Nursing 231 Research Paper

Nursing 231 has helped me grow academically and it has also helped me become more confident in myself. Prior to 231 I had little confident in myself due to my test grades. My grades have not improved nor have they gotten worse, but I now have a different mindset. I have realized that I am a bad test taker and that is what I need to improve. However, I am an excellent nursing student and I will soon become an excellent nurse. I have learned that I should not let a C average discourage me because that does not reflect on the type of nurse I will be.

My first clinical experience in 231 was with a mother and baby. I truly enjoyed the experience, especially being able to help the mother with her language barrier and educate her. At first I was

timid, but I left those feelings behind when I realized that I needed to grow and I had to do so in my clinical experiences. I did my first postpartum assessment on this patient along with Professor Stepnowski. Prior to that day I watched the postpartum assessment video, so felt very well prepared to do the assessment, and I sure was. That simple task made me feel accomplished and it reminded that there are many more things that I will soon accomplish.
My first Pediatric clinical was with a 21-year-old who wanted very little interaction with me, and I was okay with that. Perhaps in 131 that would have made me think that there was something wrong with me, but I now understand that that was not my fault. Due to that event I was able to shadow the nurse, I observed her care for her patients in a manner that was very admirable. She was caring, she was efficient, and fast, but she made sure that she did everything correctly. I can and will be that nurse. I am caring, and I will be as efficient it is just a matter of time and I am closer than ever.
Overall 231 has been a great leaning experience and I am very pleased with the growth that I have made. I cannot wait until I enter 232 and grow even further. Being around sick children who still smile at the little things was very gratifying. Although I will not pass the course with the A average that I desired my clinical experiences helped me realize that I should not let a grade on a paper discourage me, there is more to me than a grade.