Course of Study

Psychological Interventions (PSYC 40383)
Competencies: Skills gained in course 
I gained knowledge and insight about the major approaches to psychotherapy including the historical background, major assumptions, therapeutic process and the techniques used to treat psychological disorders of each. I learned how theories can be put into practice in different kinds of therapy. I was required to do a research paper and give a speech about a specific approach to a treatment of a specific disorder. 
Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 
I discovered the significance of the therapeutic relationship and communication in healing and treatment. I came to understand that most therapists employ many different techniques and approaches in order to provide the best treatment for their clients.  I gained knowledge of psychology and psychotherapy in general. I realized my own biases and understood which approaches made the most sense to me. 

Interpersonal and Communication Skills for Health Care Professionals (NURS 20010)

Competencies: Skills gained in course 

I learned about interacting with other people as individuals and as groups and about presenting information. Techniques concerning assertiveness, presentation, critical thinking, collaboration, teamwork, learning and studying, diversity, and communication were emphasized. The importance of APA formatting and research were also stressed. I also developed a nursing portfolio and learned about the N-CLEX through this course. 
Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course?  
I gained the knowledge of effective presentations and communication in general as well as how this applies to nursing. I learned about the responsibilities and roles of nurses and how healthcare teams function. The information I experienced in this class supplemented my other nursing classes.

Foundations of Assessment and Communications in Nursing (NURS 20020)

Competencies: Skills gained in course 
This course provided me with a foundation in nursing and health care knowledge and skills. This class included a lecture and a lab portion in which nursing and communication skills where assessed. It introduced the nursing process, health assessment , community-based nursing, the holistic approach to clients, spirituality, culture, religious practices, the multiple roles of nurses, the significance of communication, therapeutic communication, health and medical histories, subjective and objective data, nursing diagnoses, basic care plans for clients, psychological and psychosocial concepts that affect the health of a client, health promotion, professional nursing, client education, documentation, and disease prevention among other important topics. 
Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 
I learned that nursing is centered on the clients and their needs and that as a student I am building a foundation of knowledge in which I will draw on in my interactions with future clients. I realized that assessments are extremely important and that the client-nurse relationship is significant as well. It is essential to consider all the information and data that you can gain about a client when forming diagnoses. Interaction with the client is central to nursing. 

Human Growth and Development in Nursing (NURS 20950) 

Competencies: Skills gained in course 
I learned about human growth and development throughout every period of life and how culture, gender, and other circumstances affect the individuals. The course focused on physical, cognitive, and social/personality development within each period of life. We considered heredity, family, relationships, attitudes, values, past experiences, developing skills, environmental, cultural, and biological influences, illnesses, developmental problems and issues, ethical dilemmas, death and dying, self-esteem and self-concepts among other things. 
Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 
I learned about normal human growth and development and think that the understanding I gained from this course will be applicable in interacting with others and with clients. I learned about different theories about the psychological, emotional and social state of individuals at different ages and in different circumstances. I think the course is very relevant to understanding clients and myself as well. Patterns are important because they allow us to see what is “normal” or what can be expected on average so discovering a diversion from this normal pattern is easier and can be considered earlier which hopefully proves as an advantage. 

