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Running head: PERSONAL REFLECTION

Personal Reflection
Geena Janda
Stenberg College

PERSONAL REFLECTION
Personal Reflection
When I take a look back at the last year and a half I am amazed at how far I have come.
Not only am I proud of my academic achievements but also I have overcome many personal
battles and hardships that have affected my life greatly. At times, I thought about quitting,
especially when I was trying to figure out issues in my personal life and juggle the
comprehensive and heavy workload of school. However, each time I felt like quitting I was
reminded of the reason why I chose this profession and what my goals were. When I decided to
embark upon this path of psychiatric nursing, I had determined exactly where I wanted to be
within five years time. This included, completing my diploma in Psychiatric Nursing, obtaining
my bachelors degree and progressing in my personal life, such as getting engaged to my longtime boyfriend.

The last year and a half has changed my life in ways that I am forever grateful for. I have
had the opportunity to understand myself and deepen my self-awareness. Moreover, I have
become better at expressing my own emotions. In the past I would bottle up my emotions and let
time heal wounds, however this program and these courses have taught me the importance of
facing my fears and overcoming issues by confronting the issues that are causing a disturbance in
my life. I have also learned of many valuable coping mechanisms to help me deal with these
issues.
To master my competencies it took a lot of hard work and dedication. I struggled in my
acute clinical rotation to master many competencies during the first half of my clinical. It was
during that moment when I had to sit back and remember my goals. My goals of where I want to
be in two years time. It is then when I changed my attitude and perspective regarding school and
began to study and utilize my textbooks, instructors and peers. I went from barley knowing any

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antipsychotic medications, to having all of them memorized. I was the first student in that
clinical rotation that completed her medication administration exam first, and also passed with
100%.
The area in which I plan to work on during this clinical rotation is assessing physical and
mental status. At times I become flustered; I have found in the past that it is difficult for me to
abruptly ask someone if they are suicidal this morning. However, I do realize that it is essential
for the clients safety that I ask these questions and ensure that my clients are safe. Competencies
in which I plan to gain more experience on are: caring for clients with urinary drainage;
performing urinary catheterization; performing sterile dressing techniques; following policies on
admission, transfer and discharge procedures; and preparing clients for ECT. I will achieve these
competencies by speaking with my preceptor and sharing with him the competencies that I plan
to achieve. I will make him aware of these so that if an opportunity arises, he knows that I will be
more than thrilled to take part and gain some essential experience. If I am unable to master these
competencies during my preceptorship, I plan on taking a refresher course outside of Stenberg
College.
Compentencies in which I excelled at were: measuring vital signs; collaborating with
other members of the health care team; participating in care conferences; providing a safe
environment; assisting clients with deep breathing exercises; assisting clients to maintain
hygiene; ambulating clients; carrying out isolation techniques; testing urine specimens and
capillary blood glucose levels; administering oral, topical, intramuscular, intravenous and
subcutaneous medications; assessing the need for PRN medications; following established
procedures for safe medication administration; adhering to universal precautions; maintaining

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confidentiality; seeking help and guidance whenever necessary; and conducting myself in a way
that is non-judgmental.
My goals for the current semester are to utilize all the information I have gained over the
last year and a half and connect the theory that I have gained with my nursing practice. I want to
be able to confidently administer medications, and chart without having to ask my monitor or
nurse in change look over my documentation. I want to grow and gain more independence by
providing care for patients on my own, however resorting to my nurse in charge when I am in
need of help or guidance.
I have noticed a tremendous change in myself; I am more confident, independent and
compassionate towards others. This program has taught me that all humans are one, even though
we may be affected by certain illnesses and diseases we are still humans and we all deserve to be
treated equally. Ending the stigma and discrimination that is associated with mental health as
become top priority for me. After meeting such incredible people in my clinical rotations, I
realize that all it takes is for one person to make a difference. I want to advocate for individuals
that are suffering from mental illnesses and educate the world on mental health and mental
wellbeing.
Within the next two years, I want to work full time as a psychiatric nurse in an acute
psychiatry unit. One day out of the week I want to work at residential facility that treats patients
that are living with Dementia or Alzheimers. After two years I will apply to either Douglas
College or Kwantlen Polytechnic University to pursue my Bachelors in Psychiatric Nursing.
While I am furthering my education I plan on working part-time as a psychiatric nurse so I can
maintain my competencies and fundamental nursing skills. I am eager to begin my future and
finally become a psychiatric nurse. I am confident that I will succeed in this profession.