Running head: PRACTICE SUMMARY PAPER 1

Practice Summary Paper

Old Dominion University
Lareka Young
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Practice Summary Paper

I enrolled in the RN to BSN program because one of my goals has always been to obtain

a BSN degree. I specifically chose Old Dominion University (ODU) because I started off at

ODU right after graduating high school with the hopes of becoming a bachelorette prepared

Registered Nurse, but I ended up leaving ODU and receiving an associates degree in nursing at a

community college. When starting this degree, I hoped to gain more knowledge and become a

more well- rounded nurse. I also hoped to develop more professionally as a nurse and have more

job opportunities as a nurse. My goals have remained the same throughout the BSN program.

Analysis of the Attainment of Program Outcomes

Critical Thinking

Many of the assignments throughout this curriculum required some amount critical

thinking. Therefore, I was able to gain better critical thinking skills and apply those skill to my

clinical practice. Almost every day in the workplace, I use Swanson’s theory of Caring to guide

my nursing practice. I also use decision making skills in making clinical or professional

judgements. Recently, within my public health nurse role, I went to a home visit of a client that

was a tuberculosis suspect. I went into the home as I normally would, gathered pertinent medical

history, current medications, informed the client of my role in his care and told informed him of

the next steps in his treatment plan. I noticed that the client appeared to be emaciated and had

generalized weakness. I then used my nursing judgement to call his pulmonologist to let her

know the client’s current state. I knew that the client needed much more help than I was able to

provide through home visits. I made the decision, to tell the client’s wife to take him to the
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emergency room because he needed medical attention right away. Good nursing judgment is

important to ensure the best care for your patients.

Nursing Practice

Because I had already been working as a nurse prior to enrolling into the RN to BSN

program, I was able to meet some of the nursing practices objectives in my clinical practice.

However, I was still able to meet some of the objectives while enrolled in the program. In my

role as a public health nurse, I have been able to implement nursing care to Hispanic,

Vietnamese, Filipino, African American and Caucasian populations. I have provided holistic care

to various age groups of these populations through direct clinical care, case management services

and referral services. Working as a floor nurse on a cardiac unit allowed so many opportunities

to perform therapeutic interventions. I would often educate clients on complementary modalities

such as diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to promote their health. I would also utilize

alternative techniques such as heat, touch and guided imagery to aid pain management.

Communication

Communication between the nurse and patient is very important in building a trusting

relationship. I am always sure to communicate effectively when providing treatments to

patients because I want the patient to trust me to provide the best care for them. I also want to be

sure to include the patient in their care. I communication with patients through verbal and

nonverbal communication and between other healthcare staff via text paging, email, face to face

communication and phone calls. In the hospital, I have taken care of a patient who was deaf and

I had to adapt my communication methods to meet her special needs. I used written

communication, gestures, pictures and sign language to effectively communicate with the client.
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An interpreter was also utilized for a few hours during the day to enhance the communication

process between the client and all healthcare staff.

Teaching

In healthcare, education is a very vital component. I have a passion for educating clients

especially on a one to one basis. While working on the cardiovascular telemetry unit, I provided

a tremendous amount of teaching to patients and family members prior to procedures. I always

tried to give the clients a better understanding of the procedure and make them feel more at ease

prior to heading to the operation room. I also educated them on the post-procedural interventions

that are performed when they arrive back on the floor. The RN to BSN program has provided

me with multiple opportunities to perform teaching sessions. This has helped me tremendously

in gaining better public speaking skills and has validated my passion for education. A

professional goal of mine is to obtain a nursing education position.

Research

Evidence based practice has truly progressed overtime and is the foundation in providing

therapeutic nursing interventions. Many of the assignments during this program, involves using

evidence-based research findings to support nursing interventions. In NURS 490, I did a group

project about regarding adequate hand hygiene in the prevention of healthcare associated

infections. In this project we used both primary research articles and other nursing articles. The

primary article used in this research was a pilot study regarding the reasons why healthcare

professionals do not perform adequate hand hygiene. Other nursing literature used were from

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, The Joint

Commission and other nursing journals . This paper also discusses the evidence- based practice
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supporting proper hand hygiene in preventing and reducing the number of healthcare associated

infections.

