Week 1- May 14

1. How the week went overall?

Week 1 was a challenge for me adjusting to life in the ICU. In my previous rotation we were given “easy”
patients that we were able to learn about disease processes. Actually take a full patient load with my
nurse and working a 12 hour shift was hard. We had three days in a row and our goal for me was to learn
basic skills needed to care for cardiac patients. This included attending a skills lab to work with specialty
devices that are seen on the floor. This was the most helpful thing for me this week. I got hands on
experience working on my assessment skills with patients and more fundamental skills in the lab so I can
further my skills.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

An area for improvement is learning medications in the cardiac world. Learning why medications are
given is a huge part of our job because you have to monitor vital signs before to ensure the medication
can be given. My preceptor gave me the most common drugs we use to help further my study. I created a
table and we reviewed it the next day at clinical.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goal because I was able to attend the skills lab and ask questions. Although I don’t feel
confident yet, that’s not expected after my first week.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge that affected me the most this week was being worn out in between shifts. By the time I
would get home from my 12 hour shift it would be time for dinner and bed. I’d wake up the next morning
at 5am ready to start my next day. With practice I’ll be able to make a routine that fits my sleeping needs.

Week 2- May 21

1. How the week went overall?

This week went surprisingly well! The patient population on the floor today was more of a step down
patient so it was perfect to help me learn still being new to the floor. I’m still working to focus on seeing
the patient as a whole including hemodynamic monitoring and assessment information to create a plan
for the day. My preceptor gave me one patient today to focus on and chart all the assessment data.
Charting can be overwhelming because things need to be put into the computer every hour and the
balance can be difficult. With only having one patient I was able to work in depth with them. Our patients
were post-surgical patients so it was similar to patient populations that I’ve take care of in the past.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My areas of improvement for this week are confidence. Everyone always says nurses need to be
confident in their assessment skills. I learned this the hard way this week. I wanted to speak to a doctor
about a change in my patient and I wasn’t prepared with all the information they were going to ask me.
My preceptor was there to help, but in the future I hope to be confident enough to explain all the
changes I had seen.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goal that my preceptor and I decided on because I was able to manage care with my
patient and chart on them. It was eye opening to see that I can manage my time with my patient to have
tome to also chart on them and speak to doctors. Every day I feel like I learn something new.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

Today we had to take our first trip to the MRI machine. Our IV pumps are unable to be taken down there
so it’s important to know what medications you have running ad which are vital to travel with. My
preceptor was asking me which ones I would take. It was challenging to decide since I wasn’t sure which
one exactly did what. With help I was able to decide and we made it to MRI and back!

Week 3- May 28

1. How the week went overall?

This week was really challenging. We got a patient who had been transferred from another hospital. They
were very sick so I took more of a functional role this week. I practiced becoming proficient on skills
because the assessment data that was needed had to be done quickly and efficiently. We ran so many
tests and were unable to determine what was wrong. She was our only patient so I was able to get to
know her family well. This taught me the intricate balance between being a nurse and being a friend. We
had to be with her through a difficult time in life.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

An area I need to focus on after this week is working to not be overwhelmed when multiple tasks need to
be completed within a certain amount of time. I worked with my preceptor to learn to start prioritizing
tasks that are important.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

My learning goal this week was out of the standard scope of nursing. I was challenged to learn three new
things everyday about the family and patient. It was so interesting to get to know more about my patient
then just their medical diagnosis. This really opened my eyes to the caring aspect of nursing.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

I faced an emotional challenge this week because our patient passed away on our third day there. It was
eye opening that all patients don’t make it home from the ICU. We gave it our best effort but in the end
we were unable to save her. Going to work next week will be challenging after working all week with her.

