Personal Reflection and Experience in the RN-BSN Program Based on Learning Outcomes

Answer

Personal Reflection and Experience in the RN-BSN Program Based on Learning Outcomes

Introduction

            The RN-BSN program has the goal of instilling specific skills and knowledge to nursing students. Some of these skills and knowledge include leadership skills, the ability to make use of evidence based practice, knowing the kind of care to give to a specific individual basing on his group and community and so on. This paper features an analysis of my experience in this program, as well as an evaluation of how each one of the learning outcomes was met.

Assume Leadership Roles on Multidisciplinary Teams within Health Care Organizations

            One of the key aspects of leadership, as described in the program, is to influence group activities and cope with change. Most leadership theories were not developed for healthcare organizations, but rather for the business organizations. Unlike businesses, the healthcare system is comprised of varying professional groups, departments, and even specialties. Their non-linear interactions make it a complex system since there seems to be different disease areas which in turn trigger multidirectional goals, with multidisciplinary teams (Glogowska et al., 2015). Therefore, there is a high chance of conflicts in the workplace if at all the teams from the various disciplines fail to support each other.

            In my experience, I was able to learn a lot about leading a multidisciplinary team. At first, the process was a bit confusing as I had to understand the difference between the teams and why it would be difficult for them to have similar perspectives and goals. I learnt that each team, such as the accounting department, has its individual goal which needs to ensure that the company is within its financial capabilities. This would cause conflict with the nurse team which would need to ensure that patients get the best care they need without considering the financial implications (Glogowska et al., 2015). Considering the knowledge acquired, I came to understand the importance of capitalizing on the diversity within the organization, while ensuring that resources are utilized effectively. I now understand that despite there being multidisciplinary teams, they can all be encouraged to work towards a common goal which will be met through objectives from every individual team. For instance, the goals of the accounting and nursing departments may be combined to ensure the organization stays afloat financially, while still being able to offer the best patient care. To achieve this, various leadership approaches, such as transformational leadership will be needed to bring about the needed impact (Glogowska et al., 2015).

Enhance Professional Nursing Practice Through The Use Of Research and Evidence-Based Practice

            The RN-BSN program places great emphasis on the importance of offering evidence based practice. It is an approach that has been used previously to result in improved patient outcomes. Basically, it features making use of studies conducted on a specific topic so as to identify the best patient care approach that will trigger positive outcomes (Hockenberry, Wilson & Barrera, 2006).

            My experience was good as I had access to various databases where I could gain access to nursing scholarly articles. Therefore, I was able to employ various recommendations and approaches in virtual scenarios. I learnt how to determine valid and reliable research documents, hence knowing what kind of research papers can be used even in real life cases. Through research, professional nursing practice is enhanced because the patient care offered is not based on assumptions, but rather on facts as the approaches have already been researched and polished to ensure better patient outcomes (László et al., 2015). I met this learning objective through engaging in extensive search for latest evidence based practices and witnessing their application in hospital setting. 

Integrate Methods of Research and Scholarship to Make and Prioritize Diagnoses

            There are various methods of research and scholarship used in nursing. The most common is the mixed method which features collection and analysis of data, integration of findings, and drawing of inferences by use of both qualitative and quantitative approaches (Hockenberry, Wilson & Barrera, 2006). The program teaches the importance of integrating methods as relying on only one perspective may lead to biased results and recommendations. However, with the use of various methods, different results are noted, hence a more thorough recommendation is developed.

            My experience when learning about the various methods was quite a challenge in the beginning. I could not understand why it was important to use both methods. However, with time, and with a chance of applying the process to a virtual scenario, I was able to understand that the qualitative method helped in showing what was already known, and the quantitative method showed first hand proof of how effective an approach was. Today, I can integrate both methods effectively, whereby one compliments the other, hence leading to more accurate results. The application of the methods on a virtual scenario greatly enabled me to meet this learning outcome to the point of being capable of using various research methods with minimal challenges if at all. 

Design Care for Individuals, Groups and Communities

            In nursing, it is important to know how to design care for an individual. This is because each patient’s needs and expectations are different. Some of the factors which can be used to determine a patient’s preference include the group and community where he or she is from. In addition, the individual may be involved in the care process by asking what they are comfortable with and heeding to their requests (László et al., 2015).

