Benchmark – Professional Capstone and Practicum Reflective Journal

Students are required to maintain weekly reflective narratives throughout the course to combine into one course-long reflective journal that integrates leadership and inquiry into current practice as it applies to the Professional Capstone and Practicum course.

In your journal, you will reflect on the personal knowledge and skills gained throughout this course. The journal should address a variable combination of the following, depending on your specific practice immersion clinical experiences:

New practice approaches
Intraprofessional collaboration
Health care delivery and clinical systems
Ethical considerations in health care
Population health concerns
The role of technology in improving health care outcomes
Health policy
Leadership and economic models
Health disparities

Students will outline what they have discovered about their professional practice, personal strengths and weaknesses that surfaced, additional resources and abilities that could be introduced to a given situation to influence optimal outcomes, and finally, how the student met the competencies aligned to this course.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

RUBRIC

Attempt Start Date: 18-May-2020 at 12:00:00 AM

Due Date: 24-May-2020 at 11:59:59 PM

Maximum Points: 100.0

Percentage 100

Weekly topic:

Topic 1: Change Proposal Subject and Purpose Identification 1

Topic 2: Change Proposal Subject and Purpose Identification 2
Topic 3: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Development Plan 1
Topic 4: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Development Plan 2
Topic 5: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Project Development and Implementation Plan 1
Topic 6: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Project Development and Implementation Plan 2
Topic 7: Change Proposal Project Evaluation and Dissemination Plan 1
Topic 8: Change Proposal Project Evaluation and Dissemination Plan 2
Topic 9: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Project 1
Topic 10: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Project 2

SOLUTION:

Week 1: Change Proposal Subject and Purpose Identification (1)

In the first week, I focused on selecting a subject for my change proposal and identifying a clear purpose that aligned with patient needs and organizational priorities. After exploring common clinical challenges in my practicum setting, I chose to focus on improving medication adherence among patients with chronic illnesses. I learned that a well-defined subject clarifies the direction of a project and ensures that the proposal remains relevant to practice. The process required narrowing a broad issue into a specific, actionable plan, which challenged me to use both clinical observations and evidence-based resources. Collaborating with my preceptor provided guidance in refining my focus, and I recognized the importance of setting a purpose that is both measurable and feasible.

Week 2: Change Proposal Subject and Purpose Identification (2)

This week, I refined my proposal topic further based on peer and instructor feedback. I realized that clearly articulating the purpose of a change project requires more than identifying a problem; it involves aligning with best practices and patient-centered outcomes. I adjusted the scope of my proposal to emphasize technology-assisted reminders and patient education as tools to enhance adherence. Through this process, I gained insight into how continuous feedback and collaboration strengthen project design. I also recognized the importance of flexibility when developing a proposal, as initial ideas often evolve when compared against current evidence and practice standards.

Week 3: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Development Plan (1)

Developing the proposal plan required me to immerse myself in evidence-based practice. I conducted literature searches using databases such as CINAHL and PubMed, and I practiced critically appraising studies for quality and relevance. This experience improved my ability to distinguish between strong and weak evidence. I learned how theoretical models guide project development and discovered that successful proposals integrate not only evidence but also organizational culture and resources. This week highlighted the role of inquiry and scholarship in nursing practice, as evidence must drive every step of project planning.

Week 4: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Development Plan (2)

Building on last week’s work, I refined the details of my development plan. I encountered challenges in aligning the best evidence with the practical realities of my practicum site, especially related to staff workload and resource availability. To address this, I consulted with colleagues and considered strategies that would minimize disruption to workflow while maximizing patient benefit. This week emphasized the value of intraprofessional collaboration. I realized that involving staff early in the planning phase promotes buy-in and strengthens the proposal’s potential for successful adoption.

Week 5: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Project Development and Implementation Plan (1)

This week, I focused on translating the proposal into an actionable implementation plan. I identified the required resources, including staff training, technology tools, and patient education materials. The process taught me about the role of leadership in project development, as leaders must allocate resources, motivate staff, and model commitment to change. I also became aware of economic considerations, such as cost-effectiveness and return on investment. The exercise reinforced that evidence-based proposals must be financially viable to be sustainable in healthcare systems.

Week 6: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Project Development and Implementation Plan (2)

Refining the implementation plan revealed several challenges, including staff resistance and competing priorities. I reflected on the importance of effective communication and leadership strategies, such as involving staff in decision-making and highlighting patient benefits. This week emphasized the need for adaptability when leading change, as unexpected barriers are inevitable. I discovered my own strengths in problem-solving but also recognized my tendency to focus heavily on details rather than the bigger picture. Balancing both perspectives is critical for future leadership roles.

Week 7: Change Proposal Project Evaluation and Dissemination Plan (1)

This week centered on planning for project evaluation. I explored various methods of measuring outcomes, including patient surveys, adherence tracking, and staff feedback. I realized that evaluation is not only about proving success but also about identifying areas for ongoing improvement. Dissemination planning introduced me to the importance of sharing findings beyond the practicum site, such as through professional conferences, journals, or organizational meetings. This reinforced the broader role of nurses as contributors to the advancement of healthcare knowledge.

Week 8: Change Proposal Project Evaluation and Dissemination Plan (2)

As I refined the evaluation and dissemination plan, I encountered difficulties in selecting metrics that were both reliable and feasible. I learned that while some data points may be ideal, resource constraints often require compromises. Collaborating with mentors helped me prioritize measurable outcomes that align with organizational goals. This week also emphasized ethical considerations in research and practice, particularly the need to respect patient privacy while collecting data. I became more aware of my responsibility to balance inquiry with ethical integrity.

Week 9: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Project (1)

Developing the draft project allowed me to integrate weeks of planning into a cohesive document. I identified strengths in my work, such as thorough evidence support and practical implementation steps. However, weaknesses emerged in areas like evaluation clarity and dissemination details. Faculty and peer feedback were invaluable in highlighting gaps I had overlooked. This week reminded me of the importance of humility and openness in professional growth. No project is perfect on the first draft, and constructive feedback is essential for improvement.

Week 10: Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Project (2)

In the final week, I completed the evidence-based practice proposal. Reflecting on the journey, I recognized how much my knowledge of leadership, research, and clinical systems had grown. I learned that successful proposals require persistence, collaboration, and adaptability. This experience also deepened my understanding of the nurse’s role in driving positive change and addressing health disparities. Ultimately, I concluded that evidence-based practice is not a one-time project but a continuous process of inquiry and improvement. I feel more prepared to contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery and to advocate for innovations that enhance patient outcomes.