Critical Reflection #1 for Health Care Policy Assignment PDF

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Critical Reflection #1 for for Health Care Policy Assignment
Academic Year 2018-2019...

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Running head: CRITICAL REFLECTION JOURNAL

Critical Reflection Journal Olivia C. Nichols Kent State University

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CRITICAL REFLECTION JOURNAL Critical Reflection Journal Module 2 With every profession, there is a structure that holds everything together. Before this class, I never thought about the structure behind nursing. I was unsure what policy meant, what meaning it held when discussing nursing, and the true importance within this profession. Through this module, I learned what policy is and its importance to the field of nursing, how it allows nurses to be advocates for patients, and how it can impact my role as a future nurse.

I think understanding the meaning of policy is crucial. To be successful, you have to have an understanding of the foundation that makes up the more complex issues. This module dealt with the basic understanding of policy within nursing. “Policy can also be defined as making decisions that reflect values and allocating resources based on those values. Thus, policy represents a particular political, ethical, or programmatic viewpoint” (Tableman, 2005, p.1). Although the definition made sense, after I learned more from this module, I began to question it. I learned that “our Ohio General Assembly is made up of 132 members, none of which have education or training in nursing” (Bukoffsky, 2017, p.1). I questioned why laws are being created and passed, but there is not a nurse present who is equipped with the expertise to help make the decision. When discussing the importance of policy, one must consider that if a nurse is not present to make decisions, this could impact the patient. I think nurses, with their first-hand experience, should be at the forefront of making decisions. Nurses are the people who are taking care of the patient at the bedside. They are present amidst the highs and the lows, and this allows nurses to be advocates. The field of nursing allows nurses, with different perspectives, to collaborate and discuss the best plan of care for each patient. “Our perspectives as nurses, our experience in

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patient care, and our passion for quality care are valuable tools for creating change. Nurses have the knowledge, experience, and skills to be excellent advocates” (Maryland, 2012, para. 28). If nurses are not included in decision making, the plan of care for a patient could change and impede the ability to advocate for a patient. This module has challenged my train of thought with patient care and has made me selfreflect. Being an advocate and having a voice is so important. I will make sure to listen to my patients to ensure I am doing everything I can for them. A specific action that I am challenging myself to implement more is to spend more time actively listening to my patients during hourly rounds. This module has shown that nurses make a difference every day and “if you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito” (Bukoffsky, 2017, p.1). One can learn from their trials and achievements to grow more confident. One of the activities that impacted nursing practice was the discussion board. It made me see things from other perspectives and allowed me to think deeper. A barrier that could occur is difficult family members because one might not be able to advocate easily. If a family member is speaking over the patient and not allowing them to speak, the patient might not get the care they want. A way to overcome this is by getting the patient alone so they can speak freely and express concerns. Structure is needed for something to be successful and reach its full potential. I believe that policy is a key part. As nurses, we need to make sure that fellow nurses are helping to make decisions for our profession. Furthermore, nurses have a vital role in the plan of care for a patient and must be advocates. With bedside care, one-on-one time, and hands-on experience, nurses get to know their patients and this gives them the ability to better advocate for them. Finally, I have learned that every single individual has the power and the voice to make a difference. This

CRITICAL REFLECTION JOURNAL profession gives endless opportunities to make a difference, be an advocate, and use one’s voice to stand up for what they believe in.

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Bukoffsky, T. (2017). Why Should I Care About Health Policy & How Can I Get Involved ? Ohio Nurse, 10(4), 1-2. Maryland, M.A., Gonzalex, R.I. (2012, January 31). Patient advocacy in the community. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 17(1). doi: 10.3912/ojin.Vol17No01Man02 Tableman, B. (2005). How government policy is made. Best Practice Briefs, 34, 1-7....