LEARNING PLAN #1 for Denise Phoenix (6

th
Semester-Yucalta Lodge)

Learning Objectives Resources and Strategies Types of Evidence of
achievement
Criteria to validate objectives
achieved

Standard 1

6.0 Therapuetic Self

6.01 Recognizes the effect
of ones behavior on
others. Eg) client/family,
staff



















Consult text Barker, P. (2009).
Psychiatric and Mental Health
Nursing: The craft of caring
(2nd ed.). Ch. 5 - The craft of
psychiatric-mental health
nursing practice, p. 37-44.

Consult website Developing
Emotional Awareness.
Retrieved from:
http://www.helpguide.org/
toolkit/developing_emotional
_awareness.htm

I will ask my preceptor to give
me feedback on my behavior
on at least one occasion every
week.

I will continue to observe &
learn from others behavior(s).

I have read and made notes on
Chapter 5 in the Barker text
and have found this to be a
great reminder of how
important it is to be self-aware
in this profession.

The website is a great place to
go to help me see how my
thinking affects my behavior in
both positive and negative
days. When something is
challenging for me I have tried
to rise to the challenge instead
of moving away from it.

I have asked for feedback on
my behavior on a weekly basis.

I will continue to consult with
others to understand how to
improve my therapeutic
relationships and my
professional relationships with
other colleagues.



4/5

I understand that I need to be as
present as possible in order to
understand how my thoughts
and emotions are affecting my
behavior. I can see that I have a
tendency to think too much and
sometimes this is unhelpful as
decisions need to be made
immediately. I will continue to
learn and grow in this area as I
practice applying the nursing
process.

Learning Objectives Resources and Strategies Types of Evidence of achievement Criteria to validate
objectives achieved

Standard 1

6.0 Therapuetic Self

6.03 Recognizes and
identifies own feelings




















Consult text Burnard, P.
(2005). Counselling skills for
health professionals (4th ed.).
United Kingdom: Nelson
Thornes. Chapter 8 Client-
centered skils. P. 149-161 and
Chapter 9 Helping with
feelings, p. 162-172.

I am aware that I am new to the
nursing profession and that
there will be times that I feel
anxious or uncertain of things.
This is when I need to
recognize what I am feeling,
accept it, feel it, and learn what
that feeling is telling me.

When my feelings are difficult
to accept I will express my
emotions to others, debrief, and
work through my emotions. I
will debrief with my preceptor
on a daily basis to increase my
emotional awareness.

I have read the Burnard chapters
and have made notes on them.

When feelings come to me I try my
best to accept them and not analyze
them too much. For example, I
know that it will be difficult for me
to see someone die, but I also know
that I will need to be strong for the
family and facilitate the grieving
process to the best of my ability. I
understand that I may need to walk
away and give myself some space if
my emotions become intense.

Through reading and consulting
with others I have come to have a
better understanding of death and
how best to support a loved ones
family.

When I have had challenging days I
have debriefed with other staff
members to help work through my
emotions.

4.5/5

Recognizing and
identifying my own
feelings will be an ongoing
area of development for
me. I feel that I have
gained a greater awareness
of my feelings of sadness
and have expressed these
feelings in an appropriate
way. I will continue to
recognize, identify, and
accept my feelings as they
come to me.



Learning Objectives Resources and Strategies Types of Evidence of achievement Criteria to validate
objectives achieved


Standard 2

Application of
theory/knowledge

1.01 Takes a nursing
history



















Consult text Barker (2009)
Psychiatric and mental health
nursing: the craft of caring.
Chapter 11 the craft of
interviewing, p. 85-95, Chapter
17 the nursing diagnosis
Consult text Touhy, Jett,
Boscart, & McCleary. (2012).
Ebersole & Hess
gerontological nursing &
health aging. (1
st
Canadian
edition). Chapter 5 Nursing
Documentation & Chapter 13
Assessment tools in
gerontological nursing
I will take a nursing history at
least twice by mid-term.
I will observe, on a weekly
basis, how other nursing staff
take a nursing history.


