JOURNAL ENTRY (450–500 WORDS)
Learning From Experiences
• Revisit the goals and objectives from your Practicum Experience Plan. Explain the degree to which you achieved each during the practicum experience.
• Reflect on the three (3) most challenging patients you encountered during the practicum experience. What was most challenging about each?
• What did you learn from this experience?
• What resources were available?
• What evidence-based practice did you use for the patients?
• What would you do differently?
• How are you managing patient flow and volume?
• How can you apply your growing skillset to be a social change agent within your community?
Communicating and Feedback
• Reflect on how you might improve your skills and knowledge, and communicate those efforts to your Preceptor.
• Answer the questions: How am I doing? What is missing?
• Reflect on the formal and informal feedback you received from your Preceptor.
_______________________
JOURNAL ENTRY
Learning From Experiences
Throughout my practicum experience, I had set specific goals and objectives that guided my learning and growth. Reflecting upon those goals, I can say that I achieved a significant degree of success in each of them. One of my goals was to enhance my clinical assessment skills, and I had the opportunity to conduct comprehensive assessments for a variety of patients. I gained valuable experience in conducting interviews, reviewing medical histories, and formulating appropriate treatment plans.
Another objective I had was to improve my communication and collaboration skills within an interdisciplinary team. I actively participated in team meetings, shared my insights, and collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care for the patients. This experience enabled me to better understand the importance of effective communication and teamwork in delivering quality healthcare.
During my practicum experience, I encountered three particularly challenging patients. The first patient had multiple comorbidities and complex healthcare needs, which required careful coordination and management. The second patient had a history of non-compliance with medication and treatment regimens, making it challenging to establish a therapeutic relationship and ensure adherence. The third patient presented with a rare condition that required extensive research and collaboration with specialists to develop an appropriate care plan.
These challenging patients taught me valuable lessons. I learned the importance of adaptability and flexibility in adjusting my approach to meet the unique needs of each patient. I also realized the significance of patience and empathy in establishing trust and rapport, particularly with patients who have a history of non-compliance. Additionally, these experiences highlighted the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and utilizing available resources to provide the best possible care.
Throughout my practicum, I had access to a wide range of resources to support my learning and patient care. These included clinical guidelines, evidence-based practice databases, medical literature, and consultation with experienced healthcare professionals. I made extensive use of these resources to ensure that my clinical decisions were based on the best available evidence.
Looking back, there are a few things I would do differently in future similar experiences. Firstly, I would allocate more time to self-reflection and debriefing after challenging encounters. This would allow me to process my emotions and experiences more effectively. Secondly, I would actively seek mentorship and guidance from experienced practitioners to further enhance my knowledge and skills. Lastly, I would explore opportunities for continuous learning and professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in healthcare.
In terms of managing patient flow and volume, I learned the importance of prioritization and time management. I developed strategies to efficiently organize my workload, ensuring that urgent cases were addressed promptly while still dedicating adequate time to each patient. Effective delegation and coordination within the healthcare team also played a crucial role in managing patient flow.
As I continue to develop my skillset, I recognize the potential to be a social change agent within my community. By leveraging my growing knowledge and skills, I can actively contribute to improving healthcare outcomes and addressing health disparities. This can be achieved through community education programs, advocating for policy changes, and collaborating with local organizations to promote health and well-being.
Reflecting on my performance, I believe there is always room for improvement. To communicate my efforts to my Preceptor, I would express my commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth. I would discuss specific areas where I aim to enhance my skills and knowledge and seek their guidance and feedback to ensure that I am on the right path.
To answer the questions “How am I doing?” and “What is missing?”, I would appreciate honest and constructive feedback from my Preceptor. Their insights would provide valuable guidance on areas that require further development and help me identify any gaps in my performance.
Throughout my practicum experience, I received both formal and informal feedback from my Preceptor. The formal feedback was provided through regular performance evaluations, highlighting my strengths and areas for improvement.
