NURS 2021H Clinical Course Evaluation

Final Evaluation

Student: Daijauna Falkins

Clinical Instructor: Anne Falconer
Placement: PRHC MH3
Missed Clinical Hours: 0

Missed Lab Hours: 0

NURS 2021H Clinical Course Final Evaluation

Progress
Evidence/Indicators

Course Objective
Recognize and begin to navigate
the complexities of family
nursing.

Learning and understanding how quickly patients

moods can change and how complex different
illnesses are. Each individual differs in the sense of
how they present their illness and symptoms;
therefore it can be very complex to find the proper
way to help them.
I have learned that every individual has very different
and complex experiences. We all come from different
backgrounds, families, contexts, etc. This has a large
impact in the different ways that we respond and cope
with different situations.
o A patient was explaining to me that he really
didnt have much of a family, as they had a
falling out. He said how he wanted revenge
on them, which came as a surprise to me, as
family is a large part of my life. Reinforced to
me that not everyone has the same
experiences.
I have learned how the families of those with a mental
illness can be affected greatly, as well as the family
having a great impact on the one suffering from the
mental illness.
o I have met a lady whose daughter took her
out for the day every weekend, as well as a
young man whose family never came to visit.
The lady seemed to be very happy and doing
better in her opinion since she was admitted.
The young man seemed to be the same, and

Satisfac
tory

Unsatisfac
tory

Integrate knowledge from

previous courses to support
diverse populations.

think that there is no change in him. This

could be due to the presence of family/social
support. The lady was getting more out of
the experience, and help.
On November 10th I met a young man who came
in to get his needle with his grandmother. I was
able to listen to his grandmother talk and voice
her concern about the situation. She was very
supportive, but was also concerned about when
he would be able to go back to school and when
she would begin to see a change. This allowed
me to get a first hand understanding of how
much someones mental illness can effect and
impact their family.
I continue to apply the understanding that
everyone has different relationships with their
families that greatly affect their health, as well
as the many other factors that contribute to
their individual experience. It is important to
understand that the families of each individual
are also sometimes impacted substantially.
I used previous knowledge learned in PSYC1030 Intro
to Psychology to understand what the various mental
illnesses consist of, symptoms of them, and the
effects on those living with them.
o For example, when reading patients charts I was
able have some base knowledge about what I
was reading about. I knew what bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia, etc. were.
I have used knowledge learned in NURS1002 including
that of using different lenses (hermeneutic
phenomenological lens and critical lens) to help
myself apply relational practice to better understand

Critically appraise relational

inquiry processes and begin to
develop meaningfulrelationships

patients views and experiences.

o When conversing with patients I try to keep an
open mind that the way they experience
situations is very individualistic.
I use skills learned in first year clinical practice and
labs to ensure I am completing vitals correctly and
efficiently.
o While in ECT I had to keep in mind that a regular
adult sized blood pressure cuff may not provide
a correct reading on frail older adults. To ensure
accuracy I used the smaller child sized blood
pressure cuff on a smaller woman.
I met a woman on the unit who would like to be seen
as a man. I used knowledge from NURS1001 to be
respectful and considerate towards this patients wish.
A nonjudgmental attitude is vital to nursing practice.
I learned how to give IM needles in my
NURS2021 lab this year, and I learned how to
reconstitute medication in my BIOL1550 class in
first year. I was able to put this information to
use when I got the chance to give two needles. I
was able to do both an injection in a deltoid as
well as a ventrogluteal injection.
On November 10th during our debriefing at the
end of clinical we went through a couple case
studies. I applied knowledge learned in previous
courses including NURS2550 and NURS2001 in
order to figure out a diagnosis and discuss
treatment options available to the individuals in
the case studies.
While visiting the picu (psychiatric intensive care unit)
I developed a good relationship with a nurse, Phil, who
really helped me by explaining and answering all my

with health care providers and

family members.
-

questions. He really helped me understand what it is

like to be a nurse in the picu, and the responsibilities
you have, as well as his experiences.
Have not had much interaction with patients families,
but have asked patients questions about their families
and how often they visit, how close they are, etc.
o This lady told me how her daughter visits her
every weekend, and often brings her
grandchildren, which really made her happy.
This helped me understand that to this woman,
family was a very large part in her life and really
benefitted her health.
I began to really connect with a young woman
around my age that was on the unit. There were
two days I was able to sit and talk to her and I
learned a lot about her history. We shared a lot
of jokes, and I felt like we were starting to build
a good therapeutic relationship.
I also spent a lot of time talking to an older man
on the unit who was really easy to talk to. I met
his wife that day who was very happy to see
him conversing with us students. It was nice to
see that this man had a good support system,
his wife, and start to gain the trust of these
two. I continued to share a friendly smile in
order to show that I am open to talk and for
whatever they may need.
I have tried to build a relationship with the
healthcare team (nurses, doctors, family) by
asking them if there is anything they need me
to do in order to lighten their workload and
show my competence. I have been respectful
and helpful in as many ways possible. I feel as if

Collaboratively formulate a plan

of care based on knowledge of
family nursing, related theories
and scholarly literature.

