TRIPARTITE MEETING DISCUSSION

We discussed how to conduct a tripartite meeting and what steps we need to take to ensure compliance. We explored what needs to be completed promptly and what will happen if we fall behind. I learnt that it is vital to keep up with learning logs, theory hours, and coursework to maintain a strong understanding of the material, ensure I am meeting deadlines, and ultimately succeed in my studies.

The Structure and Function of Blood

Today, we discussed the components of blood, which are Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes), White Blood Cells (Leukocytes), Platelets (Thrombocytes) and Plasma. Each element has a specific function within the body to maintain Homeostasis and overall health.

• Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation. They contain haemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen.
• White blood cells are crucial for the immune system, helping to fight infections and diseases. There are several types of white blood cells, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, each having unique roles in an immune response.
• Platelets are tiny cell fragments that play a critical role in blood clotting. They help to form clots by adhering to the site of a blood vessel injury and aggregating together to prevent blood loss.
• Plasma is a liquid component of blood, making up about 55% of its volume. Plasma is primarily composed of water, but it also contains proteins (such as albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen), electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

We explored the process of blood cell formation, known as haematopoiesis, which involves the formation of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets, in the bone marrow and red marrow found in certain bones, such as the pelvis, ribs, and sternum. We examined the function of blood and its role in maintaining homeostasis. Looking at the function of transportation of substances such as gases, nutrients and waste to help preserve the internal environment of the body, allowing for stable conditions despite changes in the external environment. This includes regulating temperature, ph, and nutrient levels to maintain Homeostasis.

We examined various blood-related illnesses, each with distinct causes and implications for overall health. There are many types of Anaemia, such as sickle cell anaemia and Leukaemia, to name a few, which are all illnesses and diseases caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, nutritional, and bone marrow deficiencies.

Understanding these illnesses helps in recognising symptoms, seeking diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, as well as highlighting the importance of blood in overall health.

We explored the blood types, which are classified based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The two main blood group systems are the ABO system and the Rh (Rhesus) system. The ABO Blood group system consists of four main groups: A, B, AB, and O. The Rh Rhesus blood group system is based on specific antigens that are either present or absent on the red blood cells, designated as + and -. Individuals who have the Rh antigen are Rh-positive (e.g., A+, B+, AB+, O+), while those who do not have it are Rh-negative (e.g., A-, B-, AB-, O-).

Understanding blood groups is crucial for ensuring the safety of blood transfusions, as mismatched transfusions can lead to serious complications. For example, a person with type A blood should not receive type B blood, as the B antibodies in their plasma would attack the transfused red blood cells.

I have gained more knowledge and insight into how blood functions to support life and maintain balance and Homeostasis in the body, which I can use and apply as a Student Nursing Assistant.

The Cardiovascular system

We discussed that the Cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body. It is primarily responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. It comprises the Heart, blood vessels made up of arteries, veins and capillaries and blood.

The Heart is anatomically positioned in the Thoracic cavity, between the Lungs, slightly to the left. It is divided into four chambers, consisting of the right and left atrium and the right and left ventricles. The heart has four valves that control blood flow and prevent backflow: the Tricuspid, Pulmonary, Mitral, and Aortic valves. A muscular wall, known as the Septum, divides the heart to ensure that oxygenated and deoxygenated blood do not mix. The heart is composed of three layers: the Epicardium (outer layer), the Myocardium (middle layer), and the Endocardium (inner layer).

The arteries branch off from the aorta and supply blood to the heart muscle itself, ensuring that it receives the oxygen and nutrients necessary for effective function. The superior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body back to the heart. It is a crucial component of the cardiovascular system, playing a vital role in returning blood to the heart.

The pulmonary artery is responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. This is where the blood undergoes oxygenation, releasing carbon dioxide and absorbing oxygen through the process of gas exchange in the alveoli of the lungs. The inferior vena cava is a crucial vein in the body that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body to the right atrium of the heart. The pulmonary vein plays a vital role in transporting oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart and carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart. It is unique in that it carries oxygen-rich blood.

