My clinical progress this semester mainly consisted of expanding my clinical knowledge base. The College of Emergency Nursing Australia (CENA) Practice Standards for the Specialist Emergency Nurse identify clinical expertise as the key domain of emergency nursing (CENA, 2020). According to the 1.1.2 and 1.3.1 Practice Standards, the diagnosis of multiple undifferentiated patients should be based on the application of theoretical and practical knowledge combined with the interpretation of all available subjective and objective data (CENA, 2020). The focus of this semester was developing my clinical expertise in specific areas of practice within a dynamic, unpredictable environment.
This semester, I broadened my theoretical knowledge concerning the care of patients presenting with cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological compromises. In addition, I gained exposure and developed competence in managing patients requiring invasive hemodynamic monitoring and invasive and non-invasive ventilation. In accordance with the 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 Practice Standards, I learned how to identify actual and potential problems for those areas of practice and allocate clinical urgency in emergency departments (CENA, 2020). I studied how to apply advanced assessment skills to diagnose and form an appropriate care plan. Furthermore, I learned how to interpret the results of an electrocardiogram and arterial blood gas test, which are two of the most frequently used diagnostic procedures. These skills correspond to the 1.2.1 and 1.2.6 CENA Practice Standards, which involve the ability to perform nursing procedures and interpret assessment findings to inform treatment plans and care priorities (CENA, 2020). I now know how to identify cardiac abnormalities and blood imbalances. In conclusion, this semester, my main achievements included developing my ability to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological issues in emergency settings.
Reference List
College of Emergency Nursing Australasia (2020) The Practice Standards for the Specialist Emergency Nurse (4th ed.). Victoria: CENA.