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Nur 460 - PGC Reflection Paper
Nur 460 - PGC Reflection Paper
RN to BSN Reflection
Reneé Smallwood
Fall 2018
RN TO BSN REFLECTION 2
RN to BSN Reflection
degree comes to an end, I can personally say I have learned a lot and feel I became a more
confident and strong nurse since the beginning of the program. Choosing to become a nurse takes
a strong, dedicated, and caring person as being a nurse is not easy. Some days are fun and
rewarding, other days can be stressful, and many days carry the weight of the unknown. These
are all the best parts of nursing and is one of the reasons why I chose to pursue this career.
Nursing is an evolving career that encounters many changes daily, and it is up to the
nurse to make sure to stay up to date and apply quality care at the right time and all the time.
Continuing my education to obtain my baccalaureate has been beneficial in many ways and
achieving the nine program graduate competencies (PGC’s) demonstrated below during my RN
PGC I: Integrating general education knowledge, skills, and aptitudes to advance nursing
practice.
“The primary goals of nursing education remain the same: nurses must be prepared to meet
diverse patients’ needs; function as leaders; and advance science that benefits patients and the
capacity of health professionals to deliver safe, quality patient care. At the same time, nursing
collaboratively and effectively with other health professionals in a complex and evolving health
care system in a variety of settings” (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee, 2011, para 2).
RN TO BSN REFLECTION 3
Nursing is a field that requires building blocks to be a well-rounding nurse. Previous education
and skills allowed me to take what I have already learned and applied it to my nursing practice.
Courses like world history and ethical issues in healthcare opened my mind and helped
me to become more culturally sensitive. Though I had prior knowledge in history and ethical
health care issues these courses built on what I knew and showed the importance of caring for
diverse populations or groups. During my population and community health clinical I understood
the importance of nursing education and learning as our patient's life depends on it, and it allows
the ones we care for to trust in us. Lifelong learning is the foundation for overall wellness. The
life learning nurse is determined and prepared to gain more knowledge that can be used for
personal advancement, and their skills can be utilized in the care and treatment of their patients.
Skilled and well-rounded nurses are needed in the nursing field. Lifelong learner’s patients have
better outcomes and nurses can apply what they learned in their care. The lifelong learner nurse
stays up to date in evidenced-based practice allowing for excellence in nursing practice. General
education and past skills in addition to baccalaureate nursing became a solid foundation for my
current and future nursing practice. “As the national healthcare system is restructured and
innovations in patient care accelerate, professional development and continuing education for
nurses is becoming increasingly important for clinicians interested in staying on the cutting edge
PGC II: Demonstrate leadership skills to promote patient safety and the delivery of high-
quality healthcare.
Nurses are vital to the implementation and standard of high-quality care. “Nurse
performance is vital to quality patient care outcomes, and nursing leadership behaviors have been
linked to nursing performance” (Germain & Cummings, 2010). Throughout the RN to BSN I
RN TO BSN REFLECTION 4
have learned nurses are caretakers by nature. We emphasize and care for patients in a way that
provides a sense of security and concern. In my current nursing career, I have had the privilege
to work for and witness great advocacy as a fellow nurse, and during my capstone clinical I
shadowed a charge nurse who proved it takes skills and characteristics to be a nurse leader. As
the charge nurse for that specific day, responsibilities included making sure staffing is adequate
on the floor, overseeing and delegating tasks to homebound school, the therapy department,
outbound school personnel, kitchen staff, the receptionists, and outside vendors. Though most of
the staff reside and work in the same building, patient care took place in different settings of the
facility.