Leadership

Leadership is something that I felt that I have always struggled with. After taking the

Leadership course, I realized that I had already assumed leadership roles without even realizing

it. I have oriented nursing students and even held other various leadership roles such as being as

being a teacher at a preschool. When orienting, I am held accountable for my orientee during the

time they are under my supervision. In the hospital setting, I would delegate nursing care to

nursing assistants while still assuming accountability for the care being provided. I would still

supervise the care that was delegated to ensure the task was performed. In my current job as a

public health nurse, we reach out to many community partners such as the Department of Social

Services, Community Services Board, Peninsula Agency of Aging and Southeastern Virginia

Health System. We partner with these organizations to advocate for our clients and to help them

reach their health promotion goals.

Professionalism

The Cambridge dictionary describes professionalism as the “combination of all qualities

that are connected with trained and skilled people. Professionalism represents ones

responsibility, integrity, accountability and excellence. This is definitely something that I

learned in my clinical practice and I continue to strive to improve because I always want to

represent myself in a professional manner. Being professional also means using the appropriate

nursing standards of practice to guide your nursing care. In NURS 490, I performed a group

project on hand hygiene and how it prevents healthcare associated infections. In this paper, I
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discussed a general standard of practice for handwashing which was adopted by the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some institutions also have standards of practice that

are only specific to them. At my first nursing job, only specifically trained registered nurses

were allowed to access an implanted central venous port. Specialty units also have specific

standards of practice as well. While working on a cardiovascular unit, all nurses were required

to read and document telemetry strips throughout their shift. It is important to understand the

general, institutional and specialty standards of practice so that you can use those a basis for

providing nursing care.

Even though nurses may have the knowledge to recognize certain disease processes and

medical conditions, they are unable to make a medical diagnosis or order tests to confirm

diagnoses because it is out of their scope of practice. For example, if a patient is experiencing

anxiety, a nurse cannot diagnose the patient, nor prescribe any medication to help alleviate

symptoms. At that point, documentation and reporting the findings to the physician is the most

appropriate action.

Culture

Healthcare settings are often filled with many different cultures. Oftentimes, caring for

others from a different culture can pose some difficulties. Cultural diversity is an important trait

to have when providing care for people from different cultures. In NURS 458, I wrote about the

Islamic cultural viewpoints of the end of life. The purpose of this assignment was to increase my

awareness of the cultural differences with the end of life. In this paper, I discussed how

Muslims believe that Allah has created a cure for every disease, so it is important to always offer

all treatment options (Leong et al., 2016). Right before death occurs, a Muslim should declare

his faith by reciting a prayer and immediately after death, the patient’s eyes should be closed and
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they should be covered up (Leong et al., 2016). Another prayer will then be recited by the

family and friends. Burial is usually requested within 24 hours so advanced planning will need

to happen to grant the wishes of the family (Leong et al., 2016). I enjoyed learning about

cultures that were different from my own because it increases my awareness and knowledge to

be able to take better care of clients from that culture.

Appraisal and Summary

I was really unsure of what to expect throughout the RN to BSN program. I thought that

it would be about learning the administrative side of nursing such as learning how to effectively

be a nurse manager or director of nursing. However, I did learn certain traits and skills that can

contribute to a good leader. I did not realize how we would expound on topics that were previously

taught while in nursing school, which helped to broaden my knowledge as a nurse. This program

has taught me to have more confidence in myself as a nurse and that is something that I truly

value. I have gained better critical thinking skills which is also something that is very important

to have as a nurse. Everything that I have learned throughout this curriculum, has shaped me into

a better nurse.

I do not think my knowledge of nursing theory has influenced my overall philosophy and

practice of nursing. I enjoyed learning about various nursing theories but has not influenced my

philosophy of nursing or nursing care. For example, I enjoyed learning about Swanson’s Theory

of Nursing, and it was relatable to my nursing practice, however, it did not influence how I felt

about nursing or how I provided care to patients. I believe that your overall philosophy of nursing

is just that; yours. I think nursing philosophies are meant to be personal and not based on a nursing

theory.
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My practice has definitely improved as a result of enrollment in the baccalaureate nursing

program. I am stronger as a nurse and it am able to think more critically as a nurse every day.