I have read through both the Barker
and Touhy et. al texts to understand
the importance of taking a nursing
history.

I have become familiar with the
documentation that is required at
Yucalta Lodge and have had
opportunities to document
successfully.

I have decreased the amount of time
that it take me to take a nursing
history and to do documentation in
general.

I have carried a notepad with me to
document observations that I have
noticed with clients.

4.5/5

As I have increased my
knowledge of the facility
and of my clients I have
also been able to increase
the speed and accuracy in
which I have taken nursing
histories. I will continue to
collaborate with others and
become more confident in
my nursing documentation
skills.



Learning Objectives Resources and Strategies Types of Evidence of achievement Criteria to validate
objectives achieved

Standard 2

Application of
theory/knowledge

2.01 Understand the roles
and functions of other
members of the health
team

















Consult text Touhy, Jett,
Boscart, & McCleary. (2012).
Ebersole & Hess
gerontological nursing &
health aging. (1
st
Canadian
edition). Chapter 2-
Gerontological nursing history,
education, and roles
I will observe what other
members of the health team are
doing and understand the role
that they play on a weekly
basis.
If I am unclear what others are
doing I will ask for clarification
from my preceptor or will
speak to the other members of
the health care team.


I have read Chapter 2 in the Touhy
et al., (2012) textbook and have
made notes.

I have read through Policy and
Procedures manuals on site at
Yucalta Lodge and have gained a
better understanding of the role and
function of other members of the
health care team.

When uncertain about who is
responsible for what I have asked
my preceptor for clarification and
also consulted with other staff.

I understand that some roles may
overlap and more than one person
may be capable of doing a job.

I see that there is a need for clear
communication and collaboration in
order for a health care team to work
together effectively.

5/5

I have learned which
people are responsible for
which tasks. When
uncertain I have asked for
clarification and will
continue to learn from
others.



Learning Objectives Resources and Strategies Types of Evidence of achievement Criteria to validate
objectives achieved


Standard 2

Application of
theory/knowledge

3.01 Promotes a safe
environment


















Consult text Perry & Potter.
(2010). Clinical nursing skills
& techniques.
Chapter 13 Patient safety

Consult text Touhy, Jett,
Boscart, & McCleary. (2012).
Ebersole & Hess
gerontological nursing &
health aging. (1
st
Canadian
edition). Chapter 14-Safe
medication use for older adults.
Know, remember, and practice
the 6 Medication
Administration Rights
including the right: person,
dose, medication, route, time,
and documentation.

I will learn and apply other
safety techniques, learn crisis
intervention techniques, and
follow all safety precautions on
the unit on a daily basis.


I have read through the Perry &
Potter (2010) chapter on patient
safety and have many opportunities
to practice the skills mentioned in
this text such as ensuring that call
bells are in easy reach.

I have read through Chapter 14 in
Touhy et al. (2012) textbook and
have followed the Lodges
medication administration system.

I have observed and implemented
safety precautions in order to
minimize falls and other unsafe
behavior.

I have participated in crisis
intervention training.

I have adjusted my care in order to
maximize client safety. For
example, postponing medication
administration if the client is
confused or aggressive.

4.5/5

I believe that safety needs
to come first and that many
interventions will be
ineffective if a client
mental or physical status is
compromised. I will
continue to learn and
adhere to safety
precautions.

