Purpose Of Assignment: It is important for nurses to refl ✓ Solved

It is important for nurses to reflect on experiences and new knowledge gained in order to promote professional growth.

Reflect on your development as a nursing professional and address the following in a 1-2 page paper: 1. Describe how you achieved each of the course competencies and the transferable skill. 2. Provide at least one example of new knowledge gained related to each competency and explain how this new knowledge will impact your nursing practice.

Paper For Above Instructions

Nursing is a dynamic profession that demands continuous reflection and adaptation to enhance personal and professional growth. Engaging in self-reflection allows nurses to evaluate their experiences critically, enabling better patient care. In answering the assignment, I will address how I have achieved each course competency and the transferable skill of information literacy, while also illustrating the new knowledge I have gained through my experiences.

Analyzing the Increased Complexity of Care Among Older Adults

One of the most significant competencies is analyzing the increased complexity of care among older adults. I achieved this by participating in a geriatric nursing rotation where I encountered various cases involving comorbidities. For instance, I managed a patient with diabetes and heart disease, which necessitated a comprehensive and layered approach to care. This experience emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach to care, which is critical when dealing with older adults as they may have multiple health challenges. The new knowledge I gained about the intricate nature of managing chronic conditions simultaneously will inform my practice by prompting me to advocate for comprehensive assessments and individual care plans based on the specific needs of older patients.

Comparing Care Models for Nursing Practice Specific to the Older Adult

Comparing different care models was another essential competency addressed in my studies. I explored various nursing care models like the Patient-Centered Care and the Chronic Care Model during our discussions and through collaborative projects. I noted differences in their application during clinical practices. Specifically, I saw firsthand how the Patient-Centered Care model prioritizes the patient's preferences and values, which directly enhances engagement and satisfaction with care. This knowledge will guide my future practice by inspiring me to integrate patient feedback into care plans, ensuring that the care delivered resonates more with the personal values of older adults.

Designing Plans for Care Specific to the Older Adult

Designing individualized care plans is crucial in nursing practice, especially considering the unique needs of elderly patients. Throughout my educational trajectory, I had the opportunity to design care plans for older patients suffering from varying degrees of cognitive decline. Each plan was tailored based on a comprehensive assessment that entertained both physical health and psychosocial factors. For example, I developed a plan that incorporated daily mental engagement activities for a patient with early dementia. The experience taught me about the holistic nature of care and the necessity of incorporating cognitive health into physical health strategies. Moving forward, I aim to continue creating multidisciplinary care plans that address both physical and mental well-being to deliver holistic care.

Identifying Local, State, and National Resources for Older Adults

Identifying resources that facilitate safe and effective transitions of care for older adults is vital for any nursing professional. Through collaboration with community organizations and attending seminars, I learned about available resources such as Meals on Wheels and local senior centers that provide support and companionship. This knowledge significantly affected my approach by highlighting the importance of proper referrals to these resources, thus ensuring a more effective transition of care post-discharge for elderly patients. My future practice will involve actively engaging with these resources to facilitate better patient outcomes.

Incorporating Professional Values, Attitudes, and Expectations

Addressing ageism and incorporating professional values when caring for older adults is imperative for ethical nursing practice. I gained insight into this aspect during a workshop focused on ageism in healthcare, where we discussed its effects on care outcomes. I learned to recognize biases and advocate for respect and dignity in treating older patients. This will inform my practice, as I aim to provide care rooted in respect and understanding, effectively enabling me to treat older patients as individuals deserving of comprehensive care rather than merely as a diagnosis.

Advocating for Older Adults in Management of Their Care

Lastly, advocating for older adults is a crucial component of nursing care. My experience participating in a community health initiative illuminated the barriers older adults face, such as transportation and access to healthcare services. This experience spurred me on to become a more vocal advocate, deeply understanding the necessity for policy change and resource allocation. Through this advocacy, I now recognize the importance of being a voice for those who may feel marginalized within the healthcare system. This new knowledge will serve to instill an unwavering commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations throughout my career.

Information Literacy

The transferable skill of information literacy has been pivotal in my development as a nursing professional. Learning to discover and utilize information effectively enabled me to build a foundational knowledge base for my practice. I engaged with various research articles and evidence-based guidelines, which has allowed me to synthesize information and apply it in real-world settings. This skill will continue to guide my practice, ensuring that I make informed decisions based on the most current and reliable information available.

In conclusion, reflection is essential in nursing, particularly regarding the specialized care of older adults. The experiences I have described underscore my journey through achieving the necessary competencies and the integration of information literacy. The new knowledge gained will profoundly influence my nursing practice, fostering a commitment to advocating for and providing the highest quality care to the elderly population.

References

  • Institute of Medicine. (2012). The Best Care at Lower Cost: The Path to Continuously Learning Health Care in America. National Academies Press.

  • Jokinen, J. J., & Makkonen, M. (2020). The Misunderstood Elderly: Ageism in Healthcare. Journal of Geriatric Care, 15(3), 45-56.

  • World Health Organization. (2015). World Report on Ageing and Health. WHO Press.

  • Hajek, A., & König, H. H. (2019). Ageism in Professional Care: The Impact of Discrimination on the Health Outcomes of Older Adults. BMC Geriatrics, 19(1), 112.

  • American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. Silver Spring, MD: Nursebooks.org.

  • Ellis, M. R., & Tully, M. P. (2019). Patient-Centered Care: Geriatric Nursing in Focus. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(10), 32-38.

  • Miller, J. A. (2018). Caring for the Aging Population: Embedded Challenges. American Nursing Publishing.

  • National Institute on Aging. (2020). Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: A Guide for Patients and Families. NIH Publication.

  • Stucki, G., & Cieza, A. (2020). The Role of Health Care Resources in the Transition of Care for Older Adults. International Journal of Integrated Care, 20(4), 1-10.

  • Sudore, R. L., & Fried, T. R. (2010). Redefining the End of Life: The Role of Patient Values in Advance Care Planning. JAMA, 304(17), 1931-1937.