Date of Learning: 04/04/25
Time: AM
Title of Learning: Introduction to Academic Writing.

Academic writing is a way students, academics and researchers communicate ideas and information across wider academic community through writing articles, journals and others.

I learnt that it is important to keep my writing short, precise and avoid exaggeration.

Academic writing should involve paragraphs that has been trimmed down to express one idea.

My academic writing should follow the phases:
Plan, Think, Research, Write and Analyse and Edit.

I understood that Proper Referencing was an important part of writing. It acknowledges and gives credit to sources, enhances credibility and adds value to the writing and writer as well.

As a Nursing Associate I need to structure my writing into, Topic sentences, supporting sentences, concluding sentences and Transitional sentences, making it easier and as concise as possible.

KSB’s ADDRESSED:
K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice.

Date of Learning: 04/04/25
Time: PM
Title of Learning: Respiratory System

Respiration literally talks about the transport of oxygen from the external atmosphere to the body and the removal of carbon dioxide in the opposite direction to the environment using the process called gaseous exchange.

So I then understood that respiratory system is the organs and structures in the body that allows breathing. It is made of organs such as, lungs, airways (trachea, bronchi and bronchioles), diaphragm, voice box, throat, nose and mouth. Its main function is to breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. It also helps protect from harmful particles and germs and allows to smell and speak.

The respiratory system is functioned to aid the body with the following:
• help us to breath
• allow us to talk
• protect the body from harmful particles entering the body
• help in smelling things
• balances level of acidity in your body

As mentioned earlier the respiratory system has many different parts that works together to support the lungs which apparently is the main organ these are nose and nasal cavity, mouth and oral cavity, Sinuses, pharynx(throat), larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe). bronchi (large airways) and diaphragm.

In simple terms the system has the thoracic cavity, upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract and the lungs.

I also learnt about diffusion which is the movement of substances from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
Again, Gas exchange was discussed as the physical process by which gases move passively by diffusion across a surface.
One of the main homeostatic functions of the respiratory system is the gas exchange that occurs in the alveoli in the lungs. As blood passes through the tiny capillaries in the alveolar sacs, changing pressure gradients allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse in and out of the blood.

At the end of this study, I can describe the function the respiratory system, Identify key structures of the respiratory system, define diffusion and understand the role of the respiratory system in homeostasis.

KSBs Addressed : K16:
Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care.

Date of Learning:03/04/25
Time: AM
Title of learning activity: Respiration

In this study I understood Respiration is a chemical reaction which occurs in every one of the cells in the human body. It releases energy stored in glucose and without it, these cells would die.

Although the normal rate of breathing can vary slightly from one person to the next, there is a range that doctors and nurses consider usual.

The normal rate of breathing for healthy individuals between 12 and 18 years old is between 12 and 16 breaths per minute at rest.

The rate for healthy adults is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.

At this breathing rate, the carbon dioxide exits the lungs at the same rate that the body produces it.

When we exercise, we need more oxygen to carry out more respiration and release more energy to get rid of more carbon dioxide This is achieved by breathing in and out faster.

In simple terms, as a Nursing Associate, I understood the need of respiration in my patient’s life.

KSBs Addressed: K19
Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice.

Date of Learning:03/04/25
Time: PM
Title of learning activity: NMC AND THE CODE

In this study, the code are Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates The Code contains the professional standards that whether they are providing direct care to individuals, groups or communities or bringing their professional knowledge to bear on nursing and
midwifery practice in other roles, such as leadership, education, or research.

The code binds me to Prioritize people
As a Nursing Associate I must make sure that those receiving care are treated with respect, that their rights are upheld and that any discriminatory attitudes and behaviours towards those receiving care are challenged.

Also, it binds me to practise effectively, I am bond by the code to deliver my services to the best of my abilities, based on the best evidence available and best practice.

As a Nursing Associate I am to uphold the code by Preserving safety. I must take necessary action to deal with any concerns where appropriate and always make sure patient and the public safety is not affected in delivering my services.

As a Nursing Associate I must Promote professionalism and trust I must always uphold the reputation of my profession. I should be a model of integrity and leadership for others to inspire others.

KSBs Addressed:

S1 : Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements.

S5: Safely demonstrate evidence-based practice in all skills and procedures required for entry to the register: Standards of proficiency for nursing associates Annex A & B (NMC 2018).

S6: Act as an ambassador for their profession and promote public confidence in health and care services.

S9: Develop, manage and maintain appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers and colleagues.

S40: Support and motivate other members of the care team and interact confidently with them.

S42: Support, supervise and act as a role model to nursing associate students, health care support workers and those new to care roles, review the quality of the care they provide, promoting reflection and providing constructive feedback.

