Self Narrative Reflection Toggle navigation

SHAKEENA JOHNSON
PROFESSOR EGUES
COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING
6/24/14
             Community Health Nursing is a vital aspect in the healthcare field. Prior to taking this course, I was unaware of how important it is to get out into the community to be the voice of the people and to help make a difference. Community health nurses are valued for their non-judgmental attitude and their dedication to wanting to make a change. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to partake in my clinical rotation at The Stein Senior Center. Below, I will discuss my Self Reflection Narrative that will show how I satisfied the nine Community Health Nursing Objectives for this course.
 
Objective 1: Demonstrates individual professionalism through personal behaviors and appearance.
            Demonstrating individual professionalism is a large aspect of providing accurate, high quality nursing care. Nursing is one of the most trusted professions. Maintaining client confidentiality, accountability, having excellent time management and communication skills were all showcased when interacting with the members of the Stein Senior Center. Having a positive attitude, polished look and poised image are also very important and these traits were demonstrated while conversing with the members. If anyone needed clarification about anything, the professor was always there to answer a question.
 
Objective 2: Employ analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills when providing care to individuals and families in the community setting.
Analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills are always one of the most important techniques used when dealing with various members of the community and when it comes to providing nursing care. Although, medication administration wasn’t done in the center, patient teaching regarding medication was implemented with many members. Since we were offering blood pressure screenings, many members opted to have their readings done. Some were on medication and teaching was provided regarding the use and side effects of the medication in which they were taking. The members were very appreciative and grateful for the time we took to show and explain. I was actually surprised when a few members actually knew the medication they were taking, the dose, use and side effects.

Objective 3: Effectively communicate with diverse groups and disciplines using a variety of strategies regarding the health needs of individuals and families in the community setting. While socializing with the members, I was very attentive; I leaned in while listening, used open ended questioning, shared eye contact and spoke to them in clear concise words, medical jargon was not used. For the most part, many of the seniors that I came in contact with were very open and talkative. Developing a rapport was not hard at all. I enjoyed speaking with them and clarifying to them, sometimes with the help of my instructor, anything that was “up in the air”.

Objective 4: Establish environment conducive to learning and use a plan for learners based on evidence-based practice.
            The Stein Senior Center is a comfortable, spacious facility free of clutter and well lit: an environment that is highly recommended for the elderly. The Center offers classes for belly dancing, knitting, meditation, chorus, bridge and more. In addition, we also put together two presentations on “Hearing and Vision” and Falls and Balance”. The presentations were in a classroom like setting where the elderly asked questions and demonstrated what we taught.

Objective 5: Utilize informational technology when managing individual and families in the community.
            The Stein Center has a computer room available to the members as well as us, the students. The computers were equipped with the up to date programs as the seniors are very much into the latest technology. One gentleman I spoke with, emailed his grand daughter everyday.

Objective 6. Demonstrate a commitment to professional development
My commitment to professional development has been demonstrated by continuing to advance my education, staying current with evolving technology, evidence based nursing practices and seeking and referring to research no later than a 5 year period. In nursing, you never stop learning. It’s a continuous learning process throughout your entire career span.

Objective 7. Incorporate professional nursing standards and accountability into practice
American Nurses Association standards are always utilized as a guideline when providing quality nursing care. During blood pressure screenings, patient’s confidentiality has always been maintained. The Stein center has rules, regulations and policies in which were abided by at all times.

Objective 8. Collaborate with clients, significant support persons and members of the
health care team
As stated earlier, as a team we were able to come together to present two topics that were of major concern to the Stein Senior Center members. We collaborated with the Deputy Director, our professor, our colleagues and the staff of the center. One on one discussions on medication treatment and lifestyle changes were also addressed.

Objective 9. Recognize the impact of economic, political, social and demographic forces that affect the delivery of health care services
It is very clear that monetary funds are limited to the members of the center. Many of them are living on fixed incomes and look forward to the very affordable meal they receive when visiting the center. I also find that when seniors make visits to their healthcare providers, they either forget to write down their questions or are too intimidated to ask the provider questions. Patients need nurses who can advocate for them so they can feel comfortable with the information they receive.

In conclusion, this course has opened my eyes to the many issues that seniors are faced with throughout their community. My experience at the Stein Senior Center has been a great one. I will continue to be an advocate and leader throughout my community to help with and aid others. Also, one does not need to have lots of money to spread the word and get the message out there. Where there is a will, there is definitely a way!