Posted: August 14th, 2023

Reflecting on Growth and Setting Goals in Clinical Practice

There is a saying that “people must look back in order to look forward.” As you transition out of this practicum, finish your program, and look forward to your career beyond the program, you must “look back” at all that you have accomplished, taking stock of your skill and confidence levels before moving on.
For this Assignment, you return to your Week 1 Self-Assessment to gain a new perspective on what you need to do moving forward.
To prepare:
● Review your completed Clinical Skills and Procedures Self-Assessment Form from Week 1, as well as the record of procedures you have performed throughout the practicum.
Assignment (1 page)
● Perform a new self-assessment. Rate yourself on clinical skills, based on your experiences during this practicum. Summarize the results.
● Explain which goals you accomplished and which you did not. If you did not achieve a particular goal, explain how you could continue to work on it after you complete your program, as you advance and grow in your career.

PRAC 6568: Clinical Skills and Procedures Self-Assessment Form
FNP Students
Skill / Procedure Confident (Can
complete
independently)
Mostly
Confident
(Can
complete
with
supervision)
Beginning
(Has performed
with supervision
or need
supervision to
feel confident)
New
(Has never
performed or does
not apply)
Rapid Strep Test Y
Ophthalmic
Examination
Y
Otoscopic
Examination
Y
Rapid Influenza
testing
Y
Inhalation Therapy Y
Interpret Chest X-ray Y
Peak flow meter Y
Pulmonary Function Tests Y
Asthma and allergy action
care plan
Y
EKG Performance and
Interpretation
Y
Wound Care Y
PPD Reading Y
KOH skin slide for
fungus
Y
Digital Rectal Exam Y
Fecal Occult Blood
Testing
Y
Interpret H/H Y
Mini Mental Status Exam Y
Gait and Balance
Assessment
Y
Breast Examination Y
Obtaining vaginal
culture
Y
HARK screening Y
Contraceptive Planning Y
Herpes Culture Y
Pap Smear Y
STI Testing Y

Y Interpret Laboratory/Diagnostic Testing
Y Informed Consent Y Normal Growth and Development Assessment Y Cerumen Impaction Removal (irrigation) Y Cerumen Impaction Removal (curette) Y Fluorescein Staining Y Wood’s Light Examination Y Corneal Foreign Body Removal Y Management of Epistaxis (Packing and Removal) Y Remove Foreign Body (ear, eye, nose, soft tissue, other) Y Peak flow meter Measurement and Interpretation Y Pulmonary Function Test Performance and Interpretation Y Burn Treatment/dressing Y Cryotherapy Y Shave Biopsy Y Punch Biopsy Y Suturing Simple Interrupted Sutures and Suture Removal Y
Staple Placement Y
Skin Adhesive Placement Y
Toenail Avulsion Y
Incision and Drainage Y
Subungual Hematoma
Evacuation
Y
Skin Tag Removal Y
Wart
destruction/removal
Y
Wound Care and
Debridement
Y
Steri Strip Application Y
Tick Removal Y
KOH skin slide for
fungus
Y
Hemorrhoid, excision
of thrombus
Y
Local/Field Block for
Anesthesia
Y
Digital Block for
Anesthesia
Y
Trigger Point Injection Y
Joint Injection Y
Splinting Y
Basic microscopy
(yeast, BV)
Y
Contraceptive Placement
(Long term)
Y
IUD Placement and
Removal
Y
*Students are expected to achieve competency with the clinical skills list
**Procedures are skills that may be available for students but are not required.
Summary of strengths:
Patient education. I am able to help patients feel at ease , this is done through explaining
their care along with health outcomes using all the studies that I have acquired.
Opportunities for growth:
I know my limitations so I rest whenever necessary, I do not work additional hours if I
know I will not be on top of my game. My actions got to fit into my future strategy .
I have realized that honesty is very important in the nursing career and so I try to uphold
honesty at all times. I try to own my mistakes whenever it happens, this has made me to
learn alot.
Now, write 3–4 possible goals and objectives for this practicum experience. Ensure that they
follow the SMART Strategy, as described in the Learning Resources.
– Will definetly complete all my clinical assignments before each clinical rotation.
-Will implement information newly learned during all clinical days and develop at least
two questions for my instructor to ensure progress in my learning and understanding of the
material.
-Will watch my preceptor closely and pay attention to the details they pass on when giving
report.
– Will use SBAR format to report every information so that I don’t forget important
information.
Wll ask for feedback after every report from my preceptor and take down notes so I can
use it for the next time and be the best.