Arteries, veins, and capillaries each have unique structures suited to their specific functions in the circulatory system, contributing to the overall maintenance of homeostasis and the effective transport of blood throughout the body. The pulmonary and systemic systems interact through the heart’s dual pumping action, ensuring that oxygen is delivered to tissues while carbon dioxide and waste are removed.

I have learnt that understanding the importance of the circulatory system allows me to provide better care, monitor my patients effectively, and respond promptly to any signs of complications.

KSB

Fire Safety Training E learning

Today I completed E learning online for my Fire safety training, which consisted of multiple questions to pass mandatory knowledge of Fire safety within the work place. The learning allowed me to understand the risks associated with fires and how they can start. Enabling me to understand how to identify a fire and which equipment to use, and how to follow an evacuation plan. Fire legislation and safety protocols made me aware of my responsibilities and gave me compliance within my job role to be able to have knowledge and understanding of keeping everyone safe.

KSB

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

K2: Understand the demands of professional practice and demonstrate how to recognise signs of vulnerability in themselves or their colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health

K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice

K6: Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice

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

K30: Understand the principles of health and safety legislation and regulations and maintain safe work and care environments

K32: Understand what constitutes a near miss, a serious adverse event, a critical incident and a major incident

K33: Understand when to seek appropriate advice to manage a risk and avoid compromising quality of care and health outcomes

K34: Know and understand strategies to develop resilience in self and know how to seek support to help deal with uncertain situations

K35: Understand own role and the roles of all other staff at different levels of experience and seniority in the event of a major incident

K36: Understand the roles of the different providers of health and care

K41: Know the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of different members of the nursing and interdisciplinary team, and own role within it

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

S3: Recognise and report any factors that may adversely impact safe and effective care provision

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)

S11: Report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes

S25: Meet people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep

S33: Maintain safe work and care environments

S34: Act in line with local and national organisational frameworks, legislation and regulations to report risks, and implement actions as instructed, following up and escalating as required

S35: Accurately undertake risk assessments, using contemporary assessment tools

S36: Respond to and escalate potential hazards that may affect the safety of people

S37: Participate in data collection to support audit activity, and contribute to the implementation of quality improvement strategies

B1: Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences

B2: Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice

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

Safeguarding at work for patient

Today my Band 6 assisted me in completing a safeguarding for a vulnerable patient to the local councils Social services. There was a generic form to complete online, and with support, I was able to complete it with information collected from team members.

Completing the questions asked, gave me an insight into the importance of safeguarding and what to identify as abuse. Enabling me to be mindful of things that may not appear or seem harmful but can lead to hazards or risks that can be detrimental on the health and well-being of an individual. For example, hoarding evaluated at first sight may not be seen as abuse, but it can be a sign of neglect or self-neglect.

The safeguarding application gave me confidence in completing risk assessments for future cases. Ensuring I safeguard vulnerable adults at risk and understand how to identify and report abuse. Understand legislation, valid consent and confidentiality and when capacity may have an effect on the process of safeguarding.

Developing professional values and behaviour. Introduction to the NMC code the 6’cs.

Today we had a group discussion on the introduction of the NMC code and the six C ‘s in Nursing. The 6c’s are defined as values that are essential for a professional to give competent care. The knowledge, skills and behaviours I apply to the Nursing Associate student role contributes to the apprenticeship requirement to promote British values.

The NMC code is an ethical framework to promote and safeguard the health and well-being of the public. This should be adhered to by the Nursing Associate at all times, otherwise there could be consequences, if found non-compliant.

We worked in pairs to develop professional values and behaviour by asking each other our top five values and asking which values are important to us. What values would be important to a patient and are the groups answers similar and reflecting on if value’s change.

The group viewed a clip of a Hospital setting and we had to answer what went wrong. I learnt that although we are all from different backgrounds we had similar responses when it comes Nursing and the values the patient would find important. I was made aware that the Nursing associate role was introduced in 2018 and required the NMC to update the code. The Nursing Associate role is only available in England and not Scotland or Wales. This makes me reflect on how important it is to succeed at the apprenticeship, gain a pin and uphold the NMC code.

