Discussion 6600 Goals

Amanda Swenty

Discussion Week 6

In the contemporary society, there has been an increasing need for nursing courses to provide effective practicum programs for trainees. Practicum courses have brought a great impact on the field of nursing since it ensures that nursing students can acquire practical knowledge alongside the theoretical knowledge that they have learned in class (Anderson & Knorr, 2011). The paper presents an assessment of the progress towards achieving objectives of the practicum course as well as another critical issue in nursing informatics.

During the beginning of the practicum course, there were several objectives that the nursing the students were supposed to achieve. For example, we were expected to be in a position to undertake the role of a clinical coordinator to students using evidence-based practices. The knowledge gained from the practical course has enabled me to gain skills in clinical informatics. Moreover, through active participation in the field course, I was able to participate in conflict resolution meetings hence I boosted my skills in conflict resolution. I have also adopted various measures such as active participation in solving disputes between my colleagues hence I believe I will perfect my conflict resolution knowledge and skills. Since the start of the practicum course, I have also managed to gain skills required in analyzing and effectively evaluating systematically clinical sites. This has been done through participation in discussion with my fellow students and also consulting from my preceptor Ms. Julie Williams.

There are several measures that can be adopted to ensure that the objectives are undertaken. For instance, to make the learners enhance the conflict resolution skills, the host organization should provide a sustainable environment for the students. During the practicum course, the students should be treated with respect and given a chance to participate in critical organizational functions such as conflict resolutions.

Moreover, the learners themselves should be insightful individuals who are interested in gaining practical knowledge in nursing informatics. The students should also feel free to interact with other nursing practitioners as well as the assigned preceptor.

During the practicum course, there are several challenges that have been experienced. For example, the nursing practitioners did not show respect to the students. This is because they believed that the students were unskilled in the field and thus could not participate in crucial decision making. There was also poor communication in the organization that hindered the operations of the healthcare facility. Moreover, I experienced difficulties in relating what had been learned in class to the practical knowledge that was being acquired. Another challenge that was also experienced was assigning of unrealistic duties to students in the practicum program.

As nursing students, a health organization is supposed to give practical knowledge about caring for the patients as well as assisting the doctor in providing treatment (Marie, 2016). However, most of the time, I was subjected to errands and the keeping of files. These challenges can be avoided if there is a change of attitude towards students on practicum project as well as teaching relevant information about nursing to the students.

As a nursing informatics student, I actively participated in various activities such as managing the health information of patients who are suffering from different disorders. My preceptor, Julie Williams did her best in guiding me and encouraging me to continue working hard to possess skills in nursing.

In summary, practicum activities have brought a great impact on the field of nursing since it results in the gaining of experience among nursing students. The creation of a sustainable environment for practicum programs can ensure that students improve their skills.

References

Anderson , L. & Knorr, H. (2011). Practicum programs in Nursing: Journal of health practices. 1 9 (5) 112-117

Marie, A., (2016). General Nursing: Nursing Practicum.