Foundations of Intervention in Nursing (NURS 20030) 
Competencies: Skills gained in course 
This course provided me with knowledge about client care and nursing on many more levels. I learned how important physiology, communication, individual interventions, individualized care plans, individualized nursing diagnoses, underlying rationales and reasoning for nursing actions, and connecting of client situational factors, data, and assessment information. I learned more and practiced documentation of nursing actions, vital signs and assessments, focused assessments and what information to consider based on the client's individual circumstances, medication administration, diagnostic procedures and tests, assistance with ADLS, client safety and precautions, hospital policies and procedures, the teamwork mentality of nursing, reporting-off to a nurse, and special circumstances involving care of oncology patients. I learned subject material about pre-operative and post-operative care, wound assessment and dressings, diagnostics and interpretations, mobility and ambulation, transferring and assisting with movement, the role of nutrition in the body, oxygenation and oxygen therapy, health promotion and fluid and electrolytes among other important topics.
Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 
I used the steps of the nursing process in my actions during clinicals (assessment, diagnosis, outcomes, planning, implementation and evaluation). I learned how significant the client is in nursing. Everything a nurse does is for her clients. This course really made me understand how important it is to understand the reasoning behind nursing actions in order to perform tasks for and with the client in an effective way. Being able to draw upon a network of knowledge and experiences is a very considerable advantage in nursing and critical thinking. I realized how significant understanding client data and information is. I thoroughly enjoyed my clinical experiences and being able to interact with and connect with clients every week. This course has allowed me to look forward to being able to think about the multiple dimensions involved in caring for a client with every interaction.
Patient Teaching Example
During one of my clinical experiences I had a patient who had been diagnosed with COPD years ago and was on a list awaiting a lung transplant. She had an excessive BMI and had communicated to me that she needed to lose weight and become healthier so that when she got closer to getting her transplant she would be able to go into surgery and recover successfully. She understood that losing weight would involve eating healthier and exercising more. I noticed that as hours went by my client spent a lot of time in bed. She had been able to take a shower herself and perform her own ADLs. I asked her how she was feeling and she said she felt very well that day especially right after her breathing treatment. I asked her if she would be comfortable going for a walk, that even walking for a little while every day would help her in getting healthier. I provided her with other information about weight loss and nutrition and the benefits of exercise while we walked. Whenever I would pause after telling her a few things I'd ask what she remembered and understood from what I said and she would tell me. If she had forgotten something important I would repeat it. That day when I noticed she was getting ready to order lunch I visited her and talked to her about what she thought was "healthy" and nutritional and not and I knew that a lot of what I had said had made sense to her because she was incorporating it into her choices. 

Basic Pharmacology in Nursing Practice (NURS 30060) 
Competencies: Skills gained in course 
Throughout the course I learned about the processing of medication within the body, actions, dosage, half-lives therapeutic uses, adverse effects, drug interactions, patient teaching, and nursing considerations while preparing and giving medications. Applying the nursing process in regards to a nurse's role with medications. The course made me familiar with obtaining and understanding information about medications.
Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course?
This course taught me a lot about pharmacology and medications and the nurse's responsibilities and roles associated with medications. I realized how important it is for a nurse to recognize and comprehend the role and action of medications given to any and every client and recognize and assess for the effectiveness of the medication for the client. Medications are very important in securing and promoting health for many clients and individuals. 
Patient Teaching Example

I passed medications a couple times during my clinical experiences and was able to describe to my client(s) the mechanisms of action for multiple medications, why the patient was taking it, and monitor the client(s) for the possible side and adverse effects while provide some client teaching on what actions and considerations were significant to consider with all of their medications.  

Nursing of Adults (NURS 30030) 
Competencies: Skills gained in course 

·    Normal anatomy and physiology of adults 

·   Pathophysiology associated with the major conditions and diseases that affect individuals  

·  Clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures, prevention, risk factors, medical treatment, surgical management, and nursing care of specific conditions 

·  Cardiac, lung, renal, endocrine, cancer and immunity health concerns and information

·  Application of the nursing process in patient care 

·   Therapeutic communication in interaction with patients and their families

·   Nursing and learning resources 

·   Evidence-based practice in nursing care

·   Implications of cultural and religious differences on healthcare

·  Taking personal responsibility for my professional development and my decisions as a nurse and healthcare provider

·  Experiences in respiratory therapy, cardiac diagnostics, dialysis, hyberbaric oxygen therapy, and student team leader

Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 

In this course especially I learned how important knowing the anatomy and physiology and the pathophysiology is when understanding medical and nursing care and explaining a condition to a patient. I became better at assessing patients in a more organized, thorough and efficient way. I learned that organization and time management are extremely important when I had more than one patient. I learned that assessment and documentation is extremely important as well as checking medication dosage and information. I found that knowing what puts clients at risk for certain conditions is very valuable as a nurse. I learned even more that safety is a priority concern in nursing care.

Patient Teaching Example

One clinical day, I was provided care for a patient on Coumadin and I was able to teach him about the reason behind the medication and why he was prescribed the medication.

I also was able to teach a patient about the side effects of pain medication because he had been experiencing constipation for several days following his admission to the hospital. The same patient was very concerned when his blood pressure was high. I was able to help him understand what effects severe pain has on the body.

