Clinical Reflection
I would describe my relationship with my preceptor as amazing and beneficial. Over time, I have managed to develop a very health working relationship with her. She is always understanding and willing to help. From time to time, she avails to me nurse practitioner journals and has advised that I subscribe to the said journals so as to keep abreast with the relevant issues in the nursing world. At this point in time, I could say that I am definitely fulfilling my clinical goals. As the old saying states, ‘practice makes perfect.’ My exposure and constant interaction with patients has made me confident of my abilities. This is more so the case having been able to successfully conduct a number of physical examinations.
I would describe the kind of interactions I have had with patients as mutually beneficial in that I benefit from greater exposure and patients benefit through better assessment and care. The fact that most of those I interact with are healthy and good-natured persons makes my engagement with them a pleasant experience. In essence, my preceptor does fulfill my expectations of what I think a clinical preceptor should be in this kind of practice. I believe that a preceptor on this front ought to be supportive, honest, and approachable. My preceptor fits the bill. There are times she has had to correct me in real time when engaging a patient. This she does in a gentle and supportive way. She is also always available for clarifications and advice.
A few factors have, at times, gotten in the way of the proper performance of my role as an NP. For instance, there was a time my memory failed me when I forgot the name of a test I was asking a patient to undertake. This particular event, however, served as a wakeup call in that I always make effort to have the relevant facts at hand at all times. In addition to having good assessment skills, I am also a good communicator – two key strengths in my interactions with patients. However, I sometimes tend to be too much of a generalist and overlook key details. This is a weakness I am aware of and seek to correct.