Learning Objectives Resources and Strategies Types of Evidence of achievement Criteria to validate
objectives achieved

Standard 2

Application of
theory/knowledge

9.02 Promotes a
therapeutic milieu
















Consult text Touhy, Jett,
Boscart, & McCleary. (2012).
Ebersole & Hess
gerontological nursing &
health aging. (1
st
Canadian
edition). Chapter 3-
Communication & Ch. 10-rest,
sleep & activity & Ch. 21-
Cognitive Impairment

When first arriving at Yucalta
Lodge I will observe the
surroundings, the people, and
how the Lodge is organized. I
will get to know clients and see
their strengths first, not
focusing on their limitations. I
will remember that my job is to
be warm, non-judgemental, and
genuine. I will not be too quick
to jump in and try to solve
problems, nor will I give advice
that is not asked for. I will try
to create a therapeutic melieu
by being respectful, offering
choices, understanding sensory
needs, and planning care
according to this knowledge.


I have read and made notes on
Chapter 3, 10, and 21 in Touhy et
al., (2012).

I have observed the environment
and how it is set up to promote a
therapeutic milieu.

I have participated and facilitated
therapeutic activities such as
listening to music, offering choices,
listening to clients stories and
facilitating reminiscing.

I have been respectful towards
clients wishes and have supported
their decisions.

I have spoken with an Occupational
Therapist to understand the sensory
needs and limitations of the clients
and what might be done to improve
the therapeutic environment. I have
implemented the OTs
recommendations on at least three
occasions for three different people.

5/5

I have really enjoyed
understanding how a
therapeutic milieu can be
created in long-term care
facility. What is
therapeutic for one person
is not necessarily
therapeutic for another so
there is a need to be
flexible with our
environments and nursing
care. I feel that I am
capable of coming up with
creative ways to promote a
therapeutic milieu and
make adjustments as
needed.



Learning Objectives Resources and Strategies Types of Evidence of achievement Criteria to validate
objectives achieved


Standard 3 Professional
responsibilities

5.01 Evaluates own
nursing performance


















Consult text Touhy, Jett,
Boscart, & McCleary. (2012).
Ebersole & Hess
gerontological nursing &
health aging. (1
st
Canadian
edition). Chapter 15-Coping
with Chronic Illness in later life

I will understand and
implement Roachs (1992) 5 Cs
of caring framework which
include (1) Competence, (2)
Compassion, (3) Conscience,
(4) Commitment, (5)
Confidence

After each day that I spend at
Yucalta Lodge I will ask
myself if my nursing
performance has followed the 5
Cs of caring. If I have not been
able to follow all 5 I will reflect
on why not and make
improvements in future
practice.

I have read chapter 15 in the Touhy
et al., (2012) text and have made
notes.

As I have come to understand the
nature of gerontological nursing I
can see that self-assessment of the 5
Cs is a helpful way to evaluate my
own performance. I have increased
my confidence by decreasing my
anxiety and not being so hard on
myself. I am new to the world of
nursing and am doing my best to
learn and practice in a safe and
respectful manner. I have improved
my level of consciousness and am
more compassionate towards myself
and others.

I have consulted textbooks and had
conversations with others in order
to evaluate if my performance has
been up to par and what might be
done to improve it

4/5

As this is an ongoing
learning objective I feel
that I have made gains but
must constantly be self-
reflective. Everyday new
information is available
and it will be an ongoing
challenge to keep up. I will
consult with evidence-
based research and use it to
help with my self-
evaluation in the years to
come.

Learning Objectives Resources and Strategies Types of Evidence of achievement Criteria to validate
objectives achieved


Standard 3 Professional
responsibilities

5.03 Seeks help and
guidance promptly when
unable to perform
competently
















Consult text Stuart, G. (2009)
Principles and practices of
psychiatric nursing. Chapter 11
Implementing the Nursing
Process: Standards of Practice
& professional performance, p.
151-171.

Consult website: Canadian
Registered Psychiatric Nurses
of British Columbia.
Professional Standards

I will ask for help and guidance
from my preceptor when
unsure of how to do things on
at least one occasion per week.

I will practice new skills with
safety in mind and not go
beyond my knowledge or skill
level.





I have read Chapter 11 of the Stuart
text and have become more familiar
with the nursing process and
professional performance.

I have consulted the CRPNBC
website and understand my
professional and ethical obligations.

