Report on Progress of Professional Portfolio 1002

IDENTIFY
COMPETENCY
NUMBER, LETTER
AND SUBCATEGORY

DESCRIBE ONE

SIGNIFICANT
LEARNING
EXPERIENCE IN THIS
COURSE RELATED TO
THE CLPNA
COMPETENCY.
PROVIDE AN
EXAMPLE
DESCRIBE WHAT
YOU LEARNED AND
HOW IT RELATES TO
THE COMPETENCY.
EXPLAIN WHY IT
WAS MEANINGFUL.

COMPETENCY: U-1-4 Demonstrate knowledge of routes for

medication administration including:
Subcutaneous injections
When I was taught about the routes of medication administration
specifically the subcutaneous injection. I learned the proper techniques
of giving subcutaneous injections and choosing injection sites.

I learned that the best subcutaneous injection sites are the outer
posterior aspect of the upper arms, the abdomen from below the costal
margins to the iliac crest and anterior aspects of the thighs. I have to
select appropriate injection site. I have to inspect the skin surface over
the injection site for bruises, inflammation and edema. I have to
palpate the injection site for masses or tenderness. I have to avoid these
areas. To ensure the needle is in correct size I have to grasp the
skinfold at the injection site with my thumb and forefinger. Measure
the fold from top to bottom. The needle should be half the length of the
skin fold. For heparin and insulin injections, I have to rotate site daily.
Before administering I have to positioned client to comfortable
position, relocate the site using anatomical landmark then clean the site
with an antiseptic swab. During administering the medication. For an
average-size patient, I have to hold the skin across the injection site or
pinched fold of skin with non-dominant hand. Then insert the needle
quickly and firmly at a 45-90 degree angle. Released the skin if it is
pinched. Rested the non-dominant hand on the patient and used it to
stabilize the syringe. When using an injection pen or giving heparin, I
have to continue to pinch the skin during injection. For an obese
patient, pinched the skin at the site and injected the needle at a 90degree angle below the tissue fold. Then move the dominant hand, at
the end of plunger and slowly inject the medication over several
seconds.
My learning experience in medication administration particularly SC
injection is meaningful because it helps me to have enough knowledge
in the skill I will be doing now or in the future will boost my
confidence and will be more competent. These will prevent errors and
harm to other people/patient

Self-Assessment Tool CCP

College of LPNs of Alberta

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USES THE
PROFICIENCY
CATEGORIES TO
RATE THEIR
PROFICIENCY IN THE
CHOSEN CLPNA
COMPETENCY.
EXPLAIN WHAT WAS
DONE TO ACHIEVE
THE COMPETENCY.

DESCRIBE HOW YOU

WILL APPLY THIS
LEARNING IN YOUR
CURRENT AND
FUTURE NURSING
PRACTICE

Good. I practiced at home with my SC kit, attended open laboratory

and most of all I learned during my guided practice through the help of
our instructor. But I still need improvement and more practice.

I will apply this learning experience during CIA, clinical practice by

always following the correct step by step procedure and to know each
rationale in giving medication. By being conscious of the techniques of
giving SC injection, locating the landmark properly and choosing
proper site appropriate for each patient.

Report on Progress of Professional Portfolio 2003

IDENTIFY
COMPETENCY
NUMBER, LETTER
AND
SUBCATEGORY

CATEGORY E - NURSING PRACTICE

DESCRIBE ONE
SIGNIFICANT
LEARNING
EXPERIENCE IN
THIS COURSE
RELATED TO THE
CLPNA
COMPETENCY.
PROVIDE AN
EXAMPLE

There is lots of concept that became significant to me as a student but

one concept that struck me the most is catheterization. During my
open laboratory I inserted an intermittent catheter to the maniquin for
several times. I was really confident when I practiced the skill,
however i was caught off guard by the instructor and i was doing it
incorrectly. I wasn't inserting properly that could to trauma to a real
client. I felt terrible and thankful that I am learning the proper way. As
i go through this concept, there are lots of things that i have to
consider as a caregiver and a nurse that I never thought before.

Self-Assessment Tool CCP

College of LPNs of Alberta

SUBCATEGORY - E7 ELIMINATION
This category Demonstrate Knowledge and ability to manage
elimination needs. Inserting and removing Urethral and Coude
Catheter

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DESCRIBE WHAT
YOU LEARNED
AND HOW IT
RELATES TO THE
COMPETENCY.
EXPLAIN WHY IT
WAS
MEANINGFUL.

