Student reflection on an episode of care
Within your reflection describe the episode of care and how you assessed, planned, delivered and evaluated person-centred care.
During my placement in Cedars ward I had the opportunity to work under a nurse supervision of my practice assessor.
During my medication rounds today that Cedars ward, I had the opportunity to work under the supervision of my practice assessor for 87 year old who had a fall and was admitted into hospital for treatment and rehabilitation. She was complaining of pain and I did assured her that her medication was due . Before the rounds I gained consent from the patient and also identified them by checking their names and date of birth and allergies before administering medication. I made sure she had water to her reach. I ensured I adhered to the “6R” guide lines and infection control guide lines f the trust.
I administered the medication as per the doctor’s recommendation.
This trust isn’t electronic and so most of the work are paper based. We had five patient in the bay and administering medication went on smoothly until the last patient I couldn’t check properly to see the drug charts were two and so after the first chart I needed to check the second one.
My assessor then prompted me to recheck the charts again to make sure everything was done properly and effectively. After administration I made sure that I have given and signed each medication and also prior to this I will explained to the patient what she is having and if there is anything that I should know.
What did you do well?
What I did well was during the rounds is that, I was able to communicate effectively with the patient. I also identify the patient, check the dose, time, route, any allergies the medication (expiring date and right dose). I act holistically by asking her if she will needs help to take the medication example half it for her to make it easier.
What would you have done differently?
What I will have done differently was to check the drug charts properly so see how many charts that I need to use before even administering the medication.
Additional, I will document this and was reflect on it so that in future this will not repeat again.
Additional she was constipated and so after given her medication, I encouraged her to drink plenty of fluids.
Describe how you have begun to work more independently in the provision of care and the decision making process.
During my placement whenever I had to administer medication to any patient I made sure if the patient is on level one fluid I will add fluid thicken to their water to enable them to swallow smoothly.
Furthermore I will ask them if I needed to half the medication and add yogurt if possible for them to be able to swallow. Finally make sure the patient is comfortable sitting or laying in where they are before moving away.
What learning from this episode of care could be transferred to other areas of practice?
Wherever, I go whether paper or electronic I should always check and recheck any medication before I administer to the patient and always remember the 6Rs.
Furthermore, always make sure all control drugs are signed or witness with two qualify nurse and also given any critical medication on time to prevent any further harm or deuteriation.