Apprenticeship Learning Log
Date of Learning: 09/10/24
Time: 9:30 – 16:30
Title of learning activity: Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System.
The importance of communication and professional values relating to Nursing Practise.
Diary of Learning activity
(itemise learning activity and reflect on the main points of learning from each. You should identify for each entry the relevant KSB)
Reflection on Learning Activity (include model of reflection e.g. Driscoll or Gibbs):
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and nerve cells (neurons)
System carries signals or messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to the different parts of the body.
Is made of the:
- Central Nervous System (brain, spinal cord)
- Peripheral Nervous System (ganglia, nerves)
The Central Nervous System (CNS) is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The brain controls most of the body functions such as: awareness, movements, sensations, thoughts, speech and memory. The spinal cord is connected to the brain at the brain stem and is covered by the vertebrae of the spine. Nerves exit the spinal cord to both sides of the body. The spinal cord carries signals back and forth between the brain and the nerves in the rest of the body.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the part of the nervous system outside of the CNS. It is made up of the nerves and ganglia, that send signals to CNS and received signals from the CNS. The PNS is divided into:
- The somatic nervous system
- The automatic nervous system.
The somatic nervous system controls body movements which are under our control such as:
– walking.
The automatic nervous system controls involuntary functions, which body does on its own such as:
- Breathing
- Digestion
The autonomic nervous system is further divided into:
– sympathetic nervous system
– parasympathetic nervous systems.
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for situations that require strength and heightened awareness or situations that arouse fear, anger, excitement or embarrassment. This is called the fight-or-flight response. It causes the heart to beat faster, makes you breathe quicker and more shallowly, dilates the pupils and increases metabolism.
The parasympathetic nervous system has a calming effect on the body. It returns heart rate and breathing to normal, constricts the pupils and slows down metabolism to conserve energy.
Second part of the day was dedicated to the communication and professional values related to Nursing Practise.
We defined the meaning of the communication term.
Communication – exchanging, transferring information between group of people. Communication could be verbal, written or sing language.
Good communication helps prevent errors.
A good communicator, always listen carefully, respect other’s opinion. Brings a new idea to the table with good body language. Very important in communication is proper voice tone, body language and appropriate choice of words.
We discussed professional values related to Nursing Practice.
Professional nursing values are defined, as important professional nursing principles such as:
- Dignity
- Integrity
- altruism
Professional values provide a positive image of the organisation and helps to build up a trust, which makes organisation a reliable in public use or opinion.
Today’s session brought me to the very important reflection regarding values in my profession.
There is always a room for improvement. Feedback from our work colleagues, especially from the patients is very important. Helps us to improve a quality of care, which we provide on the daily basis.
Being selflessness and concern for the well-being of others can increase the feelings of happiness, satisfaction and optimism for us a healthcare professionals and patients, who count on our professional values.
We learn every day, how to become a better person. More supportive with less judgment and fear to approach individual patient.
KSBs addressed:
K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and how to fulfill all registration requirements
K21: Understand co-morbidities and the demands of meeting people’s holistic needs when prioritising care
K24: Know how to support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort and pain
K31: Understand how inadequate staffing levels impact on the ability to provide safe care and escalate concerns appropriately
S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records
S4: Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills
| S41 | Monitor and review the quality of care delivered, providing challenge and constructive feedback when an aspect of care has been delegated to others |