I have made great progress in these

relationships and understand that is in
important in providing holistic care for the
patients.
Performed hourly rounds (sometimes every 15
minutes) to locate patients.
Reading patient charts in order to better understand
why different care plans are set in place.
Planned an activity for the patients to get them out of
their rooms. My activity turned out very well and
many patients participated and enjoyed talking with
me. We decorated cookies and coloured Halloween
themed pictures.
In ECT I was able to help outpatients with their second
round of vitals and assist them with care required in
order to ensure they were safe to leave. I watched to
ensure the anesthesia wore off and provided them
with a slip with their next appointment date, and
walked them to the waiting room to meet with their
family members waiting to pick them up. I talked to
the family member picking each of the patients up
and discussed the next appointment as well as telling
them that this treatment went well.
While talking to a man on the unit it became
evident that he was worried about where he
would go when he was discharged. He seemed
very distressed by this thought. I was able to
offer him some advice and resources (told him
to talk to the nurses about his options). I
assured him that they would not let him out
without him having at least a temporary place
to stay, and access to resources to help him.
I have continued to volunteer to complete

Develop, implement and

evaluate the effectiveness of
health-promoting, evidencebased practice, reflecting
principles of family nursing as
relational practice.

rounds and encourage patients to participate in

different activities as literature says it is
important for social interaction and
communication.
Using the critical lens I have continued to think
about how power plays a role in each patients
situation, as well as thinking about ways in
which they can access help in order to change
their situations.
o In the case of the man who was worried
about having no place to go. I thought
about why he has no place to go, and how
power has played a role. Was it do to
prejudices of those in power not wanting
to give a man with mental illness a job, or
rent homes to him, or family look down on
him, etc. As we have learned in NURS2001,
that these among many other factors can
play a large role, which is difficult for
these individuals.
Encouraging patients to participate in activities,
walks, watching the Blue Jays game in the TV room,
which is important to promote social interaction
Handed in LEARN 1 reflecting on an impactful
situation
Reflecting at the end of each clinical day in my
journal.
Attended the methadone clinic to learn what it was,
and what they do. It is there to help those who abuse
opioids to reduce or eliminate the usage. The patients
are put on methadone, which is controlled by the
doctors there, and very carefully given out. It is there
to promote a healthier life, and to help those with

Demonstrate increasing
competence and confidence in
the application of psychomotor
skills in practice settings.

addictions.
Handed in LEARN 2 (from the patients
perspective). I learned a lot from writing this,
and putting myself in the patients shoes. This
is basically using the hermeneutic
phenomenological lens that we learned about in
NURS2001.
I continue to reflect at the end of each day in
my journal.
Wrote a paper for NURS2001 reflecting back on
a situation that occurred during my clinical
experience. Reflected and critically analyzed
the situation using the 5 Cs, critical lens, and
hermeneutic phenomenological lens.
Continuing to encourage patients to join
activities.
During the first shift I had I was very worried and quite
with the patients as I did not know how to start a
conversation with them. As the shift progressed I
became a lot more confident in my skills and was
making conversation with many of the patients and
trying to encourage them to join activities with me.
o The first shift I was assigned a resident and
when they didnt open up and want to talk right
away I felt rejected and didnt try again. After
the next couple shifts I learned to go back and
keep trying because not everyone will be open
and want to talk right away. I was able to get
really close with a woman and carry on very
good conversations. I am there to try to learn
about mental health and the best way to do that
is to put myself out there and talk to whoever I
can to understand individual experiences.

Demonstrate accountability and professionalism that is consistent

with a nurse entering a selfregulating profession.
-

Performing vitals on the patients at the beginning of

the shift and completing rounds while carrying on
conversation with patients.
During ECT therapy I volunteered to complete the
vitals, apply the heart monitor pads, and help with
recovery.
I feel that I put myself out there more than I did
in the beginning. I volunteer for more tasks,
and have been improving greatly with my
psychomotor skills.
o I believe that I have mastered taking
vitals, I am very quick and effective in
completing the vitals in the morning.
o I am also becoming very strong with my
documenting skills. I am very thorough in
ensuring that everything is documented
correctly.
I volunteered to give my first needle, and while
I was reconstituting medication I volunteered to
give a second one. I was pretty confident in my
skills from lab, and feel as if I gained a good
amount of confidence from the hands on
experience.
Ensuring confidentiality with patients and only
reviewing charts that I am supposed to (avoid charts
of those who are/were Trent students).
Portraying a professional attitude and presence with
patients and nursing staff. Dress appropriately,
consciously aware of my body language, introducing
myself, being punctual, etc.
I consistently approached every situation with a
non-judgmental attitude, and trying to be
conscious of my own biases.