Nursing of Adults with Gerontological Changes or Rehabilitation Needs (NURS 30040) 

Competencies: Skills gained in course 

In this course, I came to understand the pathophysiological changes that affect older adults and rehabilitation patients. I learned about the changes, effects, and nursing care related to aging and rehabilitation. I learned about the care for individuals and families and how it differs depending on the setting. I was taught about the use of community resources and interdisciplinary teams in patient care. I was taught how to apply the nursing process in caring for older adults. I was taught about nursing sources and resources and evidenced-based practice. I learned more about how culture and age affects one's beliefs, customs, and behaviors.  

We covered seven major units including health perception and health management, cognitive- perceptual patterns and neurological dysfunction, self-perception and self-concept, activity and exercise, nutrition, metabolism, and gastrointestinal function, sexuality, and death, dying, values and beliefs of older adults and rehabilitation patients.  

Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course?

I learned how being an older adult or rehabilitation patient affects nursing considerations and nursing care. Older age affects all body systems. Older adults may have different manifestations of disease than younger adults. Older adults are often on many medications and possible side effects are very likely. Assessment is especially important in older adults because their condition can change quickly. I learned how nursing care and resources differ based on the facility (hospital and nursing home). I learned more about assisstive devices (walkers, cane, crutches, wheelchairs), transfer techniques (using a gait belt), physical/occupational/speech therapy, rehabilitation goals and indications, the effects of stroke, and communication in patients with dysphagia.

Patient Teaching Example

During a clinical day on the rehab floor of the hospital, I was taking care of a patient that had a total knee replacement. She said that "physical therapy is always wearing me out." I told her that the exercise especially after an extensive surgery like a total knee replacement, rehabilitation is very important. I explained to her the importance of range-of-motion exercises and ambulation in regaining strength and activity tolerance. I showed her how to do range-of-motion exercises and she was able  to demonstrate them to me and said she would do them every day because "it will help me get better and less tired with physical therapy."  

Maternal-Newborn Nursing (NURS 30010) 

Competencies: Skills gained in course 

·         The use and application of nursing theory and the nursing process in clinical practice for patients with varying ages, developmental stages, cultural backgrounds, beliefs and values

·         Application of nursing research and the nursing process in maternal-newborn nursing

·         Fetal development

·         Stages of labor and delivery

·         Fetal monitoring

·         Postpartum care of mother and newborn

·         Care of the newborn

·         Newborn nutrition and breastfeeding

·         Maternal nutrition and weight

·         High risk pregnancy and possible complications

·         Adolescent pregnancy

·         Advanced maternal age

·         High risk labor and delivery

·         High risk postpartum

·         Grief and loss

·         High risk newborn and possible complications

·         Menstrual cycle

·         Infertility

·         Fertility, contraception, and birth control education

·         Nursing Care related to infections

·         Parental bonding and attachment to neonate

·         Substance abuse and violence

Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 

Personally, in this class the concept of each patient as an individual was reinforced. The nurse's role in education was reinforced for me as well. Educating the patient empowers each individual to take charge of their health and their treatment. I gained knowledge about all parts of pregnancy and became more knowledgeable about the care of women in general. The importance of assessment and reflective listening was reinforced. I learned more about the significance of anticipating potential complications for each and every patient. I learned about the emphasis on health promotion in maternal-newborn nursing. Most of the patients are considered "healthy" and are treated as independent individuals. I gained the knowledge of the importance of individualizing patient care and making a patient's hospital experience not just tolerable but enjoyable and personable. 

Patient Teaching

Throughout this semester, I have tried to teach my patient at least one thing per day and more, if tolerated. I have taught my patients about: 

·         Umbilical cord care of the infant

·         Circumcision care of the infant

·         Purpose of lochia and/or progression or process of lochia

·         The importance of completely emptying the bladder after delivery

·         Normal neonate weight loss and gain

·         Signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis

·         Signs of postpartum hemorrhage

·         Importance of activity after Cesarean delivery

·         Signs of postpartum blues and depression 

·         Importance of effective and consistent hand washing

·         Prevention of deep vein thrombosis

·         Swaddling of infant

·         Signs of respiratory distress in the newborn

·         Pain management postpartum

Pediatric Nursing (NURS 30020) 
Competencies: Skills gained in course 

·         Anatomy and physiology differences present in pediatric patients

·         Developmental differences in pediatric patients of different ages

·         Family-centered care and the significance of family support in times of child hospitalization

·         Critical thinking and nursing process in healthcare needs of children and their families

