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Practicum and MSN Reflection
In this reflection paper, I will analyze my journey through the MSN program and my practicum experience as a nurse for overweight autistic teenagers. I will discuss the accomplishments and challenges encountered during my practicum and the completion of the required hours. Additionally, I will explore how obtaining an MSN degree will open up new career opportunities and enable me to utilize nursing informatics and technology to enhance patient care outcomes. NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 6, Through my dedicated work during the practicum, I have gained valuable experience and made meaningful contributions to improving the health and well-being of overweight autistic teenagers.
Analyzing the MSN Journey
The journey towards achieving an MSN advanced degree is a transformative and rigorous process that prepares nurses for higher levels of practice and leadership in healthcare. It involves a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and research components to develop well-rounded and highly competent nursing professionals (Goodwin et al., 2021). Throughout my education, I have developed a profound appreciation for the significance of upholding social justice and equity within healthcare. I have also recognized the criticality of maintaining confidentiality and fairness while delivering patient care (Burton & Pinto, 2022). I have also learned about the impact of evolving technology and trends in the practice setting, particularly in adopting technologies such as electronic health records (EHRs), mobile applications, wearable devices, and telehealth, which have positively affected patient safety and care outcomes.
NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 6: Practicum and MSN Reflection
As highlighted in the peer-reviewed article ” Weight Management in Primary Care for Children with Autism: A Systematic Review” by Curtin et al. (2020), nurses are critical in improving patient care and outcomes. This requires specialized knowledge and skills related to both nursing and technology. Ongoing education and professional development are essential to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in healthcare technology and practices (Vanessa et al., 2022). I discussed this article with a colleague in the same field. We both agreed that the nurse’s role is crucial in ensuring patient safety and quality of care in healthcare organizations.
My MSN journey has emphasized the importance of evidence-based practice, equipping me with the skills to critically analyze research, apply evidence to clinical decision-making, and provide the most effective care to overweight autistic teenagers. Furthermore, the program has fostered my development as a leader and advocate, enabling me to play influential roles in healthcare organizations and champion initiatives that address the unique needs of this population. My understanding of healthcare informatics gained through the MSN program allows me to leverage technology and data to optimize care delivery, improve communication, streamline processes, and personalize care for overweight autistic teenagers (Vanessa et al., 2022).
Lastly, my MSN journey has fostered a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. The program has instilled a sense of curiosity, encouraging me to stay updated with the latest research, advancements, and trends in the nursing field. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that I continue to grow and adapt as a nurse, providing the highest quality of care for overweight autistic teenagers throughout my career (Mlambo et al., 2021). Overall, my MSN advanced degree journey has been an invaluable experience that has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel as a nurse in the specialized field of overweight autistic teenagers.
NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 6: Practicum and MSN Reflection
Enhanced Career Options
Achieving an MSN advanced degree opens up a wide range of career options and enhances professional opportunities for nurses. With an MSN, I will have the qualifications and expertise to pursue advanced practice roles, such as a nurse practitioner specializing in overweight autistic teenagers. This advanced level of education and training will enable me to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care, diagnose and treat health conditions, and prescribe medications, all while focusing on the specific needs of this population. The MSN degree will also equip me with the skills to work independently, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and make autonomous decisions to improve the health outcomes of overweight autistic teenagers (Conley, 2019).
In addition to advanced practice roles, an MSN degree prepares nurses for leadership positions within healthcare organizations. With my advanced degree, I will be well-positioned to pursue managerial or administrative roles where I can contribute to developing and implementing policies and programs that address the healthcare needs of overweight autistic teenagers. As a nurse leader, I can advocate for the rights and well-being of this population, influence healthcare policies, and drive positive changes in the delivery of care (Goodwin et al., 2021).
Furthermore, the MSN degree provides a strong foundation for pursuing research and teaching opportunities. With an MSN degree, I can engage in research projects focused on improving the care and outcomes of overweight autistic teenagers. This involvement in research allows me to contribute to advancing knowledge in the field and drive evidence-based practices. Additionally, an MSN degree opens doors to academic positions where I can educate and inspire the next generation of nurses, instilling in them the importance of compassionate and culturally competent care for overweight autistic teenagers (Ravi & Theresa Leonilda Mendonc, 2023).
NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 6: Practicum and MSN Reflection
Overall, achieving an MSN advanced degree expands career options by providing opportunities for advanced practice, leadership, research, and teaching. With the comprehensive knowledge, specialized skills, and advanced training gained through the MSN program, I am well-prepared to improve the health and well-being of overweight autistic teenagers significantly, and I am excited to embrace future career opportunities.
Reflection on Practicum Experience Including Accomplishments and Challenges
During my practicum experience as a nurse for overweight autistic teenagers, one of my notable accomplishments was developing and implementing personalized care plans. By conducting thorough assessments and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, I was able to identify the specific needs and challenges faced by each individual and tailor interventions accordingly. This approach improved health outcomes and enhanced the well-being of overweight autistic teenagers under my care (Proctor et al., 2021).
However, I also faced challenges in my practicum experience. One of the major challenges was the limited availability of resources and specialized services for overweight autistic teenagers. This created barriers to comprehensive care and required me to be creative and resourceful in finding alternative solutions (Ishler et al., 2023). Overcoming this challenge involved collaborating with community organizations, advocating for additional resources, and exploring innovative approaches to address the unique healthcare needs of this population.
NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 6: Practicum and MSN Reflection
Overall, my practicum experience as a nurse working with overweight autistic teenagers was rewarding. My accomplishments, such as personalized care planning and integrating healthcare informatics, have significantly improved health outcomes. While challenges were present, they provided opportunities for growth and innovation. Through my dedication, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and continuous learning, I have been able to make a positive impact on the lives of overweight autistic teenagers, holistically promoting their health and well-being.
Completion of Hours
Throughout my practicum experience as a nurse for overweight autistic teenagers, I successfully completed the required hours by actively engaging in various activities to improve their health outcomes. These activities included conducting comprehensive assessments, developing personalized care plans, implementing evidence-based interventions, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, utilizing healthcare informatics tools, and advocating for the unique needs of this population. By dedicating myself to this practicum, I have gained valuable hands-on experience and significantly contributed to enhancing the well-being of overweight autistic teenagers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my practicum experience as a nurse for overweight autistic teenagers has been a rewarding personal and professional growth journey. Through my interactions with this population, I have witnessed the profound impact of compassionate and culturally competent care on their health outcomes. The challenges I encountered have further honed my skills and resilience as a nurse. The MSN program has equipped me with the necessary tools to advance my career and make meaningful contributions to the healthcare industry. I am proud of my accomplishments in developing personalized care plans, leveraging technology, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic and effective care. Moving forward, I am inspired to continue advocating for the well-being of overweight autistic teenagers and contribute to advancing healthcare practices that address their unique needs.
References
Burton, C. W., & Pinto, M. D. (2022). Health equity, diversity, and inclusion: Fundamental considerations for improving patient care. Clinical Nursing Research, 32(1), 3–5. https://doi.org/10.1177/10547738221143230
Conley, P. (2019). Certified and advanced degree critical care nurses improve patient outcomes. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, 38(2), 108–112. https://doi.org/10.1097/dcc.0000000000000342
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.
Goodwin, M., Fingerhood, M., Slade, E., & Davidson, P. (2021). Development of an innovative curriculum-to-career transition program for nurse practitioners in primary care. Nursing Outlook, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.11.012
Ishler, K. J., Berg, K. A., Olgac, T., Obeid, R., & Biegel, D. E. (2023). Barriers to service and unmet need among autistic adolescents and young adults. Autism, 78(5). https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221150569
Mlambo, M., Silén, C., & McGrath, C. (2021). Lifelong learning and nurses’ continuing professional development, A metasynthesis of the literature. BMC Nursing, 20(62), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00579-2
Proctor, E. K., McKay, V. R., Toker, E., Maddox, T. M., Hooley, C., Lengnick-Hall, R., MacGibbon, S., & Evanoff, B. (2021). Partnered innovation to implement timely and personalized care: A case study. Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2021.778
Ravi, R., & Theresa Leonilda Mendonc. (2023). Autism spectrum disorder: An overview of early detection, and role of nurses. RGUHS Journal of Nursing Sciences, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.26463/rjns.13_1_13
Vanessa, M., Cristhian Pérez-Villalobos, & Cely, M. (2022). Focusing on continuous professional development for health professionals. Advancing Health Education with Telemedicine, 8(4), 314–324. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-8783-6.ch017
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