Mid-Semewster Self_Review and Analysis

Mid- Semester Self-Review and analysis

2 course clinical objectives

Inspired a shared vision

This clinical experience with my preceptor has given me the opportunity to learn a lot from management. This learning process has improved my leadership skills and changed my perception about managers. My preceptor engaged me in diverse activities and emphasized that establishing a vision is an important leadership skill. This envisioning goal as clearly was explained to me by my preceptor is a pathway to built excellence in nursing. My preceptor believes that every leader should have vision and have the right people to meet the goals of the vision. She believes that leaders inspire a shared vision that requires envisioning goals and enlisting others in a common goal. The leader breathes into the vision through vivid language and expressive style. People must believe that the leader understands their needs and have their interest at heart. The envisioning goal requires having trustful relationships, shared information and agreement on mutual expectation. I also learnt that our vision as nurses is focused on the fact that patient care is why we became nurses. Exceptional leader skills are important function of leading. Visioning gives direction to accelerate change. Being a leader calls for an executive who believes in the power of caring for others and who have a vision for nursing.

Nurse and Client advocate
I have also increased my knowledge and skills in staff and patient advocacy which are important components of our nursing professional. I have gained a lot of insight in advocating for patient and staff. My preceptor went round every morning talking to staff and patients to see how they were doing. She changes systems to meet the needs of others and shows respect, equality and dignity for others. I also learned some keys to help me become a successful nurse advocator by developing skills in referring and engaging patients, acquiring knowledge, accessing systems and collaborating with other healthcare providers. This will in turn promote safety and effective quality care for patients.

2 Personal clinical objectives

One of my primary personal objectives is gaining insight into the pathway of excellence skills. I observed my preceptor working hard to build on the pathway to excellence. She uses her strategic planning process to provide directions for operational activities of the organization. She stated that most team members have been in the organization for many years and did not visibly demonstrate a clear pathway built on a vision for nursing. As nurse we have opportunities to make a difference by planning new strategies for the future. She is proactive, innovative and vision oriented; she works hard to change policies and procedures to increase patient safety and satisfactions. I agree with her that our vision is focused on the fact that patient care is why we become nurses.
My other objective is learning leadership skills by incorporating effective time management to achieve personal and professional goals. My preceptor had a calendar with the goals of the day. She explained to me how she plans for the day by setting goals for the day, prioritizing and managing time. She also made room for side distractions. Although she has a very busy schedule with meetings here and there, she is able to walk everyday around some floors or departments to see how they are doing unless she is not in the building. She told me that talking and touching people make a difference in her life and reduces stress.

Overall review of personal objectives
Overall I want to become an effective leader and a team player. So far from my clinical experience, I have learnt the importance of teamwork. Leadership is team effort and collaboration is to master team skills in partnership with others in the team to function well. My preceptor who is my mentor promotes positive attitudes and good communication. She inspires others and has created a trusting climate. There is mutual respect for her and the staff. Kouzes and Posner states that “ when leadership is understood as a relationship founded on trust and confidence, people take risks, make change, and keep programs, organizations and movement alive.”

How this has fostered my professional growth

This whole learning experience has helped me gain insight to the management world. My preceptor has inspired me to be more proactive, vision directed, creative and very oriented to change. I have learned skills to aid me in my professional journey to gain more confidence and competency when addressing healthcare issues. I learnt from my preceptor to seek more opportunities for professional growth, expand my knowledge and have a vision. She stated that “Being a leader in today’s environment calls for an executive who believes in the power of caring for others and who has a vision for nursing.”