Running head: PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO

Professional Portfolio
Kaitie Jentink
NorQuest College
June 07, 2015
Catherine Bering
Practical Nursing A04

PROFESIONAL PORTFOLIO

B-2-1

IDENTIFY COMPETENCY
NUMBER,LETTER AND

Demonstrate ability to apply critical thinking and clinical

judgment in the planning of care

SUBCATEGORY

DESCRIBE ONE SIGNIFICANT

LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN THIS
COURSE RELATED TO THE

CLPNA
COMPETENCY.

PROVIDE AN

EXAMPLE.

DESCRIBE WHAT YOU

LEARNED AND
HOW IT RELATES TO THE
COMPETENCY.
IT WAS
MEANINGFUL.

EXPLAIN WHY

One significant learning experience that enabled me to advance

my ability to critically think and make a judgement in
developing a plan to care for each patient is when we covered
oxygen administration. We discussed the different masks that
we could use to get the proper amount of oxygen flow into the
patients respiratory system, as well as why these actions are
important in maintaining homeostasis for the patient.
In class we discussed that there are many different ways of
administering oxygen to a patient to increase their levels of O2
in the hemoglobin, which normal value should be a minimum
of 97% depending on the patients condition. The different
forms of administration that were discussed in class included
nasal cannulas, the simple face mask, and the non-rebreather
mask. We learnt that nasal cannulas are only able to administer
1-6 L/min of oxygen due to the pressure that would be placed
on the nasal passage potentially causing damage to the nasal
mucosa. This is the most common system of delivery, as
patients are still able to perform tasks such as eating and
drinking with it in. Another form of oxygen administration is
the simple face mask. We learnt that the flow rate must be
between 5 and 8L/min of oxygen, however because there are 2
way valves on the mask there is an opportunity for patients to
take in CO2. These masks are disposable and often used for
short term therapy. The final method of administration that we
learnt about was a non-rebreather mask. This mask involves an
O2 reservoir bag, as well as one way valves that ensure that the
patient is taking in strictly oxygen, with no possibility of
inhaling CO2 thus increasing the amount of O2 in the
hemoglobin. These bags have a minimum flow of 10 LPM and
the reservoir bag must be check for proper inhalation to ensure
that oxygen is properly being ingested.
Having this knowledge will allow me the ability to read a
doctors order for oxygen administration and be able to best
determine the proper method of administration based on the

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3
amount prescribed. Due to the need of oxygen in the body I am
also aware that I have the knowledge and to duty to administer
these systems if I see fit. Knowing the advantages and
disadvantages to each system, as well as what levels would
require what amount of liter/ minute the patient would need to
maintain normal functioning will allow me to better determine
which method and amount will best work for the patients
conditions, and their needs.

USES THE PROFICIENCY

CATEGORIES TO RATE THEIR
PROFICIENCY IN THE CHOSEN

CLPNA COMPETENCY.
EXPLAIN
WHAT WAS DONE TO ACHIEVE
THE
COMPETENCY.

DESCRIBE HOW YOU WILL

APPLY
THIS LEARNING IN YOUR
CURRENT
AND FUTURE NURSING
PRACTICE

For this competency I would rate my proficiency as good. In

this competency I feel that I understand the need to identify the
importance of critically thinking in order to provide the best
care depending on each clients individual circumstances, and I
am continuously developing my knowledge to better identify
proper intervention to implement. By actively participating in
lectures and labs I feel that I have developed my skills in being
able to properly identify steps that should be taken to improve
that clients care.
By learning these skills and having this knowledge about
oxygen administration I feel that I will have a better
understanding as to how to precede when my clients require
respiratory assistance, and when it is appropriate to administer
oxygen, and how I will justify the amount and method of
administration. While I am still in school I will use this
knowledge to help me advance in lectures by contributing to
lectures, and in labs when working on case studies to ensure
that my skills are appropriate for the circumstance. As I
advance my career I hope to become more proficient in this
competency and in particular when administering oxygen, I
will apply this skill with great understanding and confidence in
my skill.