a. Reflecting on your SMART goals, how did you use your Individual Performance Profiles for each ATI Assessment to improve your outcomes (slower testing/more thorough reading of questions & answers, changed testing environment, etc.)? Include any differences you noticed as the semester progressed.

Through my ATI performances I learned how to take nursing style questions and how to individually work through them. With the rationale post testing being a very helpful tool in breaking down why your answer was incorrect, and the correct answer was correct. If the rationale through ATI was brief, I would use our textbooks to further my knowledge and make sure to focus on the stem of what the question was asking. I have noticed throughout my time at UNE that with theses specific nursing questions that need critical thinking I needed more time to break down what the question was asking and gather my knowledge around the topic. So, I have implemented academic help with extended time and quieter environments. These have played a large role in my learning and development.  

b. How did you use content gaps identified through the various ATI assessments to gain content mastery and prepare for safe practice (use of ATI remediation/content resources, review of nursing course resources, meeting with faculty/instructors, etc.)? Include any differences you noticed as the semester progressed.

I identified content gaps through my ATI’s by implementing more practice questions and breaking down the question topics. Breaking them specifically into care plans of the most important aspects of what the question is asking for. ATI is question based and with practice daily you can use the rationales to help you see why you got it wrong and why the correct answer is correct. If it doesn’t give you enough insight that is when using your textbooks or outside resources comes in handy. As well as handwriting the presented ATI rationales in your own words so that you understand the content and the specific nursing style question. 

c. What self-care strategies did you adopt or adapt to better prepare yourself for licensure and practice (better time management, mindfulness practices, better work/life balance, etc.)? Include any differences you noticed as the semester progressed.

Throughout my time at UNE, I have struggled with my self-care and always thought prior to nursing school that I had a great self-care regimen in place for when I do feel overwhelmed. I quickly saw how nursing school consumes every aspect of your life that you thought you had complete control over. It took up until my last semester to reach out for help and implement the self-care that my mind and body craved. I started to implement daily to-do lists instead of weekly so that I could focus in on what the day asked of me in comparison to an entire week. As well as making a conscious effort to incorporate movement or get outside and making sure it was at least 30 minutes of anything that had me moving and step away from the books. Lastly, I changed my mindset but placing sticky notes all around me. Trying to always keep a positive mindset by having them around yourself helps to remind you how you want to show up for yourself daily. 

d. How will you use what you’ve learned and skills you’ve gained this semester to continue your preparation for licensure and transition to professional practice following graduation? 

I feel as though I have learned so much this semester and I look forward to placing these skills into my future position as a nurse. Using the critical thinking I have developed through practice questions, case studies, and individuals who have helped me, I can understand how to “think like a nurse.”