Community-Based Practicum Reflective Journal Guidelines

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing

NUR 4143 - Clinical Immersion
Community-Based Practicum

Professional nursing meeting experience (4 hours)

Guide for Reflection Using Tanner’s (2006) Clinical Judgment Model
Introduction

What professional nursing meeting(s) did you attend and where was it located?
I attended the Virginia Board of Nursing (VBON) formal hearings panel at the Department of Health Professions in
Henrico, Virginia.
Background

Describe the purpose of this professional nursing meeting? Describe the agendas of the group and subgroup. What
type of issues did they address?

The purpose of this meeting was to bring 3 different nurses in front of a panel from the Board of Nursing to
determine if they will continue to have a license to practice nursing. Each nurse had an assigned time to present to
the panel and discuss. The evidence of wrongdoing by the nurse was presented to the panel, along with testimonies
given from case managers assigned to each case for the nurse. After that was completed, the nurse in question had
the opportunity to speak on their behalf to the panel. The panel then went into closed session to reach a decision.
They announced their decision when the nurses in question and the rest of those attending the hearing had returned.

Noticing

What did you notice about the professional nursing meeting initially? Describe what you saw, heard and did during
the meeting?

I noticed that this hearing was taken extremely seriously. There were no phones, drinks, or food allowed in the
room. We were told that if someone’s phone did ring they would be asked to leave the hearing. The hearing was
done in a very organized and formal manner, with each member of the panel introducing themselves and their title.
As I sat quietly listening to the details of each case presented, I noticed the panel members listening very carefully
and taking notes throughout. When it was time for questions, they were thorough and obviously wanted to verify
that they understood a situation in its entirety.

Interpreting

Describe what you thought about the information being discussed. Have you been involved in similar discussion?

I was initially surprised at how substance abuse and diversion of narcotics seemed to be a constant theme throughout
these hearings. Throughout our education, we have been taught the importance of witnessing the wasting of a
narcotic and always making sure to document. This discussion during the hearings really brought my attention to
how important these lessons were and how one oversight could potentially put someone’s license in danger.

Describe stresses (both positive & negative) you experienced as you responded to the new learning or the challenge.

As I’m about to embark on being a new nurse, these hearings made me feel a little nervous on making mistakes or
finding myself accidentally being in a compromising situation. However, after one of the hearings, one of the panel
members came over to speak to us. She told us to always remember what we were taught through nursing school and
if we ever find ourselves questioning something to never be afraid to ask. Her words were very reassuring and
reminded me that I have the education and the resources around me once I begin work to fall back on if I ever find
myself questioning something or myself.

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 Community-Based Practicum Reflective Journal Guidelines

Reflection-in-Action

What role would you take being assigned to represent your unit in this group? What subcommittee would you like to
participate with and why?

The only role I could fulfill with this group is being part of the panel of the Board of Nursing. I’m not sure this is
something that I would want to do, however, because it seems very stressful to have the fate of someone’s license
and career in your hands. I also think that it takes a very special type of person to sit on a panel such as this one that
can withhold personal judgment and decide on a fair and just decision.

Reflection-on-Action and Clinical Learning

What written evidence is available to support professional nursing groups and their impact on the development of
evidence-based practice and improved patient outcomes. Cite/reference all journal articles that contributed to the
evidence.
Through the Wiley Online Library database, I found an article that proposed membership to a professional nursing
organization, and having a mentor through this organization, could greatly increase retention rates of beside nurses
and job satisfaction. The support of a professional organization provides a forum for nurses to express themselves or
any grievances they may have. It also provides support from fellow nurses and the ability of wisdom of veteran
nurses to be shared. These resources obtained from a professional nursing organization could greatly improve job
satisfaction within the community of beside nurses.
Block, L. M., Claffey, C., Korow, M. K., & Mccaffrey, R. (2005). The value of mentorship within nursing
organizations. Nursing Forum,40(4), 134-140. doi:10.1111/j.1744-6198.2005.00026.x

What is the value of professional nursing meetings both as a part of a healthcare system and within a professional
organization?
Professional nursing meetings/organizations are a major part of communication and collaboration among team
members. These meetings also allow for opportunities of education or introduction to new concepts of tools for the
healthcare industry. These meetings may even bring about opportunities for different certification or the chance to
attend a conference to gain further knowledge.
Describe any changes in your values or feelings as a result of this experience.

As a result of this experience, I believe that I will definitely do all that I can to not endanger my license or career as
an RN. I also found myself having more sympathy towards those with substance abuse issues and those who have
diverted narcotics. I found it hard to understand health professionals with substance abuse issues but after this
meeting and seeing how much these nurses have lost, I have a lot more sympathy.

Nielsen, A., Stragnell, S., & Jester P (2007). Guide for reflection using the Clinical Judgment

Model. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(11), p. 513-516.

BSMCON NUR4143