I reported and documented assessment and nursing intervention accurately after each clinical.
Objective 4: Establish environment conductive to learning and use a plan for learners base on evidence-based practice.
Before I develop and implement my diabetic teaching plan I utilized an extensive research in nursing literature. The goal of successful management of diabetes is to keep glucose in a near normal range to avoid complication. I kept in mind that although people with diabetes spend a lot of time learning about the disease, sometimes it is too much information that is discouraging and ineffective. An effective teaching method is leading the patient into an understanding of the disease medication regimen, nutrition and lifestyle changes. During the interview while teaching is being implemented it is very important that nurses monitor the patient’s emotional state in order to promote a stress-free environment.
Objective 5: Utilize informational technology when managing individual and families in the community.
I maintained strict confidentiality of the client records while I accessed medical information stored in the hospital computer system. Patient information was only access if it was necessary, I always log off after I retrieved my data and I have not used patient’s full name for any purpose, initials only. My understanding is that nurses as health professionals who regularly used confidential medical records while working with the client should adhere to the standards, policies and laws which protect the client’s medical records.
Objective 6: Demonstrate a commitment to professional development.
Challenging opportunity is being created by high standards which demand and push nurses to continue their education in order to demonstrate excellent skills. Thus, hospitals today require nurses to obtain at least 4 year baccalaureate degree before starting to work. I think this is a great idea because study has found lower mortality rate in the hospitals when nurses have high education. Moreover nurses have expressed a more positive job experience and safe environment to personnel and patients. I am committed to adjust to the challenge for lifelong learning which will help me to develop and grow in today’s comparative world. Cross-training has been used as a recruitment strategy by many hospitals including Kings County Hospital to increase productivity and prevent nursing shortage. Retraining empowers a nurse to gain knowledge outside of the area of her specialty as well as personal long term development. Before creating a care plan for client I use appropriate and current literature which is based on valuable research and proved by evidence-base practice.
Objective 7: Incorporate professional nursing standards and accountability into practice
I demonstrate strong professional commitment into my nursing education and I had delivered safe nursing care consistent with the American Nurses Association Standards in clinical practice. All activities that have been done by me were authorized and supervised by my clinical instructor. I was highly conscientious during this time and I set high standards for myself and others. I am confident that I have made a positive contribution for this institution.
Objective 8: collaborate with clients, significant support persons and members of the health care team.
I collaborated effectively with my classmates, clinical instructor and healthcare team in order to achieve optimal success this semester. I have learned that client-center approach is significantly supportive for the patient success. It is very important to assist the client in obtaining items that are needed for glucose monitoring and insulin administering as this could also promote good diabetes control. Demonstration and instructional techniques could teach self monitoring and promotes self independence. In addition I identify and provide available resources for my clients and I help to make connections with various agencies in the community.
Objective 9: Recognize the impact of economic, political, social and demographic forces that affect the delivery of health care services.
Healthcare is transforming into a business with skyrocketed cost that has little to do with good quality care. Overuse of an expensive procedure, poor quality of care and medical errors are the major factors which contribute to wasteful spending. Nurses can assist with cost and quality by utilizing cost effective technique that improve productivity and reduce error before implementation. New technological innovations utilized in the clinical settings and work as one unit for everyone’s success could be a revolution method of working smarter rather than harder. Innovations such as wireless communication solution, wireless patient monitoring, real time location system, delivery robots, and electronic medication administration with bar coding, workflow management system and finally electronic documentation with clinical decision support facilitate a faster more convenient safer quality of care. One of the solutions to reduce skyrocketing cost of health care delivery system is to directly involve patients and their families into health promotion and illness prevention services. Nurse must act as a change agent while advocating for appropriate care for her/his client. Therefore, building a strong partnership with recipient of health will result in mutual contentment.
In conclusion, clinical experience at the Kings County Hospital was very educational and significantly improved my skills and knowledge.
My clinical experience at the Kings County Hospital in spring semester 2014 has provided me with an excellent opportunity to best utilize my skills while contributing to the health community, patients, and their families. I have molded my skills in order to meet my clinical objectives and simultaneously achieve my goal of becoming a better nurse. The aim of this reflection is to self-evaluate the performance of the tasks required to successfully complete the semester.
Objective 1: Demonstrate Individual professionalism through personal behavior and appearance.
As a nursing student, I was highly motivated this semester to carry out academic and clinical tasks with the ability to handle even the most challenging situations. I tried to demonstrate a strong professional commitment to my nursing education and deliver safe nursing care for my assigned clients. Maintaining client’s confidentiality as according to HIPAA standards was my greatest priority. I attended the clinical dressed professionally and punctually from 8:30am-12:30pm in accordance with the school policy. Being responsible for my own learning by reading required texts books, blogging about the clinical experience and preparing research for clinical learning facilitated appropriate encoding clinical guidance.
Objective 2: Employ analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills when providing care to individuals and families in the community setting.
