Essential VII

This essential emphasizes the significance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration within the healthcare team to ensure patients receive the highest quality care. As a nurse practitioner student, I’ve come to truly understand how essential collaboration is to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Working closely with other healthcare professionals allows me to coordinate and address all aspects of a patient’s care. For example, during my clinical experiences, I’ve worked with my preceptor to get familiar with office environments, EMR systems, and the steps involved in patient care. These experiences have shown me how critical it is to work together as a team to achieve the best outcomes for patients. Additionally, I’ve recognized the importance of focusing on the interview and assessment process, gathering all the right information for accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, so I’m ready when I start seeing patients independently.

Through my clinical journaling, I’ve also had the opportunity to apply my understanding of health policy and advocacy in real-world scenarios. One particular instance that stood out was when I gained confidence in managing post-myocardial infarction medication protocols and also tackled a complex case involving AL Amyloidosis, a rare disease. Initially, I didn’t know much about this condition, but I took the time to research it, learn from my preceptor, and collaborate with other healthcare providers to develop the best care plan. These moments have reinforced my commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and patient advocacy. I’ve learned to always take the time to review patient information thoroughly, and through these experiences, I’ve been able to incorporate the SON’s Professional Pillars, especially the pillar of commitment, into my practice by staying dedicated to my learning and providing the best care I can.

Strength & Weaknesses

One of my strengths is my ability to communicate effectively and respectfully, which has helped me build solid relationships with both peers and other healthcare professionals. I understand the importance of collaboration in providing the best care possible, and I’ve seen how teamwork can make a real difference in meeting patient needs. However, I’m still working on striking the right balance between speaking up and respecting others’ perspectives, especially in fast-paced or hierarchical settings. While I feel comfortable collaborating, I’m learning to be more assertive when advocating for my patients, while also respecting the roles of others. These experiences have taught me that collaboration is about trust, shared goals, and knowing when to take the lead and when to step back. I’m focused on growing in this area and becoming a more confident advocate for my patients moving forward.