Midpoint Reflection
Midpoint Reflection
Midpoint Reflection
Describe the most challenging moment or event you experienced recently. What actions did you
take and what would you have liked to do differently? What specific actions are you taking to
improve the outcome in future situations or to prevent recurrence of the situation? To answer this
question, use the guide for reflection using Tanner’s clinical judgment model (see below).
Background
The most challenging moment I have experienced in immersion so far was deciding whether a patient needed to be
transferred to a higher level of care or not. The patient had been back and forth from the ICU and step-down unit
throughout his hospital, had multiple health problems, and was rather non-compliant with his care. When receiving
morning shift change report, we learned the patient had refused to wear his BIPAP overnight.
Noticing
Upon assessing our patient, we noticed he was confused, shaky, and experiencing an increased work of breathing.
We attempted to arouse and reorient the patient but he became increasingly more confused and eventually obtunded.
We ordered STAT ABGs, placed him on oxygen via nasal cannula, consulted with his care team.
Interpreting
After receiving the ABG results, we interpreted the data and came to the conclusion that our patient was retaining
carbon dioxide and was in acute respiratory distress. This was caused by the patient refusing to wear his BIPAP the
night before. Because of his decline in condition, he was in need of a higher level of care.
Responding
When deciding how to respond, we considered the fact that this has been an ongoing cycle for the patient. His
condition improves so he is transferred out of the ICU. He then becomes non-compliant and refuses certain care on
step-down units resulting in his status to decline where he is then transferred back to ICU. However, this didn’t
change the fact that we had to do what was best for patient and because his respiratory status was declining causing
him to require continuous BIPAP, we had to transfer him back to ICU. In the future, our care team should be more
active in encouraging participation and compliance with care and remind the patient of the ultimate goal of being
discharged from the hospital.
When comparing my experience so far working one-on-one with a preceptor versus in a group of students with one
instructor, I would say you receive much more attention since your preceptor only has you to supervise. It is
definitely easier for your preceptor to observe and assess your growth, as well as evaluate how you are progressing.
When having multiple students in a clinical group, I’m sure it is difficult to keep up with all of our goals, needs, and
progress. I have already learned so much throughout the first part of immersion and received many helpful tips and
advice from my preceptor.
Write your midpoint program outcome objectives and discuss you have met them. This section
should address all 5 midpoint objectives:
Nielsen, A., Stragnell, S., & Jester P (2007). Guide for reflection using the Clinical Judgment Model. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(11), p. 513-516.