A reflection on this year

Throughout my graduate year my performance as a psychiatric registered nurse has improved. I have improved on my communication skills, active listening, establishing a rapport with my client, developing therapeutic relationships and being aware of what self-awareness is and the impact it can have on the client. I have learnt to effectively implement recovery orientated practice and that recovery orientated practice emphasis on hope, social inclusion, community participation, personal goal setting and self-management.

I have learnt to work within my scope of practice and being accountable for my actions, being aware of what my abilities are and when to seek guidance. I have a better understanding of the importance of self-awareness in regards to my attitude, beliefs and values not affecting the therapeutic relationship with the client.
I have learnt to work within the multidisciplinary team by effectively collaborating and communicating to maintain a holistic approach to enhance the continuity of care for the client.

I have learnt to do comprehensive nursing assessments including mental state examination, clinical risk assessment, and nutritional risk screening. Collaborated with the multidisciplinary team to formulate care for the client to implement treatment and recovery plans and evaluating their progress.

I have learnt to develop therapeutic relationships with the clients, I am now able to effectively communicate, manage and implement interventions for my client with the focus on their treatment and recovery plan. I am able to effectively maintain the clients right to autonomy, integrity and respect.

A reflection on this year as a graduate, I enjoyed all of my placements at Doveton CCU, East Bentleigh CCU and E ward at Casey Hospital. I have come across so many nurses that have different approaches to the way the provide care for their clients, to deescalate situations, to handle aggressive patients and dealing with dual diagnosis. By observing these nurses I have been able to develop my own approach by identifying some of their qualities. I had times throughout this year where I question whether this is the right job for me, but what I came to realise is that this is exactly what I want to be doing.