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Social Learning Theory & Observational Learning

Student

Instructor

Course

Date
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In the ever-changing field of healthcare, the utilization of Albert Bandura's Social

Learning Theory is crucial in molding an individual's professional development. This is

especially true in my position as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at a Brunswick, GA Senior

Care Center. This paper examines how Bandura's theory's core idea of social learning as well as

observational learning has greatly impacted my growth in a variety of healthcare-related tasks,

such as administering vaccinations and doing medical examinations. Applying social learning

theory not only improves professional development but also shows initiative in the workplace,

paving the way for future leadership chances in the healthcare industry.

According to Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory, learning happens when people

observe, replicate, and model behaviors that are influenced by their attention, motivation,

attitudes, and emotions. It investigates how cognitive and environmental factors interact during

the learning process. Bandura's theory highlights the influence of observing the results of other

people's behaviors on learning. By adding observational components and acknowledging the

complex interactions between cognitive and environmental processes, it essentially broadens our

understanding of learning (Cherry, 2022). Observational learning is the process of picking up

knowledge by observing how other people behave. The desired behavior is observed, committed

to memory, and subsequently imitated. Observational learning, sometimes referred to as

modeling and shaping, is most prevalent in children as they mimic adult behaviors (DeBell,

2020).

I have made great use of social learning theory and observational learning in my current

position as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Senior Care Center, Brunswick, GA to

improve my abilities and competency in a variety of tasks. One good example is the

administration of vaccines. At first, I observed seasoned coworkers setting up supplies and

effectively welcoming and guiding people into the vaccination clinic. I was able to understand

the necessary procedures and stages by paying close attention. This is in line with the social

learning theory, which highlights the importance of attention in the learning process. With time,

the observational stage turned to active involvement. I started to imitate all of the behaviors I had

seen, from the careful material preparation to the social skills needed while interacting with

patients. This is in line with the social learning theory's notion of reproduction, which holds that

acquired behaviors are replicated. (Mukhalalati et al., 2022).

In this learning process, motivation was essential. My motivation to actively participate

in observational and participatory learning was sparked by the importance of delivering high-

quality healthcare services, particularly in light of the continuing pandemic and vaccination

delivery. Motivation is a key factor affecting learning outcomes (Allaham et al., 2022).

Additional learning opportunities entailed making sure immunization cards were properly

completed and screening papers were completed and reviewed before vaccine administration. It

was possible to gain insight into the cognitive processes involved in documenting by observing

coworkers perform these tasks. The way I processed the information, stored it in my memory,

and then used it in my work demonstrated the retention component of the social learning theory.

One further example of how observational learning has been put to use is helping

physicians perform medical examinations. I gained the expertise and skills required to do in-

depth medical examinations by closely observing seasoned healthcare professionals. In this part

of the notion of social learning, preexisting behaviors are modeled and learned through practice

(Rumjaun, & Narod, 2020). One must have acute attention to detail when processing consent

forms, entering data into patient charts, and making sure patients have enough medical coverage

for COVID testing and follow-ups. Understanding the precise rules and procedures related to
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insurance verification and data management was made possible in this case by observational

learning.

In conclusion, the utilization of social learning theory in my capacity as a Licensed

Practical Nurse (LPN) not only improves my personal skills but also demonstrates my proactive

approach to professional growth. Participating actively in observational learning shows a

proactive attitude toward comprehending and becoming proficient in a variety of healthcare

tasks, indicating a desire to make a valuable contribution to the team. I can use these experiences

to emphasize my dedication to ongoing learning and growth in networking discussions. By

describing particular incidents that I saw, and learned about, and putting best practices in

vaccination administration, documentation, and patient care into practice, I may establish my

reputation as a committed and flexible healthcare practitioner. These acquired skills also provide

a strong basis for future leadership chances. I am more qualified for leadership positions as a

nurse who actively works to comprehend and improve larger healthcare processes in addition to

adhering to protocols. The initiative shown through observational learning is in line with the

traits of a leader that are desired: a blend of technical expertise, flexibility, and a dedication to

continuous development. In the long run, applying social learning theory and observational

learning to my journey has helped me grow personally and positions me as a useful member of

the healthcare team who may eventually be called upon to take on leadership roles.
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References

Cherry, K. (2022, October 14). How social learning theory works. Verywell Mind.

https://www.verywellmind.com/social-learning-theory-2795074

Allaham, S., Kumar, A., Morriss, F., Lakhanpaul, M., Wilson, E., Sikorski, C., Martin, J.,

Costello, A., Manikam, L., & Heys, M. (2022). Participatory learning and action (PLA)

to improve health outcomes in high-income settings: a systematic review protocol. BMJ

Open, 12(2), e050784. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050784

DeBell, A. (2020, June 4). What is Observational Learning? Water Bear Learning.

https://waterbearlearning.com/observational-learning/#:~:text=Observational%20learning

%20is%20the%20process

Mukhalalati, B., Elshami, S., Eljaam, M., Hussain, F. N., & Bishawi, A. H. (2022). Applications

of social theories of learning in health professions education programs: A scoping review.

Frontiers in Medicine, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.912751

Rumjaun, A., & Narod, F. (2020). Social Learning Theory—Albert Bandura. Science education

in theory and practice: An introductory guide to learning theory, 85-99.