·         Implementing interventions that are specific to the pediatric patient

·         Effective communication with children of different ages, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities

·         Accountability as a nurse

·         Nursing roles in the care of pediatric patients 

·         The importance of using evidence based practice and research in clinical care

·         Assessment of infants, children and adolescents 

·         Pediatric fluid and electrolyte balance

·         Pediatric gastrointestinal function

·         Pediatric pain assessment and management

·         Pediatric respiratory function

·         Pediatric nutrition

·         Pediatric mental health and cognition

·         Pediatric eye, ear, nose and throat function 

·         Pediatric social and environmental issues

·         Pediatric musculoskeletal function

·         Pediatric cardiovascular function

·         Pediatric hematological function

·         Pediatric genitourinary function

·         Pediatric endocrine function

·         Pediatric infection and communicable diseases

·         Pediatric neurologic function

·         Pediatric alterations in cellular growth

·         Pediatric life-threatening illness or injury

·         Pediatric end of life care and bereavement

Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 

In this course, I learned about the true differences between pediatric and adult patients. Pediatric patients require special attention, communication, care, and intervention among other things. I learned about techniques that are effective in soothing and caring for pediatric patients. The concept of recognizing specific complications for the patient and anticipating them was emphasized in this course. The importance of safe dosage of medication and recognizing pediatric considerations in administering medication was emphasized in clinical practice. I learned that the family is very important when a pediatric patient is hospitalized and is experiencing an illness. Education is very important in helping parents, siblings and the patient in understanding their condition, symptoms and treatment. I was surprised by how fast a child's condition can change; especially how different lung sounds are before and after respiratory treatments. Emphasis was placed on helping the entire family adapt to hospitalization. 

Patient Teaching

Throughout this semester, I have tried to teach my patient at least one thing per day and more, if tolerated including: 

·         The purpose and use of incentive spirometry before operative procedures

·         Side effects of medications especially corticosteroids 

·         The importance of infant safety (in crib) 

·         Expected nutritional intake in comparison to actual nutritional intake in infant 

·         The significance of effective and consistent hand washing 

·         Smoking cessation information to parents

·         Importance and demonstration of suctioning infants (especially during respiratory illness)  

·         Assessment of cough characteristics (dry or moist, color and consistency of what is coughed up, when the cough occurs etc) 

·         Importance of timing and assessing seizure activity in order to report it to physician 

·         Management of pain early in order to prevent it from getting more severe 

Nursing Informatics (NURS 30050) 

Competencies: Skills gained in course

·         Knowledge of basic concepts of the development, scope, and application of nursing informatics

·         Legal, ethical, regulatory, and economic issues related to the management and use of clinical and patient information 

·         The roles, competencies, and skills associated with nursing informatics 

·         Use of selected information technology and terminology related to nursing informatics

·         Application of informatics competencies as needed for nursing practice

·         Applications of nursing informatics in quality care and patient safety 

·         Information science related to nursing informatics

·         Use of clinical information systems 

·         Evaluation of web resources for relevant and valid information 

·         Evidence based practice resources and development of patient education materials 

·         The use of patient care technologies, information systems, and communication devices that support safe nursing practices 

·         Implication of the Electronic Health Record on nursing and healthcare 

Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 

In this class, I learned more about using APA format for papers and projects. I learned about what nursing informatics is and about the application of technology in healthcare. I learned to look at healthcare technologies from different perspectives. 

Patient Teaching Example 

For this class, I prepared a patient education brochure about safe sex. I also prepared a personal nursing care map with links for additional information about an assigned fictional patient. 

Professional Nursing Development (NURS 40005) 
Competencies: Skills and knowledge gained in course 

·         Successful interviewing techniques.

·         Professional resume development in nursing. 

·         Effective and professional communication.   

·         Professional identity of nurses.  

·         Mentoring in nursing. 

·         Collective bargaining and unions in nursing.  

·         Cultural competence and its significance in nursing. 

·         Dealing with chemically-impaired coworkers. 

·         Nursing roles and development. 

·         Professional nursing organizations.  

·         Nursing education and further certification opportunities. 

·         Political roles and responsibilities of nurses.

·         Understanding and applying health care economics and insurance information. 

·         Health care technology and research. 

·         Peer evaluation skills.

·         Self-evaluation skills. 