Week 4- June 4

1. How the week went overall?

Overall this week went well for my leadership development. I worked with my preceptor one day and the
other two we attended Critical Care Nurse classes to prepare for a new certification my nurse was
applying for. This opened my eyes to all the opportunities UC could provide me. I also was able to find
things to focus in on that I needed to learn during my time in the CVICU. The one day we were on the
floor I took care of a patient from the cardiac catheter lab. It was interesting to compare this to open
heart surgery patients I’d taken care of. I finished my week in the Cath Lab working with a nurse and
learning the procedures that take place.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

An area of improvement I found during class was learning about our kidneys. They are so closely related
to the heart and blood pressure that I’ll be interested to continue connecting the dots on how they
relate. I was able to learn some of this during the review class and hope to use it in practice next week.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I am becoming more confident with my assessment skills and focused cardiac assessments. Stephanie and
I created a worksheet together to focus on the kidneys are CRRT which is a form of dialysis we see on the
floor often.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge that affected me this week was a different schedule. Since we attended the class two days
we had to work a 12 and I shadowed an 8. Nursing offers so many opportunities but it can be busy trying
to keep everything organized while having a life outside of the hospital as well. Overall I love the
challenge of nursing and am so happy to be placed on this floor.

Week 5- June 11

1. How the week went overall?

This week overall was another challenging week. I feel like my preceptors assignment was over my
current education level. It was a challenge adjusting to another tough assignment. The floor had a lot of
people on vacation so we had an assignment that should have been 1:1 instead it was 1:2. So we were
caring for two patients. My preceptor was becoming more confident in me so she left in a patients room
to titrate a drip based on a blood pressure with her observation. It was interesting to be thrown into the
situation because I was able to learn by experience. The patient ended up being one of my favorite to
take care of since the start of my time here.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area of improvement this is learning sedation medications and how they affect the blood pressure.
It’s interesting to learn the relationship because your patient may be over sedated if their blood pressure
continues to drop. I purchased a nursing medication book to learn more about these drips.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goal for the week because I successfully managed a patient on my own for majority of
the day. It was eye opening to see that I can do it! I can be successful and my confidence continues to
grow each day. I have learned so much about myself this week because I have fully immersed myself in
the care of cardiac patients and I may even want to work here one day.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge continue to be the acuity on the floor and the staffing. This is a hospital wide issue
currently because the hospital is level red and staffing bonuses are being offered for those who pick up
extra shifts. After surveying some nurses on the floor many people are saying the summer is a big time for
turnover so it’s challenging to stay staffed. Although this isn’t a direct issue of mine I feel that patient care
is not optimal thus wanting me to make changes when I have the chance.

Week 6- June 18

1. How the week went overall?

Overall this week was wonderful because it was my vacation week!!! Everyone who works a full time job
during the breaks of school deserves to have a week to relax and nothing to worry about! Of course it
started with me catching a cold because I have been so stressed at work these last couple weeks. But
after resting on the beach this week I’m ready to get back to work and take care of my patients.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

I decided to focus my time this week on reading some leisure books I hadn’t made it around to reading
yet this year. The beginning of the week I spent too much time on my phone so I was only able to get
through three books. I plan to focus on the present for the rest of my vacation!

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I finished two books that have been on my list! Girl on the train was so good and kept me interested the
whole time. I also read Girl Wash Your Face, it gave me a new perceptive on life and how to look at all
situations.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

Coming home was the biggest challenge! I wasn’t ready to be walking away from the beach. But I’m
excited for the weeks to come in Cincinnati with fun activities planned.

Week 7- June 25

1. How the week went overall?

This week I came back into the CVICU ready to work. After taking a week off I was more motivated this
week to get back into the swing of things. My preceptor was the charge nurse today so she assigned me
to a staff member that had an assignment that I would be able to handle. I’m working on balancing my
skills with two patients. I had two stepdown patients and I was able to transfer one to the floor. It was
exciting to learn new things including transfer paperwork and writing my first note. I feel like my time
management is improving.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

I still need to work on preparing my patient for transfer or discharge. This was the first opportunity I had
to practice this skill so as I continue to spend more time on the floor I should be able to become proficient
in these skills.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

My learning goal that we decided on this week was to take the whole patient load with the help and
guidance of the nurse. My confidence is through the roof because I was able to do it! I wasn’t too
confident in the beginning of the week but after three days with the same assignment I was able to grow.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge that faced me was how tried I was! Working three days in a rough after spending a whole
week sleeping in to coming home and waking up at 5:30. Once I got the ball ruling I jumped right in! I
needed some tips again on skills because I hadn’t been in the hospital for a week. Next week my goal is to
continue taking the full assignment and working to develop my skills.

