Date: 23/20/2024
Time: 09:30 – 04:30
Title: Endocrine System / Introduction to Multi professional working
The endocrine system is a messenger system that has a network of glands which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstreams. These hormones regulate bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction. The glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, pancreas, adrenal, testes/ovaries. Hormones are critical for maintaining homeostasis, and imbalances can lead to various diseases like diabetes.
Understanding the endocrine system is crucial because hormonal imbalances can affect many patients especially those with diabetes or thyroid issues. for example, insulin produced by the pancreas plays a vital role in controlling blood sugar levels for patients with diabetes. Recognising symptoms of endocrine disorders like fatigue, weight changes or abnormal thirst enables early intervention and better patient outcomes.
Going forward, my goal as a nursing associate is to deepen my understanding of endocrine disorders and their management. I will also focus on building skills to monitor patient’s hormone levels such as glucose monitoring in diabetes and learn more about the medications used to treat these conditions. This will enhance my ability to provide effective care and support for patients.
At the later hours of the day, I learnt all about multi professional working. In multi professional working, healthcare professionals from various disciplines collaborate to provide patient care. For instance, in a hospital setting, nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, social workers, and pharmacists might work together on a patient’s care plan. One of the key benefits is improved patient outcomes. However, challenges such as communication barriers or role confusion might arise and so understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing teamwork skills.
Going forward, I plan to improve information sharing, communication skills and recognise how different team member’s contributions can enhance patient care.
KSBs addressed:
K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice
K26: Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld
K33: Understand how to seek appropriate advice to manage risks and avoid compromising quality of care and health outcomes
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
K42: Understand and apply the principles of human factors and environmental factors when working in teams
S21: Monitor the effectiveness of care in partnership with people, families and carers, documenting progress and reporting outcomes
S23: work in partnership with people, to encourage shared decision making, in order to support individuals, their families and carers to manage their own care when appropriate
S32: Work collaboratively and in partnership with professionals from different agencies in interdisciplinary teams
S40: Support and motivate other members of the care team and interact confidently with them