Self- Reflection

Thinking back on what I have learnt these past two years, I recognize how much I really have
changed, grown and developed. Prior to starting this program I was intimidated by the thought of vital
signs or assessments, and giving medications, now I feel as if this is just stapled in me, part of my nature
now. I am now able to do many different assessments, make care plans, make critical decisions,
implement nursing actions, assess the need and the action of medications, etc. I have learnt so much about
collaboration, not only with my patients and their families but with other health care professionals, being
a part of a team is really important, and Ive seen this first hand. I have recognized the importance of, and
built skills in patient teaching, and collaborating with families for health instruction, and recognized the
importance of health promotion. I have soaked up so much information, and I questioned if Id be able to
retain it all! But reflecting on this, I feel solid in my knowledge I have retained, my knowledge of
behaviours, disorders, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, theories relevant to mental health and
psychiatric nursing, etc. I can apply this knowledge, and apply certain interventions, treatments,
approaches, etc. I can facilitate appropriate therapeutic environments, and foster appropriate feelings,
behaviours, motivation, etc. I really focused on building my skills relevant to the therapeutic relationship
(heart of psych nursing), and therapeutic use of self. This took getting to know myself, my feelings,
behaviours, and values first. I am now able to use myself to build relationships, engage in therapeutic
work, foster feelings and environments, etc.
I have become so much more aware of myself, I have spent much time reflecting, evaluating,
learning and growing. I have learnt to be responsible for myself and my actions, to be accountable; and to
be mindful of myself, my behaviours and my actions, to be a role model, and to be a professional. I have
set many goals for myself throughout this program, and worked hard to achieve them; I took
responsibility and took an active role in my education and my development. My communication skills
have improved immensely since the beginning, I never recognized how truly important this would be, but
now I recognize that effective therapeutic communication skills are the main tools I think every
psychiatric nurse needs.
I have had the opportunity to become familiar with different aspects of psychiatric nursing, in
different areas, for instance long term care, acute psychiatry, medical/surgical, psychosocial rehabilitation
(community), and will have the opportunity to experience acute psychiatry again for my final practicum.
In my final practicum I can further build my acute, crisis related skills, my critical thinking, time
management and organization. I can fine tune my assessments and observations, and thus my
documentation and reporting. I will work on fine tuning my skills related to medications, and seek every
opportunity to give injections, as my experiences thus far havent allowed me to do too many. I will also
further my knowledge of mental disorders, associated behaviours, interventions, medications, plans of
care, etc. I want to become a confident, competent psychiatric nurse, and I feel this last practicum will
allow me to fine tune all my skills and knowledge, before graduating!
This program and this journey has truly been a challenge and have certainly pushed me to my
limits, but I am grateful and wouldnt have it any other way. I cant imagine not knowing what I do now,
not having the skills I have now, and simply not being the person I am now. I am proud of myself for how
far Ive come and have proven to myself if I really want something I can do it! I look forward to my life
ahead, and continuing to grow, learn and develop as a psychiatric nurse.