Week 8- July 2

1. How the week went overall?

Overall this week was exciting! I feel like I learns something new every day and always have new
questions to ask! This week I learned more in depth what a PA catheter is. I practiced how to obtain
numbers and how to chart them in EPIC. I learned the ins and outs of it and what each number signifies in
the body. My confidence continues to grow as I learn new skills. This summer has been a huge summer of
growth for me. My eyes have been opened to so many opportunities in nursing while working in the
CVICU.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

I can continue to improve on taking care of critical patients. When I get assignments I can get
overwhelmed during report if the patient has many complications. I like getting my feet wet with these
clients when I have support of great nurses around me. In my future career this will give me great
experience over other potential new candidates.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goal because I was able to identify normal values of PA catheter numbers. I also was
able to explain them tot eh patient. It was really eye opening to see that now I feel confident in answering
questions that my patients ask. It’s exciting to feel myself grow as a person and a nurse. Outside of the
hospital I have found myself using the people skills to help others. Recently I saw someone confused on
UC’s campus trying to find a tour and I came up and asked them if they needed help. They had been lost
for 15 minutes and I was able to direct them to their new location.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

This week I didn’t feel that I had many challenges. Next week I’m going to ask my preceptor to give m
more tasks to challenge my skills every day. She was glad I asked because she said it showed how excited I
am to work and be here making me a better student 

Week 9- July 9

1. How the week went overall?

This week was one of the hardest weeks of the summer, and it had nothing to do with my time at the
hospital. When I got home from work after my first day this week my mom called and let me know that
our family dog was very sick and tomorrow they would have more news. I was scheduled to work the next
day, so I told my family to call me right away if they heard any news. The next morning I got the call and
we had to put her down. My preceptor gave me the okay to leave. We had her for 13 years and it felt life
changing without her there anymore. That night I stayed with my family and we tried to do something to
get our mind off everything so we watched a movie.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

I can continue to work on my skills answering patient’s questions. Although I may not know answers to
every question I always ask the correct person and report back to the patient. Next week hopefully will
be better!

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

Honestly I met my learning goal this week because I spent time with my family and worked through our
grief together. At work I also took care of a patient who was postpartum. We were able to take her down
to the NICU to see her newborn and that was eye opening for me to see a whole different side of the
hospital.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

Working through my first lost was challenging, although she may have only been a dog she meant a lot to
our family and me. But working through it my eyes were opened to how family members in the ICU feel
every day.

Week 10- July 16

1. How the week went overall?

Overall this week went well. During the middle of the summer our census or number of patients tends to
drop. This week I took care of a vast variety of patients. Majority were considered floor level so we had
three patients. Two were oncology patients who didn’t have beds on the oncology floor and the other
was as medicine patient. I liked being able to work outside of my specialty and learn new things.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

An area of improvement for me would be learning non cardiac specific medications. Since our patients
were not under the cardiology service we were giving many meds we weren’t familiar with. I took the
time to look each drug up and explain it to the patient to ensure adequate learning had been utilized.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goal because I am continuing to become a well-rounded nurse. Caring for people
outside of what your familiar with shows you that there is always something to learn in nursing. Since
these patients were in an unfamiliar place, I used compassion to work with them to increase the
understanding of their disease process and steps to improve.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge that affected me this week was juggling three patients with diverse needs. I often told
patients I would be back in 15 minutes, only to find an hour had passed before I was able to make it back
to them. One important quality in a nurse is to honest and I felt like I let my patients down when I was
unable to meet their needs at the requested time. This is one of the first times I’ve felt this way since
working in the ICU. Patients are normally so high acuity that you are always with them and caring for
them. I want to continue to work on honest answers and working to better myself as a nurse.

