Reflection Paper: Nursing Experience Term Paper

As has been mentioned above, I believe I have chosen the right way and I am a good nurse who can function in all sites. However, I think that the ward is where the nurse belongs. I like being with patients and try to spend as much time as possible with them. I believe that patients need our psychological help even more than clinical services and I will go into detail on that matter below. I admire nurses who work in intensive care units as they save lives but the work is very demanding and healthcare professionals do not have the right to make any mistakes. They also have little time to make decisions. For me, it is difficult and, hence, I prefer working in less extreme conditions. I can work with people and this is my advantage. I can fulfill routine tasks but I do not address patients with routing talks. I listen to them, share news, jokes, emotions and my patients appreciate it.

Actually, this is connected with my “aha” moment. I used to think that clinical procedures are more important than psychological care as medication helps people feel better and cures diseases. Nonetheless, one of my patients as well as my preceptor helped me realize that psychological state of a person is much more important. The woman was getting adequate therapy but her health only slightly improved. For me, it was a surprise as I knew that the therapy was very effective and should have been very successful in that case. When I talked to the patient, I felt there was something wrong and she was depressed. It turned out she was living through a painful divorce. We started discussing this issue and she decided to move on. Of course, medication may have improved her condition but she felt much better and soon she left. I often think about that woman and a tiny miracle that happened because of me. This was the moment when I understood that clinical procedures are only a part of a more comprehensive treatment.

In conclusion, I would like to note that my experience will help me be an effective and successful nurse. I will provide high-quality clinical services and psychological support to my patients. I will also be capable of developing proper relationships with my colleagues. This is really important as proper communication among healthcare professionals enables them to develop the most effective treatment for patients. I will also remember my preceptor’s words concerning the importance of being positive and optimistic as patients need it most of all. I think I am ready to help my future patients cope with their problems and improve their quality of life.