·         APA formatting and writing professionally in nursing. 

Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 

In this course, I learned a lot about the professional occupation of nursing and what it means to be a professional nurse. I learned more about APA formatting and writing formal papers. I also learned about the future of healthcare and nursing. I learned about different topics as they apply to nursing like chemical impairment in the workplace, etc. I enjoyed being exposed to many topics throughout the semester because they were all relevant to nursing and nurses. 

Critical Care Nursing (NURS 40010) 
Competencies: Skills gained in course 

·      Using critical thinking and analysis in the application of the nursing process while caring for a critically ill patient. 

·      Refining knowledge and application of skills while caring within a critical care setting. 

·      Assessing and caring for the critically ill patient.

·      Nursing interventions and considerations related to hemodynamics, cardiac disorders and conditions, pulmonary conditions, renal conditions, neurological conditions, and gastrointestinal conditions.

·     Interpreting EKGs including identifying atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias.

·     Assessment of location, type, and intensity of chest pain. 

Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 

In this course, I learned a lot about communication with patients and their families, education, patient advocacy, as well as strict and thorough assessment of patient and all equipment attached to the patient. I became a lot more comfortable interacting and asking the RN questions, and interacting with the patient and their family. I also become more comfortable in giving patient care and performing nursing skills. Critical care nursing, at first, was extremely intimidating but it turned out to be a lot of fun and also, a great learning experience. 

Patient Teaching

·         Educating patients and their families on cardiac medications and lifestyle changes to implement after having their first myocardial infarction.

·         Educating patients and their families about the importance of getting out of bed and walking after surgery and bed rest to prevent complications (DVT, PE, pneumonia, etc.).

·         Educating patients and their families on the rationale behind the use of devices and machines such as arterial lines, PICC lines, SCDs, ventilator, masks, etc. to monitor the patient and manage the patient’s health status. 

Community Nursing (NURS 40020) 
Competencies: Skills gained in course 

·         Using critical thinking and the nursing process in when considering nursing care of individuals within a community, populations within a community, and communities in general.

·         Developing teaching plans based specifically on audience type and their learning preferences. 

·         Using therapeutic communication with patients of all cultural, socioeconomic, religious, etc. backgrounds.

·         Establishing therapeutic relationships and building rapport with community members.

·         Understanding and applying epidemiology in data collection and assessment of populations.

·         Evaluating implementation and interventions effectively. 

·         Roles of community nurses. 

·         Understanding and applying nursing ethics within community nursing. 

·         Global health and U.S. government roles in healthcare. 

·         Planning and providing health education to a community. 

·         Communicable diseases and roles of community health nurses. 

·         Health planning and healthcare economics and the community health nurses role and responsibilities. 

·         Environmental health and bioterrorism as it applies to community nursing. 

·         Considering patient differences in nursing care within in a community. 

·         Underserved patient populations as it applies to community nursing. 

·         Understanding and applying concepts of health literacy as it pertains to community nursing. 

·         Crisis and disaster planning within community nursing. 

Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 

I learned that there truly is a difference between community nursing and acute care nursing in many ways. I also learned more about the nursing process in action and about the importance of educating individuals and the community population. I didn't think it was possible to focus nursing care on an entire population rather than on one patient and I learned about this idea in community nursing. This class broadened my knowledge of nursing and my skills as a nurse. I saw how independent many of the community nurses are as well. I also found that all Registered Nurses, regardless of what unit or area they work in, function as community nurses as well, whether they realize it or not.  

Patient Teaching

When analyzing the data we gathered in our community assessment of Canton, Ohio, we identified a need for enhanced coping for stress for the community due to the high suicide rate, high violence and crime rate, decreased graduation rate, and low income and employment rates. We then designed a two-hour intervention for teens that included a Power point presentation, activities, discussions, and games on stress, bullying, and coping. We evaluated their learning by using an assessment tool and performed a self-evaluation of our performance as well. This implementation required the use of the entire nursing process throughout. 

Psychiatric Nursing (NURS 40030)

Competencies: Skills gained in course 

·         Using critical thinking and the nursing process in when considering nursing care of individuals with mental health disorders for long-term, short-term, and community treatment.

·         Using and recognizing therapeutic communication while improving therapeutic relationship.

·        The importance of self awareness and reflection in therapeutic communication and nurse-patient relationship in any setting. 

