Full Answer Section

I also use my critical thinking skills to assess the patient’s situation and to identify any potential risks. Once I have a good understanding of the patient’s needs, I can develop a plan of care that is tailored to the individual patient.

Ability to Perform Focused and Comprehensive Assessments

I can perform focused and comprehensive assessments by gathering data from a variety of sources, including:

• Patient interview: I ask the patient about their symptoms, medical history, and medications.
• Physical examination: I perform a physical examination to assess the patient’s vital signs, skin, and other physical characteristics.
• Laboratory tests and imaging studies: I review the results of any laboratory tests or imaging studies that have been ordered for the patient.

I use the data that I gather to assess the patient’s condition and to identify any potential problems. I also use this data to develop a plan of care for the patient.

Ability to Communicate with Patients, Colleagues, and Healthcare Team Members

I can communicate with patients, colleagues, and healthcare team members by using clear and concise language. I am also able to listen attentively and to ask clarifying questions. I am respectful of all individuals and I value their input.

I use my communication skills to:

• Provide education and support to patients: I explain the patient’s condition and treatment plan to them in a way that they can understand. I also provide emotional support to patients and their families.
• Collaborate with other healthcare team members: I work collaboratively with other healthcare team members to provide the best possible care for patients. I communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other members of the healthcare team.

Ability to Make Safe and Accurate Clinical Decisions Using Critical Thinking

I can make safe and accurate clinical decisions by using my critical thinking skills. I consider all of the available information when making a decision and I weigh the risks and benefits of each option. I also consult with other healthcare team members when needed.

I use my critical thinking skills to:

• Assess the patient’s condition: I gather data from a variety of sources to assess the patient’s condition. I then use this data to identify any potential problems and to develop a plan of care.
• Make decisions about the patient’s care: I use my knowledge of nursing practice and my critical thinking skills to make safe and accurate clinical decisions. I also consider the patient’s preferences and values when making decisions.

Ability to Delegate Nursing Tasks

I can delegate nursing tasks to other team members by considering the following factors:

• The skills and experience of the team member: I delegate tasks to team members who have the skills and experience necessary to perform the task safely and effectively.
• The complexity of the task: I do not delegate complex or high-risk tasks to team members who do not have the necessary skills and experience.
• The workload of the team member: I do not delegate tasks to team members who are already overloaded with work.

I also provide clear instructions to the team member and I monitor their progress to ensure that the task is completed safely and effectively.

Goals for Improvement Over the Course of My Final Semester

My goals for improvement over the course of my final semester include:

• Improving my ability to prioritize patient care in complex situations. I want to be able to quickly and accurately assess the needs of all of my patients and to prioritize their care accordingly.
• Improving my ability to delegate nursing tasks effectively. I want to be able to identify tasks that can be safely delegated to other team members and to provide clear instructions.
• Improving my ability to communicate with patients and their families in a way that is compassionate and understanding. I want to be able to explain the patient’s condition and treatment plan to them in a way that they can understand and to answer their questions thoroughly.
• Improving my ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare team members. I want to be able to communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other members of the healthcare team to provide the best possible care for patients.

I believe that these goals are achievable and that they will help me to become a better nurse. I am committed to my education and to providing the best possible care to my patients.