Introduction to cells systems and Homeostasis, and common terminology

We had a group review of the slides for the cells systems, Homeostasis and common terminology to ask any questions or concerns, we may have and reflect on what we had learnt.  I learnt that an extra pair of chromosomes is diagnosed as Downs syndrome. Reviewing the module in a group discussion has made me learn more and encouraged me to research and learn more to be able to succeed in the final exam.

KSB

• 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
• K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice
• K6: Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice
• K8: Understand how discriminatory behaviour is exhibited
• K10: Understand the principles of epidemiology, demography, and genomics and how these may influence health and well-being outcomes
• K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care
• K30: Understand the principles of health and safety legislation and regulations and maintain safe work and care environments
• 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
• 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
• S34: Act in line with local and national organisational frameworks, legislation and regulations to report risks, and implement actions as instructed, following up and escalating as required
• S43: Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services
• B1: Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences
• B2: Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice
• B3: Be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience and self-awareness

Tripartite meeting conversation

Today we had a group discussion on making arrangements to have my first Tripartite meeting with Colin and my line manager. Dates were given between the 7/10 and 28/10 and I will make arrangements for when is a convenient time for everyone to meet and discuss my progress.

The Respiratory System

I learnt about the respiratory system today and how it supports the circulatory system. This is done by breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide, it is a part of Homeostasis. The respiratory system is in the thoracic cavity and is made up of numerous structures from the tongue to the diaphragm. We learnt about the purpose of the upper and lower respiratory tract and its structure.

The function, structure and purpose of the Larynx and the Pharynx and that there is a nasal Pharynx, Laryngopharynx and the common Pharynx. I learnt about the purpose, structure and function of the trachea and lungs, learning that the right lung is bigger than the left lung due to the heart being situated on the left side of the chest. The left lung does not develop properly and has two lobes, whereas the right lung has three lobes.

Alveoli are the cells that allow gas exchange and diffusion, a person with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will have damaged Alveoli. We spoke about the terminology used and how to correlate them with the respiratory system. For example, a Bronch is related to the Bronchi and Bronchitis is inflammation of the Bronchi. By researching and learning it will allow me to gain knowledge and understanding of the body and how it functions. This will allow me to use my skills in everyday practice in my job role and be able to pick up on any symptoms related to illnesses of the respiratory system.

Introduction to Academic writing

We had a group discussion on how to write assignments and what is important to include and what is not required. I should apply the Blooms Taxonomy starting from the bottom tier, working up the tiers to achieve academic writing to meet the requirements of level four writing. We discussed paragraphs and how they should have a minimum of three sentences but ideally five sentences. We saw an example of an academic paper and discussed the mistakes made throughout the paper and how to rectify and write a competent assignment. I learnt it is important to apply the Gibbs cycle of Reflection to write the assignment, by applying the numerous stages to create it. It is important to plan, think and write an assignment by using different structures to facilitate this. Examples could be researching, analysing and evaluate structuring an argument. We discussed referencing briefly and I learnt that an assignment of 2000 words should have approximately twenty references and we should be adhering to the Harvard ten version. This information will be applied when writing my assignments to be able to pass.

KSB

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

K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice

K6: Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice

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

K18: Understand and apply the principles and processes for making reasonable adjustments

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

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

S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records

S3: Recognise and report any factors that may adversely impact safe and effective care provision

S4: Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills

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),

B1: Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences

B2: Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice

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

SWOT analysis and SMART objectives

Our discussion this morning was to inform us all on the importance of analysing and reflecting on objective and proactive, positive learning. Allowing me to reflect on outcomes to be able to work to my best potential and understand my personal weaknesses and improve. SMART objectives stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely.  This is a guide to enable people to reflect and accomplish their goals and aims.

• Specific – what you want to achieve.
• Measurable – Evaluate and record progress.
• Achievable – is it possible to do or achieve?
• Realistic – am I able to achieve this, is it a practical concept?
• Timely – Have I achieved my idea and reflect.

Applying this guide to my study allows me to learn, reflect and achieve my goal which will improve my knowledge, understanding and time management. At work this is applied in my personal development plan and is updated yearly.

