Introduction:
At 107-109 Avenue D, part of the Community Access organization, I was given a rare opportunity to be immersed in a learning experience. Formally, I was able to learn about the role of the community health nurse, the nursing profession itself, the Community Access organization, how clients cope with their unique conditions, and how to work with this specific population. In the midst of that experience, I was fortunate enough to be guided well to gain “unobservable” knowledge, or, internal skills such as self-reflection, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. At 107-109 Avenue D, I was encouraged to fulfill several objectives that shaped me in my personal and professional growth.
Objective 1: Demonstrates individual professionalism through personal behaviors and appearance.
Firstly, objective one regards individual professionalism through personal behaviors and appearance. Individual professionalism was defined as assuming responsibility for my own learning, preparing from clinical learning, actively participating in conferences, punctual attendance, and professional dress. When guidance was needed, I was sure to reach out to the Professor who supported me through my whole experience. Maintaining client confidentiality and not discussing cases outside of the setting or with people not involved in care also demonstrated professionalism.
Objective 2: Employ analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills when providing care to individuals and families in the community setting.
Secondly, the next objective involves reasoning. With the professor’s guidance with techniques such as motivational interviewing and encouraging us to think, I was able to use my reasoning skills. I interviewed clients and collaborated with the director of the facility to provide necessary care. I looked holistically at clients to assess the impact of developmental, emotional, cultural, and spiritual influences of the client. One client in particular, P., disclosed that he was very into spirituality and we explored how it influences his health. Another client, G., gave us deep insight into her emotional life which helped us guide conversations. Aside from the spiritual aspect, physical assessments were made regarding hygiene, general appearance, and a general survey. We set priorities and goals with the residents to work together safely. As the process went on, we made necessary modifications (if any) to the course of care. Also, by reasoning, safe and unsafe situations were identified and dealt with accordingly. Our main concern was safety for staff, the residents, and ourselves and we were not faced with any compromising situations.
Objective 3: Effectively communicate with the diverse groups and disciplines using a variety of strategies regarding the health needs of the individuals and families in the community setting.
In addition, objective three regards communication in the community setting. Therapeutic communication was utilized and appropriate channels of communication were followed. Given the diverse population, I had to be conscious of my thoughts and the content of my speech. I approached everyone with respect and care and was successful in breaking any potential communication barriers regarding group diversity. There was clear communication with the instructor and feedback was always provided to keep us on track. We worked closely with the director to share any significant findings we had. We used a Community Access Weekly Report log to track and document findings.
Objective 4: Establish environment conducive to learning and use a plan for learners based on evidence-based practice.
By the same token, objective four involves learning as the resident. We held group discussions and meetings as well as one-on one sessions to teach residents about health and health-related practices. We held a tobacco discussion group, nutrition hour, tips on healthy eating on a budget, and other things. We established an environment conducive to learning with the help of the staff that encouraged residents to attend our meetings, minimizing background noise, and holding residents’ attention. Individually, we developed teaching plans based on the goals of the resident. For example, one resident wanted to control their weight and we taught them about diet, nutrition, and exercise. Learning was also evaluated continuously and we had residents re-explain what we explained to them as a form of return-demonstration.
Objective 5: Utilize informational technology when managing individual and families in the community.
Also, there was some form of utilizing informational technology when managing individuals and families in the community, as objective five states. Though we did not utilize informatics heavily, we used Access computers and the web-based database to access and read information regarding clients and care. The Internet and electronic sources contain sensitive information that we knew to keep confidential at all times. We were sure to close out of browsers, make sure no one could read over our shoulders, and log off when finished accessing information.
Objective 6: Demonstrate a commitment to professional development.
Furthermore, objective six deals with professional development. We were encouraged to research and keep current with the issues that surround the community and it’s various populations. Appropriate literature was utilized so that we could make informed decisions with the most up-to-date research and articles. We were encouraged to engage in self-evaluations, which gave us a moment to reflect on our development. In doing this, we were able to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas of improvement. Also, on this facet of community nursing, we were able to see the professional challenges of the field.
Objective 7: Incorporate professional nursing standards and accountability into practice.
In addition, the seventh objective regards the incorporation of professional nursing standards and accountability into practice. We used the American Nurses Association Standards in clinical practice to guide our interactions. The standards and ethical components of the ANA Standards ensured we were acting professionally and caring efficiently. The agency also had standards of practice regarding conduct, protocol, professionalism, etc., that we were informed about and held accountable for. Also, Community Access held us accountable for their mission and how we can contribute to its pursuit. The mission of Community Access is as follows:
“Community Access expands opportunities for people living with mental health concerns to recover from trauma and discrimination through affordable housing, training, advocacy and healing-focused services. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives.”
Objective 8: Collaborate with clients, significant support persons and members of the health care team.
Moreover, objective eight reflects one of the mist important objectives, which highlights collaboration. At this site, the resident was our main focus. By collaborating with the health care team, we provide a continuation of care that is consistent and effective. We conducted individual interviews to address concerns and set goals. Client needs and therapeutic interventions were explored. In the case of G., we asked her to speak about her concerns in an interview. We then helped her prioritize and come up with realistic plans and goals to address as many of her concerns. For example, the interview revealed that she had some psychosocial needs that needed to be met and that she was feeling that her family ties were not strong. We let her speak candidly and at the end, helped guide her to her own way of addressing her concern. This collaboration and “guided autonomy” allowed her to feel empowered and in control of her situation. We also guided clients on how to make appropriate lifestyle and treatment choices. We coached on nutrition, sleep, habits, substance abuse, medication compliance, health-care provider visit compliance, and more. Furthermore, we assisted clients when we were able to make connections to other community agencies. Though we did not have the initiating-hand in connecting clients to agencies, we encouraged them to seek out other agencies and organizations for assistance. One example of this is finding the number for the Mobile Crisis Unit to help G. with her brother.
Objective 9: Recognize the impact of economic, political, social, and demographic forces that affect the delivery of health care services.
Lastly, objective nine calls for students tor ecognize the impact of economic, political, social and demographic forces. We were able to have first-hand experience in recognizing gaps in the health care system. We worked with a marginalized group that needs assistance that does not receive it. Though premature, I am able to brainstorm a few ideas to fix these problems. One suggestion I have is to educate the public about the health needs of the mentally ill population. With understanding, more people are likely to assist. Fear of the unknown can be alleviated with education and can be a vital first step in a solution. For me, acting as a change agent is one of my personal goals. Now that I have this experience under my belt, I am better able to speak about the issues surrounding this population and can be proactive in making a difference.
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