Importance Of Situation In The Practicum Experience

Practicum Journal Entry #3

Is I begin this final entry, it is important to reflect on the objectives that were developed at the beginning of this practicum. Using the National League of Nurses (NLN) core competencies as listed in the Scope of Practice for Nurse Educators, three objectives were developed that utilized several of the core competencies listed in this document (NLN, 2012).

1. Objective 1 (Met) – Evaluate student learning through the interrater reliability when grading 10 baccalaureate students’ weekly discussions and assignments utilizing the responsibilities listed in the NLN Scope of Practice competency I, II and III.

2. Objective 2 (Met) – Develop, in conjunction with my preceptor, a revised curriculum under Standard 4 of the

Observed Situation in the Practicum Experience

Several students were not doing well in the research program, some with personal problems, others not understanding the outcomes of the program and weekly objectives for discussions were not being met. Competency I, facilitating learning, reflects on the soul of a nurse educator including developing collegial relationships with students to promote a positive learning environment (NLN, 2012). Several weeks were spent with students who were invited into the professor’s office for a review of their needs to succeed in the class.

Through these meetings, three themes became evident. Some students who worked full time and took several classes (not recommended) were having time constraints in completing their assignments. The second theme was unexpected life experiences prevented students from temporarily meeting assignment deadlines. The final theme was that students were expecting more from the professor and placed blame on the professor for their dismal grades.

Developing as a Change Agent for Nurse

I have been able to analyze my potential biases towards students who appear to not care about the quality of their work and evaluate opportunities for student and personal professional growth. I feel more comfortable proposing strategies to meet the challenges of nurse educators through personal contacts with other educators at the preceptor’s location and have been able to present a topic on falls in the acute care setting for associate degree nursing students. Is I develop as a competent nurse educator keeping current on nursing trends through professional socialization is important as I transition into this new career. Researching the changing demographics and staying current on the global health of nursing will ensure that I continue to grow as an educator (Masters,