Module One:
The first module, “Testing and Remediation,” outlined several ways to prepare for and successfully take standardized tests, which is critical to integrating into the nursing culture. These preparatory recommendations included the importance of completing class assignments and readings as well as attending and engaging in lectures and discussions in the classroom. Of great importance, the module discussed multiple study habits and learning strategies that will be beneficial to use throughout my nursing education. As someone who generally uses flashcards to study, in the module, I learned additional positive study techniques that I will implement to assure my success with testing. For example, this module outlined an essential study aid, known as the “ABCs,” which emphasizes the use of acronyms to remember key fundamentals and cluster together related content as a means of studying. Throughout this semester and the entire program, we will be learning a vast amount of material; therefore, finding ways to remember content is of utmost importance. In addition, I also learned the importance of where and when to study for an exam. For example, I learned that studying should be scheduled when I am alert and focused, and I should plan other obligations around my study schedule to avoid being preoccupied. Also, it is crucial to study in a room that is isolated from interruptions and has excellent lighting and a comfortable temperature.
Along with studying techniques, this module offered optimum test-taking strategies, which will benefit my success this semester as most of our classes are measured by exams. Most of the exams involve multiple-choice answers in our current courses. Some recommendations for successful test-taking are that sleep should be a priority prior to test day and that I should review important study material a few hours before the exam. In addition, I should incorporate good comprehensive skills, such as reading the question and choices slowly and carefully. Also, I learned to utilize techniques to help eliminate incorrect options in multiple-choice exams to increase my chances of selecting the correct answer. In this module, I learned to use the symbols (+) for correct and (-) for incorrect as well. Overall, to fully integrate into the nursing culture, the above techniques will help me successfully strengthen my attributes, improve my competency, and provide me with optimum skills to provide the best patient care possible eventually.
Module Two:
Module Two, “Nursing Concepts,” is inherently designed to provide helpful recommendations and valuable tools to enable me to integrate comprehensive nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes into my clinical decisions, patient care and to facilitate my transition from a student to a professionally competent nurse. This module taught me the importance of acquiring significant knowledge and skills to provide client-oriented care, including the nursing process, therapeutic communication, advocacy, and cultural competence. For example, the nursing process is a framework that I will use as a nurse to develop a care plan for my patients, including the five basic but critical steps: Assessment, Analysis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. This semester, in my lectures, I am learning how to collect subjective and objective information from patients to formulate conclusions, care plans, and goals based on the clients’ conditions, which correlates well with the information I learned from this module. With the information I receive from my courses this semester and using the framework of the care process that I have collected from this module, I can implement effective interventions to maximize patient satisfaction and care. I will not only carry out the five fundamental steps of the nursing process as I transition into the nursing culture, but I will also use effective verbal and non-verbal therapeutic communication with each patient. While actively listening, clarifying, and summarizing the patient’s statements, and using empathy and compassion, I will maintain appropriate eye contact, facial gestures, hand gestures, and body posture. At the same time, I will also advocate for every patient to ensure they receive safe and high-quality care. Also, throughout my transition into the culture of nursing, I will strengthen my cultural competence to understand the differences between cultures, education levels, health care histories, life experiences, and perspectives among patients.
In addition, this module focuses on many other concepts relevant to care. To name a few, I learned about ways to maximize patient and personal safety, professionalism, striving for excellence, leadership, and time management. For example, it can be challenging to balance academics and daily tasks. I enjoyed learning about the tips to be successful with time management in nursing, so I am ready to be a fully competent nurse. For example, some suggestions were to organize group activities together; estimate the time that the activities will take to accomplish; complete challenging tasks in advance; visualize procedures; document a patient’s care as it is completed. Overall, the information I have learned from the module relates well with my class material, which will prepare me for my integration into the culture of nursing. It will help enhance my competency and ultimately help me become the best possible nurse I can be.
