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Author: swilton1

Preparation for Licensure

Preparation for Licensure

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Throughout this semester it was filled with high expectations to complete numerous ATI assignments. Each ATI exam showed a detailed individual performance which I continued to look at to assess my areas which I should focus on for improvement. Often time pharmacology was a deficit area which I have been independently trying to improve on through flashcards, and teaching outloud to the people around me. However, I still find myself struggling a little as once I find a good mastery level with a medication I am never asked for it again and there are a whole list of new ones on each of our exams which I then struggle with. 

As for working on utilizing ATI assessment profiles and test questions, I often find myself missing little pieces of the questions that are key compliments so I have worked on slowing down and taking my time to read the question at least two times. I have also worked on answering the question in my head prior to seeing the answers and then when looking for the correct answer I often try to ask myself why for each possible answer. 

Self care has 100 percent been lacking for the last month which is the amount of work we have had to do. I have been trying to stay on top of all the work we have and to get assignments done with plenty of time since every day it feels like there is a new assignment being added to our load. It definitely has felt overwhelming with exams, class work, projects and papers not even beginning to talk about jobs ( which I can’t seem to even get an interview for Ha :,) ), licensures, ghana, graduating, and ATI exams (+ remediations). It has all been a lot but with the warmer weather and finally being over the busiest week things seem more manageable. 

As for things I’ve learned and skill I’ve gained I will definitely be giving myself some grace as I have done the best I could. I will also be using what we have learned about interviewing for my first interview on Tuesday. I have been telling myself things will all work out for a reason. 

Obtaining and Protecting Your Professional Nursing License

Obtaining and Protecting Your Professional Nursing License

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I plan on becoming licensed in New Hampshire which is a compact state. The application is web based where I need to first pre register with Pearson Vue. After that I need to submit a copy of my drivers license, my official transcripts (sent the Monday after graduation) to the email OPLCLicensing10@oplc.nh.gov. During that time I will also do a criminal background check. The criminal background check is a form online and fingerprinting can be done at any of the locations they have listed online.  Once those are complete I can apply online. 

When it comes to provisions for impaired nurses in Maine the state works with Maine Medical Professionals Health Program to offer assistance to those struggling with mental health issues or substance misuse. We have mandatory reporting for healthcare professionals to report suspected impairment which has disciplinary action or license suspension. The voluntary participation in MPHP provided an alternative path to recovery while maintaining the ability to practice under supervision. To protect my license I will strive to be ahead of legal and ethical standards and ensure safe practice. I also want to prioritize my mental health and wellbeing to be able to continue to provide the best care to patients that I can possibly give.

 NURSES If Florence Could See Us Now

 NURSES If Florence Could See Us Now

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 In the movie NURSES: If Florence Could See Us Now, I noticed that the nurses exemplified several key skills that I aim to develop further in my own practice. Considering that my practices have barely started I know there is plenty of room for my skills in communication, empathy, and critical thinking to grow. From the video these nurses demonstrated the importance of building therapeutic relationships with patients and utilizing their clinical knowledge when it came to quick decisions. They continue to provide emotional support for every patient no matter what they are going through. UNE strives to educate us on the foundation of patient centered care through thorough assessment and evidence based practice and I see myself continuing to build on these skills and improving my ability to communicate effectively, be an active listener and to think critically in all situations that will be presented my way. Luckily, I have been able to begin practicing these skills in my clinical rotations and I look forward to the upcoming opportunities to grow these skills. 

A clinical location featured in the movie that I have not experienced is the emergency department (ED), which provides a diverse population. In this setting nurses may be presented with anything and must be able to care for individuals from various cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. As a student nurse, I have not yet had extensive experience in an ED setting, and I realize that working in such a diverse environment presents unique challenges in terms of understanding different health beliefs, navigating language barriers, and addressing various socio-economic determinants of health. 

As I prepare for my job search and interviews, I plan to research each potential employer’s mission, priorities, and practice model to show my genuine interest and alignment with their values. I will also plan to review the specific job responsibilities and prepare questions for the interviewer that demonstrate my commitment to growth and patient-centered care. When it comes to describing my strengths I can mention my preceptorship placement and the hands on skills and other knowledge I gained specifically in OBGYN care. I can use real life examples in my life where I have demonstrated communication skills, teamwork and patient centered care. As for challenges I can acknowledge that I am a new grad with a lot to learn. I can talk about how I am dedicated to improving all aspects of my clinical practice and always asking questions if I am unsure. I can utilize a reflective approach which will help show both my strengths and commitment to improve and learn.

Prepare for Transition

Prepare for Transition

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As my student nursing career comes to an end and I begin the transition to my professional practice there are a lot of different aspects to consider. I look forward to being able to have more time on my hands to regain interest in my hobbies as nursing school doesn’t stop outside of the classroom or clinical but continues at home with studying, and completing assignments and paperwork. I look forward to having work and home separation with being able to go into work without having to complete hours worth of clinical paperwork and a care plan for a patient I won’t see again. However I am excited about how this time has only set me up for success and to consider all aspects of patient care. I am not what celebratory measures are to come but that is in the works. This transition leads me to have some anxieties on what state I want to practice in, on what unit, in an unknown hospital. Which means I feel anxious about the next 6 months due to all the unknowns I still have to figure out. 

As for creating a smart goal to manage my weekly course work I plan to utilize my monthly calendar to map out each month ahead of time and keep my agenda up to date at the beginning of each week on assignments and dates to be aware of. I will touch base at the end of each week with myself and do a self check in and reassess this goal as needed. I will also take self care measures such as seeing friends, doing a hobby, etc.. at least once a week to help prevent burnout.

Post Community Partnership

Post Community Partnership

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For my community health partnership I ended changing partnerships to Fresnuis in Biddeford. I ended up spending the day shadowing a nurse on the floor and interacting with patients who were there for their dialysis. Going in, the only knowledge I had was from our renal unit and the guest speaker who came in. I had yet to consider the population and any social determinants that might affect the outpatient care this population needs to receive multiple times a week. While being there I learned more about their transportation needs as well as the cost and what maine care covers. As they go to dialysis 3 times a week for 3-4 hours (not including transportation) many of the population are unable to work. 

I talked with the nursing staff, asking questions to try and better understand the different aspects of care, and needs these dialysis patients need. One of the most meaningful things I learned in how personalized the care is that these patients receive. That dialysis treatment center is able to accommodate about 75 patients Monday-Saturday, so the staff can easily begin to create therapeutic relationships with their patients. As they will see them multiple times a week for months to years. Seeing how the nursing staff and PCT all knew the patients easily by name, asking about weekend activities and making very personal connections was more than I’ve seen happen in the med surg hospital setting. 

One interaction that stood out to me was one patient who was a retired nurse. When I asked how long she’d been getting dialysis she told me it was the 11th year. That took a second to sink in and consider the commitment and patience this patient had to their health and how even after showing up 3x a week for 11 years, you wouldn’t have even been able to guess. It makes you think about how each of these patients still have a whole life outside of this care they receive. Truly a different side of nursing that I have not seen yet. I am very happy that this partnership was able to be accomplished.

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