Being able to think critically has made me more confident as a nurse. I am now able to see myself

functioning well in a leadership role as a nurse. I feel as though I am able to better take care of

my patients because I know that I am using my nursing knowledge and judgment to make the best

decision for that client. This program has made me value education even more than I did before.

I want to further my education and obtain a master’s degree in nursing. I also want to obtain many

certifications starting with becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Old Dominion University’s RN to BSN program has helped me grow in

many aspects as a nurse. I have gained a better insight of what nursing truly is. I have learned

some valuable skills that will help me achieve improved patient care and career advancement. The

knowledge I have obtained from this program will be a huge asset in my nursing career.
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References

Cambridge Dictionary. PROFESSIONALISM: Meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary.

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/professionalism

Castellucci, M. (2018). Putting data to work in promoting proper hand hygiene. Modern

Healthcare, 48(11), 30. Retrieved from http://proxy.lib.odu.edu/login?url=https://search-

proquest-com.proxy.lib.odu.edu/docview/2014076203?accountid=12967.

Leong, Olnick, Akmal, Copenhaver, & Razzak. (2016). How Islam Influences End-of-Life Care:

Education for Palliative Care Clinicians. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management,

52(6), 771-774.e3.
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Appendix A
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PRACTICE SUMMARY PAPER
NURS 403: Transition into BSN Practice
Purpose of Assignment
The purpose of this paper is to guide you through a process of self-reflection and self-evaluation
to discover the coper of your personal and professional development while in the RN to BSN
nursing program at Old Dominion University.
Approach to Assignment
As I approached this assignment, I first went over all of the projects and papers that I included in
my portfolio. I then identified all of the bullet points that I was unable to address. I then decided
searched for documents and thought about any clinical experiences I may have had that
addressed these various bullet points.
Reason for Inclusion
This assignment was required for my portfolio. This paper shows my progression into the
Bachelorette prepared nurse. It highlights my achievements toward the Core Competencies of the
Old Dominion University’s RN to BSN program.
Critical Thinking
Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional nursing practice
 In this paper, I discuss how I use Swanson’s Theory of Caring to guide my professional
practice. I specifically use this theory when dealing with clients who are struggling with
a new medical diagnosis.
Uses decision-making skills in making clinical or professional judgments
 In this paper, I discuss a situation in my clinical practice where I had to use my critical
thinking skills to make a clinical judgment. As a public health nurse, I manage
tuberculosis cases. On an initial visit to a client’s home, I witnessed a situation that I
knew required assistance. The client was weak, frail and needed more medical assistance
than I was able to provide. I advised the client’s wife to take him to the emergency room
to be evaluated and to be sure to let them know that he is currently being evaluated for
active tuberculosis. I tried to contact his primary care physician but was unable to reach
anyone on the phone. I was able to contact the office of his pulmonologist to inform her
of my findings. This decision was the best decision to make for the patient.
Nursing Practice
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Implements nursing care practices as appropriate to provide holistic health care to diverse
populations across the lifespan
 In my current role as a public health nurse, I have provided holistic care to Vietnamese,
Filipino, Hispanic, African American and Caucasian populations ranging from age 20 to
83. When providing care, I am sure to also take into consideration the client’s cultural
beliefs as well. I take care of the client’s physical body and mind.
Demonstrates an awareness of complementary modalities and their usefulness in promoting
health
 As a nurse, I often educate patients on complementary modalities such as diet, exercise
and lifestyle modifications to promote health. For example, teaching patients about low
sodium diets, smoking cessation and exercise to prevent hypertension. I have
implemented complementary modalities such as heat, guided imagery to aid in pain
management.
Communication
Uses therapeutic communication within the nurse patient relationship
 In the clinical setting, I always ensure that I am communicating effectively with my
patients. Communication is key in building a trusting nurse patient relationship. I am
honest and I use open communication between the patient and myself. I explain
everything in laymen terms so that I am confident that patients understand.
Adapts communication methods to patients with special needs
 Working in the hospital, I was caring for a patient who was deaf. I used written
communication, gestures, sign language, pictures and interpretation to adapt to her needs.
Expresses oneself and communicates effectively with diverse groups using a variety of media
 In the clinical setting, effective communication is very important in order to provide great
care to patients. I express myself and communicate effectively with patients from diverse
populations primarily through face to face communication. I communicate with other
healthcare professionals via email, text paging, phone calls and face to face
communication. While working in group projects during this program, I was able to
communicate effectively and express myself through both email and texting. Effective
communication when working in group projects is the only way to succeed.
Teaching
Provides teaching to patients and or professionals about health care procedures and technologies
in preparation for and following nursing or medical interventions
 Working as a cardiovascular telemetry nurse, I frequently educated patients and family
members on cardiac catheterizations to prepare them and help relieve some anxiety
leading up to the procedure. They were informed that they would not be able to eat or
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drink anything besides water after midnight, the night before the procedure. I also
educated them on the post-procedural interventions that would be performed once they
arrived back on the unit. For example, I would tell them about the process of the
procedure and then tell them about the close monitoring of vital signs and the procedural
site to ensure no complications arise.
Research
Differentiates between descriptive nursing literature and published reports of nursing research
 Descriptive nursing literature are primary research articles such as pilot studies,
randomized clinical trials and cohort studies. Other published reports of nursing research
can be clinical journals, medical encyclopedias, meta analysis, practice guidelines and
standards. This paper discusses my use of descriptive nursing literature such randomized
clinical trials and other published reports of nursing research such as practice guidelines
standards and patient education information.
Evaluates research that focuses on the efficacy and effectiveness of nursing interventions
 One of the simplest tasks to protect against the spread of healthcare associated infections
is through proper hand hygiene (Castellucci, 2018). In NURS 363, we discussed
evidence-based practice that supported the prevention/reduction of healthcare associated
infections in the hospital setting.
Leadership
Initiates community partnerships to establish health promotion goals and implements strategies
to meet those goals
 In my current job as a public health nurse, I utilize community partners such as the
Department of Social Services, Community Services Board and Southeaster Virginia
Health System. I recently started a community partnership with Peninsula Agency on
Aging to help the elderly population gain access to meal, transportation and personal care
services to promote health. I often provide recommendations on health promotion goals
for clients and help them access the resources to help them meet those goals.
Delegates and supervises the nursing care given by others while retaining accountability for the
quality of care provided
 In the hospital setting, I would often delegate tasks the nursing assistants. For example, I
would ask the nursing assistance to re-check a blood sugar level for me if I was unable to.
When delegating, I still oversaw that the task was performed correctly because I still had
to retain accountable for the patient’s care.
Professionalism
Differentiates between general, institutional, and specialty-specific standards of practice to guide
nursing care
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 A general standard of practice to guide nursing care is the hand hygiene

recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as discussed in my
Safety Performance Improvement paper written in NURS 490.
 At the first nursing job, special trained registered nurses were the only nurses allowed to
access an implanted port. This is an example of institutional standard of practice.
 While working on the cardiovascular telemetry unit, all nurses were required to read and
document telemetry strips three times a day for each patient. This was an example of
specialty-specific standards of practice.
Understands the effects of legal and regulatory processes on nursing practice and healthcare
delivery
 As a nurse, I understand that it is beyond my scope of practice to order medications and
diagnose a client with a medical condition. Performing tasks beyond my scope of
practice, can lead to legal consequences. For example, if a patient is experience anxiety
prior to a procedure, I cannot diagnose the client or prescribe a medication to help ease
the symptoms. I can only document my findings and contact the provider to address the
problem.
Culture
Demonstrates sensitivity to personal and cultural definitions of health, and how these beliefs
influence an individual’s reactions to the illness, experience and end of life
 In NURS 458, I discuss the Islamic Cultural viewpoints and end of life. This paper
discusses that Muslim’s believe that there is a cure for every disease, so any treatment
option available should be mentioned to them. Before death, a Muslim should declare his
faith by reciting a prayer. Immediately following death, the eyes should be closed, and
the body should be covered then another prayer is recited by the family. It is important to
all the family to have this time with the deceased. Burial is usually requested within 24
hours so advanced planning may need to be done to grant the families wishes.