Midterm Self Evalutation and Analysis

Clinical Course Objectives:

Using leadership and managerial skills to communicate with staff and colleagues.

-I have met this objective by keeping Charlotte informed of my weekly objectives and what I expect to learn from this experience. I provide feedback to her regarding how effective her mentoring style fits my learning experience. For instance, at the end of each clinical day, we review the objectives and determine if they were met. Then, we discuss potential objectives for the next clinical day. At this point, I communicate any concerns that I have that effects my learning experience and we discuss ways to improve.

Learn how to generate and apply a budget for the unit.

-This objective was one of the most challenging and interesting. I have always wondered what exactly constitutes the budget for a unit. I know that there are many hidden costs that I was unaware of. I informed Charlotte of my interest in how she forms and maintains the budget for her unit. We discussed the daily budget for each unit that she oversees (which is much lower than expected). She showed me how labor costs account for the majority of her operating budget. We reviewed each cost center and determined that all were within budget for that day. On another clinical day, one was over budget for labor costs. Charlotte had me review the data and determine if all the employees had clocked in under the correct cost center. I was able to find one employee that was in the wrong cost center, moved the hours to the correct cost center, and the budget balanced.

Personal Objectives

-A major personal objective for this clinical experience is to learn managerial skills from my preceptor that will improve my leadership skills. I know that both leadership and management go hand in hand. But, I believe you have to be an effective manager before you develop the skills and experience required of a leader. Charlotte has been an excellent mentor. She discussed her management philosophy with me during each clinical day. I am able to see her incorporate that philosophy into her work as a manager and leader. It helps me to achieve this personal objective.

-Another objective is to improve my communication skills. I feel that I have adequate communication skills. But, when communication is required in a managerial aspect, I feel that I lack good communication skills. I have discussed these concerns with Charlotte. She has allowed me to observe her communicating with staff in good and bad situations. She had to reprimand an employee who was known for "getting loud" at times. We moved the conversation to an area where no other staff were present. Charlotte maintained a calm voice and did not let the situation escalate. I was really impressed with how she handled the situation. I feel that I will be able to incorporate her communication skills into any situation.

Overall review of Personal Objectives/Professional Growth

-I have not met all of my personal objectives for this clinical experience. I believe that effective communication is the key to success in any organization. I want to continue to improve my communication skills not only with my preceptor but with the employees at the hospital and my fellow students as well. I have met my objective of learning how a budget works. I had no clue of how complicated it was. It improved respect for nurse managers. They definitely have a busy schedule.
I feel that this experience has fostered my professional growth tremendously. I have to admit, I was dreading this clinical. But, after working with my preceptor and developing an understanding of the "business" side of a functional hospital unit, I feel that I am better prepared as a nurse. This experience has improve my time management skills and made me a more responsible person. Also, it has provided insight into another type of nursing. I believe that I will continue to learn and improve my management skills and strive to become an effective leader.