Select appropriate community

support services for families
needing referral to enhance
coping with diverse transitional
experiences.

I applied my learning ensuring that I made sure

informed consent protocol was always followed,
as it is important to patients to have choices.
o Before giving an injection I ensured to
introduce myself as a nursing student to
the patients and asked if they were
comfortable with me giving the needle. It
is important that patients are informed
about what they are agreeing to.
Continue to ensure confidentiality, and respect
for patients privacy.
After midterm I have continued to always be on
time, dressed appropriately, etc.
While in the picu the nurses taught me about the
criteria necessary for patients to be admitted into the
picu, as well as being moved into the pasu or to
Ontario shores. I learned about the various groups
available to patients when they are discharged and
doing better.
o The groups to ensure that a supportive
environment is available when needed by those
after being discharged.
Learned about outpatient and inpatient support
groups, and the effect the group therapy has on those
with mental health illnesses.
o After talking with a young man on the unit, he
discussed with me that his inpatient support
groups he attends is very helpful and makes him
feel a lot better about his illness, knowing he is
not alone. He explained that talking to people
with similar experiences has helped him
become more accepting of his mental illness.
In NURS2550 I learned about a variety of community

support groups, and services available to those with a

mental health illness before and after treatment.
o PACE to help those finish their education at
their own pace.
o Housing shelters for those who do not have a
living situation after being discharged.
o Food banks for those who are financially
disadvantaged and cannot afford the rising
costs of food and basic necessities.
o PRHC outpatient mental health support groups.
I have researched the One Roof Community
Diner which we will be attending on our last
day of clinical. I learned all about what this
organization does. This is a resource that can
be very helpful for those in need of a free meal
including homeless people, or those who just
cannot afford to eat well everyday due to
poverty.

Clinical Instructor Comments (All areas marked as unsatisfactory must have a

comments

To be completed by student:
Student Areas of Strength
1. I am very confident in my strength of taking vitals on patients. I have become very
extremely skilled and efficient in my approach.
2. I am very strong in my ability to document vital signs properly, and read/understand
all the papers in that part of patients charts.
3. I have become a lot more confident in my judgments and skills throughout this clinical
placement. I struggled with my confidence in my placement in long-term care, and at
the beginning of this placement, but I feel that I have really improved.
Student Areas for Future Development
1. I was able to administer 2 needles, but I am not yet confident in my abilities with
medication administration. I will continue to volunteer myself in every opportunity in
order to strengthen my abilities. I would like to become more proficient in this skill
during my next clinical rotation.
2. I need to work on my facial expressions when talking to patients. I sometimes become
too emotional and invested in their story. I need to learn how to remain professional
and neutral no matter what they throw my way. Moving from sympathetic to a more
empathetic view and presence. This will be an ongoing development, but I hope to
have it mastered before my next clinical rotation.
3. I would like to work on documentation in general. I have mastered the vital signs part,
but need to work on my SOAP/SOAPIE documentation and the more in depth
documentation. I would like to do this by the end of my next clinical rotation.
Clinical Instructor Comments (All areas marked as unsatisfactory must have a
comment)

Daijauna I am so impressed by your performance and skills that you have

learned this semester. As you said you are more confident and comfortable in
applying your knowledge into skills.
This is best demonstrated through your conversations and the trust patients
have in you when talking to them. You are open and honest and sometimes it is
really difficult not to become emotional when hearing or witnessing a patients
struggles .Remember a nurse is human too and we always work in the patients
best interest. Empathy is very important in what we do.
You did very well with two injections this semester. Your confidence and
knowledge base enabled you to preform your task with skill.
Daijauna I feel that your leadership skills are improving and suggest you
continue to work on building more skills in this area. You are confident in sharing
your thoughts during group discussions and always add a lively dimension to any
conversation.
Your attendance was excellent even though you had a severe ear infection
for the better part of the semester. Your punctuality and assignment submissions
were timely.
Keep up the great work!
You have passed this clinical component of Mental Health.

Daijauna I wish you all the best as you continue your journey to become a
nurse.
Sincerely,
Anne Falconer Clincial Instructor
Attendance
Week
1
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4

Hrs.
12
Week 5

Hrs.
12

12

Week 6

12

12

Week 7

12

12

Week 8

12

Total number of clinical hours completed: 96 hours

Clinical Component
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Please circle the appropriate outcome
Clinical Learning Center Completed _____________
Enhanced Learning Days Completed _____________

Signature of Instructor:

Signature of Student: Daijauna Falkins

14th, 2016

Date:

Date: November