Introduction:
The professional practice environment is a factor that can have a significant impact on
missed nursing care . At the same time, it is a factor of great significance in the
recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals . Aspects of the professional
practice environment directly and indirectly influence the quality of nursing care.
Professional practice is significant because it ensures that professionals uphold ethical
standards, maintain their competence, and serve their clients' best interests. It promotes
continuous learning and development, accountability, and responsibility. By adhering to
ethical standards and promoting a culture of transparency and honesty, professionals
build trust and credibility with their clients, which is essential for the success of their
work.
Professional practice attributes include the knowledge, attitude, skills, values, and
capabilities that result in high occupational and professional performance. In other words,
These are the professional skills, clinical judgment, communication, emotions, and ethics
intended to provide high-quality professional services to individuals and to society. Nurse
educators with high professional competencies are required, and the level of nursing
education for nurse educators needs to be improved.
Clinical placement refers to the practical component of training for healthcare
professionals. Expectations of clinical placement include gaining hands-on experience,
developing clinical skills and knowledge, working collaboratively with healthcare teams,
and adhering to ethical and professional standards. Students are also expected to
demonstrate initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to learning and improving
their practice. The need for constant learning and upgrading knowledge and skills is time-
consuming but very important for nursing professionals, who are under more pressure
than ever before due to the rapid evolution of medical knowledge and technology. The
health care system's modifications have produced a competitive atmosphere with new
stressors that are perceived to be having the negative influence on nurse educator's
professional practice attributes.
Nurses face several challenges that hinder their ability to act professionally, including
workplace violence, staffing shortages, ethical dilemmas, limited autonomy, and a lack of
professional development opportunities.
Description:
On my first day of clinical placement in the hospital, I was filled with a mix of anxiety &
happiness. I was so careful about early attendance with my company in the morning the
first person I met there was Dr. Eman - My clinical instructor - who read the distribution
list on us and the internal medicine department was the placement location in that day. I
was introduced to the nursing staff and other healthcare professionals on the ward with
my colleagues. They were so cooperative and shoed kindness to us.
Feeling:
Before the day leading up to my first day of clinical placement, I spent the night before
anxious and had so much overthinking about. I read through my notes and tried to reach
my older colleagues experience , reviewed the procedures and protocols that I would be
expected to follow , assessment and the plan of the day, and tried to envision what the
day would be like.
The whole experience was so valuable, eagerly successful as everything happened
properly as I was asked to do. Nothing abstruse to mention as the staff were so
cooperative in making everything clear and they taught me a lot of skills which are not
allowed for any nurse to miss in addition to the precautions we should follow or avoid to
provide the patient the optimum healthcare in the limits of our responsibility.
Evaluation:
Skills I was taught that day by the staff there had great impression on how important our
role is. The best skills were the communication skills and how to deal with patients in a
polite and understanding way to relief their suffering and ease their hospital
accommodation till recovery. Patients crying because of pain was the most distressing
thing I faced in my first placement day. The staff was handling this by telling my about
the habituation.
The first priority of tasks of the day was taking history, body examination and vital signs
and to apply what I’ve learned theoretically in lectures directly in the field.
Patients were assisting me achieving this goal as they felt my kindness and proficiency in
following the steps and demonstrating every vital sign indicator.
Analysis:
I learned so many things and had many challenges to handle. First of them is how to
manage my feelings during dealing with patients as it affects my role as a healthcare
professional especially for new healthcare providers who are still learning the ropes
(Penn Medicine News 2021)..
Second, how to manage time priotrize tasks more effectively and avoid feeling
overwhelmed. and avoid multitasking as possible, as patient assessment and care needs
focus and dedication.
Third, to follow my mentors’ steps as it save time and efforts. I can seek out opportunities
to improve my communication and empathy skills, which will enable me to respond more
effectively to distressing situations and provide comfort and support to patients and their
families. Avoid witnessing a distressing situation: Hospitals should provide resources
such as counseling and debriefing sessions to help healthcare providers process their
emotions and prevent burnout.
I must take into account professionalism and personal grooming when starting a clinical
placement. This includes making sure my uniform laundered daily and being mindful of
not wearing too much perfume or cologne because patients could find it overpowering
when being cared for.
A clinical placement could provide a stepping stone to future employment so I would like
to grasp the opportunity to shine and treat the experience as a job interview. As I
represent my workplace and the professions and should act professionally and be well
mannered at all times. I was encouraged to formulate their objectives prior to beginning a
clinical placement. The plan identifies my objectives and in what timeframe they will
realistically be fulfilled.
Conclusion:
Once I’ve started the shift though, I can stop over-thinking and start settling into a new
routine. The staff seem friendly enough, my supervisor is interested in me, and the
patients seem to warm to me. Though the area is new, the skills I’ve started to develop are
still relevant and useful. The first day comes to an end, and what have I learnt? I can get
there on time; I can talk to people I don’t know; I can ask for – and get – help; I can still
provide compassionate care to patients, even if I am ‘new’.
Action plan:
In order to improve my clinical skills, I will take the following actions:
Firstly, ask questions: Whenever I encounter something I don't understand, I will ask for
clarification from my clinical instructor. Secondly, Study medical terminology: I will
review key medical terms to improve my understanding of the patient's conditions and
treatment plans. Third, Observe and learn from the healthcare team: I will observe the
interactions between different members of the healthcare team to gain insight into
effective communication and teamwork. To improve my skills and knowledge, I plan to
seek feedback from the healthcare professionals I am working with and to reflect on my
experiences regularly. I also plan to read more about patient care and the different roles of
healthcare professionals. Specifically, I will focus on developing my communication
skills by practicing active listening, asking open-ended questions, and seeking
clarification when necessary.
References:
Forsetlund, L., O'Brien, M.A., Forsén, L., Mwai, L., Reinar, L.M 2021 “ Continuing education
meetings and workshops: effects on professional practice and healthcare outcomes” [online],
[ assessed 23th of March 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8441047/.
Zeleníková, R., Jarošová, D., Plevová, I., Janíková, E. 2020 “Nurses’ Perceptions of Professional
Practice Environment and Its Relation to Missed Nursing Care and Nurse Satisfaction” [online],
[ assessed 23th of March 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7312939/ .
Pareek, B., Soni, M., Rana, R., Sharma, R., Goyal, R., Sharma S. 2023 “Nurse educators’
professional practice attributes and its determinants” [online], [ assessed 24th of March 2024].
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10578536/.
Bloemhof, J., Knol J.,Van Rijn, M., Buurman, B.M. 2021” The implementation of a professional
practice model to improve the nurse work environment in a Dutch hospital: A quasi‐
experimental study” [online], [ assessed 24th of March 2024]
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9293086/
