As I reflect on my professional nursing journey the last four years, I can honestly say that

I have grown as an individual. I can recall my first day at Bon Secours Memorial College of
Nursing and how I was excited, nervous and scared. I did not know what my path would be like
however, I knew that it would be one filled with ups and downs.

During my sophomore year I was introduced to what a nurses role really was. Lifespan
Health Assessment and Clinical Prevention and Competencies for Nursing Practice I were two
classes that excited me. It is here where I learned how to assess my client. I became familiar with
concept maps and always cringed when I had to fill one out. Now as a senior, I understand why
we had to complete so many of them because it helped with the critical thinking aspect of
nursing care. As I finish up my senior year, I can look at my clients medical history,
medications and diagnosis and understand how they are all connected. It is surreal to see that as I
continued down this path, my questions I had throughout my sophomore year were answered just
by reflecting on what I have done during nursing school.

My junior year was a struggle. I had Adult Nursing Science I and II as well as
Pathopharmacology I and II. Add in Competencies for Nursing Practice II, Vulnerable
Population, Mental Health, Informatics and Professional Role Development and who wouldnt
have a meltdown! It was very intense and stressful. This year was when I felt like giving up but
continued to push. Learning the different medications, how the body functions, signs/symptoms
of diseases and being exposed to actual patients was intimidating. I learned how to manage my
time and how to truly care for my clients. I experienced clinical in mental health facilities and
saw firsthand how this population struggled with their disease. I could become a schizophrenic
during a simulation called, Hearing Voices. It was frustrating and a wow moment because I
did not realize how hard it could be. This was the year that I became more compassionate and
understanding.

Now Im in my senior year and about to finish up school. I had Nursing Care of Women
and Childbearing Families, Nursing Care of Children and Families, Gerontological Concepts,
Nursing Research, Metaphysical Nursing, Synthesis for Nursing Practice, Servant Leadership
and Clinical Immersion. I learned that Pediatrics is not the career choice for me. It was hard to
see children in pain. During this clinical I had to put my personal feelings aside and understand
that I was there for both the child and the parent. I experienced working with a child that was
non-verbal at the Childrens Hospital. I learned how to effectively communicate and to always
talk to my client even if they could not respond. This is when I realized that a simple touch goes
a long way.

During my Gerontological class we had a project where we had to interview someone

elderly and develop a care plan based on our assessment. This project gave me insight on the
things that naturally decline with age. I learned how to be patient, fully listen and repeat what I
heard for accuracy.
 Metaphysical Nursing gave me insight on holistic alternatives to health care. I have had
to educate a couple of my clients on different ways to manage stress and the benefits that holistic
health care can give. I could offer a couple of different options with confidence because I had the
knowledge of what these options provided.

Now that I am in my last semester at Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing, I am

enjoying my immersion experience. I am completing my credit hours on a Medical Surgical floor
where I am assigned five to six patients. I work a twelve-hour shift with a preceptor that has let
me grow on my own. My preceptor has always been there for me, but has given me the freedom
to find my own way and to learn and adapt when needed. I remember when I was first assigned a
five-patient load. I did not know where to begin but I took a deep breath and started my day with
listening to the night-shift nurses end of shift report. This is where I first learned how to
prioritize a large patient assignment. After receiving report, I then looked at when all my patients
had medications due and ranked them according to importance such as insulin, hypertension,
antibiotics, etc. When I went in to administer their medications, I would do the assessment. This
process has continued to help me with structuring my day so that my hourly purposeful rounding
was beneficial to my patient and me.

Reflecting on everything that I have accomplished during nursing school has brought me
to the realization that I have grown both personally and professionally. I have learned to be more
compassionate, to advocate for my client, to listen and clarify, to ask questions if something does
not look right and to not be afraid. When I first had clinical I was hesitant and afraid to try
something unfamiliar. Now I realize that to gain confidence and knowledge, you must try. There
is always someone there that will guide you and help you if you need it. Experience does not
happen by sitting on the sidelines. You must want to grow and succeed. I know that I still have
things to learn and I embrace that. My areas for future growth needed for entrance into
professional nursing is to continue to educate myself through experience. I do not want to fall
into the role of a nurse that is just there to work. I want to be the best nurse I can be each day that
I am scheduled. I want to make a positive impact with every client I encounter. I know I can
make a difference and that is what I will do.