Running Head: PRACTICE SUMMARY

Practice Summary Paper

Karen Cheeks
Old Dominion University

PRACTICE SUMMARY

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Practice Summary Paper

My goals for enrolling in the RN-BSN program were to expand my career

opportunities and increase my knowledge in the nursing profession. My main objectives
while obtaining a BSN were to improve my nursing practice and gain more insight into
the different aspects of the nursing profession. My initial goals and objectives for pursuit
of a BSN degree have not changed and have been accomplished.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking behavior was attained by completing assignments which required
me to base my judgment and actions on evidence based research, reflection on prior
professional practice, development of a action plan based on a nursing theoretical
framework, and evaluation of nursing interventions. Assignments such as the, evidencebased practice paper, therapeutic nursing interventions, and clinical practice shows
attainment of critical thinking behavior.
An assignment that demonstrates critical thinking behavior was the evidencebased paper. The primary objective of this assignment was to evaluate nursing care
outcomes through the acquisition of data and question inconsistencies found. This paper
identified the nursing interventions needed for the prevention of catheter associated
urinary infections (CAUTIs). Evidence-based literature was analyzed for recommended
guidelines for prevention of CAUTIs and recommendations was evaluated based on the
Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Two facilities policies and procedures were then
evaluated for consistency with the recommendations given by the evidence-based
literature. The Therapeutic Nursing Intervention paper was an assignment that explored
the need for revision of current nursing practice based on nursing interventions that were

PRACTICE SUMMARY

proven more effective and evidence based. Critical thinking was demonstrated by
creative problem solving in my clinical practice. To reduce frequent blockage of a patient
who had a suprapubic catheter I provided patient and family education on the need to
increase lemon-based fluids. A suggestion was made to the wife to include in her master
grocery list app, lemon based fluids and set a daily alarm to specifically drink lemonbased fluids. I used decision-making skills in making a professional judgment of a case
where I suspected domestic violence. A screening form was utilized, documentation was
done of findings, and the social worker and physician was notified. A final example of
critical thinking is my routine evaluation in my clinical practice of the nursing care
outcome for effective pain management by utilizing a pain assessment tool.
Inconsistencies in pain management interventions are corrected when noted.
Nursing Practice
Nursing practice behavior was achieved through the use of nursing interventions,
appropriate knowledge applied to health problems, holistic care to diverse populations,
promoting health through complementary modalities, and evaluation of outcomes on
care. Attainment of outcomes was achieved through assignments such as the teaching
summary project and discussion board assignments on nursing theorists.
An example of attainment is the discussion board assignment regarding
application of Florence Nightingale theory to a case scenario to guide nursing practice.
Nightingales theory was used as a framework for choosing my nursing interventions in
caring for the patient whose physical symptoms needed to be addressed immediately.
Another example of attainment was demonstration of holistic care to a diverse
population. In this assignment, I discussed using empathetic listening skills and

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therapeutic touch to provide comfort and support to a 42-year-old paraplegic man, who
was exhibiting signs of depression. Finally JJ symptom management case study was an
assignment that involved development of a plan of care for a patient receiving palliative
care and establishing outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of care.
Communication
The attainment of behavioral outcomes for verbal, nonverbal and written
communication was achieved through multiple assignments, such as reflective writing,
writing to a state legislator, therapeutic communication and communication to patient
with special needs.
One of the ways I was able to achieve this behavioral outcome was by writing a
reflection to my professor regarding a video of a woman dying of cancer. My reflection
discussed how the communication process between nurse/physician-patient could have
improved the end of life process for the patient. Adaption of communication methods was
used when doing a weekly assessment note on an avatar. The patient I had to assess was
a five year-old child, who came to the clinic. Her father was utilized in gathering health
information on the child. Another example of attainment was the advocacy assignment,
which required accessing different sources such as online, professional and lay literature
about a health issue affecting a vulnerable population. A letter was then written to my
legislative representative and included an analysis of the opposing arguments along with
my support for a health issue that was under legislative review.
Teaching
The behavioral outcomes for teaching were attained by utilizing various teaching
strategies to provide health education to patients, family members, health professionals,

