Learning Objectives Standard: Professional Responsibility Utilize my critical thinking and problem solving capabilities on a fast based nursing

floor environment where client conditions are constantly changing.

Types of Evidence of achievement The daily activities of a nurse Resources: practicing on a busy medical Read Medical-surgical nursing surgical floor required the in Canada: Assessment and ability to think on ones feet. management of clinical For example; problems. (2010). Prior to the administration of Strategies: morning medications at 8am, Utilize online resources relating all of the clients vital signs and head to toe assessments had to to the use and application of be completed. This would problem solving and critical frequently bring up additional thinking skills such as client requests or emergencies Appreciate the complexities such as tube feeds being pulled involved in decision making out, IV alarms, bed alarms or and problem solving (Cuesta College, 2003), and Teaching toileting emergencies. Each scenario required acute critical thinking and problem problem solving abilities and solving skills (Snyder & the ability to think on ones feet. Snyder, 2008). (1.04), (1.05). Another demonstration of this skill revolves around time management and the importance of charting accurately and on time. The

Resources and Strategies

Criteria to validate objectives achieved Scale: 5/5 Feelings: I feel I was very successful in my ability to manage my time effectively, problem solve daily tasks and critical think my way through different nursing scenarios. Plan of Action: I will continue to seek out opportunities to practice my critical thinking and problem solving skills.

clients vitals must be charted prior to doctors rounds as they will be reviewed as part of any medication changes proposed by the doctor. (2.01), (5.05), (7.08). Changes in the clients condition involved critical decisions to be made regarding PRN medication to be supplied. This meant that it was imperative that we knew our clients medication and had up to date medication cards. (1.02), (4.04), (5.02). My problem solving skills were also demonstrated through my delivery of client personal care. One client in particular was diagnosed with dementia and would frequently lash out during his personal care. My personal care often involved asking for assistance from another student of a care aid as we attempted to clean him and apply all topical medication without the use of soft

restraints. (2.01), (2.06), (2.08).

References: Cuesta College (2003). Appreciate the complexities involved in decision making and problem solving. Retrieved from: http://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/as/407.htm Lewis, S. L., Heitkemper, M. M., Dirksen, S. R., & OBrien, P. G. (2010). Medical-surgical nursing in Canada: Assessment and management of clinical problems. (2nd ed.). Toronto, ON: Mosby Elsevier. Snyder, L., G. & Snyder, M., J. (2008). Teaching critical thinking and problem solving skills. The Delta Pi Epsilon Journal. 1,2. 9099. Retrieved from: http://reforma.fen.uchile.cl/Papers/Teaching%20Critical%20Thinking%20Skills%20and%20problem%20solving%20skills%20%20Gueldenzoph,%20Snyder.pdf