During this placement period I was allocated to general practice where I happens to be the only student on placement that particular time for the practice.

I had to be allocated to work independently under my PA supervision and so on this particular day, I was allocated to work with one of the HCA during one of their vaccination clinics in the morning. We had this young patient that came in for her blood samples taken. After introducing ourselves and explaining the procedure to her I gained her consent. The HCA started to feel for her vein and she couldn’t find any and I stepped to take over and I then asked her to drink water. It was during this time that the patient fainted (syncope). The HCA was very confused at this point and I told her to calm and call for help while I check to see there was not any danger around. There was nothing around that could cause any further harm and that she was breathing properly when I checked her airway.

We then positioned her properly. My PA and all the other members of staff came in to support where we checked all her observations to see everything was good. She later informed us that she always had this whenever she is having her blood taken and that she is needle phobic and her veins are quite difficult to find. She always has it done in the hospital.

I discussed this with PA to provide some teaching sessions with the HCA on basic life support in which she agreed. I prepared some resources to enable me to support my presentation. I looked at each step of basic life support and explored the evidence base behind the steps. We went through each step and explored the rationale behind each and the significance of each step that can use to achieve care holistically. I also emphasized the importance to ask the patient about their previous experiences and whether they are needle phobic or not.

After this incident I was offered the opportunity to teach basic life support to a group of the nurses and HCAs during one of their clinical meetings. They asked questions related to basic life support in which I was able to answer and educate accordingly.

Select one or more themes: Prioritise people – Practise effectively – Preserve safety – Promote professionalism and trust.

During one of my clinical sessions under my practice assessor supervision, I had a young patient who came in for her blood test. I happen to be the clinician in charge of that clinic for the day.

Due to my previous experience of a young patient collapsing while having her blood test done, I reflected on how to prevent this from happening again.

I felt very calm and relax when the young patient came in. In order to promote professionalism and trust, I did introduce myself, confirm she is the right patient and gained her consent. In order to practice effectively I asked her about any allergies and she informed me that she was needle phobic and that she always collapsed whenever she is having a blood test. In order for me to preserve safety and practice effectively I I encourage her to lay on the bed for the test. I assured and encouraged her and talk her through out of the procedure and made her felt more relaxed and calmer.

After the procedure I offered her to lay down for some time and she informed me after a few minutes that she was feeling very dizzy.

I encouraged her to lay down and offered her water and also did observations on her to be assured that everything was normal with her before she left. Analytically, I decided to prioritise the patient and also act professional while maintaining patient safety by inquiring about her allergies, and talk her through before and after the procedure to ascertain patient was doing well and safe before leaving the clinic.

In conclusion I can confidently say I was able to preserve patient safety by prioritizing her due to her age and did practice effectively by caring for her holistically before and after to promote professionalism