Discusion practice
Discusion practice
My post: As I look back on all the challenges that have passed and my
practicum experience this term, one encounter that stands out to have
happened to me was that of a patient who did not know she was pregnant.
She attended clinic with symptoms of irregular periods and fatigue,
suspecting her symptoms to be related to stress. After having taken her
history and gone over her symptomatology with my preceptor, some tests
were ordered, which included a pregnancy test. Of course, this test came
back positive. The patient was utterly shocked and even a little overwhelmed
by the result, not having been pregnant in her considerations. It is a moment
kind of well-remembered because, all of a sudden, I needed to balance the
clinical information that she might have wanted with immediate emotional
support to orient her in processing this news. The experience was
memorable because it drove the need for healthcare to be patient-centered,
especially in those instances when giving news that is unexpected or life-
changing. I made sure to explain the test results and subsequent steps in
clear, gentle terms. My preceptor and I gave her time to digest this and let
her know that we were available to answer any questions she might have
regarding options and follow-up care. It was a sensitive topic, and I feel
proud about how I balanced clarity clinically with emotional support. In this
exchange, I feel that I did well, ensuring explicit and understandable
information was passed on to the patient while being sensitive to her state of
mind. I felt that I'd facilitated a safe environment whereby she could ask
questions and take in this news in her own time. Looking back, perhaps one
thing I could have done differently is providing her more with regard to
emotional inquiries and future concerns right after the news, rather than
focusing on purely clinical aspects. This incident taught me the importance of
offering both a medical standpoint and emotional support, especially in
unexpected situations.(POSTED)
Answer to: Hello Yanet! Your reflection highlights a profound and meaningful
interaction with your client, demonstrating your ability to create a
therapeutic relationship built on trust and empathy. It's inspiring to see how
your active listening and collaborative approach gave the client a sense of
hope during such a challenging time. I appreciate your honest self-reflection
on areas for growth, particularly regarding assessing social support and
reinforcing the client's empowerment. This shows your commitment to
continuous improvement in patient care. I'm confident that the skills and
insights you've gained will serve you well in your future practice.