Week 11- July 23

1. How the week went overall?

This week was difficult for me. We worked three days in a row and had three different assignments each
day. This makes it challenging because report takes longer in the morning and you never know what kind
of patient you are going to get the next morning. When you know you’ll have the same assignment the
next day it’s easier to plan for. Our assignments consisted of floor level patients, step down patients, and
then the last day was an ICU level patient. I got to practice different assessment skills throughout the
week.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area of improvement for this week is to remember that unit needs are ever changing. I went into
work each day expecting the next assignment to be the same and was surprised each day when it wasn’t.
I could get down on the fact that the day would be more difficult, but remembering that at the end of the
day each patient is need is different is the key. Working on increasing my self- awareness will allow me to
be more open and present during these times.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I continue to meet my learning goals because I was able to see all levels of patient care in one week. I got
to work on my skills with ventilators while also ambulating patients. This scope of care is rare to see in the
ICU but the hospital was very busy. I love working somewhere that I get to take care of people from
everywhere.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge I continue to face is becoming tired. I spend majority of my week working and often need a
reminder to spend my off days doing something fun. This week I overcame this by going to the pool with
friends on one of my off days. Nursing tasks can be difficult and it is always important to remember your
self-health.

Week 12- July 30

1. How the week went overall?

This week was great! I only worked one day taking care of a pregnant patient who had pregnancy induced
heart failure. I got to learn so much about fetal tracings and what it means to the mom and baby. It was
eye opening to explore different fields of nursing. When we would get our patient up to walk a nurse
from the labor and delivery would have to apply the fetal monitors again. It was humbling to remember
that such an easy task is hard for a nurse who isn’t a specialist in that field to perform. After this busy day,
I left for a couple days at Disney World! It was so great to be in the warm weather and focusing on myself.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area in improvement for the week was OB. I had taken the class a semester before but hadn’t had to
use the information in my practice since then. It was eye opening to remember that heart patients are
any patients.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goals because by the end of the shift I was able to reapply the fetal monitor after our
third walk of the day. I asked the OB nurse to show me the first time so I used what she had taught me to
be able to complete it the next time. I also took a well needed break to spend time with friends.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge that affected me the most this week was navigating airports and Disney world. Although
it’s not related to nursing I used many skills I have developed over this summer to help myself. I was more
confident in asking people for directions. I also was able to use problem solving skills to read maps and
continue to assess where I was. I was able to overcome it and made it to all my destinations!

Week 13- August 6

1. How the week went overall?

Overall this week was pretty good! I took care of patients who had heart failure and one that had a heart
attack. I love taking care of varying type of patients because it opens my eyes that things can happen to
anyone at any time. It reminds me to tell everyone close to me that I love them and to truly live in the
moment. Patients who are close to my age or my parent’s age really affect me on a spiritual level and
continue to remind me how blessed I am in life.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area of improvement for this week was the hypothermia protocol. It had been almost all summer
before I took care of a patient who was currently cooled. The protocol is very exact on cooling and
rewarming times. Once getting a refresher on policies, I observed S/S of cooling the bottom including
decreased HR and bundle branch blocks. Once we began the rewarming process, the heart rate went up
along with resolving the dysrhythmia.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goal because I was able to manage this complex patient. I ensured medications were
given on time and that the family was informed of what was happening. It was nice to care for a patient
who had complex needs because I was able to build my skills.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge that affected me this week was determining whether changes were based on the cooling
phase or if the patient was deteriorating. I notified the team once of a common change during the cooling
period. They were grateful though that I was closely watching my patient where I could catch the change.

Week 14- August 13

1. How the week went overall?

This week I focused on practicing my clinical skills. My patient had a central line and an arterial line. I
worked on ensuring my lines were in order and labeled. I changed my tubing and cleaned all my pumps
which is a big task. I drew blood from arterial lines and central lines. I calculated the amount of oxygen
left in the blood by drawing a VBG from the PA catheter.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area of improvement this week is balancing work and going back to school. It’s getting closer and I’m
trying to get everything in order while still working a full time job. This was more challenging than I
expected it would be. I had to work on hard to keep a good balance between work and life.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goal this week because my skills were strengthened through practice. I always need a
refresher when I haven’t taken care of patients with all the lines in a while. I kept my lines organized and
untangled the whole time I was there. I’m hoping the next shift was able to benefit from this during their
road trip.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge that affected me this week was putting priority on organizing rather than just having a
casual day. It’s important to put patients first and organizing their lines is an important component to
nursing. It’s important to remember that patient centered care is always the key.

