Date: 16/09/2025
Time: 09:30am – 04:30pm
Title: Introduction to the module 211 and 212, Level 5 Academic Writing Skills, Referencing, Plagiarism and Decision Making in Care for Nursing Associates
At the start of the class, the lecturer introduced us to the first module with a brief summary of both the formative and summative assessments. She also went on to discuss the expectations of academic writing at level 5 for Nursing associates. We were informed that writing should demonstrate critical analysis, evidence-based practice, paraphrasing, citation, correct referencing using the Harvard style and avoiding plagiarism.
The importance of this teaching is to advance my academic writing skills to meet the standards expected in professional practice. Writing at level 5, I am expected to analyse, evaluate, and apply knowledge to practice. This requires using evidence to support my ideas. Understanding these expectations is important not only to pass my assignments but also for developing into a competent Nursing Associate who can communicate effectively in clinical and academic settings.
Moving forward, I will improve my academic writing by practising critical analysis and making use of available resources such as online tools like referencing guides and feedback from mentors. I will also ensure that I plan and structure my assignments carefully, proofread my work and use evidence from credible sources to support my points.
During the afternoon, we talked about referencing, plagiarism and decision making in care. The teaching focused on the Harvard referencing style which we are expected to use and how to correctly cite sources in our academic work. We also explored what constitutes plagiarism, including directly copying and self-plagiarism.
The lecturer later introduced us to core elements of clinical decision-making, factors that affect decision making and challenges. We were asked to give scenarios where we made decisions in our place of work or placement considering patient safety and accountability.
Decision-making is not just about choosing the best option but weighing up risks, understanding the patient’s preferences and using evidence based. I am more aware of my role in contributing to decisions, even when working under supervision and how communication can help gather accurate information and reduce risks and errors.
Moving forward, I will continue developing my decision-making skills by actively reflecting on the choices I make at my place of work and during placements, asking for feedback, and studying relevant guidelines and policies. This will help me become more confident and competent in making patient-centred decisions as a Nursing Associate.
KSB addressed:
K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice
K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice
K33: Understand when to seek appropriate advice to manage a risk and avoid compromising quality of care and health outcomes
S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records
S11: Report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes
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