Care delivery 1

The first session in the clinical simulation centre was to learn how to take a respiratory rate on a person and correctly use a pulse oximeter. Working in pairs, we took it in turns to count each other’s breaths in and out from the chest area for one minute. The normal range falls between 12 to 20 breaths a minute for a person. Anything below or above this, informs us there is potentially something wrong medically.  I learnt that the most important vital observation to take is the respiratory rate as it is an early indicator of up to 72 hours before there is deterioration in a person’s health. This enables me to be able

The pulse oximeter measures the person’s oxygen saturation’s observations through a sensor that detects red light and infrared light and enables accurate readings of the person’s oxygen levels in the blood. In pairs, we took it in turns to measure the other person’s observations by placing the pulse oximeter on each other’s finger. The normal range of oxygen saturation’s are 95% to 100% in a healthy person and below 95% can indicate that the person is Hypoxic. This informs us that the person’s oxygen levels are low in the blood. I learnt that a person can have normal levels of oxygen saturation readings and still have Hypoxemia. This allows me to be observant and mindful when taking vital observations and not just rely on a machine. A patient can be displaying signs physically of Hypoxemia by breathing harder as being one example. I learnt it is important to take a manual pulse and Colin showed us an accurate way of doing this by placing three fingers on the wrist bone and moving down into the dip of the wrist to locate the beating of the heart rate.

I documented our recordings on the News score chart and calculated both our News scores which were 0. This means that the person is low risk as their vitals are within the agreed range of normal.

KSB

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

K2: Understand the demands of professional practice and demonstrate how to recognise signs of vulnerability in themselves or their colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health

K3: Understand the professional responsibility to adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain the level of personal fitness and well-being required to meet people’s needs for mental and physical care

K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice

K6: Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice

K9: Understand the aims and principles of health promotion, protection and improvement and the prevention of ill health when engaging with people

K34: Know and understand strategies to develop resilience in self and know how to seek support to help deal with uncertain situations

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

S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records

S3: Recognise and report any factors that may adversely impact safe and effective care provision

S4: Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills

S24: Perform a range of nursing procedures and manage devices, to meet people’s need for safe, effective and person-centred care

S30: Recognise when a person’s condition has improved or deteriorated by undertaking health monitoring, interpreting, promptly responding, sharing findings and escalating as needed

S36: Respond to and escalate potential hazards that may affect the safety of people

B1: Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences

B2: Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice

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

Understanding Health and Illness across the lifespan

Today we had a discussion on Understanding health and illness across the lifespan and gained more knowledge and understanding on Cells, systems and Homeostasis.

Lecture – Cells, Systems and Homeostasis

The discussion was very informative on how the body is labelled using common terminology. Learning about the anatomical positioning of the human body and how the left on a person is my right and vice versa. We discussed body cavities and regions, learning that the abdominal cavity has four quadrants and nine regions. The body being made up of many regions that host organs learning, which cavity is superior to another cavity. For example, the thoracic cavity would be superior to the abdominal cavity as it is located above the abdomen and contains the heart and lungs. I would like to learn the common terminology and regions of the body and will do this by studying diagrams.

We learnt the characteristics of cells and how they work showing us the levels of organisation. Atoms consist in everything visual, touchable and edible this is known as matter. Many atoms make up a molecule, molecules make up cells, cells make up organs and organs are key to human life. It is important to give the organs the nutrients they require to live, enabling preservation of life. Electrolytes are vital components for body function, we learnt about their element, symbol and function. For example, sodium is the element and the symbol is Na, an example of its function could be crucial in allowing muscle contraction.

Lastly we learnt about homeostasis and that homeo means staying the same and stasis means standing still. This requires three structures to create an equilibrium in the body to allow normal function. Examples of homeostasis could be blood sugar levels, and body temperature.

I am going to learn more about this as it will enable me to gain knowledge and understanding to be able to pass the exam in February.

KSB

K10 Understand the principles of epidemiology, demography and genomics and how these may influence health and well-being outcomes

K11 Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes.

K15 Understand human development from conception to death, to enable delivery of person centred safe and effective care.

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

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.

B1 Treat people with dignity, respecting the individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences.

B2 Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice.

B3 Be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience and self-awareness.