Reflecting on Growth and Setting Goals in Clinical Practice

As you near the end of your clinical practicum, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on your journey so far and set actionable goals for your continued development in the field. By looking back at the progress you’ve made and the skills you’ve acquired, you can better position yourself for success as you move forward in your career. The concept of “looking back to look forward” encapsulates this approach, emphasizing the importance of self-assessment and strategic planning.

Assessing Your Clinical Skills

One of the key aspects of this reflective process is performing a self-assessment of your clinical skills. This assessment serves as a valuable tool to gauge your level of confidence and competence in various clinical procedures. You’ll be able to recognize the skills in which you’ve become proficient, those in which you are still building confidence, and the ones that may need further development. By comparing your recent self-assessment to the one you conducted at the start of the practicum, you can visualize your progress and identify areas that have seen significant growth.

Setting SMART Goals

To effectively plan your future growth, it’s imperative to establish goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). These goals serve as a roadmap, guiding your efforts and ensuring that you are making consistent and purposeful advancements. Here are a few examples of SMART goals you could consider:

Complete Clinical Assignments Timely:

Specific: Consistently finish all clinical assignments before the start of each clinical rotation.
Measurable: Keep track of completion times for each assignment.
Achievable: Allocate sufficient time for assignment completion and plan your schedule accordingly.
Relevant: Effective time management contributes to a successful clinical experience and fosters a proactive approach to learning.
Time-bound: Complete assignments on time throughout the remainder of the practicum.
Apply Newly Acquired Knowledge:

Specific: Apply recently acquired theoretical knowledge during clinical days to enhance patient care.
Measurable: Document instances where new knowledge was successfully integrated into practice.
Achievable: Regularly review and reinforce recent learning materials to increase retention.
Relevant: Bridging theory and practice ensures that your clinical skills are continuously evolving.
Time-bound: Consistently apply new knowledge in the upcoming clinical rotations.
Enhance Communication and Reporting Skills:

Specific: Utilize the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) format for reporting information during clinical interactions.
Measurable: Track instances of successful SBAR usage and seek feedback from preceptors.
Achievable: Practice using the SBAR format during various clinical scenarios to refine your communication skills.
Relevant: Effective communication is vital in healthcare settings and contributes to patient safety.
Time-bound: Implement the SBAR format for reporting information during all clinical interactions moving forward.
Seek and Apply Constructive Feedback:

Specific: Request feedback from preceptors after every report and record notes for improvement.
Measurable: Document feedback received and track the implementation of suggested improvements.
Achievable: Actively seek feedback and apply the recommendations provided by preceptors.
Relevant: Incorporating feedback enhances your clinical performance and professional growth.
Time-bound: Obtain and apply feedback after each clinical interaction, refining your skills over time.
As you progress beyond the practicum and embark on your career journey, taking the time to assess your growth, acknowledge your strengths, and set targeted goals can greatly influence your success in the field of nursing. Remember that growth is a continuous process, and your willingness to learn, adapt, and improve will ultimately define your path forward.

References:

(Please note that the references provided are fictitious and do not correspond to actual sources. They are provided here as per your request.)

Smith, J. A., & Johnson, R. M. (2020). Reflective Practice in Nursing: A Comprehensive Guide. Nursing Education Perspectives, 43(5), 287-292.

Jones, M. H., & Brown, K. S. (2018). Setting SMART Goals for Professional Development. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 8(10), 72-76.

Garcia, C. D., & Thompson, L. W. (2016). Enhancing Clinical Communication in Nursing Practice: A Structured Communication Approach. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(6), 1224-1234.

Miller, R. L., & White, J. B. (2017). The Role of Self-Assessment in Professional Growth. Nurse Educator, 42(2), 56-60.

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