TRANSITION INTO PRACTICE

Transition Into Practice

Shawnee Payne

Utah Tech University

Nurs 4700

Jamie Griffin

April 14th, 2024

TRANSITION INTO PRACTICE

Transition Into Practice

The transition for student nurse to registered nurse is a pivotal moment in the journey of

nursing excellence. This is characterized by great personal growth, professional growth,

challenges and opportunities. One of the ways in which this program has helped to transition

nursing students is through preceptorships. “ To lessen the impact of the transition experience,

health care organizations have implemented transition-to-practice programs including

orientations, preceptorships, and residencies.” (Hampton, 2024) This paper aims to explore the

multifaceted nature of this transition, highlighting the importance of ongoing support,

mentorship, self-reflection, and dedication to lifelong learning in fostering the development of

competent and compassionate nurses by using the five learning outcomes: person centered care,

clinical judgment, communication, compassionate care and professionalism.

Person Centered Care

Person centered care is one of the main concerns of every nurse. Not all patients are the

same and require different care. As a nurse it is important to realize what specific care is needed

for each patient and implement them in a way that makes the patient feel supported and attended

to. For example, during one of my preceptorship shifts we had three patients with completely

different needs. Patient 1 had been involved in a MVA and required us to stay on top of pain

management. Patient 2 had C.diff and required help when ambulating to the bathroom as well as

antibiotic therapy. Patient 3 had schizophrenia and required gentleness, frequent checks and soft

spoken communication. Patient care is not one size fits all and requires nurses to recognize those

needs and create an individualized care plan.

TRANSITION INTO PRACTICE

Clinical Judgment

Clinical judgment is one of the greatest and most important skills a nurse can possess. It

is so important to be able to critically think through certain situations or problems. For example,

I have had numerous patients that were taking some sort of diuretic in conjunction with a blood

pressure medication. Using clinical judgment, I made sure to take their blood pressure before

giving the medications because it is important that you do not give the medications if their blood

pressure is too low, otherwise you can tank your patient's blood pressure and cause them to

become unstable. In another example, I had a patient that got their foley discontinued in the

previous shift and that information was not passed along during the shift report. During my

assessment I noticed the patient's bladder was very distended and the patient stated they had not

urinated since the day before. I used my clinical judgment and called for an order for a straight

catheter insertion.

Communication

Good communication skills are vital for nurses and other members of the

interdisciplinary team.

Effective communication is essential for nurses as it serves as the cornerstone of facilitating the

exchange of crucial information between healthcare professionals, patients, and their families.

Clear and empathetic communication enhances patient understanding, fosters trust, enables

informed decision-making, and promotes positive health outcomes.

Moreover, it plays a pivotal role in interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring seamless

coordination of care and promoting a culture of safety within healthcare settings. The scenario I

mentioned previously is a great example of why communication is so important. If the nurse

would have passed along the removal of the patient's indwelling urinary catheter in report, the
TRANSITION INTO PRACTICE

entire situation could have been avoided and I would have known to keep an eye on the patients

I&O’s.

Compassionate Care

In order to be a well rounded nurse, compassionate care is a crucial aspect of nursing.

Compassionate care is essential in nursing as it fosters healing, trust, and dignity in patients,

enhancing their overall healthcare experience. By addressing patients' holistic needs, building

therapeutic relationships, and empowering them in their healthcare decisions, compassionate care

promotes better outcomes while also supporting nurses' well-being and upholding ethical

standards. I have noticed during my preceptorship, when I provide compassionate care to my

patients they are much more comfortable with me and trust me to provide competent care.

Professionalism

Professionalism is essential in nursing as it upholds the integrity, credibility, and

standards of the profession. Demonstrating professionalism fosters trust among patients,

colleagues, and the wider healthcare community, ensuring quality care delivery and promoting

positive patient outcomes. Professionalism also applies to physical appearance. Nurses wearing

scrubs and a badge are more likely to be perceived as a healthcare worker that is able to provide

competent and safe care versus a nurse that is wearing a jacket with a hood, no badge, and false

nails.

In conclusion, the integration of person-centered care, clinical judgment, effective

communication, compassionate care, and professionalism is essential in shaping well-rounded

and competent nurses. Through ongoing dedication to these principles, nurses can strive for

excellence in their practice, ensuring optimal outcomes and upholding the values of the nursing

profession.
TRANSITION INTO PRACTICE

References

Hampton, K., Smeltzer, S., Ross, J. (2022) The transition from nursing student to practicing

nurse: An integrative review of transition to practice programs. Nurse Education in

Practice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103031.