I learned that there are different kinds of urethral catheter. Indwelling

and intermittent. As for indwelling catheter it is used for continuous
bladder drainage and for gradual decompression of a over distended
bladder., I used a 2-3 lumen and ballon depends of facility policy. For
intermittent it is used for emptying a bladder for a short period of
time. It is a single lumen and no need for a balloon. When inserting a
catheter to a male patient, first always assessed the patient, make sure
there is no contraindication. ask if he voided and the amount and
color of the urine. Always explain the procedure to the patient and ask
for any allergies.
This is the summary of the steps I learned for male catheterization.
First, perform hand hygiene. Always do perineal care before inserting
the catheter and after removing it. Next open the inner sterile wrap
using sterile technique. Apply sterile gloves. Drape the patient's
perineum. Sterile technique should be observe through out the
procedure. Open the package of sterile antiseptic solution. Pour the
solution over the sterile cotton balls. Open the packet of lubricant and
squeeze it out onto the sterile field. Then open the wrapper of the
catheter. Lubricate the catheter by dipping into the water-soluble gel to
depth of 12.5 cm to 17.5 cm . Then cleanse the urethral meatus. Using
your uncontaminated , dominand hand, cleanse the meatus with cotton
balls or swab sticks, using circular strokes, beginning at the meatus
down to anus repeat this procedure three times. Then pick up the
cathter 3-4 inlches from the catheter tip, holding the catheter lossely
coiled in the palm of the hand. Gently apply upward traction to the
penis as you hold it a 90 degree angle. Ask the patient to push down as
if to void and slowly insert the catheter through the urethral meatus.
Advance the catheter 7-9 inches or until urine flows out the end of the
catheter. If there is resistance DO NOT USE FORCE and stop
advancing the catheter. Ask the patient to take slow, deep breaths to
promote relaxation. Hold the catheter in place without forcing it. After
few seconds, the sphincter may relax, and the catheter can be
advanced. When the urine appears advance the catheter to bifurcation
of the drainage and balloon inflation ports. Then you can inject slowly
the correct amount of solution. Then you can secure the catheter using
strap to the patient's upper thigh . Finaly, position the drainage bag
lower than the bladder. Provide hygiene care if needed
After care needs includes monitoring imput and output and make sure
30 mls hour for the output and note if there is any abnormalities for
example output is lessen that the input, color of urine and assess for
bladder distention. I learned about the complications such as infection,
trauma. I learned to always assess the tube for any kink. By using
sterile gloves and I learned that I have to maintain my sterility if not I
can contaminate the patient and could cause further complications. As

Self-Assessment Tool CCP

College of LPNs of Alberta

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a nurse I must teach the patient on how to care for themselves when
they have catheter inserted. What can they report to me as they see or
observe something while I am not present.
The learning experience is meaningful to me because I always think of
myself as hard worker, focused on what i do on the other hand i felt
like these days I didn't put so much effort on what I did. In learning
catheterizatin the habit that I was doing for the past years has been
broken because I learned more knowledge about it . Learning from
mistakes and be willing to improve or change it can possibly make a
difference as a health care provider and as a person.
USES THE
PROFICIENCY
CATEGORIES TO
RATE THEIR
PROFICIENCY IN
THE CHOSEN
CLPNA
COMPETENCY.
EXPLAIN WHAT
WAS DONE TO
ACHIEVE THE
COMPETENCY.
DESCRIBE HOW
YOU WILL APPLY
THIS LEARNING
IN YOUR
CURRENT AND
FUTURE NURSING
PRACTICE

I can say that my rating for now is GOOD base on my theory exam.
The result was successful. I understand the theory and the reason for
inserting a catheter for either male or female client. I was able to do it
again by demonstrating the proper technique in the laboratory with my
instructors guidance and commented that I was doing it correctly.
I will practice more, attend trainings and guided laboratory, read
books and articles in order to improve my skills and knowledge on
how to do proper catheterization.

When the time comes that I can perform the skills of catheterization
based on the knowledge and experienced that I learned. I can
confidently be aware of my patient's condition. Be able to establish
rapport on this uncomfortable procedure and do it in a proper way to
promote healing and ease to the patient. I understand that eperience in
the real world will help me to improve my skills but without baseline
knowledge from school and life experiences all my efforts might
become a waste. I will always consider myself and the patient how I
want to be treated therefore I can give them the care that they need.

Reflective of Practice NFDN 2005

Report on Progress of Professional Portfolio
Identify competency number, letter and
subcategory

Describe ONE significant learning experience

in this course related to the CLPNA
Competency. Provide an example.

