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Running head: POST-CLINICAL REFLECTION

Post-Clinical Reflection

Erika M. Payne

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

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Prior to the start of the women's health practicum, I set three goals for myself to

accomplish during the semester. The goals align with the course objectives and The National

Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Core Competencies (NONPF, 2017). I was very

eager to begin this practicum as I enjoy learning about ways to improve the health of women and

it provides me with the opportunity to educate and empower women. I completed the majority of

my clinical hours with a nurse midwife at a women’s health care facility which was very

beneficial. I also completed hours at the student health clinic and a hormone clinic with a family

nurse practitioner. The variety of these settings gave me the opportunity to provide care to

diverse populations with patients aging from late adolescent to older adults.

The first goal I set for the semester was to translate knowledge into practice. Before the

clinical rotation, I recognized that I lacked experience in caring for the gynecological and

obstetric population. I learned a vast amount of information in class and from working alongside

a nurse midwife. She was very helpful, enjoyed teaching, and encouraged me to work

independently which was advantageous. I assessed patients independently, devised a plan of

care, and discussed my plan with my preceptor. I completed numerous well women

appointments which included a breast and speculum examination. This helped build my

confidence with these skills. I achieved this goal for the semester and will be able to continue

advancing my knowledge and skills in women’s health next semester.

The second goal for the semester was to focus on health promotion and disease prevention.

During each visit, time was devoted to educating the patient. Many patients presented for their

yearly gynecological examination which involved education on diet, exercise, and screening

recommendations. I asked if the patient knows how to complete self-breast examinations and if

they complete self-breast examinations monthly. It was clear that providers cannot assume that
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patients know how to do self-examinations. In addition, I educated numerous patients on birth

control, safe sex practices, pregnancy care, and more. Spending time educating patients is crucial

in this area of healthcare as many patients are only evaluated annually and must be aware of

methods to improve and maintain their health. The second goal was achieved during the

women’s health practicum and will be incorporated in my future practice.

My third goal for the semester was to build a rapport with each patient during their visit.

The wellness visits and procedural visits allotted more time than most acute visits, but I made an

effort to build a rapport with each patient. As a provider in women's health, we have to ask

personal questions and complete invasive examinations. In this setting, I found that it was best to

meet patients, obtain a history, and build a rapport prior to them getting undressed for the

examination. My preceptor did not always do this, especially if she was busy. It was awkward to

meet the patient and ask questions while they had a thin, cold drape covering them. It is

important to sit with patients and briefly get to know them prior to asking personal questions

about their health.

Some patients were very uncomfortable talking about private topics while others were

open, honest, and appreciated the opportunity. My preceptor enjoyed chatting with patients about

their personal lives and some even said it felt like "therapy" when they came to see her. It

seemed that many of the patients did not mind waiting past their scheduled appointment time as

they were satisfied with the provider and enjoyed spending time talking to her. They were all

surprisingly understanding. This just exemplifies the importance of building and maintaining a

rapport with patients. I achieved this goal for the semester and will continue to implement this

skill into my practice.

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During this practicum, we utilized shared decision making frequently. We often provided

the patient with various options or alternatives and told them to think about it before deciding.

This practice was often used for contraception and hormone therapy. As a provider, it is

imperative to include the patient in the discussion and decision process. This can positively

impact compliance and patient satisfaction. My preceptor and I provided individualized care and

tried to ensure the patients felt confident and happy with their treatment plan.

I achieved the three goals I set for myself at the beginning of the semester. Overall, I really

enjoyed the women’s health practicum. I really like this area of healthcare and would consider

pursing it after graduation. However, I would appreciate more experience caring for antepartum

patients before I would feel comfortable as a provider. I am looking forward to my final

practicum!
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References

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). (2017). Nurse Practitioner

Core Competencies Content. Retrieved from

https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/competencies/2017_NPCoreCo

mps_with_Curric.pdf