Reflective Journal

Objectives:

1. Reflect on thoughts, ideas, ex­periences, and insights related to the course.
2. Examine personal skills, frames of reference, and assumptions about the provision of care.
3. Gain insight on how student views themselves in relationship to others when engaged in therapeutic and professional communication.
4. Identify areas for students to further develop their abilities and understanding related to bedside practice.

Directions: (Professional Identity and Spirit of Inquiry)

Respond to at all four of the questions below using the same bullet points. Responses must be double-spaced in a Word document. Entry should be a minimum of 1500 words and NOT more than 2000 words.

1. Journal prompt 1 (Human Flourishing, Professional Identity)
2. What are your feelings as you begin this clinical experience? Make sure you identify feelings, not thoughts. Complete the following statement: "l feel…"
3. What past experiences, perceptions, and thoughts might be contributing to the above feelings?
4. What personal qualities, strengths, and talents do you bring to this clinical experience?
5. Identify one goal for the semester related to your personal self-awareness and growth.
6. Journal prompt 2 (Human Flourishing, Professional Identity)

As you begin your clinical experience, it is important to be aware of how you communicate and how you respond to the communication styles of others. This awareness is essential to working with the healthcare team to provide care to residents that is personalized, evidence-based, and safe.

1. What is your communication style? Are you direct, passive, etc.?
2. How do you try to come across to others when communicating?
3. How do you think you are perceived by others when communicating?
4. Describe two strategies to improve your communication skills during this clinical experience.
5. Journal prompt 3 (Human Flourishing, Professional Identity)

Judgment is making opinions as to the value of someone or something. How we perceive others is influenced by our personal beliefs, assumptions, and values. Professional nurses operate within a Professional Code of Ethics and Standards.

1. Examine the values, assumptions, and beliefs (address all three) that shape your behavior. Provide specific examples.
2. Explore how your values, assumptions and beliefs influence your relationships with residents and families.
3. Journal prompt 4 (Spirit of Inquiry)

Locate on NTC library site one peer-reviewed journal article within the past five years that address healthcare needs of the geriatric population. Suggestions include health management, polypharmacy, safety, caregiver role strain, etc.

1. Briefly summarize the article including key points and conclusion.
2. Analysis: what is the role of the nurse in addressing this issue?
3. Use in-text citations to give credit to the author and provide a reference list APA citation for the article at the end of your journal entry. Faculty to assist as needed.
   
   1. In-text citation example:
      
      1. A recent study found that geriatric healthcare needs are growing (Smith, 2018).
   2. Reference list citation example:
      
      1. Last, F. M. (Year Published). Article title. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pp. Page(s). doi:#

Reflective Journal Grading Rubric (10 points)

Level 5

Level 4

Level 3

Level 2

Level 1

Complete (5 points)

• Thoroughly addresses all 3 questions.
• Entry is at least 1500 words and not more than 2000 words long.
• Addresses all 3 questions with fair amount of depth.
• Entry is at least 1250 total words or exceeds the 2000 word limit.
• Somewhat addresses at least 2 of the 3 questions.
• Entry is at least 1000 total words.
• Somewhat addresses 1 question.
• Answers are not complete.
• Entry is at least 750 total words.
• Entry does not clearly address any of the questions provided.
• Entry is a recitation of significant experiences in clinical, OR
• Entry is less than 750 total words.

Reflection

(5 points)

• Reflection demonstrates insight and ability to connect personal experience with theory on all questions.
• Discussion on all questions draws upon self-knowledge, self-awareness and past experience to gain insight and create or discover ideas that are new and enhance professional growth.
• Reflection usually (2 of 3) demonstrates insight and ability to connect personal experience with theory.
• Discussion usually (2 of 3) draws upon self-knowledge, self-awareness and past experience to gain insight and create or discover ideas that are new and enhance professional growth.
• Reflection at times (1 question) demonstrates ability to connect personal experience with theory but 2 of 3 questions are superficially answered.
• Discussion at least once draws upon self-knowledge, self-awareness and past experience to gain insight and create or discover ideas that are new and enhance professional growth.
• Entry does not reflect application of theory or genuine insight on behavior.
• Objectively shares experience, but reflection is vague, lacks depth or insight.
• Does not draw upon self- knowledge, self-awareness, or experience to enhance professional growth.
• There is minimal evidence of reflection
• No evidence of ability to draw upon self-knowledge, self-awareness and past experience to gain insight.
• Entry merely recites what was done/ learned during clinical.