Running head: PRACTICE SUMMARY 1

Practice Summary Paper

Teresia Isiaho

Old Dominion University

PRACTICE SUMMARY 2

Practice Summary Paper

As a young girl growing up in a remote village in Kenya, I had a burning desire to become a

nurse. After migrating to the U.S., I enrolled in DePaul's Nursing Assistant Program in 2011. I

worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for a few months before deciding to attend

Tidewater Community College (TCC). It took me longer than expected because I had to restart

my education. My nursing journey was full of challenges, but hard work paved the way, and in

December 2015, I graduated with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) and became a

registered nurse after passing my NCLEX. I was determined to increase my knowledge, so I

decided to attend Old Dominion University (ODU). I wanted to improve my research-writing

skills using the APA style, and my computer literacy and leadership skills. I am proud to say that

my research writing has improved; I have developed my computer skills, and my leadership

qualities have also grown. I am excited that I have achieved my dream of a bachelor's in nursing

(BSN), and now, I am planning to start a master's program next year.

Critical Thinking

Uses nursing and other appropriate theories and models to guide professional practice:

This paper for Nursing (NURS) 401 gave me an opportunity to learn and discover most

nursing theorists and their work. The theorists whom I researched were Florence Nightingale and

Nola Pender to understand their nursing philosophies and relate them to my philosophy. Just like

Florence Nightingale, my nursing passion is to continue to deliver holistic care, selfless care, and

compassionate care to my patients and their families. I have used her theory to identify hygiene;

before and after meeting my patients, I must perform meticulous handwashing to prevent

transmission of microorganisms in my unit. I also make sure that there is orderliness and a clean
PRACTICE SUMMARY 3

environment before I leave the patient's room. I remind my patients who are at high risk for fall

to ask for my assistance before they try to get off the bed and ambulate.

Nursing Practice

Performs therapeutic interventions that incorporate principles of quality management and

proper safety technique

In this paper for NURS 403, a student was to create a therapeutic nursing intervention (TNI)

based on a clinical problem. I have always put the safety of my patients as my number-one

priority. This helped me to do research on how my unit can prevent fall injuries. In my research,

I found out that some interventions are included in my workplace to decrease or stop fall

incidents in the acute care setting. Examples of immediate interventions are assessing using

Morse score, placing yellow wristbands or stickers on the patient or a yellow sticker at the door,

non-skid socks at admission, hourly rounding, and use of a bed alarm or call light. A scenario to

show that I practice the above intervention is when I took care of one patient taking narcotic pills

and another who was post-surgery. These two patients were complaining of dizziness when they

tried to get up. I reminded them to use the bed alarm or call light and ask for help before

ambulating. The, Morse score was also higher than forty, and this proved them to be a higher fall

risk. I used immediate intervention, utilizing Fall Bundles, arm and wristbands, non-skid socks,

and a sign at the door, and requested them to ask for assistance.

Communication

Express oneself and communicate effectively with diverse groups and disciplines using a

variety of media in a variety of contexts.

PRACTICE SUMMARY 4

This assignment nursing 402 teaching summary increased my knowledge on how to express

myself as an educator. In this paper, my group of learners came from diverse backgrounds; two

were from West Africa, four were African American, one was Filipino, and three were

Caucasian. I conducted a thirty-minute teaching with this group after assessing my group

learning styles and behaviors through face-to-face communication, observing, and personal

communication. During my teaching sessions, I used PowerPoint presentations, hands-on

demonstrations, short videos, and YouTube. After assessing my group communication and

learning styles, I was able to teach using verbal and visual communication since most of them

preferred the use of visual presentations. After learning a different communication method at my

workplace, I have utilized therapeutic communication with a newly-diagnosed cancer patient; I

used positive gestures while listening to my patient. During my BSN journey, I have also

demonstrated the capabilities of online communication with both professors and students via

student Blackboard, discussion posts, emails, and various ODU online resources. I have also

learned how to have professional audio communication via telephone/cell phone with my ODU

professors and degree career advisor.

Teaching

Engages in creative problem solving:

This paper in nursing 402 helped me to recognize and utilize the nursing process, which

encompass nursing assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluation. In this assignment, I

was to assess a population of learners' needs related to an actual nursing problem, then create a

plan and interventions. I taught my learners how they can reduce and stop needle stick incidents

at our unit. They learned safety practices when recapping needles, starting IV, and disposing of

needles. I used various methods of evaluation, such as questions and answers and observation of
PRACTICE SUMMARY 5

return demonstration, to check their level of understanding and skills. The last process was to

evaluate whether they retained most of the learned information, using role play observation or

hands-on demonstration feedback when recapping a needle, starting an IV, and disposing of

hazardous used needles.

Research

Shares research findings with colleagues:

This topic was covered in Nursing 490, where we had to gather data and information from

ten peer-reviewed nursing journals. This paper required us to devise a research problem and

come up with a way to prevent Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) in

our facilities. This project was very helpful because after doing the research, each group member

had to discuss the research statistics, why or when CLABSI happens, and what can be done to

prevent this deadly infection with the other group members. Through this paper, I learned about

insertion bundles. Writing this paper taught me not to ignore details or take shortcuts when

treating a patient with CLABSI. I learned from the research to always take sterile precautions

even when feeling rushed. I continue to perform hand hygiene, don gloves, and use a mask. I

wear a gown and use skin disinfectant. I shared all my findings with my colleagues on the

importance of following hospital policies and protocols. Because of this assignment, I have

become competent and can manage central lines and provide a sterile field. I remind other staff

members to label the dressing with the time and date.

