My Personal Reflective Learning Pl Self-Directed Learning

Currently, I have completed 9 12-hour shifts in the medical/surgical ICU, during this time I have made excellent progress in attaining my established goals. I completed sub-goal 1 and have completed approximately 75% of sub-goal 2. I was successful as my goals this semester were realistic and achievable within the short time frame (10 weeks). In total I created 4 unique and specific activities to assist in achieving my overarching learning goal. Creating my own individual learning plan to address my unique learning needs is a type of learning is called Self Directed Learning (SDL). SDL is defined as a “process in which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning

Real time feedback was extremely impactful on my assessment skills as I was given the opportunity to immediately correct or tweak portions of my assessment practice. Receiving immediate feedback and continuously having to answer “why questions” from my preceptor, provided me the opportunity to identify gaps in my clinical knowledge on a daily basis. Reflection and incorporate of the feedback was beneficial as it prevented the repeatedly practicing and adoption of incorrect techniques in my physical assessment technique. Assessment skills that are both practical and efficient are vital for nurses in the acute care setting. RN’s in critical care preform comprehensive head to toe assessments in order to “elicit any abnormal signs to identity and correctly report the medical problem.” (Crimlisk & Grande, 2004, p.3) This learning activity increased the efficiency to which I was able to perform accurate assessments. Accurate and well-organized assessment skills assist with time management, completing an assessment correctly the first time saves time, and time is crucial in the ICU. Development of competent assessment skills in a timely manner this semester directly contributed to achieving my overarching