Week 15- August 20

1. How the week went overall?

This week went well because I was able to care for an open heart surgery. The patient had a CABG so it
was important to monitor blood pressure and labs. This was a good learning experience for me because
my nurse allowed me to be the primary nurse. The case came out extubated already so it was a great
experience for me. I learned the flow of the cases and how often things need to completed per standard.
Since this case was a pretty easy recovery it gave me plenty of time to practice my skills.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area for improvement is completing a quicker assessment. The nurse I’m with has her focused
assessment down post cardiac surgery and I hope to soon be as quick as she is. Her focus as the primary
is on the patient and ensuring stability before they are transferred monitors. This is an important step
because sometimes nurses move so fast that the primary nurse doesn’t have time to do an assessment
before the full team leaves.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goal because I was able to function as the primary nurse. Although things took a little
longer and Stephanie had to assist me I feel more confident for future cases. The patient came out stable
on no blood pressure medicines so my learning goal was met because I could independently monitor their
care.
4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge that affected me this week is the quick pace of the CVICU. We transferred our original
patient off the unit only 15 minutes before our case rolled out. It barely gave us enough time to get the
room set up and a quick meal before we got super busy. The floor is ever changing, this week it’ll be busy
and next week it’ll be quiet.

Week 16- September 17

1. How the week went overall?

Overall this week was slow on the unit. We were filled with floor level patients who had diverse medical
problems. It was changing to see how the floor flipped so quickly. We had very high acuity then we were
back to low acuity. My patient had been exposed to Agent Orange when he was serving in Vietnam. It was
inspiring to hear his stories about what he went through. He has lung cancer that they attribute to Agent
Orange.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area of improvement this week is learning about other body systems. I have experience with cardiac
but I struggle with hem onc. My patient had lung cancer so I got to learn some important things about eh
management of his condition. It was eye opening to remember that I don’t always have to know
everything to be a good nurse.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goal because my patient had a great experience while we was on our floor. He raved
about the nurses and it was really eye opening that patient care isn’t affected even if we aren’t experts in
the subject. We were able to get him discharged and help him walk out.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge that affected me this week was remembering that although some patients may look
different than us and that it’s a part of nursing care. My patient had a head wound form the Agent
Orange. He was in so much pain when they were changing the dressing. I just was glad we were able to
treat him with the respect and kindness he deserved.

Week 17- October 22

1. How the week went overall?

This week was exciting because my favorite patient who had been in the hospital for months finally got a
heart transplant. We were able to recover the case and be with him through his whole journey to
recovery. He was so grateful for the care we gave him and it showed when we rolled him out going home.
He teared up because he was so grateful to be one step closer to living his dream life. We went up on the
helicopter pad before he went home and it was a really cool experience to share with him.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area for improvement is balancing my patient load. I wanted to spend majority of my time with the
heart transplant but I had to remember that care should be balanced. It’s always a constant reminder
when you have a critical patient and less critical that they both require care and their basic needs should
be met.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goal because I was able to care for a recent heart transplant and remember the effects
it has on the body. Often times they can have hypotension so we have to stand slowly and let their
pressure normalize. It’s a learning curve for them because they want to stand up and move on their own
now that they are able tp.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

A challenge that affected me this week was remembering to not get too attached to our patients.
Although he had been on our unit for a while we just needed to be reminded that he has a life outside of
the hospital. Our goal is to get him back to his functional status and back into the real world.

