As a nurse, reflecting on my practice is an important aspect of my ongoing professional development. Reflection allows me to critically evaluate my actions, identify areas for improvement, and consider how I can better care for my patients in the future. In this reflection paper, I will describe a recent patient care situation that I encountered and discuss how I approached it, what I learned from the experience, and how I will apply this learning in my future practice.
The patient I will focus on in this reflection is a 75-year-old woman with advanced stage lung cancer who was admitted to the hospital for shortness of breath and respiratory distress. When I first met the patient, she was struggling to catch her breath and was using supplemental oxygen. Despite her illness, she was alert and oriented and was able to communicate with me and other members of the healthcare team.
As the primary nurse for this patient, I took a holistic approach to her care. This meant that I not only provided physical care such as administering medications and monitoring vital signs, but also addressed her emotional and spiritual needs. I spent time talking with the patient and her family, providing emotional support and answering their questions about her care. I also facilitated communication with the interdisciplinary team and coordinated the patient's care with the rest of the healthcare team.
One challenge I faced in caring for this patient was managing her pain. The patient was experiencing significant discomfort due to her cancer and the treatment she was receiving. I worked closely with the patient and her family to assess her pain levels and implemented a pain management plan that included medications, relaxation techniques, and positioning changes. I also provided education to the patient and her family about pain management and the importance of reporting any changes in pain levels.
Through this experience, I learned the importance of taking a holistic approach to patient care and the value of effective communication and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. I also gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that patients with advanced stage cancer face and the importance of managing their pain.
In the future, I will continue to use a holistic approach in my practice and prioritize effective communication and collaboration with the healthcare team. I will also continue to educate myself about pain management strategies and be proactive in addressing my patients' pain. Overall, this experience has helped me grow as a nurse and has reinforced the importance of reflective practice in my ongoing professional development.
