Self Assessment: Analysis Of Self-Assessment In Professional Nursing

Analysis of Self-Assessment

Nursing involves the ability to gather data from any given situation and process it in a manner that may benefit the patient, potentially resulting in positive outcomes for all involved. To provide effective culturally competent care, a nurse must be able to approach any given situation with an open mind, willing to set aside personal bias and prejudice. Knowing where one stands is the first step in understanding where one may improve.

This paper will analyze the results of a provided self-assessment tool and how I may find areas of opportunity for personal growth and development. The tool focuses on three areas: Awareness, Knowledge, and Skills as they relate to the multicultural aspects of professional nursing.

This is important for me as I was raised by parents born into two very different socioeconomically placed families of two different European cultures. Going from one paternal family gathering to a maternal family gathering allowed me to see life from two different perspectives; one of wealth and privilege versus one of poverty. I was able to understand when you strip away the material aspects of life, we are still people dealing with the same issues, regardless of social positioning and standing. However, I was also afforded the ability to observe how access to resources affected the outcome of the issue at hand, especially with regard to

It is important we understand how words and actions affect others. When given a cue from a patient, acknowledging we may have offended them may be difficult, but it’s also necessary in order to repair the potential break in the relationship. These cues may present themselves in the manifestation of a confused look, physically withdrawing away from the nurse, crossed arms, looking away, and other expressions of retreat. Taking a moment to sit beside a patient, not being afraid to hold their hand when appropriate, making eye contact when culturally appropriate, creating a warm and comfortable environment where the patient feels free to speak openly about their concerns without fear of judgment are just a few examples of ways we help the patient understand we are not sitting in judgment. Be willing to ask questions, though mindful of our tone and chosen words so as not to negate their truth and reality of the situation. Understand not all questions will be answered and that by simply asking, one may feel offended, and we should be willing to acknowledge the offense. We all have thoughts about other people, good and bad, positive and negative. How we express those thoughts, how express ourselves physically and verbally, how we communicate with our patient helps sets the tone of what we get back. Entering a room with a personal bias