University Nursing Discussion Post: Professional Portfolio Analysis

This discussion post analyzes a nursing student's reflection on the challenges of transitioning to nursing practice and the importance of adhering to nursing standards. The author agrees with their colleague's perspective on the overwhelming nature of the transition, emphasizing the increased stress and potential for errors in new nurses. The post highlights the significance of compassionate care, effective communication, critical thinking, and reflective practice, referencing the NMBA standards. It critiques the colleague's post, providing constructive advice and guidance on how the colleague can meet the goals and suggesting activities like maintaining a reflective journal and attending communication workshops. The post also emphasizes the importance of utilizing evidence-based practices to achieve positive patient outcomes and maintain nursing ethics.

Running head: DISCUSSION
Professional portfolio
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1DISCUSSION
I agree with the statements of my colleague, in relation to the fact that transition to
nursing is quite an overwhelming phenomenon. This can be accredited to the fact that new
nursing professionals are adorned with the role of caring for sick patients in increasingly
difficult healthcare settings that increases their stress levels, and subsequently results in
reports of more errors (Spector et al., 2015).
The fellow nursing colleague was accurate in identifying and illustrating the
difference that the profession can bring about in the lives of carers. Highlighting
compassionate and caring attitude displayed by a nurse, as a major factor that governed
selection of this profession can be supported by evidences that compassionate care is a key
attribute expected from nursing professionals (Bramley & Matiti, 2014). Displaying empathy
and kind-heartedness acts imperative in easing the pain and sufferings of patients, while
supporting them with the much needed emotional assistance.
I am well acquainted with the confusion and anxiety faced by my colleague during her
stage three placement in the medical assessment ward. Time and again it has been proved the
transition of a student nurse during placement is typically fraught with a myriad of emotions
that often make the nursing students question their ability, career choice, and future
prospects. My views are congruent with those of my colleague, in relation to the nursing
standards and competencies that we need to show adherence to, during practice. According to
NMBA (2016) standards 1 all registered nurses must engage themselves in critical thinking
that will greatly enhance their clinical practice. This will largely benefit my colleague since
application of critical thinking skills will encompass the procedure of problem solving,
related to patients, and will also facilitate the clinical decision-making processes. This will
allow the colleague to deliver efficient, skilful, and safe nursing intervention.

2DISCUSSION
Engaging in professional and therapeutic communication as per standard 2, will also
help the colleague to develop respect and mutual trust in the nurse-patient relationship,
thereby assisting in fulfilling the roles and responsibilities (NMBA, 2016). Nurses speak to
patents of diverse cultural, educational, and social backgrounds. Therefore, effective
communication will contribute to individualised care (Bramhall, 2014). In addition, I agree
with the fact that core communication in psychiatric nursing is crucial for delivery of
therapeutic interventions. Therefore, my colleague needs to be adept at adorning essential
communication skills, by attending workshops that will help in understanding the patients,
their facial expressions, grooming habits, movements, and posture.
Efforts must also be taken to abide by the standard 1.2 that focuses on practising
through reflection (NMBA, 2016). Maintaining a reflective journal will improve the manner
of care delivery, by increasing confidence and allowing the colleague to adorn the role of a
qualified and proactive nursing professional. Furthermore, competency in nursing practice
can also be gained by following the standards 6 that ensures utilisation of best available
quality evidences for accomplishing good health outcomes among patients.
To conclude, my colleague’s post is accurate in elaborating on the fact that the
nursing profession is promising and allows the staff to experience different encounters. It is a
well-established fact that the objective of nursing is to ensure the delivery of quality care
services, while safeguarding that the standards and ethics of practice are well maintained.

3DISCUSSION
References
Bramhall, E. (2014). Effective communication skills in nursing practice. Nursing Standard
(2014+), 29(14), 53.
Bramley, L., & Matiti, M. (2014). How does it really feel to be in my shoes? Patients'
experiences of compassion within nursing care and their perceptions of developing
compassionate nurses. Journal of clinical nursing, 23(19-20), 2790-2799.
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. (2016). Registered nurse standards for practice.
Retrieved from https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines-
statements/professional-standards/registered-nurse-standards-for-practice.aspx
Spector, N., Blegen, M. A., Silvestre, J., Barnsteiner, J., Lynn, M. R., Ulrich, B., ... &
Alexander, M. (2015). Transition to practice study in hospital settings. Journal of
Nursing Regulation, 5(4), 24-38.