Self-Assessment Tool CCP

College of LPNs of Alberta

Major Competency- L; Competency- L-1

Knowledge Assessment and Care of Pediatric
Client/Family; L-1-8 Demonstrate ability to
assess need for pain management to Pediatric
client subjective and objective data related to
pain
One of my significant learning experiences for
the CLPNA stated above is when I failed to
assess my 9 years old nephew regarding his

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Described what you learned and how it relates

to the competency. Explain why it was
meaningful

Uses the Proficiency categories to rate their

proficiency in the chosen CLPNA competency.
Explain what was done to achieve the
competency.

Describe how you will apply this in your

current and future nursing practice

Self-Assessment Tool CCP

College of LPNs of Alberta

pain on his abdomen goes down to his leg. I

assumed that it was only muscle pain because
he has been playing basketball in school for 3
days consecutive but he was diagnosed
appendicitis and needed immediate surgery.
I learned that subjective and objective pain is
an important assessment especially for
children. I find it really hard to tell if he is
telling the truth regarding his pain. It relates to
competency stated above because as an LPN
student I should know and apply the basic
assessment, subjectively and objectively. It was
meaningful to me because it wakes me up that
as a student I couldnt even apply my
knowledge to my family member, it makes me
want to study and be aware of the things that
sometimes been left behind.
I can rate myself as fair in this situation
because, I understood the concept but I was not
able to apply it to my nephew. If I assessed him
properly regarding his pain, he would have not
stayed at home for 3 days because he was
crying for pain, couldnt walk, had fever.
I will apply this in my present career as a
student LPN in a way that doing focused
assessment thoroughly when a patient
complains of pain, asked questions that are
relevant to his pain subjectively; If I am not
sure about the subjective pain from the patient
I will ask another nurse to assess the patient.
And in my future nursing practice I will try to
avoid the same mistake and do it to another
patient, I will understand and apply the things I
learned in school, do not overlook a patient as
whole.

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Report on Progress of Professional Portfolio 2006

R- Community Health Nursing
Competency R-1: Knowledge of Community Health
IDENTIFY
COMPETENCY
NUMBER, LETTER
AND SUBCATEGORY

R-1-2 Demonstrate knowledge and ability to practice in accordance

with professional Legislation, Regulation and standards for
community health nursing including:
Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice

DESCRIBE ONE
SIGNIFICANT
LEARNING
EXPERIENCE IN
THIS COURSE
RELATED TO THE

CLPNA

COMPETENCY.
PROVIDE AN
EXAMPLE

One of significant learning in this course is that CHNs work base on

the Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice.
This is the set out the professional expectations for community
health nurses.
Like for example while I was doing my assignment regarding the
prevention and screening of STIs to Aboriginal people. I was able to
use this Nursing Standards of Practice as my guideline in order to
provide an effective teaching plan for my target group. During my
teaching implementation I used the Standard 1: which is health
promotion. I informed the target group of my research about current
community health issues, and ways on how to prevent these issues. I
was able to provide information base on the criteria requires in the
Nursing Standard of practice.

DESCRIBE WHAT

YOU LEARNED AND

HOW IT RELATES TO
THE COMPETENCY.
EXPLAIN WHY IT
WAS MEANINGFUL.

I learned that Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of

practice represent the vision for excellence in community health
nursing. That these standards should apply to community health
nurses who work in the areas of practice, education administration
and research. Community Health Nurses practice in a variety of
specialty care services and work in a variety of settings. They
collaborate with individuals, families, communities, population or
systems to do a comprehensive assessment of needs of different
members of the population. They demonstrate knowledge to
identifies the level of intervention necessary to promote health.

This is significant to me because I became aware of the Nursing

Standards of Practice I will able to take on suitable roles and
perform activities in my profession. As well, this knowledge will
Self-Assessment Tool CCP
College of LPNs of Alberta

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2 Edition - Revised October 2008

enable me to demonstrate professional responsibility and

accountability. I will be able to make an effective plan and use
actual strategies to fulfill clients needs. Therefore, I will be able to
provide client-centered care.

USE THE
PROFICIENCY
CATEGORIES TO
RATE YOUR
PROFICIENCY IN
THE CHOSEN

CLPNA

COMPETENCY.
EXPLAIN WHAT
WAS DONE TO
ACHIEVE THE
COMPETENCY.

DESCRIBE HOW
YOU WILL APPLY
THIS LEARNING IN
YOUR CURRENT
AND FUTURE
NURSING PRACTICE

I would say that my proficiency for now is Good, base on my

Assignment. The result was successful. I understand the knowledge
of the Canadian Community Health Nursing Standards of practice,
scope and principles. I will be able to apply this knowledge and
skills to nursing practice in the future. In order to improve this
competency, I will study more cases and research CHN standard of
Practice through nursing journals, books and websites.