Each patient is a unique person therefore my approached was based individually with a specific tailored interview, assessment, plan and implementation. During the assessment, subjective and objective data was collected in order to identify patient specific self-care needs. I prioritized the client care base on analysis of data and demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering safe nursing care in a timely manner. Medication was administered by nurses who work at the unit therefore I was not able to practice this skill in this semester. I summarized the impression of patient progress toward outcome and usually patient verbalized optimism and hopeful attitude which is very rewarding for the nurse. I utilized principles of personal safety when I worked at Kings County Hospital.
Objective 3: Effective Communicate with diverse groups and disciplines using a variety of strategies regarding the health needs of individuals and families in the community setting.
Effective communication in the community settings is vital to patients and their families’ health care. In New York City, which is the most culturally diverse place in the United States, hospitals identified many challenges related to a culturally diverse population. In addition, many hospitals admit as extremely challenging finding linguistically competent personnel that would overcome these challenges. Because of the importance of patient’s safety, provision of language services is used with a patient consent. This issue is still work in progress and is not wildly available and is limited to only few languages. Such as Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin. I communicate clearly and effectively with clinical instructor, peers and health care team that I have worked with this semester. In addition I reported and documented assessment and nursing intervention accurately after each clinical.
Objective 4: Establish environment conductive to learning and use a plan for learners base on evidence-based practice.
Before I develop and implement my diabetic teaching plan I utilized an extensive research in nursing literature. The goal of successful management of diabetes is to keep glucose in a near normal range to avoid complication. I kept in mind that although people with diabetes spend a lot of time learning about the disease, sometimes it is too much information that is discouraging and ineffective. An effective teaching method is leading the patient into an understanding of the disease medication regimen, nutrition and lifestyle changes. During the interview while teaching is being implemented it is very important that nurses monitor the patient’s emotional state in order to promote a stress-free environment.
Objective 5: Utilize informational technology when managing individual and families in the community.
I maintained strict confidentiality of the client records while I accessed medical information stored in the hospital computer system. Patient information was only access if it was necessary, I always log off after I retrieved my data and I have not used patient’s full name for any purpose, initials only. My understanding is that nurses as health professionals who regularly used confidential medical records while working with the client should adhere to the standards, policies and laws which protect the client’s medical records.
Objective 6: Demonstrate a commitment to professional development.
Challenging opportunity is being created by high standards which demand and push nurses to continue their education in order to demonstrate excellent skills. Thus, hospitals today require nurses to obtain at least 4 year baccalaureate degree before starting to work. I think this is a great idea because study has found lower mortality rate in the hospitals when nurses have high education. Moreover nurses have expressed a more positive job experience and safe environment to personnel and patients. I am committed to adjust to the challenge for lifelong learning which will help me to develop and grow in today’s comparative world. Cross-training has been used as a recruitment strategy by many hospitals including Kings County Hospital to increase productivity and prevent nursing shortage. Retraining empowers a nurse to gain knowledge outside of the area of her specialty as well as personal long term development. Before creating a care plan for client I use appropriate and current literature which is based on valuable research and proved by evidence-base practice.
Objective 7: Incorporate professional nursing standards and accountability into practice
I demonstrate strong professional commitment into my nursing education and I had delivered safe nursing care consistent with the American Nurses Association Standards in clinical practice. All activities that have been done by me were authorized and supervised by my clinical instructor. I was highly conscientious during this time and I set high standards for myself and others. I am confident that I have made a positive contribution for this institution.
Objective 8: collaborate with clients, significant support persons and members of the health care team.
I collaborated effectively with my classmates, clinical instructor and healthcare team in order to achieve optimal success this semester. I have learned that client-center approach is significantly supportive for the patient success. It is very important to assist the client in obtaining items that are needed for glucose monitoring and insulin administering as this could also promote good diabetes control. Demonstration and instructional techniques could teach self monitoring and promotes self independence. In addition I identify and provide available resources for my clients and I help to make connections with various agencies in the community.
Objective 9: Recognize the impact of economic, political, social and demographic forces that affect the delivery of health care services.
Healthcare is transforming into a business with skyrocketed cost that has little to do with good quality care. Overuse of an expensive procedure, poor quality of care and medical errors are the major factors which contribute to wasteful spending. Nurses can assist with cost and quality by utilizing cost effective technique that improve productivity and reduce error before implementation. New technological innovations utilized in the clinical settings and work as one unit for everyone’s success could be a revolution method of working smarter rather than harder. Innovations such as wireless communication solution, wireless patient monitoring, real time location system, delivery robots, and electronic medication administration with bar coding, workflow management system and finally electronic documentation with clinical decision support facilitate a faster more convenient safer quality of care. One of the solutions to reduce skyrocketing cost of health care delivery system is to directly involve patients and their families into health promotion and illness prevention services. Nurse must act as a change agent while advocating for appropriate care for her/his client. Therefore, building a strong partnership with recipient of health will result in mutual contentment.
In conclusion, clinical experience at the Kings County Hospital was very educational and significantly improved my skills and knowledge.