Leadership

Articulates the values of the profession and the role of the nurse as member of the

interdisciplinary health care team:

PRACTICE SUMMARY 6

In this assignment for NURS 401, the student was required to discuss the PowerPoint

presentation of a nurse image. This helped me to look at myself as a nurse and examine the

values and character that a nurse possesses. This assignment helped me to understand that a

nurse has many roles that bring in a unique character to the nursing profession. After writing this

paper, I learned to depict competence in my skills, critical thinking, risk-taking, collaboration,

and culture competence during my day shift. As a novice nurse, recognizing the values and roles

have helped me to cater to patients of diverse cultures, ages, genders, races, and education levels.

I have also learned the importance of teamwork; I have portrayed to my colleagues that

teamwork is vital to improve quality care.

Professionalism

Applies an ethical decision-making framework and legal guidelines to clinical situations

that incorporate moral concepts, professional ethics, and advocacy for patient well-being

and preferences:

This was a group discussion on nursing 415. It required a student to watch two videos and

post a discussion post regarding Nursing Practice Act (NPA) violation. From this paper, I learned

that I should adhere to the practice act while at work. The videos also increased my knowledge

of delegation and supervision. Following NPA guidelines, I can delegate to licensed practical

nurses and nursing assistants without fear of jeopardizing my registered nurse (RN)license. This

video helped me to learn how to present myself at work with excellent morals. I have a positive

attitude throughout my shift and maintain professional boundaries with my patients and their

families. I don't discuss patients' diagnoses with third parties. I also make sure not to disclose
PRACTICE SUMMARY 7

patients' information to their families without the patients' permission. I advocate for my patients

through close monitoring. During my working hours, if my patients' vital signs change or new

signs and symptoms appear, I make sure to call their physicians and report the recent changes.

Culture

Demonstrates sensitivity to personal and cultural definitions of health, and how these

beliefs influence an individual's reactions to the illness experience and end of life:

In this assignment for NURS 401, the culture exploration table, I was to choose an ethnic

group and explore their culture. At my workplace, we encounter many patients from diverse

cultures, races, and backgrounds. I decided to research Hispanics since I had less knowledge

about their culture. I learned that Hispanic people rely on traditional healthcare practices and

Western medicine. This has helped me when assessing a group from this community. I have

learned to ask patients from this population whether they are using herbal medicines during the

assessment stage. I have also reminded them during the teaching period that some herbal

medicines cannot be mixed or taken with the doctor's prescription. I have reminded them that

combining the two drugs can cause huge side effects that can be dangerous for their health. The

research helped my understanding regarding the Hispanic definition of health, which, some

believe, comes from good luck or a reward for good behavior. As a nurse, it has become my

responsibility to teach my Hispanic patients before discharge about their disease process and

medications prescribed. Death is a part of life in this population, and a priest is involved during a

patient's death. Therefore, it is important to me as a nurse, if faced with a dying patient from this

group, to inquire from them first as to whether they need a priest to perform the final prayer with

the patient and family members.

PRACTICE SUMMARY 8

Summary

I am glad I made the right decision to go back to school and that I chose Old Dominion

University. I knew the professors were well-trained and highly educated, and I wanted a piece of

each professor's knowledge. My greatest fear was research paper writing. I wanted to learn,

expand my knowledge, and improve my writing skills. I was a brand-new nurse straight from

nursing school with minimal nursing experience and was not sure what to expect from my

professors. I was flabbergasted by the size of the workload from each professor, but I remained

focused and determined that my goals were valid and achievable. I can proudly say that I have

achieved more than I expected from this program. I have written many research papers, which

have improved my writing skills up to the ninetieth percentile. I have also learned how to

multitask with work, children, and a bunch of homework. I have also improved my critical

thinking, and I can now intervene in my patient's problems using evidence-based research

practices and nursing journal interventions. This program has helped me to manage my time, so I

can avoid procrastination and submit work before the due dates.

I have come to love Florence Nightingale and Nola Pender's theory. I realized that I was utilizing

these two theories at work without realizing it. My nursing philosophy has always been to

provide selfless, holistic, and compassionate care to my patients. I have also realized that, when I

am teaching a high blood pressure or diabetic patient about food and exercise, this is promoting

and improving health. Overall, I've learned about many theorists in this program; I will utilize

them at my workplace to improve different nursing problems.

Conclusion
PRACTICE SUMMARY 9

I would like to express my appreciation for all the nurse educators because of their unending

demanding work. This class helped me to flash back and see how much I have accomplished

since the beginning of my BSN journey. The biggest challenge was to evaluate my end of

program outcomes - something that I thought was impossible at the beginning. I now understand

the big 8 core competencies and the key roles they play in the nursing field. The big 8s (see

appendix A) are essential to focus on evidence-based research that continues to improve and

promote quality care in health care settings. I am honored to be a BSN student in the ODU

nursing program and will continue to use the education that I have gained in the nursing

profession.

I Teresia Isiaho, pledge to support the Honor System of Old Dominion University. I will

refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I

am aware that as a member of the academic community it is responsibility to turn in all

suspected violators of the Honor Code. I will report to a hearing if summoned.

PRACTICE SUMMARY 10