Self-Reflection and Self-Assessment, Coursework Example

1. The busyness of the day can make being consciousness difficult. Many times, I am so engrossed in my daily routine, that I forget to be aware of my surroundings. I do not analyze my tasks at hand, I simply perform them. However, there are instances where I will suddenly become aware of myself. These instances may arise when I am with a patient or making sure that they are taken care of in the operating room. Many times, these conscious moments occur when a patient looks up at me and smiles. At this point I realize that I am making a positive impact in their lives.

These instances are important for me to recognize for many reasons. My work as a circulator and in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), while rewarding, can be strenuous. What gets me through the difficult times is for me to be aware that I am helping people. In order for me to continue to help patients, I need to develop myself to my fullest potential. By increasing my self-awareness, I will be better able to objectively perceive myself and my interactions with others. I would like to better appreciate the moments of consciousness, while at the same time, increase their frequency.

One idea which may help me to expand my consciousness is to take more time to reflect on my day and record my thoughts in a journal. This will help me to review and assess my actions and feelings and I will better be able to objectively improve myself. Another method for me to improve my consciousness is to take time to sit and meditate on both myself and my interactions with other people. Though my days can be busy, I can find time during meals or before I go to bed to engage in reflection. By taking these measures to expand my consciousness and self-awareness, I know that I can live to my fullest human potential, enabling me to better serve my patients.

2. Healers are found in many different professions, ranging from surgeons to Reiki practitioners. A healer is anyone who uses their abilities to better able to help improve the lives of others. In my working environment, I have the opportunity to work with many healers. From the physician who performs the life-saving surgery to the phlebotomist who takes the extra time to ensure that the patient is relaxed and comfortable. The field of nursing seems to have an abundance of natural healers and it is these people who are an inspiration to me.

If I apply the word “healer” to myself, I feel a sense of privilege; with privilege comes responsibility. I know that my job description is to care for sick people. However, if I am to take on the role of a healer, then I give more than just my presence. I need to reach deep inside of myself and give the part that truly cares and use it to help each patient.

3. There are so many opportunities that arise in my daily life for me to show people that I care. Each personal interaction is special and I never know who needs that extra attention. However, caring is something I do unconsciously. I find that I can appreciate these moments more when I just enjoy the experience as opposed to analyzing each occurrence. When these moments arise, I am happy and these caring moments help to get me through a difficult day.

I do not see how a person could go into the field of healthcare and not care about people. As healthcare practitioners, we are so honored to be able to provide these important services. Working with sick people is not easy and can be very demanding. While financial compensation is important, the intrinsic joy of helping people is what makes our jobs worthwhile. When patients know that we have their best interest at heart, they respond so much better. By becoming more conscious of my interactions with patients, I can help them with their recovery.

Working in the PACU allows me many opportunities to show that I care. Each patient can benefit from a display of warmth, whether it’s a small smile or making sure that they are changed and bathed with dignity. Afterwards, when I have time to reflect, I feel grateful and happy that I was able to provide that extra support for patients.

4. To transform my work environment to a Habitat for Healing would not be difficult. Granted, as a circulator, the operating room is not the time for focusing on human emotions, but I can still be a positive influence and help set the pace for happy environment. When patients know that I will be their advocate and truly am concerned about their well-being, their spirits are uplifted and they stand a better chance of recovery. The PACU allows for a greater opportunity to express kindness, concern, and to ensure a healing environment. More than their basic survival needs, patients require small things to encourage their recovery. Helping them to be comfortable and be treated with dignity are almost as important as making sure they are taking the appropriate medications.

Another way to help turn my work environment into a Habitat for Healing is to promote caring interactions among my colleagues. Not only will communication improve, we will be better able to create a more nurturing environment for the patients. For example, if I take the time to see a fellow colleague is about ready to fall over from exhaustion, I might be able to relieve them while they rest. This may sound strange, but fatigue can be dangerous. A twenty minute powernap could mean the difference in a patient receiving the right or wrong medication.

I realize that cannot force others to care or improve their interactions. Any administrative attempts to force this behavior would be false and a waste of valuable time. What I can do is to make sure that these changes occur within myself. By making myself into a better person, I will have a better ability to show this towards my colleagues and patients. If I improve my attitude, then I will be able to project this warmth to others. Just as there are many who inspire me, perhaps I can be an inspiration to show caring as well.