One of the key accomplishments during my practicum was gaining a deep understanding of the unique healthcare needs of overweight autistic teenagers. By immersing myself in their challenges and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, I was able to develop insights into the factors influencing weight management difficulties in this population. This understanding was a foundation for developing targeted interventions and personalized care plans that considered their specific needs and preferences. Seeing the positive impact of these interventions on the health outcomes of the teenagers was truly rewarding and reinforced the importance of tailored care in improving their overall well-being.
However, alongside these accomplishments, I also encountered challenges during my practicum. One of the primary challenges was the limited availability of comprehensive data on overweight autistic teenagers. Gathering and analyzing data related to weight management and its outcomes was challenging due to the complexity of the population and the need for sensitive data collection methods (Ismail et al., 2020). Overcoming this challenge required extensive collaboration with healthcare providers and continuous advocacy for improved data collection processes. By addressing this challenge, we enhanced the accuracy and relevance of the data, leading to more informed decision-making and improved health outcomes.
Throughout my practicum experience, I completed many hours dedicated to gaining practical knowledge and skills in nurse informatics and addressing the healthcare needs of overweight autistic teenagers. These hours were spent engaging with interdisciplinary teams, conducting data analysis, implementing and optimizing electronic health record systems, and actively participating in team meetings and discussions. Additionally, I invested time researching and reviewing current literature on weight management challenges in autistic children to deepen my understanding of the subject matter. These completed hours reflect my commitment and dedication to the practicum experience, allowing me to make valuable contributions and progress toward achieving the goals and objectives outlined for this specialized field.
In conclusion, my completed hours toward the practicum experience as a nurse working with overweight autistic teenagers have expanded my knowledge, skills, and practical understanding of the field. Through active engagement with interdisciplinary teams, data analysis, and the implementation of electronic health record systems, I have significantly improved health outcomes for this special population. These completed hours reflect my commitment to professional growth and my dedication to positively impacting the field of nurse informatics, ultimately enhancing the care provided to overweight autistic teenagers.
Curtin, C., Hyman, S. L., Boas, D. D., Hassink, S., Broder-Fingert, S., Ptomey, L. T., Gillette, M. D., Fleming, R. K., Must, A., & Bandini, L. G. (2020). Weight management in primary care for children with Autism: A systematic review. Pediatrics , 145 . https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-1895p
Struggling with online classes or exams? Get expert help to ace your coursework, assignments, and tests stress-free!