A2a. My paper in EBP was about nursing errors and mistakes related to fatigue. This project represents me as a healthcare professional because I must take care of my coworkers’ health as well as my patients’ health. We must look out for one another, especially in the high-stress environment that we work in. Mistakes can be devastating to both the nurses and the patients, especially if it could have been avoided if the nurse was not fatigued.

My project in C229 represents me as a learner. I learned a lot of things I did not know about my community. I enjoyed driving around and assessing different parts of my community and learning about how to prevent obesity. I am a very visual and hands-on learner, so this project represented me well in the area of learning.

A2b. One of my professional strengths is that I really look after my coworkers. I am passionate about caring for them, we need each other to function properly as a team in a high stress emergency environment. Self-care is so important to thriving as a n ER nurse. My project in EBP really showcased my love for caring for my peers. Mistakes are so devastating for a nurse, so I love that I can now educate people how to avoid the preventable ones by getting more rest and it is backed up by research.

A2c.  I faced many challenges during this program. Trying to balance school and work and maintaining my sanity was very difficult. My days off are usually spent trying to recover from the emotional and physical stress of my ER job, but with this program I had to keep thinking about all things nursing even in my time off. My self-care sort of went out the window. I built a house during this program and moved three times during this program which was challenging as well. I also was challenged to finish because I felt that much of the content was redundant and pointless to my nursing career. I felt it was a lot of repeating myself, so it was challenging to maintain motivation.

A2c1.  I overcame these challenges by just doing it. I just told myself that this is temporary, and it must be done. My student mentor, Kimley Lewis, helped so much. She helped talk me down off the ledges and helped push me and encourage me to keep going. Taking three month breaks in between also helped me to restore my soul in between terms.

A2d.  Communication- C468 taught me how to effectively communicate with the use of technology. My horizons have been broadened in that area. I have learned how to properly formulate a professional portfolio for use in my future career with the help of C493. The leadership learning project encouraged me to communicate with the upper management about issues that concerned me in my nursing practice.

Clinical reasoning- My clinical reasoning skills were enhanced by the evidenced-based practice course. This course taught me how to properly research and make sure my practice is backed up by current research. I am now confident that I can find the information I need to find regarding practice, and I now know the terms and search methods to find good quality research so that I am able to deliver quality care to my patients.

Accountability- The study of the Nurse Practice Act required by
professional Roles and Values helped me to not only hold myself accountable for my practice and ethics, but also for my peers. We must be accountable to one another so that we provide safe and quality care to the standards that nurses are held to by the Nurse Practice Act.  

Synthesis of Knowledge- Every course in the program here at WGU teaches this. You must be able to synthesize knowledge accurately and adequately to make it through the program successfully.

Compassion- Compassion is an area that I do not lack in. Most nurses do not lack in this area because it is difficult to remain in this career path without it. The community health project helped to further enhance my compassion, especially for the poor, in my community.

Leadership and Education- The first course, C820, taught me good leadership skills. It forced you to come out of your shell in front of your peers. After that course, I wasn’t as shy and timid and learned how to effectively lead my peers in a positive way. I gleaned education skills throughout the entire program. The more knowledge you have, the better at education you become because you know more to educate.

Collaboration- Intra-professional collaboration is very important to the care of a patient. I learned how important it was in the EBP project and the Leadership project. They really opened my eyes to how many people need to be involved in all areas of healthcare.

Genomics and Genetics- The AMNH course provided me with new insight to genomics and genetics. The course helped me to incorporate this knowledge into my every day nursing practice in the ER when trying to figure out what could be causing the patients’ ailments.

Information technology- C468 taught me how to use technology to effectively communicate with patients via technology such as computers. EBP also taught me how to use technology to find quality research to better serve my patients and practice.

A2e. Scientist: I was a scientist in this program by studying research related to the topics assigned to me. I looked at several evidenced-based practice research articles to collect my data throughout the program. I also collected data like a scientist by talking with my coworkers about the topics to make my own conclusions from my own environment.

Detective: I was a detective in this program by investigating the rubrics to look for clues as to what the evaluators are looking for in my papers. I was also a detective by searching for the information I needed to complete my courses throughout the program.

Manager of the healing environment: I was a manager of a healing environment in this program by bringing to light an issue that causes nurses and patients to suffer. A healing environment is one where well-rested nurses can care for patients safely and effectively. I was a manager of a healing environment by learning new material throughout the program to help me better care for my patients in the future.

A2f. I have grown professionally in the program mainly in how I communicate with coworkers and patients. In the ER setting, it is sometimes difficult to maintain professionalism. This program has helped to further engrain the need to be professional, even when someone else is being rude or demeaning.