Week 18- November 12

1. How the week went overall?

This week was great! I got to focus my assessment on PA catheters and titrating medications that help
your heart squeeze. I felt confident in assessment because I was able to identify the normal values for
each measurement and what the waveforms look like. I finally felt confident in this area when I had
struggled with it all summer! Practice really does make permanence.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area for improvement this week is calculating cardiac output. I still have to look up the calculator to
calculate it when many nurses can do the calculation in their head. I’m working on learning how to use
the formula quickly and efficiently. This is a very practical goal before I begin working on my own as a
nurse.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met one of learning goals from previously because I was able to properly manage a PA catheter. This is a
difficult task because it sits in a very small part of the heart and can easily become dislodged. I was able to
tell the team when the catheter moved slightly and they were able to put it back in place. I caught this
early before it became a problem.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge that affected me this week was a difficult patient. My patient was delirious and wanted to
pull and push at their lines. It’s difficult to care for them due to confusion but they need the most time
spent with them. I charted in the room the whole day to help reorient them. This made me more tired
because I never got a break to sit and relax for a minute.

Week 19- December 3

1. How the week went overall?

Overall this week was interesting because we were floated to the Neuro ICU for the day I worked. It was
completely different then carrying for a cardiac patient. Honestly Neuro had never been a strong suit of
mine and going to work on the floor with critical patients was hard. It took great leadership by my
preceptor to help me even though she was also out of her comfort zone.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area of improvement this week is perfecting my neuro assessment skills. This is a very focused
assessment on LOC, strength of extremities, and how they follow commands. We had to ask how to test
sensation and touched different extremities to see if they could feel it. I had to practice how to use the
NIHSS scale to see the degree of a stroke.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

My learning goal was met because I was able to explore other disciplines and learn what I want to do in
the future. Although neuro nurses love what they do, this is not the area for me to work. I love
communicating and talking to my patients. Some of these patients suffer from aphasia so they are unable
to express their feelings in words, so it makes communication difficult.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge I faced this week was being unable to practice my cardiac nursing skills. After only working
a small amount of hours per month I wanted to spend my time perfecting my skills. I took advantage of
everything I could do in the neuro ICU but I look forward to getting back into the swing of the cardiac
world.

Week 20- January 21

1. How the week went overall?

This week went well! It was nice to get back into the groove of working after Christmas break. It really
keeps me motivated being at the hospital because I am able to do what I love while learning more each
day. I loved the patients I cared for and all their families were so sweet. Its weeks like this that continue to
inspire me to work hard to become the best nurse ever.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area for improvement this week is working with infectious diseases. One of my patients had an
infection in the lungs and they were unable to determine what is was from. I felt that this area was
something I was very weak on. I had to look up each drug to see what it was used for. I honestly had to
relook up the precautions for unknown diseases. It is something I don’t see very often but should
continue to learn about.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goals this week because a patient wrote a review about how great of a nurse I was. It
was amazing to get recognition for the hard work I was doing. The family told me how special I was and
how I made them feel confident in the care their daughter was receiving. This was honestly one of the
biggest accomplishments in my time in the CVICU.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge this week was going back to school! Being a senior who graduates in May it was challenging
to be motivated and continue to work hard. But after my first couple classes I was able to get back into
the swing of things. Going back to the hospital made me excited for what’s to come in the coming
months. I love working in the CVICU and I am so grateful for the opportunity.

Week 21- February 11

1. How the week went overall?

This week was tough for me because I had work on Monday and a big test on Tuesday. Working a 12
doesn’t leave me much time to study. I was hoping to study during the work day while I had downtime
but I was unable to due to a change in assignment halfway through the day. Once we got the new
assignment though I was excited. I took care of a fresh liver transplant. No one on our floor had done it
before so it was great experience for me and my preceptor.

2. What were my areas of improvement?

My area for improvement is flexibility this week. I continue to work on this. Being a type A person doesn’t
leave much room for me accept change. It’s something I’m trying to work on through self-awareness.
When I feel myself starting to get down or frustrated I just reroute it into positive thinking. This week it
worked well since I was able to learn new skills with my different assignment.

3. Did I meet my learning goals?

I met my learning goal because I improved my skills and learned new ones. It was eye opening to see how
other units work with transplants and how their recovery goes. Honestly I ended up loving this week
because I learned useful knowledge.

4. Challenge that affected me that week?

The challenge that affected me this week was that I had questions on how to recover a live transplant and
since no one on our unit was proficient I felt my questions weren’t completely answered. This was the
first time I met this on the unit. I have been so blessed to work in a unit where experienced nurses help
new nurses to achieve their professional goals.