Orientation to first semester reflection journals
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This document provides information about a nursing student support program. A graduate student will help current nursing students succeed in their first semester by providing feedback on reflection journals, study resources, and answering questions. Submitting reflection journals is optional but encouraged, as it allows the graduate student to tailor resources to students' specific needs and questions. Students found this support improved their grades last semester. The program includes an introduction forum, needs survey, weekly reflection topics, and email support from the graduate student.
Orientation to first semester reflection journals
- 1. Writing to Succeed (aka – pass your classes)
- 2. Why should we do this? First semester students often struggle with the study skills and life changes necessary to be successful as a nursing student
- 3. 1. STUDY, 2. READ, 3. CLINICAL 4. CLASS, 5. REPEAT
- 4. That’s where I come in! I am a graduate nursing student, and my job is to help you make it through your first semester of nursing. I also completed the program 6 years ago so understand what it takes to make it through
- 5. What are reflection journals? They are thoughts and feelings related to the nursing program and studying. You respond to the topic and write about anything else related to the week In fancy terms, your write about critical thinking or thinking about how you make decisions
- 6. So what are you going to do I will… to help? respond to all questions or refer them on to another faculty member provide feedback to all journal entries provide study resources to help improve your reading, test taking, time management and other essentials for success in the nursing program answer all emails
- 7. OK, what else? I will… send out surveys to find out what you need from me. This is for you not me. I made it through the insanity… cheer you on! Trust me, you really don’t want to see that, but I am here to provide encouragement.
- 9. But if I end up writing a reflection journal, isn’t that just more work? Yes and No. Yes, it does take time, but the more thought you put into it, the more you get out of it. Some students wrote 3 sentences while others wrote 3 long paragraphs. It’s completely your choice and optional.
- 10. Then why would I want to do more work? You’re crazy! Possibly, or even likely. While it does take time to write the journal, the feedback and resources you receive will help you learn how to study more efficiently, which actually saves you time in the long run. In fact…
- 11. What did others think? Almost every student who did the reflective journal and looked at the resources last semester believe their grade was higher because of it. Some were upset they didn’t start at the beginning of the semester
- 12. How can this possibly save time? By reading your responses to journals, I can provide study resources the following week. For example, if everyone is confused over a topic in pharmacology or something in clinical, I will simplify it so you don’t struggle over it later Feel free to ask questions frequently! It helps me determine what I can do to help you. Otherwise I have to guess…
- 13. Do I have to do this? No, it’s not part of your grade but it’s like having an instructor and tutor all in your back pocket. It’s to your benefit. Surveys from last semester said they liked it so they could vent and receive support and study aids
- 14. OK, I’ll consider it. So how does this whole reflection journal work?
- 15. This is an interactive service 1. I will ask everyone to introduce themselves the first week on the bulletin board 2. I will ask everyone to complete a survey about your study skills, strengths, weaknesses, needs, etc. 3. Don’t worry, I’ll start us off with my introduction. By sharing information with your classmates you’ll make connections to carpool, study, etc.
- 16. What does a typical week look like? What do you do? What do I do? I will send an You will write a announcement reflection journal over blackboard, responding to state the topic the topic and the resources (important) and I’ve provided anything else (based on what that you want to you’re doing that write about or is week in class) concerning
- 17. Why is it important to respond to the topic? This service is specialized just for your clinical groups. Whatever you write or ask about, I will find resources so you don’t have to do it yourself. Without a response, you will not get the help you need. (I will have to guess and I will probably be wrong)
- 18. But what if I’m embarrassed that I don’t understand something? Believe it or not, most students feel they are alone in this process when in fact many students write about the same troubles. NO STUDENTS WILL SEE YOUR RESPONSES! The saying still applies, “no question is a stupid question!”
- 19. Where do I find this information? It will look like a separate Blackboard class on your Blackboard home page. Directions will be posted there. I try to be clear and concise so you don’t have to waste your time thinking. You’ll want to save the brain space for later in the semester…
- 20. What advise did last semester students give? “Save enough money before going into the program so you can pay for a housekeeper, find a good foster home for your children, and forget about having any relations with your significant other. Instead, you can prepare to spend long nights with your care plan books, spend quality time with your computer screen, and the majority of your cleaning is going to be done in a clinical setting.”
- 21. What if I have more questions? I respond to emails at: jostadj@westerntc.edu