BSN Learning Outcomes - Essay Example

BSN Learning Outcomes BSN Learning Outcomes Introduction Establishing learning outcomes in nursing provides the basis for the assessment of student learning. Learning outcomes serve as the focus of the students during the learning process and is viewed as the most effective way to state instructional objectives as students behave in a way to meet the learning outcomes at the end of the course (McDonald, 2007, 13). I enrolled in a BSN degree program because I want to learn more about health and I enjoyed caring other people. In addition, I believe that I have the skills of a nurse as I am compassionate towards other people. My goal is to become a professional nurse specializing in maternal and child care. 11 Program Learning Outcomes Prior to become a registered nurse practitioner, there are 11 professional core competencies or learning outcomes that a student nurse must achieve upon completing the baccalaureate degree program. These include the following: Demonstrate high moral and ethical standards in professional nursing practice. Morals pertain to what is considered as right or wrong by the society. As a student nurse, I believe that demonstrating high moral is one of my strengths as my family raised with me certain values and norms that I should apply in life, among of which are the respect for life and thinking of the benefit of others in making a decision. Some of the moral values being inculcated to me may conflict with the moral values of the nursing profession; thus, it would be an opportunity for growth that I may become aware of my own morals and of the nursing profession. I also believe that if a nurse has morals, she also has ethics. For instance, in lieu of the ethical principle and morality that I’ve learned, I joined the pro-life groups in advocating respect for life. Work collaboratively with diverse healthcare providers. As a nursing student in the clinical setting, I believe that team composition and diversity are important determinants of team performance. I have worked collaboratively with diverse healthcare providers through listening attentively to doctor’s orders and relaying important information to respective personnel such as laboratory nurses. Ease of interaction with others is one of my strengths but sometimes, we cannot avoid conflict. Conflict connotes negative aspect of yours but I am very optimistic about it and viewed conflict as an instrument for growth in collaboration skills. Perform the essential skills of a comprehensive health assessment. Good communication skills are my asset in performing a comprehensive health assessment. When I cared for a child with fever, I have gathered comprehensive assessment through active listening, demonstrating empathy, providing feedback, observing systematically, and interpreting data accurately. However, I think that I still have to learn and practice more. As a beginner, I have difficulty in conducting comprehensive assessment in a timely manner thus, it would be an opportunity for me for growth and development. Manage health information using electronic technologies. Practicing in the healthcare arena requires knowledge of the health information systems. Nowadays, documentation of care utilized electronic technologies. As of now, I do not meet this learning outcome due to difficulty in familiarizing myself with the different commands used in encoding. In order to complete all the information in the databases, I still have to call a colleague who is familiar with the electronic system. I know that in order to render a technology-based care, I need to equip myself with knowledge in information technology and open a path for professional growth and development. Apply published theories or frameworks to nursing practice. It is said that nursing theories are the foundation of nursing practice. Every action that a nurse takes, it comes with a rationale. I am confident that I have applied most of the theories and frameworks to my nursing practice and that I do met this learning outcome because I always seek the rationale of every nursing intervention that I rendered. In addition, I also look for theoretical basis of the identified patient’s need. For example, our group noted that Patient X has self-care needs thus, our goal of care and all the nursing interventions are guided with the theory of self-care by Dorothea Orem. Use scholarly evidence to guide nursing practice. A wide array of scholarly articles pertinent to nursing practice is available worldwide. When conducting research or delivering care, it must be based on evidence. I am confident that in every nursing research that I do, I make sure that there are sufficient and up-to-date literatures and studies that would support my proposition or care being rendered. Implement a culturally-competent, health-promoting plan of care for individuals, families, and communities. A culturally-competent nurse considers the diversity of each patient. I’ve learned that although patients have similar diagnosis, each of them is unique and should be treated differently and in accordance to their need. Becoming culturally-competent in the promotion of health is a complex and long-term process; therefore, it is essential that professional improvement in terms of studying various cultural groups be reiterated. I have a lot to learn in caring for different cultures, an example of which is the mistake I’ve done when caring for a Chinese patient. I helped her to rise from bed and touched her head to provide support without the knowledge that touching the head of Chinese people is a sign of impoliteness. Advocate for the nursing profession with regard to health legislation and regulation. Of the core competencies or learning outcome that should be met, I think this topic is the area that needs major improvement. Neither I am fond of memorizing laws nor too conscious about existing regulations. I only thought of delivering the best care that I could to satisfy the patient without thinking that some of my actions could harm me, the institution, and the organization. Advocating the nursing profession requires knowledge of the nursing law. Legislations and regulations along the nursing practice not only protect the nurses from litigations but also protect the rights of the patients because patient’s bill of rights is under the health legislation and regulation topic. Exhibit skills in nursing leadership. Leadership is an integral part in nursing. I may not be in a formal position to lead fellow nurses but I believe that I do have the skills and qualities of a nursing leader. I am verbal, well-organized, and sometimes do things on my own way. I am also helpful towards other staff and friends who told me that I have become an influence to them in rendering compassionate care and demonstrating problem-solving skills when situation demands. Communicate effectively in varied settings. Like I’ve said earlier, I have good communication skills and often described as a verbal person by most of my colleagues. I strongly believe that it is one of my assets. I believe that effective communication is essential to the recovery of patients thus, I always communicate deterioration of patient’s condition urgently to the doctors and other members of the healthcare team. In addition, I always integrate therapeutic communication in every conversation with patients. Value lifelong learning. The field of healthcare is a dynamic arena and valuing or committing to lifelong learning and education is necessary. Life is always at risk when dealing care and nurses must be equipped with continuous education to deliver a safe and competent care and to cope with the advancement in technologies. I am still in the process of achieving this outcome through my BSN degree and I’m planning to expand nursing knowledge by attending classes in nursing informatics. Reference McDonald, M. E. (2007). The Language of Assessment. The Nurse Educator’s Guide to Assessing Learning Outcomes (2nd ed.) (p. 9-26). Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc. Read More