Week 8: Discussion: Reflection on Essentials and Competencies (Graded)
Purpose
The purpose of this reflection is for learners to reflect on essentials and competencies crucial to professional nursing.
Course Outcomes
This assignment enables the student to meet the following course outcomes:
- CO 2: Identify safety and quality improvement strategies in nursing practice. (PO 7)
- CO 4: Apply concepts of ethics and professionalism to nursing practice, nursing roles, and academic development. (POs 5, 6)
Due Date
During the assigned week (Sunday the start of the assigned week through Saturday the end of the assigned week):
- Posts in the discussion at least two times, and
- Posts in the discussion on two different days
Total Points Possible: 50 points
Preparing the Discussion
Reflection is an activity that involves your deep thought into your own experiences related to the concepts of the week. Answers should be detailed. In reflections students:
- Demonstrate understanding of concepts for the week
- Engage in meaningful dialogue with classmates and/or instructor
- Express opinions clearly and logically, in a professional manner
- Use the rubric on this page as you compose your answers.
- Scholarly sources are NOT required for this reflection
- Best Practices include:
- Participation early in the week is encouraged to stimulate meaningful discussion among classmates and instructor.
- Enter the reflection often during the week to read and learn from posts.
- Select different classmates for your reply each week.
 Reflection Question
As we finish NR351, think about all the competencies you have explored in these eight weeks. Using reflective practice, address the following in your answer:
- Select two Massachusetts Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies that you believe will have the most impact on your future professional nursing practice. Why are these the most important ones for you?
- Identify one AACN BSN Essential that will be most important in improving quality in your future nursing practice. Explain why you selected that essential and how your practice will be improved by its use.
Grading
To view the grading criteria/rubric, please click on the 3 dots in the box at the end of the solid gray bar above the discussion board title and then Show Rubric. See Syllabus for Grading Rubric Definitions.
Sample Solution
Hello,
As a nurse, I believe patient-centered care is the foundation of effective nursing practice. To demonstrate competence in this area, you must be able to recognize and accommodate individual patient preferences and needs. As a nurse, I know how important it is to earn a patient’s confidence and open lines of communication. By including my patients in their treatment plans and decisions, I can better foster an atmosphere conducive to healing on all levels, not just the physical. My dedication to providing compassionate, individualized care that honors each patient’s uniqueness and respects their autonomy is in line with the principles of patient-centered care.
Effective communication is the cornerstone of high-quality healthcare. The ability to communicate with patients, coworkers, and other nurses clearly and compassionately is crucial in the nursing profession. As a nurse, I know that I need to continue working on my communication skills if I want to be able to explain intricate medical concepts to patients and their loved ones. By promoting honest and open dialogue between doctors and their patients, I hope to aid in the improvement of the healthcare system.
To conclude, patient-centered care and communication, two of the Massachusetts Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies, along with professionalism and professional values from the AACN BSN Essential, are what I believe will most influence and improve my future nursing practice. These abilities support my goals of delivering compassionate, comprehensive care to my patients in an environment that encourages open communication and respect for all parties involved.