Purpose
The purpose of this reflection is for learners to apply this week’s lesson on assessment at end of life to past practice experiences, and to consider how knowledge gained this week might shape future practice.
Course Outcomes
This reflection enables the student to meet the following course outcomes:
CO 2: Differentiate between normal and abnormal health assessment findings. (PO 4)
CO 3: Describe physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual influences on an individual’s health status. (PO 1)
CO 6: Demonstrate professional behavior and caring during patient interactions. (POs 6, 7)
Directions
- Reflection is an activity that involves your deep thought into your own experiences related to the concepts of the week. Answers should be detailed. In reflections students:
- Demonstrate understanding of concepts for the week
- Engage in meaningful dialogue with classmates and/or instructor
- Express opinions clearly and logically, in a professional manner
- Use the rubric on this page as you compose your answers.
- Scholarly sources are NOT required for this reflection
- Best Practices include:
- Participation early in the week is encouraged to stimulate meaningful discussion among classmates and instructor.
- Enter the reflection often during the week to read and learn from posts.
- Select different classmates for your reply each week.
Share with your classmates a time when you cared for a patient at the end of their life. This may be a time when you assisted the patient (or their support system) with decisions related to end of life care; or a time when you were present for the death of a patient.
- What were your observations related to this experience?
- Do you believe it was a peaceful death?
- What went well?
- Can you think of anything that could have made the experience better for the patient and/or family?
ANSWER
End of life care is something that truly means so much to me. When I first started this nursing journey I remember feeling very nervous when it came to end of life care, I was unsure how to speak with the family and deal with their emotions on top of my own. However, since COVID happened I unfortunately have gotten the experience, as I am sure many of you have as well, to care for far too many to count deaths. This has helped me feel more comfortable with end of life care and I truly feel honored to be able to be the one to be taking care of that dying patient and helping them to feel more comfortable as they pass, as well as taking care of their families. One of the hardest things…. To continue reading, click on the purchase button below.