PRACTICE SUMMARY

and community members. Teaching outcomes were fulfilled by a teaching project, two
power point presentations, and providing sensitive and relevant health education to
patients and family members.
A demonstration of attainment was the teaching project summary paper, which
used various teaching methods to educate a group of mothers on how to decrease the
threat of an infectious disease outbreak in their community. Evaluation tools were used
to examine effectiveness of the teaching project. Another example of attainment was
providing teaching in the home to an elderly patient who expressed fear of having a
computed tomography (CT) procedure. Teaching involved information about the CT
procedure such as low exposure to radiation, CT scanner not a tunnel, and painless. I also
attained a teaching outcome by providing education to my sons Cub Scouts den in
identifying signs of someone choking and a demonstration of how to assist a choking
victim. To evaluate efficacy of education, Cub Scout members were required to verbalize
and demonstrate understanding of material learned. Information technologies such as a
online nursing journal subscription, being a member of a nursing group on Facebook, and
reading nursing blogs are used to enhance my knowledge of the nursing field. Attainment
is also fulfilled in my clinical practice, where I provide patient education about self-care
to patients with chronic diseases, and then evaluate understanding by asking specific
questions about education given.

Research
Attaining research outcomes involved understanding and implementation of
primary nursing research as a foundation for nursing practice. The research behavioral

PRACTICE SUMMARY

outcome was attained with assignments that required evaluation of evidence-based

research, application of evidence-based research to nursing interventions, and research of
cultural practices to deliver culturally competent care.
An example of attainment was the literature review table assignment, which
required research of articles that pertained to a chosen research topic. The goal was to be
able to answer if an article was relevant to the subject matter being researched, evidence
based, and date of research study. The cultural exploration table was an assignment
where research was done on the Vietnamese culture to obtain information on their
cultural practices, health beliefs and practices, and the role of nursing within their culture.
Research outcome was attained in the critique of a research study and where components
of the research process had to be identified. Components of the research process
included purpose, methods, variables, results, interpretations, recommendations and a
conclusion. After completing an assignment on Josies story, I shared with some of my
colleagues the research on the benefits of having family members being able to initiate
the rapid response team.
Leadership
The behavioral outcomes for leadership included critical thinking, accountability,
and self-direction. Some of the methods for attainment involved development and
promotion of plan for a healthy community, participation on an interdisciplinary team,
delegation and supervision of nursing care of others.
An example of attainment of leadership outcomes was forming among overweight
fellow church members a walking group and facilitating discussion sessions. Weight loss
and healthy eating habits goals were set and evaluated after six months. The Health

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Planning Project Proposal was a group project where Lyme disease was identified as
being a significant health problem in Loudoun County, Virginia. A proposal was
prepared and strategies proposed to reduce the incidences of Lyme disease. A leadership
behavioral outcome was also evident in my participation on an interdisciplinary team in
clinical practice, where I served as a nursing resource for patients, caregivers, home
health nurses and home health aides. A final example of a leadership outcome is
delegation and supervision. I have been responsible for orienting home health aides and
nurses to home health and then supervising quality of care given to patients.
Professionalism
Professionalism outcomes were attained through advocacy, accountability, and
understanding of specific standards of practice to guide nursing care. The end of life
assignment and advocacy assignment were examples of attainment of professional
outcomes.
The end of life assignment was an example of how I incorporated an ethical
framework and legal guidelines in a clinical practice scenario to guide nursing care. The
American Nurses Association and Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association were used
as guidelines to demonstrate how ethical decision making strategies were formed
regarding the ethical dilemma of resolving conflict between parents on making their
terminally ill child a do not resuscitate status. Advocacy using the political process was
demonstrated by the requirement of writing to my legislator advocating for legislation on
a specific health issue. I have been accountable for my own professional practice by
keeping current with continuing education courses and staying abreast of information
related to my area of nursing practice.