I have become more familiar with
the Stenberg College competencies
and have tried to incorporate as
many as possible into my learning.

I have asked for help on more than
one occasion per week.

I no longer seek that asking for help
is a sign of weakness but rather a
professional responsibility and of
utmost importance to my clients
well-being and safety.

4/5

By nature I am an
independent person who
likes to figures things out
for myself. However, I
understand that I am new
to the profession and will
need to consult with others
when unsure of how to
perform competently. I
must put my own pride to
the side and do what is best
for those in my care. It is
my responsibility and
professional obligation to
do so.



Learning Objectives Resources and Strategies Types of Evidence of achievement Criteria to validate
objectives achieved


Standard 4 Ethics and
communication

7.01 Engages in goal-
oriented communication
(verbal and/or non-
verbal)















Consult text Perry & Potter.
(2010). Clinical nursing skills
& techniques. Missouri:
Mosby. Chapter 3
Communication. P. 27-43.

Consult text Burnard (2005)
Counselling skills for health
professionals, Chapter 4
Culture and Communication,
pages 81-100.

I will communicate with others
in a non-threatening manner as
I utilize open-ended questions,
provide choices, and vary the
tone and volume of my voice
on a daily basis.

I will use non-verbal
communication such as silence,
smiling, and nodding to
understand my clients and
colleagues and engage in non-
verbal communication on a
daily basis. I will reflect on my
communication style each day.


I have read and made notes on
Chapter 3 of the Perry & Potter
(2010) text and Chapter 4 of the
Burnard (2005) text.

I have utilized open-ended
questions, provided choices and
varied the tone and volume of my
voice on several occasions with
many clients and staff.

I have also utilize clear and direct
closed ended questions as well
when requiring a immediate answer
such as Do you need help?

I have utilized touch and silence to
communicate empathy and
compassion for both clients and
their families.

I have avoided using Elderspeak
(saying dear, using a sing-songy
voice, etc.) on all occasions as I
believe it is patronizing and
demeaning.

4.5/5

This is an area where I
have a great desire to
improve upon as I think
effective communication is
crucial to the therapeutic
relationship. As I have
learnt more about myself
and those in my care I have
come to realize that
communication needs to be
authentic and
compassionate and can
come in many different
forms. I will continue to
learn ways to increase my
communication skills as I
think this will improve my
nursing practice and my
relationships.



Learning Objectives Resources and Strategies Types of Evidence of achievement Criteria to validate
objectives achieved


Standard 4 Ethics and
communication

7.02 Incorporates
feedback from
client/family &
colleagues.
















Consult text -Shebib, B. (2011).
Choices-Interviewing and
counseling skills for
Canadians. Chapter 2 Ethics,
values, and self-awareness, p.
41-74.

I will be open to all feedback
that comes my way on all
occasions.

I will understand the feedback
that is presented to me, accept
it, and incorporate it into my
daily practice and into the
nursing process.

I will not take feedback
personally but will use it as a
learning tool to improve.

When developing care plans I
will incorporate feedback from
client/family and colleagues on
all occasions.

I have read chapter 2 of the Shebib
text and have read others chapters
throughout this text, such as how to
deal with resistance and how to
avoid power struggles with others.

I have asked for feedback from
client/family on approximately five
occasions. I have asked for
feedback from colleagues on a
weekly basis.

I have incorporated feedback from
others into my practice, into care
plans, and into the nursing process.

I have reached a point where I feel
comfortable asking for feedback
and incorporating it my practice.

I have given feedback to others as
well on at least one occasion.

4/5

As I reach mid-term I have
become increasingly
comfortable with both
asking for feedback and
incorporating it into my
nursing practice. I
understand that if I do not
do this then I cannot
improve, nor can I have all
the knowledge and answers
that are needed. I have
become increasingly more
comfortable working as a
team and incorporating the
ideas and strategies of
others.