Reflection on professional development - Essay Example

?My Reflective Account Of My Professional Development in the Past Year Being a mother of five children, I have realized that caring for someone is one of my best skills. I have used this skill not only in my personal family life as the nurturer of my children but also in my professional career as a health care assistant in a care home for the past six years. My journey towards being an exceptional health care professional has not been free from challenges. I realized that there are multiple skills I need to learn in order to effectively manage the multiple tasks I need to do. This reflective account of my learning journey is a necessary step towards fulfilling my professional goals. Reflective practice has been recognised to be an important tool for professional development. It helps one to objectively assess if what he has learned and done in the recent past is enough to help him move on and move up to higher levels of learning and doing. Lipman (2003) defines reflective thinking as “thinking that is aware of its own assumptions and implications as well as being conscious of the reasons and evidence that support the conclusion” (p. 26). Reid (1993) presents a motivational definition of reflective thinking as “a process of reviewing an experience of practice in order to describe, analyse, evaluate and so inform learning about practice.” Van Manen defines reflection in terms of a means of mental action that distances the person from events in order that they may be viewed in a more objective manner (as cited in Moon, 1999). In all of these definitions, I learned that it takes much objectivity in assessing the efforts I have put into my studies and practice in the past year. I take on a dual role – one as a reporter and another as an assessor. Reflective practice has both advantages and disadvantages. It can positively affect professional growth and development by leading to greater self-awareness, to the development of new knowledge about professional practice, and to a broader understanding of the problems that confront practitioners (Osterman 1990). However, it is a time-consuming process and it may involve personal risk because the questioning of practice requires that practitioners be open to an examination of beliefs, values, and feelings about which there may be great sensitivity (Peters 1991). The risk is in realizing that one may not be suited to the profession he has chosen to undertake. Reading about how such scholars regard reflective practice as an essential process in professional growth, I pressed myself to look back to my experiences from the time I began my NVQ-3 and objectively assess my growth and performance in practice in order to be able to look forward to the long road leading to my future success as a professional. I began Year 1 in September 2010. In less than I year, I have learned so much already, although I am aware that there is still so much to be learned in the coming years. I used to think nursing tasks were limited to washing and dressing patients, administering medicine prescribed by doctors and not much else. I was definitely wrong! I realized that it entails so much more especially after learning about the foundations of nursing practice. Learning about anatomy and physiology was difficult enough, not to mention being able to manage time properly, complying with assignments and generally being a good student. It was particularly trying for me since I am already 40 years old and have five children of my own to care for. Nevertheless, I am fired up by the challenges I face every day. My reflective account will include my graduate skills, my computer literacy skills, feedback from my mentors and the internal and external factors that influence my development. 1. Graduate Skills Being on my first year, I am still in the adjustment phase of my graduate student life. Perhaps I have an easier time than my peers who are in the same year level because of my basic knowledge in nursing practices that I have gained from my work as a health care assistant. However, the demands of academic life still leave me overwhelmed with new skills to master. I am used to writing narrative essays but not in the tradition of academic writing where borrowed ideas from others need to be cited and properly referenced. My class tutor was very helpful in the development of this skill. I now appreciate ownership of ideas shared to others and give credit where credit is due. University life has changed me and has equipped me with several skills. Time management is something essential I have learned. I finish my assignments within the stipulated time. I attend my classes on time and have never been late in my placement areas. The communication models I have learned have helped me cope well in my different placement areas. It has also helped improve my public speaking skills. I can read some things in front of my colleagues with less inhibition, and I can give constructive comments on the work of others. However, I know I still need to improve more and be more comfortable being spontaneous in my public speaking. My interpersonal skills have developed due to this. I enjoy working with people even those from different agencies like MDT. The nursing models I have learned have helped me improve on the standard of care I deliver to my patients. The NMC code of conduct has made me more aware about upholding the dignity, confidentiality and respect for patients and families. I know I have greatly improved in all aspects of my therapeutic relationship with my patients due to all the learning I have imbibed from university life. 2. Computer Skills The vast amount of writing expected in my studies has forced me to develop my computer skills. Whereas before, my IT skills were non-existent, I can now type and research on the internet with enough ease. However, I am still working hard to pass my IT exam. Upon learning computer skills, I was made aware of the endless possibilities that I can do with a computer. Apart from researching new knowledge and information from a variety of sites, I have yet to discover and learn several software and applications that can help me in my studies and professional life! My presentation skills can be enhanced by programs such as MS Powerpoint, spiced with enough photos and graphics. There is a wealth of online journals reporting on the latest trends in nursing and these will help keep me updated and knowledgeable in my chosen career. 