NorQuest College-PN Program
Assignment: Professional Portfolio
Student Name: Amanda Byrne
Course: NFDN 2005
Competency: Category Letter,
Number and Subcategory
Significant Learning Experience:
Describe one significant learning
experience in this course related
to the CLPNA Competency
identified. Provide an example
What you Learned: Describe
what you learned and how it
relates to the competency
identified.
May 2017-final
L-1-3
One significant learning experience that I learned in this course was
knowledge surrounding pediatric disease and medical conditions that occur
in the child. I learned the signs and symptoms surrounding these conditions
and what the treatment may be if there is any available. I learned about
the causes of certain conditions and diseases in the child and what it
means for their potential wellbeing and quality of life. One specific
example of a condition that I learned about in this course is Down
Syndrome also known as Trisomy 21, which is a result of a chromosomal
abnormality where there is an extra copy of chromosome 21. I learned that
the chances of having a child with Down Syndrome is a greater risk for the
older female. I also learned that there are many complications that can
present for children with Down Syndrome that the Practical Nurse needs to
be aware of and knowledgeable about to provide quality care.
I learned that there are many conditions and diseases that can affect the
child which require the Practical Nurse to be knowledgeable and
competent when providing care. I learned about how the signs and
symptoms present in the child, complications that can arise, and possible
treatment that can be provided, as well as life expectancy that is
associated with these conditions. With Down Syndrome I learned that
NorQuest College-PN Program

there are many complications that effect the health of these children such

as an enlarged tongue, congenital heart defects, they are prone to obesity,

and cognitive defects, etc. I also learned that the pathophysiology of these

disorders and conditions is also important to understand when treating

these clients and providing competent care. It is important to have a

common knowledge of these diseases and conditions to better understand

what type of care and support is required when providing care to families

and children.

I would give myself the proficiency rating of “fair” in this area. I would give

myself this rating because this is new knowledge that I have only gained
Proficiency Rating: Use the this semester and I have not had the opportunity or experience in this area
“Proficiency Rating Categories”
(excellent, good, fair, poor) to
of nursing to put the knowledge into practice. I was able to gain this
rate your proficiency in the
identified CLPNA competency.
knowledge by attending theory and participating in class discussion and
Explain what was done to
achieve the competency and to
group activities when learning new topics. Even though I have had the
support your rating.
opportunity to use this knowledge through scenarios I have not been able

to practice the skills in a lab setting or in clinical practice.

The significance of learning about pediatric diseases and medical

conditions is that it provided me with a broader knowledge base around

concerns that affect children. By having this common knowledge, I will be

more aware of how these conditions affect the health of a child and
Significance of Learning: Explain
how the identified competency therefore be able to provide competent care. I will be able to provide
enhanced your learning (was
meaningful) in this course
support to families as well as refer them to other areas of health care that

applies to their situation. I will be knowledgeable on what types of

treatment are available for certain conditions and support the family and

child during this process. As a future Practical Nurse, I will encounter

May 2017-final
NorQuest College-PN Program

children in many different settings within the healthcare field and it will be

beneficial to have a knowledge base regarding pediatric concerns. I am

now aware that there are many different components associated with

pediatric care that affect the health of children which differ in adults. That

their systems are still immature at birth, therefore diseases and medical

conditions affect them quite differently than an adult.

I will be able to apply this knowledge in my future practice as I will come

across children anywhere I chose to work in the healthcare field. I will need

to have this knowledge and competency to help children and their families

who are struggling with certain diseases and medical conditions. Having

this knowledge from theory gives me a better understanding of how the

Nursing Practice: Describe how
you will be able to apply this
developing body of a child functions and how this impacts a child who is
learning in your current and
future nursing practice (What
dealing with a disease or condition. Knowing how the disease or medical
are your strengths and what are
your future learning needs).
condition affects the child and what stage of development they are in will

help me to provide the type of support and care that is needed in that

situation. I will feel confident in being able to apply this knowledge and my

critical thinking skills to address any concerns involving children and their

families.

CLPNA, Competency Profile For LPNS, 3rd Edition (2015)

APA: Reference

May 2017-final