·        The assessment, diagnosis, medical/psychiatric care, and nursing care involved with patients with schizophrenia disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and other psychotic disorders. 

·        The assessment, diagnosis, medical/psychiatric care, and nursing care involved with patients with mood disorders including depression, mania, etc.

·        The assessment, medical/psychiatric care, and nursing care involved with self-destructive behavior. 

·        The assessment, diagnosis, medical/psychiatric care, and nursing care involved with anxiety disorders. 

·        The assessment, medical/psychiatric care, and nursing care involved with patients with substance abuse. 

·        The assessment, diagnosis, medical/psychiatric care, and nursing care involved with clients with personality disorders. 

·      The assessment, diagnosis, medical/psychiatric care, and nursing care involved with child and adolescent disorders.

·       The assessment, diagnosis, medical/psychiatric care, and nursing care involved with clients with somatoform and eating disorders.

·        The nursing care and nursing processes implicated in caring for survivors of abuse.

·        The legal/ethical aspects of psychiatric nursing and primary and tertiary prevention. 

·        Implementing nursing interventions in order to maximize patient safety within a care setting.

·        Considering the many levels that contribute to the client's disorder including biological, environmental, developmental, etc. 

·        The importance of using least restrictive to most restrictive means in nursing care. 

Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 

I learned how important therapeutic communication and building the therapeutic relationship is to all nursing care of patients. I improved in my ability to communicate therapeutically and effectively with patients. I learned how important being self-aware and reflecting and recognizing my feelings as a nurse in order to ensure that I am able to fulfill my responsibilities to my patients without letting my feelings and past experiences affect my care and relationships. I have learned about the stigma that patients associate with psychiatric disorders and care. I enjoyed learning about the different nursing interventions, precautions, and care involved with clients of different psychological disorders and concerns. 

Patient Teaching
As part of a peer effort, I helped to run an art group that focused on recognizing personal attributes and using creativity for coping in patients on a long-term or forensic care unit. I have discussed, explored, and reinforced individualized adaptive coping strategies with patients in psychiatric facilities. I have reinforced medication information including indications, routes, and side effects with patients.

Leadership in Nursing (NURS 40045) 

 Competencies: Skills gained in course 

·         Applying nursing leadership in decision making, in providing quality nursing care, in collaborating with the healthcare team, and in being accountable for patient care. 

·         Using and applying leadership skills as a Registered Nurse in communication with patients, physicians, other disciplines, and coworkers, in team environment of healthcare, in setting priorities regarding patient care, in delegation, and in management of care, 

·         Demonstrating the Registered Nurse's scope of practice as well as scope of practice of Licensed Practical Nurses and Nursing Assistive Personnel regarding the responsibility and accountability of the RN in delegating and providing appropriate patient care. 

·      Using professionalism within communication and collaboration when providing evidence-based and patient centered care. 

·      Understanding and demonstrating basic nursing competencies that are expected of entry-level staff nurses. 

·      Understanding and applying how leadership and management concepts affect RNs including Magnet Status, budgeting, staffing, financing, safety, quality management and improvement, cultural competency, etc. 

Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course? 

In Integration of Nursing Management and Leadership, I learned that all Registered Nurses regardless of whether they realize or admit it, are leaders in the sense that we are educators, we are advocates, and so much more. I learned more about the significance of professionalism to RNs. Also, I learned more about the full role of RNs in my practicum experiences. 

My practicum opportunity was at the Crisis Intervention unit at Akron General Hospital. I enjoyed the planning, provision, and management of care for acutely ill psychiatric patients. My practicum solidified my passion for psychiatric nursing and I was encouraged to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses as a nurse. I learned about the importance of confidence, of clear and effective communication, of clarifying orders and double-checking the work (and words) of others, of involving patients in their care and encouraging decision-making and independence, and so much more. 

Patient Teaching

During my practicum experiences, I was able to educate patients with each experience on their medication indications, dosing, route, side effects, orders, and other interventions and considerations regarding medications, as well as treatment regimen, services available in the community, the patients' illness and condition, etc. In building rapport and therapeutic relationships with my clients, I was able to explore the patients' mental status and identify potential adaptive coping mechanisms with them. Also, encouraging patients to communicate effectively and clearly with staff, with their family members, and other individuals was very helpful with many of my clients.