There is a saying that “people must look back in order to look forward.” As you transition out of this practicum, finish your program, and look forward to your career beyond the program, you must “look back” at all that you have accomplished, taking stock of your skill and confidence levels before moving on.
For this Assignment, you return to your Week 1 Self-Assessment to gain a new perspective on what you need to do moving forward.
To prepare:
- Review your completed Clinical Skills and Procedures Self-Assessment Form from Week 1, as well as the record of procedures you have performed throughout the practicum.
Assignment (1 page)
- Perform a new self-assessment. Rate yourself on clinical skills, based on your experiences during this practicum. Summarize the results.
- Explain which goals you accomplished and which you did not. If you did not achieve a particular goal, explain how you could continue to work on it after you complete your program, as you advance and grow in your career.
As I reflect on my journey throughout this practicum and approach the completion of my program, I find it valuable to revisit my initial self-assessment from Week 1. This exercise allows me to gauge the progress I’ve made, identify areas of growth, and establish a roadmap for continued development as I step into my future career.
In terms of clinical skills, my self-assessment has evolved significantly. At the beginning of the practicum, I rated myself conservatively on several skills, acknowledging that I had limited practical experience. However, as I look back, I can confidently say that my proficiency has grown substantially. I am now much more comfortable with patient assessments, diagnostic procedures, and treatment planning. My ability to communicate effectively with patients and collaborate with the healthcare team has also improved, enhancing the overall quality of patient care.
Throughout the practicum, I set certain goals for myself, and I’m pleased to note that I have achieved several of them. For instance, I aimed to enhance my competence in conducting thorough patient histories and physical examinations. With dedicated practice and guidance from experienced mentors, I now feel confident in my ability to gather relevant information and make informed clinical decisions based on these assessments. Additionally, I focused on refining my procedural skills, such as suturing and administering injections, and I can proudly say that I have successfully performed these procedures under supervision, building a foundation for future independent practice.
However, there were also a few goals that I did not fully achieve during this practicum. One such goal was to become proficient in interpreting complex medical imaging, such as radiographs and MRIs. While I did gain exposure to these modalities and learned the basics of interpretation, I recognize that there is still much more to learn in this area. As I transition beyond the program and into my career, I plan to continue expanding my knowledge in radiology through ongoing education and practical experience, seeking guidance from radiology experts to improve my interpretation skills.
In conclusion, this journey has been an invaluable learning experience that has greatly shaped my clinical skills and confidence. Revisiting my self-assessment from Week 1 highlights the growth I’ve achieved and underscores the importance of continuous improvement. As I embark on the next phase of my career, I am committed to building upon my achievements and addressing areas that require further development. By setting new goals and actively seeking opportunities for learning and mentorship, I am confident that I will continue to advance and thrive in my chosen profession.