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Culture

Culture awareness and sensitivity was attained with specific assignments that
required exploration of different cultures viewpoint on health, demonstration of cultural
sensitivity to providing nursing interventions, understanding on how health and social
policies affect people from diverse backgrounds, and an awareness of global influences
on health care services.
An example of attainment was completing online training on providing culture
sensitive care and then receiving a culture certificate. Another demonstration of
attainment was a power point presentation on the Chinese culture to show their viewpoint
on aging, dying, death, and grief. The global health assignment was another power point
assignment that examined a global health agency and its role in research, providing
solutions and implementing policies that affect diverse countries and populations. A final
example is a health policy from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
which targeted a specific group (population), was researched and discussed for a
discussion board assignment. The specific CDC policy discussed was aimed at
underserved women to provide access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostic
evaluation, and treatment if necessary.
Appraisal and Summary
The BSN program met my expectations of expanding my knowledge base of the
nursing role in the health care process. My research and thought process was developed
when I completed assignments such as the evidence based paper, healthy planning
project, and therapeutic nursing interventions paper. My clinical skills improved after
completion of the health assessment class. My overall growth and development as a nurse

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has expanded through courses such as career pathway assessment and nurse leadership.
Upon completing this program I feel more confident in seeking opportunities for nursing
leadership and health promotion in my community.
Nursing theories in this program provided an in-depth insight into how nurses
approach health care, and frameworks to base my nursing practice. I am now able to
apply what theories would best fit my approach to nursing practice and philosophy of
nursing. My learning experience was enhanced when I had to apply the theories we
learned in Theoretical Concepts to actual clinical situations. Nursing theorists such as
Madeline Leninger, Nola Pender, Sister Callista Roy, Dorothy Orem, and Neuman
provided theories that I was able to understand and can incorporate into my nursing
practice and philosophy of nursing.
My nursing practice has changed during the BSN program in regards to
evaluating why a certain nursing intervention is done and if it is a research based best
practice. I now incorporate culture sensitive practice into my nursing care and apply
various nursing theories as a framework for my nursing practice. Overall I believe my
nursing practice has been enhanced and provided me with increased knowledge and tools
to effectively care for my patients.
Conclusion
The goals initially set upon entering the RN-BSN program were fulfilled with the
attainment of the eight behavioral outcomes in critical thinking, nursing practice,
communication, teaching, research, leadership, professionalism, and culture. My nursing
practice has been enhanced with the knowledge Ive gained from this BSN program.

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Honor Code
I pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I will refrain from
any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I am
aware that as a member of the academic community it is my responsibility to turn in all
suspected violators of the Honor Code. I will report to a hearing if summoned.
Karen Cheeks
Criteria
Introduction
Why did you enroll in the RN>BSN program?
What did you hope to accomplish by obtaining this
degree?
Did your goals change during the program? (4)
Critical Thinking
How did the activities chosen demonstrate
attainment of behavior?
Provide specific examples from coursework or your
nursing practice demonstrating attainment of
behavior.(9)
Nursing Practice
How did the activities chosen demonstrate
attainment of behavior?
Provide specific examples from coursework or your
nursing practice demonstrating attainment of
behavior.(9)
Communication
How did the activities chosen demonstrate
attainment of behavior?
Provide specific examples from coursework or your
nursing practice demonstrating attainment of
behavior.(9)
Teaching
How did the activities chosen demonstrate
attainment of behavior?
Provide specific examples from coursework or your
nursing practice demonstrating attainment of
behavior.(9)
Research
How did the activities chosen demonstrate
attainment of behavior?
Provide specific examples from coursework or your
nursing practice demonstrating attainment of
behavior.(9)
Leadership
How did the activities chosen demonstrate
attainment of behavior
Provide specific examples from coursework or your
nursing practice demonstrating attainment of
behavior.(9)
Professionalism

Comments

Points
4

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How did the activities chosen demonstrate

attainment of behavior?
Provide specific examples from coursework or your
nursing practice demonstrating attainment of
behavior.(9)
Culture
How did the activities chosen demonstrate
attainment of behavior?
Provide specific examples from coursework or your
nursing practice demonstrating attainment of
behavior.(9)
Summary
Discuss and reflect on your learning, skill
attainment and growth as a nurse with the
coursework of the program.
How has knowledge of nursing theory influenced
your overall philosophy and practice of nursing?
How has your practice changed as a result of your
enrollment in BSN program (4)
Grammar/syntax (10)

10

APA formatting (10)

Total

10
Nicely written paper
that clearly describes
your BSN journey!

100

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