Image from: https://www.americantraveler.com/nursing-license-time-frames-state
I used my Individual Performance Profiles for each ATI assessment by reading each question slowly and at least a couple of times. After reading the question, I’d come up with answers in my head and look at answer options. I used the priority framework to answer the questions because, most times, there were multiple possible answers. I noticed an overall improvement but didn’t do as well as I hoped on the proctored exam. When I was taking the proctored exam, I wasn’t in a suitable headspace.
After each ATI assessment, there were focused reviews that allowed me to go back and see content areas that had me struggle. Reviewing my mistakes allowed me to solidify content areas I was not 100% comfortable in. It also sorted out concepts that were discussed in classes. During clinical, some tasks gave me flashbacks to ATI-focused reviews. For example, ATI suggests doing an X-ray to see the placement of an NG tube.
Some self-care strategies I adopted were staying discipline to the gym, sleeping when I felt tired rather than staying up all night and stepping away from work. When I didn’t go to the gym or nature walks for a few days, I felt more stressed and less productive with work. To help me sleep on certain nights, I would take melatonin, drink no caffeine after 6pm, and not use my phone before bed. I felt stressed, but I think it was less than it would’ve been.
I’ve learned many skills that I’ve mastered throughout this semester that I will use to prepare for licensure and transition to professional practice. A few main takeaways have been the nursing process, reflection, and self-care. Regarding the nursing process, you can use it within any situation in life. Assessment should be the first thing before moving forward. Without assessing a problem, you wouldn’t know the issue at hand to plan and implement a possible solution. Sometimes the first implementation of a solution doesn’t work, which is why evaluating, and reassessing is essential for progress. As humans, it’s human nature to make mistakes or wonder why certain things don’t go the way they do. By reflecting, you can understand what went wrong, not make those same mistakes and figure out ways to improve. Regarding self-care, it’s essential to anyone, but particularly one who is caring for another – like a nurse. We can’t care for others if we can’t do it for ourselves.