Date of Learning:28/03/25
Time: AM/PM
Title of learning activity: PULSE OXIMETRY

In this study, I understood what basically pulse oximetry is, that it was a painless, non-invasive method of measuring the saturation of oxygen in a person’s blood and this done buy the use of A pulse oximeter(is a small device that fits on your finger and quickly and easily checks your oxygen levels and heart rate) or manually.
Oxygen saturation is a fundamental measure of how well the lungs are working. When we breathe in air, our lungs transmit oxygen into tiny blood vessels called capillaries. In turn, these capillaries send oxygen-rich blood to the heart, which then pumps it through arteries to the rest of the body.

I also learnt about the procedures involve in taking the pulse ,types of proves, how to attached the probe, and difference in readings.
The normal oxygen saturation level for someone who is healthy should be 95% or more
Oxygen saturation levels may be less in patients with some respiratory conditions, individual patient specific guidance should be sought
In patients with COPD target saturation levels may be as low as 88% -92%.

As a Nursing Associate, this study has enlightened me on how important it is to know the right procedures to get right readings and when to appropriately escalate when needed.

KSBs ADDRESSED: K19
Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

Date of Learning:27/03/24
Title of Learning: SWOT ANALYSIS AND SMART OBJECTIVES
Time: AM/PM

In this study, I understood SWOT analysis as a formation or means which seeks to recognise the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats contained in a project or organisation.

I understood It’s a structure that will help me identify my strengths to build on and my weakness to work on it.

Strengths and weaknesses are usually considered internal, while opportunities and threats are usually considered external. The degree to which my internal strengths match with its external opportunities is known as its strategic fit.

While the SMART objective is a method used to assess and formulate objectives so that they are clear. But also, attainable and measurable.

The acronym SMART represents five criteria that can be applied to ensure that a goal is well defined:

SPECIFIC : The objective must be clear and precise, with no room for ambiguity.

MEASUREABLE: In addition to being specific in my goals, I need to be able to quantify my data or indicate where I am progressing towards my goal.

ACHIVEABLE: It’s important to look at my end objectives and plan out goals that are within realistic capabilities.

REALISTIC: Also, I must make sure my goals are relevant to my patients.

TIMELY: I must set a timeframe for my goals.

As a Nursing Associate I must get my objectives to be Smart, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound as I build up on my strength and work on my weakness.

As a Nursing Associate I have to get my objectives to be Smart, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound as I build up on my strength and work on my weakness.

KSBs Addressed:
S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records.

Date of Learning:26/03/25
Time: AM
Title of learning activity: UNDERSTANDING ILLNESS ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN.

In this section, I understood that the study aims to provide an overview of body systems and types of cells and the concept homeostasis, I was enlightened on the outcomes that was expected of me at the end of this study which are to:
Identify key anatomical directional terms
Outline the hierarchy for organisation of life
Identify different types of cells and their key characteristics
Define homeostasis and give examples of how the body maintains homeostasis.

Date of learning:26/03/25
Time: PM
Title of Learning: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology (Systems, Cells & Homeostasis)

In this study, I understood homeostasis as a state of balance among all the body systems needed for the body to survive and function correctly. For example, having normal body temperature which is between 36.5°C to 37.2°C, Respiration, oxygen in blood etc.

It was also noted in this study that there are levels of organization in the body, from the simplest to the most complex which are, atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the human organism.

Then the five essentials for survival which are Water -most abundant substance in the body (volume dependent on age & gender
Oxygen –forms 21% of air we breathe. Needed for chemical reactions
Nutrients example proteins, fats, minerals necessary for life -growth, repair.
Normal body temperature – if it drops below 37oC metabolic reactions become slower and if temp too high chemical reactions occur too rapidly
Normal Pressure – atmospheric pressure important in process or breathing and hydrostatic pressure keeps the blood flowing through the body.

Now as a Nursing Associate, that gives care for individuals, this study has enable me  understand the health of those individuals and will be able to demonstrate the clinical and practical skills and knowledge to deliver effective evidence-based care.

KSBs addressed:
K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care.

Date of Learning:25/03/25
Time:AM
Title of learning activity: PRESENTATIONS ON PROFESSIONALISM, ACCOUNTABILITY AND NMC CODE.

In this study there was a presentation from three groups where each group presented a topic.

Firstly, I learned about professionalism being the ability to do what is expected of you, working in diligent and doing the right thing even when no one is looking. And as a healthcare provider one skill that highlights the credibility, reliability and integrity of one’s skill is your professionalism.

It was noted that Professionalism involves, effective communication, adaptability, competency, empathy and compassionate. To be a good or a professional Nursing Associate, I must ensure i adhere to the Standards of proficiency for Nursing Associates following and upholding the British values and most importantly be in line with the NMC Code.

