Patients Want Nurses with Patience

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 over—like 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 else—and 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 can say that my past experiences as a registered nurse had shaped my approach to patient care. I had learned the importance of treating patients with kindness and respect, and I carried those values with me into my new role as a nurse practitioner. I think the patient also saw that and responded in kind: for when we show love outward, others are grateful for that showing and are more likely to return the love that they see and feel (Werbart et al., 2020).

Overall, my first patient encounter was a valuable learning experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally. It showed me that with hard work and determination, I can overcome my fears and become the best nurse practitioner I can be.

Progressing through the Semester

As the semester progressed, I noticed that my confidence had grown, and I was more comfortable in my role. In my second journal entry, I documented how my physical assessment skills had improved and my knowledge about the different acute diagnoses had expanded. My preceptor's trust in me had helped build my confidence in assessing patients on my own. I am limited to experiencing more chronic conditions since I am currently in Occupational health, but I still feel I am getting adequate experience evaluating and treating patients with different diagnoses.

Throughout my first semester, however, personal concerns and stressors affected my experience. For example, initially I was frustrated with the clearances I had to do before starting clinical—from fingerprinting to drug screening to even the training before I was even able to start. Yet, looking back, as time went on, I could see the reason for all this: it is a serious business and it requires serious people, and those in charge need to know that we who are coming in are serious-minded and responsible. These are all little tests that we have to take to get to the next step. Yes, they are irritating at first—but there is a good reason for them all, and, besides, going through them is a great opportunity to learn patience. Patients like to see health care providers with patience—that I believe 100% (Sarode & Tendolkar, 2021). So I really should be grateful for these initial clearances. Yet, I did find myself grumbling at times; for instance, when the facility's cafeteria was not to my liking I registered my displeasure. But really these are growing moments for anyone. Are you still going to step up to the plate in spite of small imperfections in your surroundings? That is what I had to ask myself. And I did continue to step up. And I found that, despite these issues, the staff at the clinic was all very nice, and I was looking forward to continuing to gain experience and learn from them.

Planning for the Next

As I begin to plan for my next semester, I realize that there were critical events or incidents that influenced my experience. These events include my first day of clinical, where I struggled to get access to the network system, and my preceptor's trust in me, which helped me build my confidence in assessing patients on my own. My plan for the following semester will take these events into account. For example, I will ensure I arrive at my site earlier to allow myself more time to get access to the network system. Additionally, I will continue to build on my physical assessment skills and knowledge of acute diagnoses.

Still, as I reflect more fully on the previous semester, I can clearly identify critical events that have influenced my learning and professional development. One such event was the experience I had during my first patient assessment as an NP student. This experience was nerve-wracking for me, but it also helped me realize the realities of being an NP.

Moving forward, I plan to build upon the lessons learned from this experience. To begin with, I intend to work on my confidence and communication skills. This will involve finding ways to calm my nerves before I step into a patient room and practicing how to introduce myself to patients in a confident and reassuring manner.

Additionally, I will take advantage of opportunities to work closely with my preceptor and other experienced NPs to learn from their experiences and gain insights into best practices for patient care. I will also seek out feedback from my preceptor and other mentors to help me identify areas where I can improve and grow.

Furthermore, 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 virtues—so I need to exert maximum effort here (Fowler, 2021).