Reflecting on my journey as a student nurse, I see significant growth in my personal learning and professional development. My progression has been a blend of successes, challenges, and ongoing learning, each of which has shaped the nurse I aspire to become. At the start of my placement, I recognised that I needed to build a strong foundation in clinical knowledge and hands-on skills.
I work alongside staff nurses and join during meditation rounds and nursing care to improve pharmacology, practical skills and nursing interventions. I have gained confidence in applying this knowledge in clinical settings. However, I realise that nursing is a continuous learning process, and I still have areas where I want to improve such as IV administration.
For example, I have identified a need to enhance my critical thinking and decision-making abilities in more complex and rapidly evolving situations. While I am becoming more comfortable with routine patient care, administration of common medication, I find that in emergencies or when dealing with multiple comorbidity, I sometimes need additional support to make confident clinical decisions. For example, I had the opportunity to work alongside a staff nurse to provide nursing care to patients with a spiking temperature of 38:8C and patients with a ketone of 4.5. However, I am actively seeking more opportunities in more complex situations.
Throughout my training, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of embodying the core professional values outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), such as compassion, respect, integrity, and advocacy. I take pride in delivering compassionate, person-centred care and believe that my ability to communicate with patients and their families is one of my strengths. I always strive to ensure that every patient feels heard, respected, and valued, which aligns with my commitment to prioritising people as set out in the NMC Code.
One professional value I continue to focus on is advocacy. I am learning how to effectively advocate for patients who are vulnerable or unable to speak for themselves. This involves not only being a voice for patients but also ensuring their dignity and rights are upheld. For example, I have been involved in the care of patients with cerebral palsy and non-verbal communication. Therefore, I spent extra time with them to communicate, listen and ensure person-centred care is provided.
During my placements, I have developed several key competencies, such as safely administering medications , wound care, ECG and monitoring vital signs, which has improved me significantly. I can manage patient care in a bay and report to the nurse in charge of any concern.
Additionally, I confidently document care accurately and communicate effectively with staff members. I have improved on my clinical skills, as well as emotional resilience, leadership, and collaboration. I aim to develop further my confidence in delegating tasks and leading small teams during shifts. At times, I hesitate to take the lead, especially when working with more experienced nurses or in high-pressure situations. I want to work on my leadership skills and learn how to delegate more effectively while maintaining an effective team.
I have participated in doctors’ rounds and contributed to discussing patient health and well-being. This has helped me in managing patient care and to identify signs that a patient is deteriorating. Also understanding of some abbreviations used in the ward and why different trays are used ( red for patients who need help with eating or different and blue for competent patients). I ensure to gain consent before carrying out any procedures or nursing intervention and promote person-centred care by encouraging the patient to do as much as possible for themselves. While providing care, I ensure to respect patients’ wishes and preferences. As my ward is haematology and endocrinology, fluid input and output are recorded; therefore, I encourage fluid and food intake to improve health and well-being, mostly for patients on catheters. Most importantly, I ensure to be on time to take handover, this is where clinical patients care are discussed, and plans in place are explained. At the end of the shift, I joined the staff nurse to give handover to the night staff for continuity of care.
I plan to work closely with mentors during future placements, asking for regular feedback on my clinical practice. This will help me identify specific areas where I can improve. I will seek opportunities to take on leadership roles during shifts, gradually building my confidence in delegating and coordinating care. I will regularly reflect on my experiences and receive feedback. I aim to continuously refine my ability to advocate for patients and uphold professional values.
Skills
Throughout my placements, I have significantly improved my clinical skills, such as administering medications, conducting assessments, and performing wound care. I am becoming more efficient at managing multiple patients and prioritising care. I am more competent; documentation has also improved, ensuring that patient records are accurate and up to date.
I build strong, trusting relationships with patients and their families, ensuring they feel respected and cared for. I have developed effective communication skills, both in listening to patients and in delivering clear, concise information to colleagues and other healthcare professionals regarding patient health and well-being. I can use ward equipment such as blood sugar/ketone device, infusion pump, blood pressure and ECG machines
I promote patient privacy, dignity and safety at all times and am always willing to support patients and their families as required while maintaining confidentiality. Understanding of palliative care and end-of-life care. I am involved in the administration of medication such as tablets of injections ( insulin and enoxaparin) and IV medications. Ability to use a wide range of communication methods such as active listening, gestures, lip reading and eye contact to support the patient with communication difficulties. I prioritise patient needs according to a current health condition, such as insulin, hypertension or hypoglycemic. I think critically and ask questions to improve my knowledge of patient conditions and the best way to support them. Demonstration of professionalism and maintaining a professional relationship with the patient and others
Attitudes and values
I use my initiative and ask questions to improve my knowledge of the patient’s condition and the best way to support them
Ability to contribute to nursing intervention
Good time management to be part of nursing handover
Caring and compassionate in the nursing care given to the patient
Communicate well with all healthcare professionals and follow instructions and procedures given by staff.
Work well as part of the team and in a professional way to improve patient health
Ensuring to gain consent and communicate the task to the patient to provide person-centred care and active participation
I advocate for individual patients,