Community-Based Practicum Reflective Journal Guidelines

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing

NUR 4143 - Clinical Immersion
Community-Based Practicum

Professional nursing meeting experience (4 hours)

Guide for Reflection Using Tanner’s (2006) Clinical Judgment Model
I Pledge: Lillian Facka 9/17/2018
Introduction

What professional nursing meeting(s) did you attend and where was it located?
I attended the Virginia Board of Nursing meeting. The meeting was located at 9960 Mayland Drive Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233.
Background

Describe the purpose of this professional nursing meeting? Describe the agendas of the group and subgroup. What
type of issues did they address?

The purpose of this meeting was to produce a panel of board members (six or more), to determine whether or
not several nurses would have their licenses suspended or revoked. Three nurses received notices in the mail
regarding their current license disposition. Despite the notice, the nurses facing suspension/revocation did not
attend. While that does not effect the decision, board members later discussed with us that the nurses’
presence shows a desire to change their behavior. The agenda consisted of a community representative
producing a statement for the client, the charges, and a recommendation to practice. This recommendation
may be suspension or revocation. Issues addressed were nurses suffering from substance abuse and mental
health illnesses.

Noticing

What did you notice about the professional nursing meeting initially? Describe what you saw, heard and did during
the meeting?

Initially, I noticed the importance of respect. We were told to not talking during open session, to be
empathetic to the nurses in their conflicting situations. The panel consisted of nurses and citizen members.
Citizen members act as a voice for the public who is served by the medical profession. Panel members
introduced themselves and possessed reading materials based on the case they were hearing. The client
representative stated the case by giving a brief summary of the nurse’s background and what action they
believe should be taken. Panel members were allowed to ask questions after the case presentation. Shortly
after questions were answered, the open hearing became closed in order for panel members to deliberate.
Once the meeting reopened, the panel would announce their decision.

Interpreting

Describe what you thought about the information being discussed. Have you been involved in similar discussion
during your previous student nurse experiences? Describe the similarities and/or differences to those encounters.

I found the information that the panel discussed to be enlightening. The nurses that had their licenses in
jeopardy face illnesses we often find in our patients at the hospital: drug addiction and mental illness. I use
the word enlightening because it sparks a necessary conversation that healthcare professionals must have;
addiction is not only affecting those in vulnerable situations, it is lurking within the careers of medicine. Quiet
honestly, I have not been involved in a similar situation, panel and drugs included. Perhaps it is my naïve
mind, but I find it difficult to believe how nurses can divert painkillers, or visit twenty-eight different
hospitals in a year for opioid prescriptions. Yet, sitting in that meeting room brought me to a point of clarity:
it is a failure on behalf of the medical community to not have fail safes set up for our own selves. Our toolbox

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is lacking the tools that we need to overcome this epidemic, inside and outside of the hospital. This meeting in
the boardroom brings a glimmer of hope for the path of change.

Responding

Describe stresses (both positive & negative) you experienced as you responded to the new learning or the challenge.

Positive: I felt stress waiting for the meeting to begin; I wanted to ensure I presentable and respectful to the
panel. The stress kept me in line with professional guidelines and expectations.

Negative: I felt stress when other classmates attending the meeting were unprofessional. Talking while the
staff were giving the group instructions, chewing gum, and looking unkempt. Their image is a representation
of the college and I felt that some reflected it poorly.

Reflection-in-Action

What role would you take being assigned to represent your unit in this group? What subcommittee would you like to
participate with and why?

The staff member giving instructions to our group actually deemed me “the leader”. I would take on a
leadership role to provide a voice to my unit but also ask the questions that my staff need answers too. I
recently took a position at the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at VCU. On this unit they have a bereavement
committee. I would enjoy being a part of that; I feel as though it would cultivate and maintain and team
atmosphere.

Reflection-on-Action and Clinical Learning

What written evidence is available to support professional nursing groups and their impact on the development of
evidence based practice and improved patient outcomes. Cite/reference all journal articles that contributed to the
evidence.
PubMed found that professional nursing organizations consistently improve nursing outcomes. These
organizations provide unity, a platform for ideas and opinions, and a body that advocates to change and
advancements in the medical community.

Mark, B. A., Salyer, J., & Wan, T. T. (2003). Impact on Organizational and Patient Outcomes. JONA: The
Journal of Nursing Administration,33(4), 224-234. doi:10.1097/00005110-200304000-00008

What is the value of professional nursing meetings both as a part of a healthcare system and within a professional
organization?
Similar to the data found in PubMed, I agree that these organizations provide a platform for nurses to state
ideas of change. These organizations also pose as an opportunity for networking, improving leadership skills,
and advocating for those who may need a voice.
Describe any changes in your values or feelings as a result of this experience.

I found that despite the nurses situations, whether it be drug abuse or mental health, the panel did their best
to see an opportunity for improvement. They advocated for how hard the nurses work to obtain their
licenses. While what they did may have caused a conflict, the panel did not let that define the person.

Nielsen, A., Stragnell, S., & Jester P (2007). Guide for reflection using the Clinical Judgment

Model. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(11), p. 513-516.

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Professional Nursing Meetings

St. Mary’s Hospital

NOC: first and third Wednesday of each month. Let me know when you would like to attend.

Shared governance council meetings:

Professional Practice Council-Second Wednesday 8a-12n

Strategic Planning Council-Second Thursday 8a-10a

Applied Research Council-Third Thursday 10a-12n

Education Council: third Thursday from 12n-4p (the meeting part lasts for 2-2 ½ hours and then the members work
on unit education)

Memorial Regional Medical Center

Third Tuesday of each month (Room 3008, Net Center)

Nursing Practice council 0800-0930

Nursing Quality Council 0930-1100

Nursing Recruitment & Retention Council 1100-1300

Nursing Education/Research 1300-1430

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