I also have learned through my nursing leadership course and other BSN course that
nurse leaders are essential in my career as leaders promote balance. There are many nurses in the
world today yet not all nurse has leadership skills and concepts. A great nursing leader
communicates effectively, is honest, aware, receptive, and always willing to learn for personal
growth in their nursing profession. These are a few skills I noticed during clinical by my
preceptor. The charge nurse was responsible for handling any issues that may arouse whether it
was on the clinical side of the building or outside of the facility. As a leader, the charge nurse
also stepped in and helped others when needed. Overseeing and holding everyone accountable
for care in the different settings, making sure patient care was consistent, which safely led to
better nursing practice and outcomes. According to American Nurse Today (2012), to be a
leader, you must be committed to your purpose and passion and have the type of commitment
PGC III: Apply skills of inquiry, analysis, and information literacy to support evidence-
The importance of nursing research before obtaining my BSN was mentioned more often
than none. Nursing research showed me that in this ever-changing field it is essential to stay up
to date with most evidence-based practice and this can be obtained through continual nursing
research. The increasing demand for healthcare services has meant that nurses are to take on a
more active and independent role targeted to patients, providing necessary treatment and
deciding relevant clinical practice. This translates into the need for nurses to be able to translate
research and evidence into their practice more efficiently and effectively (Mokhtar et al., 2012).
As a pediatric nurse who works with medically fragile children who are trach and
ventilator dependent, I decided to do a research project in NUR 340 (nursing research) which
discussed ventilator pneumonia in the pediatric population. Nursing research taught me how to
on evidence-based practice.
Informatics plays a vital role in education and nursing work because it allows nurses to
use appropriate technology when needed. Social and professional networking enables the
providers to reach many people at one time. NUR 410 (Nursing Informatics) taught me
informatics like computer software helps with the collection of statistical information like
medication distribution, how surgeries are performed, and even track healing. I learned
communication, and the ease and quickness of retrieving information at clinics hospitals, and
other healthcare facilities are also some of the benefits of nursing and informatics. In return, this
improves patient care. “An electronic medication administration record documentation system is
teamwork, ease of documentation, drug information accuracy, and patient safety…” (Moreland,
Being the baccalaureate practicing nurse, I am knowledgeable and understand why most
of the healthcare facilities have adopted electronic medical records to help with positive patient
outcomes and comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
Nursing informatics taught me an appropriate healthcare system that is user-friendly might offer
quick and timely care to the patient and keeps everyone safe. The nursing and healthcare field
continues to grow daily. To accommodate this growth electronic records will assist in
productivity and speed up work. As many hospitals and medical facilities get away from paper
charting and upgrade to an electronic record, providers can spend more time with a patient
without worrying about paper charting that is often time-consuming and has been known to
cause errors. In nursing, the documentation is essential in daily practice as a patient’s needs and
condition are easily communicated. Information systems can also help with quality of care and
patient outcome.
PGC V: Advocate for patients and the nursing profession with regard to healthcare policy
protect and advance the interests of society includes the delivery of high-quality health care. In
turn, the government must preserve the interests of its citizens by supplementing the market
where there are gaps and regulating the market where there is inefficiency or unfairness. Nursing
policy (NUR 420) instilled in me that I do not only practice as a nurse, but my voice can bring
change and have a positive impact on not only my patients but different groups, cultures, and
people around the world. I identified a vulnerable population, their need, and how political
RN TO BSN REFLECTION 7
intervention can play a significant role in the treatment and care of these individuals. I researched
mental illness in today’s children and concluded there is not a policy in place that will assist
who interact the most with their patients to bring to light these issues. Nursing policy taught me
being an active advocate in politics as it pertains to health care can save a life or many lives. The
government is in place for the people, and a silent voice is an unheard voice. The government
rather federal, state, or local has its own entirely autonomous sphere of action, and all three
levels interact in shaping policy, in financing and delivering health care, and in running programs
(Altman & Morgan, 1983). To be a nurse is to be an advocate, a leader and speak out on issues
Being an advocate is essential in a world where illnesses and diseases may not allow
people to express their needs and desires. Throughout my BSN journey, I have learned
communication is key to yielding best patient outcomes and teamwork makes the dream work.
“Evidence suggests that interprofessional teams achieve better outcomes and that team-based
care should become the normative clinical practice” (ELSEVIER, 2013). As a transport nurse, I
am the link between my job and the hospital. The children I care for a variety of complex needs
and the only way their needs can be met and treated is through a team which usually consist of
specialty doctors that work together with the goals of the child in mind. All my nursing courses
have taught me that a dedicated team and a goal of making the patients wants a priority can yield
healthy and positive outcome. Not only is it a commitment, but collaboration is also more than
just working together and working well with others outside the traditional care circle
RN TO BSN REFLECTION 8
(ELSEVIER, 2013). In all, I have learned effective communication builds teamwork, helps in
diverse settings and helps problem solve. Keeping everyone involved will maintain quality care
and avoids possible issues. Nurses see the patients the most and play a significant role in
communication.