Secondly, accountability was presented by another group it highlighted Accountability as the practice of being held to a certain standard of excellence, it means to be professional and be able to to take our actions into responsibility and be able to reflect even in complex situations, indicating the four main areas of accountability.

Professional accountability- All health care professionals are responsible are responsible for their own actions and decisions in providing patient care.

Legal accountability- Provide care within their scope of practice and follow laws and policy and regulations related to patient care and good practice.

Ethical accountability- Adhere to ethical standards within practice

Employment accountability- We are all accountable for our employers and job responsibility.

Again, the next group presented on the “NMC Code” which outlines the professional standards and behaviours expected of nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom. It is structured around four themes: prioritizing people, practicing effectively, preserving safety, and promoting professionalism and trust.

At the end of the study, I learned that to become a professional Health care provider I have to be accountable and act according to the NMC code.

KSBs addressed: K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and how to fulfil all registration requirements.

Date of Learning:25/03/25
Time: PM
Title of learning activity: HOW TO READ AN ACADAMIC ARTICLE (SOLER to SURETY)
INTRODUCTION TO VARK.

In this study, At the beginning  we read an article, indicating some relevant aspect  as why we need to read academic article, How to approach reading the article, what you notice in the article, and the reason for reading the article.

I learnt about different types of learning that works well for everyone and how to read an academic article.

With the types of learning we talked about VARK

V – Visual this deals with someone who understands things with diagrams, chart, diagrams, logo maps etc, he/she gets informed better with presentations.

A – Aural/Auditory this talks about a learner who gets information by listening.

R – Read / Write  this also speaks about people who learns  best in by reading text books, dictionaries, articles and consolidates by writing.

K – Kinesthetics this type involves learning through movements, sensation in muscle and joints, this people learn through physical involvement and activities.

I also realise they are some learners who also who are multi-modal which means they use one two or more of this above model.

I realised in this study that everyone has a way of of learning making things easier and understandable, through  VARK, which after taking the questionnaire I established that I was a multi modal learner with kinesthetics being the strongest and read/write being the lowest.

Date of Learning:24/03/25
Time: AM
Title of learning activity: ADULT LEARNING AND TIME MANAGEMENT

Adult learning, or the act of pursuing one’s own education as an adult, can be done in a formal setting such as higher education, a trade school, or an apprenticeship just as I am pursuing the Nursing Associate Program. It can also refer to an adult simply wanting to learn about a new skill or topic independently.

In this study I understood that adult learning is about learning and teaching adults for them to acquire knowledge or skills, and it assumes that adults can and want to learn, that they are able and willing to take responsibility for the learning, and that the learning itself should respond to their need.

Also, Adult learners are much more self-directed and motivated than young learners.
As an adult there are fears that comes up during learning such as Not being able to cope with the workload, Not being able to manage time, Not possessing the necessary academic skills, Not understanding what is expected of you, Not understanding academic jargon and Not knowing where to go for help.

It was also identified in this study I learnt that there are different learning strategies that works for different people so I must work to find what works for best for me also, Learning is a social process. We learn best when we feel part of a supportive group, who share ideas and show an interest in each other’s learning.

Also, Feelings matter it was noticed that How we feel has a big effect on our learning in many different ways. I must pay attention to my emotions and address them with the right strategies.
And as an adult faces fears Challenges may seem daunting at times, but by working hard, thinking deeply and engaging fully with the learning process you can succeed.

Also, time management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control of time spent on specific activities especially to increase effectiveness.

Time is so precious and need to be spent wisely, hence I must prioritize important things to enable efficiency.

So now, in summary, I will have to take all the factors surrounding adult learning into consideration and work on my fears or weaknesses while I master on my strength and also prioritize  relevant stuff to be able to be effective and efficient.

KSBs addressed: B3: Be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience and self-awareness

Date of Learning:24/03/25
Time: PM
Title of learning activity: REFLECTION

Reflection is a process of thinking analytically about your professional practice and learning from it and improving on the useful and positives.

So now I realised that Reflection is a process by which you can think about and achieve better knowledge and understanding of your practice, learning from your own experiences, in order to improve the care you provide to patients. I can establish what I have learnt and the influence I may have had on others, In other words Reflection is looking back on past experiences and analysing them to learn from them. I also Learn about the benefits, strategies and frameworks of reflection on how to make it better.

I understood that it act as an internal monitor or check, for an individual’s ever changing and improving self. And I can  use Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle or Kolb’s Reflective Cycle.

Now I have realise it is important for me to reflect in order to know what I have to improve on and what I have to continue doing.

KSBs addressed: S43: Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services

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