Cherise Pendleton
Phase 1 Reflection – D024
Reflecting on the activities and subjects of this course's first phase has helped me
recognize and understand the characteristics I would like to optimally demonstrate as a
professional in my present organization and in the future as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I can
hear the words from my mentor reminding me, “You are going to be a Provider,” as she
encourages my approach to my studies. She wants me to be very cognizant of my preparation's
impact on this journey and how important these skills are.
I found myself thinking about the times when I was mindful of my interaction with
patients, coworkers, and administration in my daily work at the hospital. I am a critical care
nurse and float to all the hospitals and different units in my hospital system. I can see that
spending some time with self-awareness and being present rather than just completing tasks is
very important. I began seeing my strengths and weaknesses.
Some of the strengths I had validated were resilience, communication and adaptability. I
often have to go into unique situations where I am unfamiliar with some of the cultures and
systems of the units. It would be easy to “react” rather than respond, but I function effectively
within the unit when I am mindful and present. I have to be an effective communicator so that I
may understand my duties and the workings of the unit, be able to coordinate with the providers
and address the needs of my patients. I have had a lot of practice with this, and this will continue
to be an essential part of my professional life. I have to be careful about how I use my nonverbal
as well as verbal cues. I thought about how I try to use compassion and empathy with my
patients, their families, and other team members. I believe that is one of my strengths, and I have
included those in my LinkedIn profile. I hadn’t thought of that before this course, but it makes
sense, as I believe those are essential to becoming a good nurse and authentic leader.
I have made a plan to use mindfulness strategies to improve some of my weaknesses like
taking the time to take a step back when the tasks on a busy unit pile up. Micro negatives like
folding my arms while someone is speaking or taking a step back may send signals of disinterest
or lack of concern to my patients or managers. I sometimes respond with sarcasm or complain to
my coworkers if I am too stressed. My strategy is to pause instead, take a break from stressful
situations, and then return with focused responses instead. Micro positives like smiling, eye
contact, and communicating clearly and calmly will all serve me well.
Phase 1 of the course has made me more aware of the power of professional presence,
especially mindfulness in the workplace. It has created introspection about skills that I have and
want to develop. Working more with my LinkedIn account reminded me how connecting with
other MSN nurses as mentors can help me gain perspectives, experience, and confidence in my
new role. I hope they will encourage me to consider professional improvement areas and utilize
my strengths. I will connect on LinkedIn, as I already have a presence there, but I will also seek
