Submit your Individual SP Interview reflection using this link. Make sure to address all 4 questions. You can type your reflecting into the text box; no seperate document needed. Due by midnight after class.
- You just completed your first individual Standardized Patient interview, what are some of the initial thoughts and feelings that come to mind?
- Describe something you did well? How did it make you feel?
- Give an example of something you would do differently next time.
- Based on your experience what is something you will bring into your future practice as nursing student?
- something specific that was asked/said/spoken about … and their reaction to it.
Empathy, caring, and compassion are essential skills that build a strong nurse patient relationship. Imagine what it would be like to be a new nursing student who has been hospitalized for injuries from a major car accident. You were told the fracture in your right leg will require complicated surgery to repair and extensive rehab to recover. There is a question as to whether you will ever regain full use of this leg. The surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Tonight you are alone in your hospital room and the night nurse has just come in.Write a short paragraph (8-10 sentences with a topic sentence) reflecting on this patient experience. Make sure your paragraph includes:
- Identify 3 expectations of your night nurse to provide you with symptom management and/or emotional support.
- How could the nurse show empathy, caring, and compassion (consider verbal and non-verbal communication)?
Individual SP Interview Reflection:
Upon completing my first individual Standardized Patient (SP) interview, a mix of emotions and thoughts flood my mind. Initially, there’s a sense of accomplishment for having navigated through the interview process, albeit with some nerves. I’m relieved that I managed to recall key information and execute some of the communication techniques I’ve been learning. However, there’s also a hint of self-critique, wondering if I could have handled certain aspects better.
One thing I believe I did well during the interview was active listening. I made a conscious effort to maintain eye contact, nod in acknowledgment, and paraphrase what the SP was saying to ensure understanding. This active engagement helped me establish rapport and made the SP feel heard, which in turn made me feel confident in my ability to communicate effectively.
An area for improvement next time would be my time management. I noticed that I spent slightly too long on certain sections, causing me to rush towards the end. Next time, I will work on pacing myself better to ensure I cover all necessary aspects of the interview without feeling rushed or leaving important points unaddressed.
Reflecting on this experience, one key aspect I will bring into my future practice as a nursing student is the importance of empathy. The scenario presented highlighted the significance of empathy, caring, and compassion in patient care, especially for individuals facing traumatic experiences like a major car accident. Understanding the emotional turmoil and fear they might be experiencing can guide me in providing not only physical care but also emotional support to help ease their distress.
Patient Experience Reflection:
As a new nursing student hospitalized for injuries from a major car accident, facing the uncertainty of complicated surgery and extensive rehab is daunting. Alone in my hospital room, with the surgery looming ahead, I am overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. In this vulnerable state, I expect my night nurse to provide me with three essential forms of support:
Firstly, I expect the nurse to manage my physical symptoms effectively, ensuring that any pain or discomfort I’m experiencing is addressed promptly and with compassion. Additionally, I rely on the nurse to provide emotional support by listening attentively to my concerns, validating my feelings, and offering reassurance when needed. Lastly, I expect the nurse to advocate for me, ensuring that my needs are communicated to the healthcare team and that I feel empowered and informed about my treatment plan.
To demonstrate empathy, caring, and compassion, the nurse could employ both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques. Verbal cues such as using a soothing tone of voice, offering words of encouragement, and actively listening to my concerns can help foster a sense of trust and connection. Non-verbal cues like maintaining eye contact, offering a gentle touch if appropriate, and sitting at eye level can convey empathy and show that the nurse is fully present and attentive to my needs. These gestures of empathy and compassion would not only alleviate my anxiety but also foster a sense of trust in the nurse-patient relationship, making me feel supported during this challenging time.