This essential is ultimately the foundation for my master's education in nursing. It is the basis from which all of the other knowledge I obtained evolved. My competency in this essential is supported by successful completion of advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and physical exam and assessment. All three courses were very intensive in their preparation with a great deal of work and study and required a great commitment of learning.  

     My growth within this essential is shown specifically in Advanced Pathophysiology. Each week we completed a discussion board on a topic set by the professor that promoted learning and collaboration among classmates. I have provided my discussion board post on the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque which causes an MI as well as one on the role of hyperglycemia in the pathophysiology of micro- and macro- vascular complications. Both posts show a deeper learning of disease processes that will be essential for me as an advanced practitioner.

     Also included is a paper on Addison's Disease. This was our final project for pathyphysiology and required a great deal of research and time with several references. We were allowed to choose the topic and I chose Addison's because my mother has it and I wanted to understand it better. I also have a special interest in endocrinology. This paper was very comprehensive as it examined the very intricate details of the disease process. This assignment and the amount of references required for this project facilitated my growth in research which was an imperative skill in my successful completion of this master's program.

     The final piece of evidence I included was a SOAP note. We had to do several throughout our program and they are incredibly important to my practice as an APRN. I included a geriatric SOAP note with extra assessments that show skills from the three foundation classes.

     I had more weaknesses than strengths in this area because my background in nursing is mostly pediatrics and recovery room so I had very little knowledge of primary care disease problems and management for children much less adults. For example, I found it much easier to care for sick children in the pediatric clinic than well children, because I have had much more experience with sick children. My background of being mostly a hospital nurse was definitely a weakness for advancement in the primary care sector. 

    The length of time and variety of settings in which I have practiced nursing is a strength for me in this competency area. Because I have had exposure to very sick patients, I will be able to recognize these patients in the primary care setting. The variety of settings I have practiced in is definitely a strength because it makes me adaptable and gave me opportunities to work as a part of many different types of teams. I also have used a variety of different of documentation systems which is an important facet of this essential. 

​

​