3. Feedback from Mentors My first placement was in a college hospital for rehabilitation, pain control and palliative care under my mentor’s supervision. My second placement was in an orthopaedic ward. In both, I was able to apply my theoretical knowledge to practice. So far, I have performed well even if I have not earned good marks in my academics. However, I take advantage of the opportunity to be able to improve on my work when I am given another chance. I have also gotten feedback that my public speaking skills have improved. Although it is ideal that my mentors at the university and at placement become impressed with my performance as a student, it is more important that I meet my own expectations of myself and achieve my own goals. Balancing all my duties and responsibilities for both my personal and professional life may pose as a great challenge for me, but en the end, it is still me, my family, and ultimately, the patients I will care for, who will benefit from my hard work and sacrifices. 4. Internal and External Factors Influencing my Development A. Internal a. Motivation: Dawson (2009) contends that people are motivated when they enjoy their work and have the strong drive to achieve the goals they set for themselves. Motivation that comes from inside the person rather than outside forces is known to be more effective in propelling individuals to move forward in achieving their goals. I believe the following internal factors are responsible in fuelling my motivation to do my role as an aspiring health care professional: Interest: My work as a health care assistant has kept me interested in caring for people who are sick. That is one of the reasons why I am pursuing my courses in Nursing right now. I do hope my interest will keep burning so I will not get tired of what I am doing. Inspiration: My children inspire me to be a better person. I keep envisioning a bright future for them not only because I know someday I will be financially secure in my career but because I am equipped with enough knowledge to keep them in good health and well-being. This is key for them in being able to reach their own dreams. Initiative: Both my interest and inspiration provide me with the initiative to go the extra mile in what I do. Of course there are times when I make mistakes or get tired, but when I remember the reasons why I am doing what I am doing, I manage to re-ignite my initiative to do better. b. Health and Energy: Although age does not matter in learning and fulfilling the role of a student in the health care profession, being 40 years old and having much family responsibilities makes me vulnerable to tiring easily. Physical capabilities: I must admit that I already have several physical limitations that some of my younger classmates are still free from. Being in placement can drain one’s energy especially for a middle-aged practitioner like me. However, I should keep in mind that I maintain my good health so that I can remain to be efficient when caring for patients. Mental and emotional capabilities: On top of placement duties, my responsibilities as a student can likewise put a strain on my mental and emotional health. When I am tired, I find it difficult to concentrate on my readings. The need for rest and sleep is sometimes stronger than the need for studying. c. Attitude and Disposition: I believe having the right attitude and disposition is essential in my situation as a student and mother. My mind and my emotions should be in agreement in the implementation of my tasks. Time management: Knowing my multiple roles and vast number of tasks and responsibilities, I try my best to fix my schedule well so I will not be remiss in my duties. Unfortunately, there are times when something is still neglected. Being new in NVQ-3, I feel the need to put my best foot forward, but often, it is my home responsibilities that suffer. Some chores may not get done on time or not done at all, which contributes to disorganization not only in my physical environment but my mental state. Organization skills: Although being organized is part of being a mother and a health care professional, I sometimes slip. It is a good thing it has never happened in placement as of yet. In placement, my patients’ needs come first, so that means I have to be organized in every aspect and preparations must be done outside of placement time. In my academics, fulfilling the requirements need my utmost concentration and commitment to organization. Positive outlook: It can be depressing to be studying about the sick and being around them in placement, but I need to be a source of positive energy for them. I think of the time when they get better and the great things they will be able to do when they recover from their sickness. d. Sense of Fulfilment: Another internal factor that influences my development is the knowledge that I am able to help others by making use of my talent, skills and personality. Being compassionate to the sick is one thing that I realize is one thing I have in great supply. Knowing that I am able to contribute to their healing in one way or another gives me a great sense of fulfilment. B. External: Apart from my internal factors, there are external forces that also spur me towards my growth and development as a professional. a. Rewards: One cannot deny that external rewards can also be very encouraging. When patients appreciate me and reward me with a smile or a compliment, it boosts my self-esteem and strengthens my drive to be a better practitioner. When I work