PGC VII: Integrate health promotion and disease prevention practices to positively impact
Global health is important is it allows equal access to diverse and vulnerable populations.
The BSN program and my global health course (NUR 310) taught me that knowledge is key.
Community, patient, and family education are essential are decreasing infectious and non-
communicable diseases. I have learned if you do not know about something, you do not worry
about it. In turn, this is affecting the one billion people who lack access to health care systems
and the 7.5 million children under the age of five who have died from malnutrition and mostly
preventable diseases, each year (Shah, 2014). The RN to BSN program has broadened my
knowledge of different cultures, health disparities, community health, and at-risk groups. With
the shortage of nurses in the community, I have learned I should use each opportunity with my
patients, family and/or caregiver as a teaching moment because they may not always able to get
this information.
My clinical experience was involved around children who are considered one of the most
at-risk populations and I had the opportunity to educate and promote healthy habits like
handwashing and childhood immunizations. My population and community health course and
global health have also taught me that to promote health and decrease the spread of diseases it is
essential to becoming familiar with different cultures and how they learn to have the best
outcome.
RN TO BSN REFLECTION 9
I ultimately have learned it is up to us as health care professionals to be the link to local, state,
and global health because healthiness affects people every day and in every part of the world. “It
addresses broad issues that can affect the health and well-being of individuals, families,
communities, populations, and societies—both now, and for generations to come. Public health
programs keep people alive and have led to increased life expectancies, worldwide reductions in
infant and child mortality, and eradication or reduction of many communicable diseases”
(University of Pittsburg, n.d., para 5). As nurses, we should promote health daily as many people
depend on us as healthcare providers to make sure they are safe as I have been taught since the
When I started the RN to BSN program, I developed a personal nursing philosophy that
reflected on my morals and beliefs as an individual and as a nursing professional. Since the
completion of the RN to BSN transitions (NUR 300) last year and now the completion of the
program, I have learned that I should hold myself to a personal standard of care that I should
follow while maintaining quality and safety goals. The RN to BSN program has taught me I
should develop a trusting rapport with my patients and as a nurse, patients depend on me for my
honesty and ethical standards. These ethical standards include continuing education, professional
development, promoting health, preventing diseased and alleviating suffering (Louisiana State
University, 2017) Having the best interest of the patient in mind always is important to me in my
nursing practice. As a nurse, I plan to provide the best care without discrimination and regardless
of the circumstance. I believe in holding myself accountable to allow for personal reflection and
PGC IX: Demonstrate lifelong learning that empowers personal and professional growth.
RN TO BSN REFLECTION 10
Though I have been in the health field for fourteen years beginning my career as a
certified nursing assistant (CNA). From a CNA to now an RN with soon to be BSN I have
learned life-learning benefits not only me but also the people I care for daily. This program has
taught me nursing is a career where the opportunity to learn new things each day is endless, and
nursing is not only a job but a lifelong career that is continually evolving for the better. “It is a
beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together”- unknown. Education in healthcare is
needed to match the transformations occurring in the United States, and there is a need for
“equally profound changes in the education of nurses both before and after they receive their
licenses” (EBSCO Health, 2017). Nursing is changing rapidly, and I have learned throughout the
program lifelong learning should be expected and essential as it empowers personal and
professional growth.
Conclusion
My RN to BSN has been very rewarding. I have met the program graduate competencies
through clinical, research, and classwork. I find myself being more of a leader as I have learned
to help others and fulfill principles, missions, goals, visions, and plans. I have a passion for
nursing and would like to remain confident yet humble. I want to remain dedicated to myself and
my patient and continue to grow. My nursing philosophy is an everyday guide that reminds me
of my values, beliefs, and personal expectations as I practice as a registered nurse. Though the
road of nursing can be faced with many challenges, I plan on taking on the journey to make a
difference in the lives of the patients are care for daily while continuing to apply the PGC’s
References
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https://health.ebsco.com/blog/article/the-increasing-importance-of-lifelong-learning-in-
healthcare-and-especially
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