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Professional Portfolio -Part D

Critical Reflections

PRNU 115

Tyra Barr

Vancouver Island University

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LA Reflection #1 Reflection-On-Action

Focus Question- What is my definition of ethics, ethical practice, and harm reduction

principles.

Before completing this reflection, I moderately understood the definition of ethics, ethical

practice, and harm reduction principles. After completing learning activities from PRNU 115 I

have learned personal definitions for each term. To me, these definitions are important in

nursing, without these client care would not be competent or professional.

My definition of ethics is a guideline that nurses follow. This includes rules that allow

nurses to provide and implement care within their scope of practice. My definition of ethical

practice is performing care with the highest standard of professional conduct, respect, and safety.

My definition of harm reduction is improving health and well-being of people who engage in

activities that are putting themselves at risk. Nurses can provide support and resources to reduce

the negative effects of substance use and can help improve overall health outcomes.

Need to Know-Research
I need to have deeper knowledge about ethics, ethical practice, and harm reduction. Upon

researching these definitions thoroughly, I now realise how much more detailed these definitions

can be. My personal definitions covered basic knowledge, but researching further I am learning

more about each one.

After researching ethics, I found “Ethics practice standard focuses on the values and

expectations of ethical conduct and behaviour for nurses. It addresses ethical dilemmas and

provides decision-making framework to help nurses make informed decisions in the best interest
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of safe and ethical care” (CNO, 2021, para 2). This is important to know and understand how to

make decisions that are in the client’s best interest.

The definition of ethical practice that I learned is from the BCCNM Professional

Standards for LPNs. Within Standard 4: Ethical Practice, it states that “The Licensed practical

nurses understand, upholds, and promotes the ethical standards of the nursing profession”

(BCCNM, 2020, para 1). There is a list of eleven indicators outlining everything that a nurse

needs to perform for ethical practice to happen. If these indicators are not performed, ethical

practice is not being followed.

The definition of harm reduction that I learned from research is “Harm Reduction is an

evidence-based, client-centred approach that seeks to reduce the health and social harms

associated with addiction and substance use, without necessarily requiring people who use

substances from abstaining or stopping” (CMHA n.d. para 1). To help decrease harm reduction

nurses can implement programs and give advice regarding substances. Learning more about

ways to help can benefits people who use substances, their families, and the community.

LA Reflection #2 Reflection-In-Action
Focused Question- What have you learned about interprofessional relationships and

their impact on quality care.

To accomplish interprofessional relationships in the health care system, collaboration,

collegiality, and professionalism is needed to fulfill the relationships. This includes a team of

health care providers who engage in respect, trust, and conflict resolution. Without these aspects

it is hard to form relationships that benefit patients and ensure patient centered care.
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In the health care system, there are many different roles. Every individual plays an

important part in keeping the health care system running. Without HCAs, LPNs, RNs, Drs and

many others, the health care system would not be capable of performing care. Understanding and

learning about roles and responsibilities of each team member will strengthen interprofessional

relationships and promote collaborative practice and help prevent conflict.

After completing this reflection, I learned what it takes for interprofessional relationships

to occur and how it affects patient care. If the relationship within the health care system is poor

with communication, trust, and respect this will result in poor care. Although it is inevitable to

experience zero conflict, it commonly happens in the health care system. The most common type

in nursing is interpersonal conflict (LA#4 VIU 2023). This is something that can be hard for

many people to resolve but experiencing and resolving conflict can be beneficial. Without

resolving, it can result in escalating situations.

Need to Know/Research

To further my knowledge on interprofessional relationships I need to research ways to

resolve conflict by expressing assertiveness and how to improve interprofessional relationships

to enhance patient care. Resolving conflict can be challenging and is something I have always

found hard to do. I would rather let the situation resolve on its own. After reading about conflict,

it has helped me understand why this is beneficial. “Assertiveness can help you express yourself

effectively and stand up for your point of view, while respecting the rights and beliefs of others”

(Mayo Clinic, 2022, para 1). Learning to express conflict will help situations resolve before they

have a chance to escalate. This can improve relationships, trust, and mutual respect.
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Improving interprofessional relationships can enhance patient care. “Health professionals

work together to optimize the health and wellness of clients and involve the client in decision-

making.” (CNA, 2010, para 3). There are many roles that go into caring for patients. As a

Licensed Practical Nurse, it is my responsibility to ensure my patient receives competent care.

For this to happen, there must be trust and respect from all professionals caring for this patient.

Without it, it can lead to the interprofessional relationships falling apart and negatively impact

the patient themselves.

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References

BCCNM (2020, September 15). Standard 4: Ethical practice

https://www.bccnm.ca/LPN/ProfessionalStandards/Pages/EthicalPractice.aspx

CMHA Ontario (n.d.). Mental health.

https://ontario.cmha.ca/harm-reduction/

CNO (2021, April 8). Ethics

https://www.cno.org/en/learn-about-standards-guidelines/educational-tools/learning-

modules/ethics/

Mayo Clinic (2022, May 13). Being Assertive

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthylifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/assertive/art-

20044644

Vancouver Island University (2023). PRNU 115 Professional Practice. PowerPoint slide