Kimberly Applebee

What did I learn?              

The nursing process was the first piece of information that was drilled into my mind from day one of nursing school; assessment, diagnosis, plan, implementation, and evaluate; As I call it, AD-PIE. I have learned over the past three years how to take this generic process and apply it to the diverse, changing environment that we live in today. I have been able to apply the nursing process to the individual, the family, and the community, which is reflected in my record of clinical practice, journals, projects, and papers. I have learned throughout my clinical and classroom experiences the importance of addressing who your patient is. I have learned that the assessment piece of the nursing process is the backbone and defining factor in providing patient-specific care. I have learned to eliminate any bias when providing care, I have learned to assess my own beliefs and values, I have learned to work with different cultures, I have learned to provide nursing care in various settings and populations in a holistic manner, and I have learned to apply the nursing process subconsciously without having to physically create a care plan.

How did I learn it?

I have learned a great deal over the last few years about nursing and diversity. My medical surgical rotations and community health class provided me with the necessary tools to apply the nursing process to the individual, family, and community. I written a few papers on different cultures and its importance in health care. I have learned from these assignments the importance of understanding your patient’s culture and belief system in an effort to provide the best, individualized care. The first paper was written on the Hmong Culture. The second, I interviewed three different cultures, Chinese, Ethiopian, and Romanian, and chose one of the three interviews to further research to create a transcultural assessment. I also wrote a paper for an anthropology class on the Asante culture that also shed light on cultural difference and the importance of  understanding them while providing care. The above objective directly correlates my portfolios first objective; incorporating the dimensions of person, nursing, and the environment.

My community health project directly reflects my knowledge of working at the community level. I assessed and prioritized the health concerns of the community in an effort to gain insight into their needs and understanding of the problem. My clinical care plans show my ability to apply the nursing process to the individual. My record of clinical practice and care plans also show my understanding to apply the nursing process at the family level. I have learned the textbook rules in the classroom but it has truly been applying the information in the clinical setting that has allowed me to gain a better insight and acceptance of cultural differences while applying the nursing process.

How will I continue to use it in the future?

The health care system is an evolving, multicultural industry that is constantly changing. I have learned that one must understand cultural differences to properly apply the nursing care process.  I plan on taking the information I have learned this far, expand on it, and apply it to my daily practice. I plan on continuing my education and learn how to apply the nursing process in the managerial, leadership role.