hard in my studies and get good grades, it makes it all worth the sacrifice. However, being in the adjustment phase of my new education, I may still struggle to earn good grades. In time, I am confident that I will be able to thrive better. b. Social Factors: Being outside the home means being with other people. Social interactions are bound to take place and if one has good social skills, he gets to meet new friends. I am lucky to have friends in university and in placement. I maintain safe, respectful and harmonious relationships with my patients and they do not feel intimidated to tell me what they need. I know I need to further develop my communication skills so that I can feel totally comfortable in the presence of other people. I think I am the type who is slow to warm up to others, but when I do feel more comfortable with them, I am very easy to get along with. By doing my job well and maintain smooth interpersonal relationships, I know I can gain a good reputation for myself. Being thought of as someone who is trustworthy, reliable and worth being friends with is another external factor that motivates me to be the best I can be. c. Future Career Opportunities: Finally, the promise of a bright future with a successful career in the health care profession is an effective push for me to strive more and develop into the ideal professional any organization would be proud to have. I know if I work hard and deliver positive results, I would leave a good impression on my superiors and colleagues. I know someday, they would be confidently recommend me to a good job. As for my future employers, seeing how adept and committed I am in my work would motivate them to hire me. Landing a good job would be able to provide me with the financial security I dream for my family to achieve someday. With it, I know I would be able to provide my children everything they need to help them likewise manage a bright future ahead. Action Plan Challenge (What I need to Develop/ Improve on) What I Will Do Resources Needed Measurement of Success Gaining more knowledge I will read more on any topic related to my career as well as any topic that catches my interest. I will attend seminars/ workshops to update and upgrade my skills and knowledge Library/ Online journals Internet articles Newspapers Magazines Books Available seminars/ extra short courses My grades will improve I will have more subjects to talk about to people I will be able to participate in deep discussions with others. Communication Skills I will initiate conversations with others I will volunteer more in public speaking tasks I will practice reading texts in front of the mirror to acquire better pronunciation and diction I will record my voice speaking and review how I speak and carry myself and do necessary corrections Network of family, friends, and other acquaintances Class discussions Readings/ mirror Audio/video recorder I am more confident in speaking to others I will not have inhibitions when asked to talk in public People will not get bored conversing with me. Health I will eat a healthy diet that will sustain my energy throughout the day I will exercise more to build strength, endurance and to keep fit. I will get enough rest and sleep for more energy and clarity of mind. Healthy food Exercise gear Conducive environment for rest and sleep. I will feel more healthy and physically fit. I will have more energy to do all the tasks I need to accomplish. Work-Life Balance I will make sure I have enough time for my home duties and for my studies. I will spend more quality time with my children I will reserve some time for myself and my own leisure. I will plan out a schedule that works for me so that I can include all the tasks I need to do in a day/week. Time I will be able to accomplish more things My children will be happier with me around. I will be happier and more fulfilled knowing I have balance in my life. Computer Skills I will spend more time learning about important software that can help me like MS Powerpoint. I will learn more about accessing online libraries on the internet for my research purposes. I will use the internet to establish some social networks. Computer Software Internet connection I will be more computer savvy. I can come up with more creative presentations My research skills will be upgraded as I learn about more research sites. I will meet more people online who may be in the same field as I am and we can exchange ideas about our profession. I will pass my IT exam. Organizational Skills I will start by fixing my workspace and making sure that it is clean and orderly. I will make use of a planner and schedule all my tasks and activities so I do not miss out on anything. I will manage my time better by allotting a schedule for each of my task within the day. I will learn to say no to requests or activities that will take away time for more important things. I need to learn how to prioritize. Calendar and planner Organizers and containers for files and other things watch I will have time for everything I need to do. I will be able to think more clearly. I will always be on time for anything. References Dawson, C. (2009) Introduction to Business, Entrepreneurship and employability. MMU, Manchester. Lipman, M. (2003) Thinking in Education, 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press. Moon, J. (1999) Reflection in Learning and Professional Development: theory and practice London; Kogan. Osterman, K. F. (February 1990) "Reflective Practice: A New Agenda for Education." Education And Urban Society 22, no. 2 pp. 133-152. Peters, J. (1991)“Strategies for Reflective Practice." In Professional Development For Educators Of Adults. New Directions For Adult And Continuing Education, no. 51, edited by R. Brockett. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, Fall. Reid B. (1993) ‘But We’re Doing it Already!’ Exploring a Response to the Concept of Reflective Practice in Order to Improve its Facilitation, Nurse Education Today, 13: 305-309 Read More