Nursing Outcomes

During my clinical placement at a nursing home in my 1st semester, I quickly learned the importance of effective communication and teamwork in delivering quality patient care. One memorable experience involved coordinating care for a resident with dementia who was becoming increasingly agitated during mealtimes. I noticed that loud noises and unfamiliar routines seemed to trigger her distress.

I discussed my observations with the registered nurse and care assistants, and together we developed a quieter, more consistent mealtime approach for her. I also took time to engage the resident in calm conversation, using a soft tone and simple language to help ease her anxiety. Through daily communication with the team, we monitored her response and made small adjustments as needed.

This experience highlighted how clear, respectful communication and active collaboration with colleagues can significantly improve patient outcomes. It also reinforced the value of listening, not just to what is said, but to what is observed. As a student nurse, I felt empowered knowing my input contributed to a more positive environment for both the resident and the staff.

During my clinical rotation on a Medical-Surgical unit in my 2nd semester, I was assigned to care for a post-operative patient who had undergone abdominal surgery. During routine vital sign checks, I noticed the patient’s heart rate had increased and their blood pressure had decreased. They also reported feeling lightheaded and more fatigued than usual.

Here, I used critical thinking to assess the full clinical picture. I checked the surgical site and noticed increasing drainage and some swelling. I immediately reported my findings to the nurse, and we contacted the physician. Further investigation revealed early signs of internal bleeding, and the patient was quickly stabilized with appropriate interventions.

This experience reinforced the importance of clinical judgment, recognizing subtle changes, connecting the dots, and acting promptly. As a student, it showed me that even small observations matter, and that being proactive can prevent serious complications. It also boosted my confidence in trusting my instincts, using my knowledge, and communicating clearly with the healthcare team.

During my 4th semester of nursing school, a group of 7 students including myself, as pictured, created an educational presentation as part of a Community Assessment Project (CAP). Our presentation focused on obstetric health for adolescent mothers in the community of Phenix City, AL. We addressed topics such as prenatal care, nutrition during pregnancy, signs of complications, and the importance of early and consistent medical support. We also included discussions on emotional well-being, highlighting the unique challenges adolescent mothers may face such as isolation, stress, and balancing school or work. Strategies for coping, local resources for maternal and mental health, and education on newborn care were emphasized throughout the presentation. The goal was to promote early intervention, empower young mothers with knowledge, and encourage healthy outcomes for both mother and child. Creating this presentation helped facilitate clinical prevention and population health education in a meaningful way. It reinforced my understanding of how impactful health education can be, particularly when it is community specific. This experience deepened my appreciation for preventive care and strengthened my commitment to patient education as a core part of my future nursing practice.

One of the most valuable experiences in developing my evidence-based practice skills came from an assignment in my Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) course in my 4th semester. I was tasked with writing a research-based essay focused on strategies to reduce the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), a common yet preventable complication in healthcare settings. Through this assignment, I learned how to conduct a thorough literature review, analyze current research studies, and apply the PICOT format to guide my clinical question.

I critically evaluated various interventions, such as early catheter removal protocols, nurse driven catheter removal policies, and proper catheter care techniques. This process helped me understand how to assess the strength and quality of evidence and how to apply findings to improve patient outcomes. It also reinforced the importance of infection prevention in nursing care.

Taking this class not only strengthened my academic and research skills, but it also deepened my appreciation for the role of evidence in shaping safe, effective nursing practice. Moving forward, I feel more confident in my ability to use current research to inform clinical decisions and contribute to quality improvement in healthcare.

During my clinical rotation on a labor and delivery unit in my 3rd semester, I had the opportunity to care for many Spanish speaking patients. This experience helped me grow significantly in my cultural competence and communication skills. While I am not fluent in Spanish, I made an effort to learn and use key phrases related to comfort, pain, and procedures to help build trust and ease anxiety during labor.

I also collaborated closely with interpreters to ensure that patients and their families fully understood their care plans and had the opportunity to express their needs and concerns. I quickly learned how body language, tone of voice, and patience can bridge communication gaps and create a more supportive environment.

This experience deepened my understanding of how cultural and language differences can impact the birth experience, and how important it is to advocate for equitable, patient-centered care. I am committed to continuing to develop my language skills and cultural awareness so I can better serve diverse patient populations and foster respectful, empathetic care in every setting.

During my Preceptorship rotation on the labor and delivery floor in my 5th semester, I had the opportunity to shadow the charge nurse for a full shift. This experience gave me firsthand insight into the leadership and coordination required to keep the unit running smoothly during high pressure situations. I observed how she managed room assignments, responded to emergencies, supported the nursing staff, and maintained communication with physicians and support services.

She took time to explain her decision making process, especially when balancing patient acuity and staffing. I was impressed by her ability to stay calm, prioritize tasks, and advocate for both her patients and her team. When a patient came in unexpectedly in active labor, I observed how she reassigned resources quickly and effectively, ensuring everyone was informed and the patient received immediate care.

Following the charge nurse helped me understand that leadership in nursing is about being proactive, adaptable, and supportive. I learned how essential clear communication, teamwork, and time management are in a fast-paced setting like labor and delivery. This experience inspired me to continue building my leadership skills and gave me a clearer picture of the role I hope to grow into as a nurse.