            This was among my best areas in the study as I already had some knowledge in the field. I understand that care should be designed basing on a patient’s preference and that one patient’s approach should never be generalized even when all patients have similar medical conditions. By being in the program, I was able to learn that some communities and groups are predisposed to specific medical conditions, and that they may have a higher risk compared to others from a different region. This is as a result of lifestyle and even hereditary conditions. I got a chance to practically utilize this learning objective during the numerous practical sessions I engaged in during my study where I participated in designing care for patients from different backgrounds and needs.

Incorporate Methods of Health Promotion and Education

            All patients, including those with simple and complex health care needs, should be educated on how to take charge of their health. Their families, as well as the groups they originate from, should also be educated. This is one of the best approaches that have been noted to lead to improved patient outcomes post discharge. This is because they will have a better idea on what they should do to keep their medical conditions at bay, as well as to avoid further complications (Gagné et al., 2017).

            The experience I had with this learning outcome is that it raised my interested in learning more about how patient education takes place, considering the fact that some stay in the hospital for short periods. However, I learnt that it can take various forms such as the free educative pamphlets that are at the entrance, the colorful charts indicating signs and symptoms of a disease and so on. In addition, got to know that nurses have the opportunity to offer health advice to patients in so far as health promotion and education is concerned, which is also educative as they become more aware of their health and what impacts it negatively. I meat this learning outcome through successfully participating in and designing a health promotion campaign and education program to sensitize and create health awareness among community members.

Accept Accountability and Responsibility for Professional Judgment and Actions

            This program educates students on the importance of being accountable and responsible for their judgment and actions. This is an important learning outcome as the nursing profession is one of the most critical in the sense that students will have to handle human life (Roberts, 2010). Therefore, there can be no room for careless assumptions and errors.

            Having this knowledge in mind has enhanced my perspective on how important this profession is. I now understand that some errors cannot be avoided. I also understand the importance of being accountable by accepting mistakes made and being willing to acknowledge any consequences as a result. This program teaches how to communicate with the patient or family members when in such a situation.

Integrate Professional Values and Role Behaviors

            There are values which have been identified for registered nurses. These should always be employed whenever they are in practice. Similarly, there are various role behaviors which must be exhibited such as nurses being more than a care giver, but also a friend to the patient (Roberts, 2010). In this program, I was able to employ these factors by being a good listener and putting the needs of others before mine. I now have a better understanding of what roles I am supposed to play in the health care facility. For instance, I need to help patients recover not only physically, but emotionally and psychologically too.

Examine the Problems of Contemporary Health and Illness

            This program guides students through gaining a better understanding on the contemporary health and illness. It instilled in me knowledge on identifying some of the causes of a high rise in specific medical conditions such as cancer. Initially, there were only a few incidents of the same issue. Today, I can easily determine various problems of contemporary health and illness, such as the controversial issue of assisted death in chronically ill patients (Glogowska et al., 2015).

Demonstrate the role of the global citizen

            In nursing, it is important to understand the importance of demonstrating the role of a global citizen. Basically, it means that the nurse professional must showcase an understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of the world (Horn & Fry, 2013). It is important to possess an appreciation of the diversity in the present world, hence minimizing injustice. Through this program, I have come to understand that a nurses should be neutral and accommodating of every culture. This means that he or she should know how to deal with an American patient and an African American patient equally. This is essential if at all a patient is expected to experience the best outcomes in the end.

Collaborate With Other Groups to Shape Health Policies That Affect both Individual and Community Health

There are various groups which have significant influence on policies. Most of these are non-governmental organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Nurses need to know that in collaboration with such organizations, they can easily shape health policies to lead to better approaches to health care (Hockenberry, Wilson & Barrera, 2006). More knowledge has been gained in this field as I have learnt how the groups contribute and even influence policy makers to be on their side. This learning outcome, therefore, has also been mastered effectively.

Conclusion

            Considering the summary conducted above, it is evident that attending the program has been effective in improving my knowledge and skill in relation to registered nursing. Important aspects in nursing practice have been introduced and discussed effectively, hence adding to my knowledge. I have gained more knowledge on various topics such as patient education and even taking accountability for my actions.