I will put more effort to understand more about the Canadian

Community Health Nursing Standards of Practice. I will apply
according to the community needs. Based on this knowledge and
practice, I will be able to show this competency and apply it to
future nursing practice. Furthermore, base on these Standard of
Practice I will build up decision-making strategies such as nursing
process, which combines judgment, action, responsibility and
accountability. Hence, I will empower individuals, families and
groups to promote their health and prevent their illness.

Report on Progress of Professional Portfolio 2007

M- Mental Health and Addiction
IDENTIFY

COMPETENCY
NUMBER, LETTER
AND SUBCATEGORY

Self-Assessment Tool CCP

College of LPNs of Alberta

M-1 Mental Health and Addiction Nursing

Competency M-1-5 Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of
mental health condition/ illnesses including eating disorders
(anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)

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DESCRIBE ONE

SIGNIFICANT
LEARNING
EXPERIENCE IN THIS
COURSE RELATED
TO THE CLPNA
COMPETENCY.
PROVIDE AN
EXAMPLE

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa have some common symptoms

but are classified differently in DSM V criteria. These eating disorders
are often overlooked but once it has been identified it can prevent
from worsening. Adolescence have the highest mortality rate in
Anorexia nervosa. As for bulimia nervosa it is less fatal. I learned the
difference between the two eating disorders, etiology, DSM V criteria,
signs and symptoms, biopsychosocial model, risks factors,
assessments, pharmacotherapy and most of all nursing implications.
For example, when an adolescent patient is going through anorexia
nervosa, proper assessment and diagnosis can help the patient. The
nurse can focus on establishing rapport to the patient in order to start
the treatment. Since adolescent tend to hide their feelings, it would be
appropriate to listen to them first then start to initiate help.

With the knowledge of eating disorders, I have learned about the

important assessment areas for people who experienced it and how to
take care of them effectively. Moreover, assessment and
implementation of interventions across biological, social and
psychological domain enable me to take a broad approach to this.
Understanding this eating disorder even more gives me confidence
that I will be able to provide an appropriate nursing care to individuals
with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa and provide support to their
family.
DESCRIBE WHAT
YOU LEARNED AND
HOW IT RELATES TO
THE COMPETENCY.
EXPLAIN WHY IT
WAS MEANINGFUL.

Self-Assessment Tool CCP

College of LPNs of Alberta

It was meaningful to me because I experienced this disorders myself. I

was very fat from age 8-15, I wanted to lose weight because of peer
pressure, and how people viewed me, all my crushes did not like me,
our cultural norms of being thin or skinny was the one that strike me
the most. I was anorexic but not to the point that I needed to be
hospitalized however I starved myself, I over exercised, I was afraid
to go to school for being laughed as fat girl and I didnt have selfconfidence. Then right after I lost weight I became bulimic but I was
mild, I restricted myself to eat, I binged then I purged then I got
caught by my parents. As a future nurse, I think I have a better
understanding of their feelings. I will support them through proper
assessment and nursing intervention and most of all gaining their trust
to follow the interventions so that death can be prevented.

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USE THE
PROFICIENCY
CATEGORIES TO
RATE YOUR
PROFICIENCY IN THE
CHOSEN CLPNA
COMPETENCY.
EXPLAIN WHAT WAS
DONE TO ACHIEVE
THE COMPETENCY.

DESCRIBE HOW YOU

WILL APPLY THIS
LEARNING IN YOUR
CURRENT AND
FUTURE NURSING
PRACTICE

Self-Assessment Tool CCP

College of LPNs of Alberta

I would say that my proficiency is Good because I have understood

and gained more knowledge so that I am aware of any signs and
symptoms physically and most of all emotionally. I achieved the
learning by reading the topics related to eating disorders in my
textbooks and power point slides provided in the course. I would be
able to apply this knowledge to nursing practice in the future. Though,
I cannot automatically integrate the knowledge into nursing practice
since my knowledge of this eating disorder has not been applied to
any hospital setting. In order to improve this competency, I will attend
seminars, look for community sites to get more information about
support groups and therapies.

I will apply this learning process in nursing practice by keeping in

mind this knowledge of eating disorders and my personal experience
however I will not integrate my personal view about the disorder. I
will also put more effort to expanding more knowledge of this eating
disorders and researching new evidence-based. In the future, I based
on my knowledge I will be culturally competent and treating each
patient and family members with a heart and understanding of the
eating disorders. I will become one of their strength to fight for it and
I will become their voice when they needed to.

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