Learning Opportunities in Case Studies for Becoming a Reflective Nurse Practitioner

Abstract

The transition from RN to nurse practitioner presents challenges. Because nurse practitioners require deeper critical decision-making abilities to provide safe and quality health care, the Master in Advanced Nursing Practice curriculum implemented reflective case studies to facilitate active and reflective learning. To identify the learning opportunities, we performed a qualitative interpretative study of 77 reflective case studies written by students enrolled in the program. Analysis revealed two categories of learning opportunities-(a) Direct Care, with subcategories of focusing on patients' needs, exploring one's own values, and providing comprehensive care; and (b) Increased Performance Demands, with subcategories of handling independence and dependence, and dealing with emotions. The reflective case study is a powerful educational tool to create and guide a new professional with increased responsibilities for a comprehensive and compassionate response to patients' needs.

The development and psychometric validation of the self‐efficacy and performance in self‐management support (SEPSS) Instrument

“…Master‐educated nurses are supposed to possess the reflective and critical thinking abilities needed in more complex care settings (ter Maten‐Speksnijder et al . ). A more reflective attitude on professional performance is desirable, but can make persons more stringent in judging their self‐efficacy (Desmedt , Koole et al .…”

Learning to attain an advanced level of professional responsibility

“…In the case studies, the use of reflective practice was diffuse; personal values and behaviors were explored, albeit mostly to motivate activities and not to critically question performances. In an earlier study, we also found that the acquisition of reflective abilities is a complex transitional process for APN students (Ter Maten-Speksnijder et al, 2012). Because the case study method encourages and facilitates this process, the results of this study showed the importance to improve the use of this educational tool in Master programs, especially when organized as a work-study program.…”

Mental health nurses and mental health peer workers: Self‐perceptions of role‐related clinical competences

“…To foster the competence development of nurses and peer workers, the case reports in the present study offer a wealth of relevant practical cases, particularly suitable for this purpose. Previous research in the field of the transition process of nurse practitioners already demonstrated how reflective case vignettes are helpful to deliver compassionate and person-centred care (Ter Maten-Speksnijder et al 2012). The cases collected in the present study could be helpful during discussions among and between nurses and peer workers to determine and define their specific role-related competences and strengthen reflective practice.…”

“…Previous research in the field of the transition process of nurse practitioners already demonstrated how reflective case vignettes are helpful to deliver compassionate and person-centred care (Ter Maten-Speksnijder et al 2012). Previous research in the field of the transition process of nurse practitioners already demonstrated how reflective case vignettes are helpful to deliver compassionate and person-centred care (Ter Maten-Speksnijder et al 2012).…”