Throughout my college career, Erikson’s stages of Development have been discussed in a variety of difference classes I have taken. However, specifically in this class I felt as though I gained an abundance on knowledge on the stages that I never felt I had before. Each stage in Erikson’s model reflects an individuals life and how they act and that gained more meaning to me in this class. I now believe I have a better understanding of people based on what stage their age places them in. Especially when interviewing a client for the Life Review project. I was able to get a better understanding of how an individual moves through life. I believe it is specifically important to have an understanding of these stages when it relates to those in the later stages of life. Now having a better understanding of the developmental stages I believe I will be able to connect better with patients in my future because I better understand what they might be experiencing or feeling.

Another insight I have gained during this course was an understanding of the importance of Advance Directives. I knew some information about advance directives however, I didn’t fully understand how useful they are until they were discussed in this course. Not many people choose or have control when facing an end of life situation fo having the opportunity to come up with an advance directive gives them the opportunity to have choices and some control. Going forward as a nurse I will encourage all my patients to create an advance directive for themselves to ensure they are receiving the care they want in the end of their life. It also helps to relieve stress on family who might not be sure what their loved one would have chosen.

The last insight I will take forward with me is the importance of respecting a clients rights. Every client deserves equal rights and should be treated with the utmost care possible. The ethical principals that I believe are very essential to working with the older adult population are nonmaleficence, autonomy, justice and confidentiality. As one ages some people tend to think that they need help in the majority of aspects of their lives but it is important to respect their autonomy and allow them to have preferences and the freedom to choose what they want . I also want to take forward the principle of confidentiality as I further my career. I understand that many people know that healthcare professionals are required to maintain confidentiality however, I want to express that level of trust with my client so that they truly feel comfortable telling me anything they ever have questions about of just want to share. I want to be able to become a nurse to help people and having them feel like they can trust me is something very important I want to express to all my future clients.