Reflection

Introduction

Reflecting on my experiences as a nursing student has been an important aspect of my growth and development. It has allowed me to learn from my mistakes, build on my strengths, and become a better healthcare provider. In this reflection paper, I will discuss a critical incident that took place during my clinical rotation, and how it influenced my learning and professional development. I will also present a plan for the upcoming semester, taking into account the lessons I learned from this experience.

Beginning the Transition

As I reflect on my first semester as a novice Advanced Practice Nurse, I realize how much of a significant change it has been from being a registered nurse. The transition has been nerve-wracking, and it has taken some time to adjust to the change. In my first journal entry, I documented my first day of clinical, which was quite a challenge. Despite the difficulties, my preceptor welcomed me with open arms and made me feel comfortable from the start. Observing my preceptor assessing patients gave me insight into her clinical skills and the way she practices. When she asked me if I was ready to see my patient, I felt a mixture of nervousness and confidence. After assessing my first patient, I started going in to assess them on my own.

That first experience with my first patient at this time is worth describing in more detail, because it really is like taking the big first step into a new world and a new life. For me, as I walked into the exam room, my heart was racing with nervousness. My preceptor had just introduced me as her NP student, and that is when it hit me that this was real. I was really becoming a nurse practitioner, and my feelings were all overlike they were in a giant cement mixture tumbling around: soon they would come up and be used to create paving or a foundation for someone elseand that gave me even more excitement and this incredible feeling of freedom and responsibility.

As I introduced myself to the patient, I remember that I also couldn't help but feel self-conscious about my appearance and the way I spoke. I was worried that the patient would sense my inexperience and judge me harshly. But as I began to assess the patient, I found myself becoming more and more at ease.

The patient was sweet and patient with me, and I could tell that she appreciated my efforts to help her. She was a good first patient for me, and I was grateful she was my first: it was a really supportive experience. As I asked her questions and took her vital signs, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I was doing it - I was really doing it. I remember smiling with joy and satisfaction and, yes, gratitude.

Reflecting on my experience, I realize that my personal concerns and attitudes had a significant influence on my emotions during the exam. My fear of judgment and insecurity about my abilities had caused me to doubt myself. However, the patient's kindness and willingness to work with me helped me overcome those feelings and gain confidence in my abilities. I know I was there to serve the patient, but I think that she, in her wisdom, also realized that I could use some supportive friendly love from her, and she gave it and it was a great two-way flow.

On top of that, I...

…will make a conscious effort to examine my personal attitudes, prejudices, and biases that may impact my interactions with patients. I will work to ensure that I am providing care that is ethical and respectful of each patient's unique circumstances and needs. Patients want to see us with patience and other virtuesso I need to exert maximum effort here (Fowler, 2021).

Finally, I plan to stay organized and prioritize my time effectively to manage the stress of balancing coursework and clinical experiences. This will include setting aside time each week for self-care activities, such as exercise or meditation, to help me stay grounded and focused.

Overall, my plan for the upcoming semester is to build upon my previous experiences and continue to develop my skills and knowledge as an NP student. I am excited to take on new challenges and opportunities for growth and look forward to making the most of this next phase in my journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my first semester as a novice Advanced Practice Nurse was an exciting and challenging experience. While it has taken some time to adjust to the change, my confidence has grown, and I am looking forward to continuing my learning and professional development in my next semester. I understand that reflecting on critical events and situations is an essential part of the learning process for healthcare providers. Why? Simply because it allows us to identify our strengths and weaknesses, learn from our mistakes, and continuously improve our practice. The situations, feelings, and events I discussed in this paper were valuable learning experiences, and reflecting on them has helped me to develop a plan for the upcoming semester. I am committed to using the lessons I learned from this experience to improve my clinical…