Describe your progression through these stages to the point at which you believe you are at this time.

1. Describe your progression through these stages to the point at which you believe you are at this time.

Novice: While at this stage, I had limited experience in orthopedic nursing. I remained at my unit for so long I was dormant. My activities were the same old, every day doing the same thing, and there was no window for me to learn.

Advanced Beginner: I got to this stage when my responsibilities were increased, and I was involved in different activities in the hospital. Being in the novice for so long influenced my problem-solving skills in this stage, where I took things lightly, and I could not figure things out.

Currently am at the competent stage; I can comfortably identify and solve problems in the orthopedic unit. I am very cautious as I would not want to make the same mistakes I made at the previous stages.

Part 1

How did you use your more advanced practices to step back into that novice nurse role?

I learned from my mistakes and also learning from others.

Did you have a preceptor assigned to you?

Yes. I was assigned to one of the nurses to guide me in this new venture.

What resources did you use?

I used to watch and learn from other people and also read books that could help me understand the medications used in this unit.

Part 2.

If you are a preceptor to a novice nurse, how can you be effective in sharing your experience without being intimidating?

I would involve them in my activities ad routines and create a friendly atmosphere where she could ask me any questions and for clarifications.

What makes an ideal preceptor?

I think an ideal preceptor is one who offers constructive and useful feedback and also coaching. Also, one that emphasizes on the time management and patient prioritization.

2. Discuss the following: Considering the care needs of Tina Jones, how can you, as a nurse, maximize her participation and control in her recovery?

To maximize Tina’s participation and control in her recovery, I would engage her in the treatment. Engaging her will allow her to make decisions about her health, which will enable her to care for herself better. I would get to know her first then create a close cooperation with her where I would educate her about her condition in a way that she understands. By engaging Tina, I would provide a comfortable platform for her to ask me any concerns she has about her health and treatment. Besides, I would also encourage her to give feedback, any input or comments they have about their healthcare. Through this, they would help in their journey of well-being.

3. Discuss how critical thinking abilities advance each of these competencies in your clinical practice.

The patient’s safety can be affected by the critical thinking abilities of a nurse. The ability to identify the changes in the patient’s condition, perform nursing interventions, and prioritize. All these actions require critical thinking ability and problem-solving skills. Critical thinking skills allow nurses to come up with ways to get to know their patients better and build a relationship, and in that way, they could boost their patient-centered teamwork and collaboration. Also, it requires enhanced critical thinking to generate ideas to improve the quality of services provided to the patients.