Nursing Portfolio: Reflective Learning and Nursing Governance Framework

Running head: NURSING PORTFOLIO
NURSING PORTFOLIO
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

NURSING PORTFOLIO1
Introduction:
The nursing profession is considered as one of the most novel professions that require
ardent conviction to identify patient problems and make use of the evidence base to render
effective care delivery (Mal, Garg & Kaur, 2017). In this regard, it should be noted that the
scope of nursing practice can be improved by virtue of reflective learning that enables care
professionals to reflect upon their clinical practices in order to adapt measures to improve the
quality of service delivery (Fernandez-Pena et al., 2016; Howatson-Jones, 2016). Through
this nursing reflective portfolio, I intend to reflect upon my previous experience as a nurse
within the emergency department and reflect upon the nursing governance framework to
improve on my scope of practice and care delivery.
Nursing Role:
On reflecting upon my previous nursing experience, I would like to state that I have
experience as a nurse working within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a healthcare setting.
As a nursing care professional, my primary care responsibilities included being actively
involved in the procedure of assessment, planning, implementation as well as evaluation of
individualised nursing care within the scope of practice. Further, as an ICU nurse, it was also
my responsibility to collaborate with the multidisciplinary team of professionals that
included, Physicians, nurses, healthcare consultants and therapists so as to render optimal
care and coordinated treatment. In addition to this, I was also responsible for performing a
number of procedure such as arterial puncture and ABG analysis, insertion and removal of
the indwelling urinary catheter, NG Tube Insertion, administration of medications (IV, IM,
SC and Intradermal), Intravenous Transfusion, Blood Transfusion and Wound dressing. In
addition to this, I also needed to be involved in client teaching and health promotional
activities. I was also required to attend in-service education that was conducted by the

NURSING PORTFOLIO2
organization which involved clinical trials and other procedural skill related training
protocols.
On critically analysing the skill set that was required to become a nursing professional
within the Intensive Care Unit, I believe, as a care professional I required proficient
knowledge in the area of nursing care and pharmacology so as to render effective care
services. In addition to this, it is integral to note that the Intensive Care Unit is subject to
critical and strenuous situations which requires efficient critical thinking skills and problem
solving ability. Further, efficient knowledge in medication administration route through IV,
IM and PO as well as improved knowledge about IV cannulation and IV infusion along with
blood transfusion are the primary skill requisites for being a nurse within the Intensive Care
Unit. Also, an ICU nurse should possess an improved understanding about cardiac
monitoring, ECG interpretation, Nasogastric tube insertion procedure as well as
Tracheostomy care and ICD care. Increased knowledge about neurological examination and
assessment, ventilator and oxymeter monitoring, PEG feeding as well as imparting health
literacy are some of the primary skill requisites to become an ICU nurse.
On account of my previous experience as an Intensive Care Unit Nurse for four years,
I believe I have acquired the expertise in managing nursing care responsibilities so as to
render effective patient care services. Further, I believe that I have been able to render quality
care services that helped to acquire increased patient satisfaction and positive patient
outcome. Further, I possess effective communication skills which has helped me to
coordinate efficiently with multidisciplinary care professionals such that a holistic care is
devised for the patient. Intensive Care Units are subjected to strenuous clinical environment
that require improved communication ability to coordinate effectively and devise an
improved patient care plan. Further, working within ICU also require compliance with the
infection control strategies so as to ensure that the incidence of infection is controlled and