Dated: 09/10/2024

Time: 09:30 – 04:30

Title: Neurological System/Importance of Communication and Professional Value relating to Nursing Practice

The day started with learning about the neurological system, it’s functions, components of the nervous systems, structure and function of the brain and nerve cell. The neurological system sends messages from various parts of the body to the brain, and from the brain back out to the body, to tell the body what to do. It gives fast response. There are two components of nervous system, and they include:

Central Nervous System

The central nervous system acts as the control system. It consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain processes sensory inputs, initiates responses and stores memories. The spinal cord acts as a communication link between the brain and the rest of the body.

Peripheral Nervous System

The peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves that carry messages to and from the central nervous system. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves.

1.    Sensory Nervous System (Afferent)- This goes from the point of action to the spine. It includes touch, nociception (pain), temperature and special senses.

2.    Motor Nervous System (Efferent)- This goes from the spine to the point of action.

• Somatic (Voluntary)- This controls voluntary movement such as skeletal muscles.
•  Autonomic (Involuntary)- This regulates involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

        ·      Sympathetic- This is responsible for fight or flight responses.

        ·      Parasympathetic- This is responsible for rest and digestion.

We also discussed about the different regions of the brain which include the cerebrum (thinking and memory) the cerebellum (coordination and balance) and the brainstem (heart rate and breathing).

The nervous system’s functioning is crucial for survival and well-being. Understanding it’s components and how they work together can help in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions. Understanding the structure and function of the brain is essential because it influences how we treat and manage patients, and it also helps in understanding patient’s behaviour, motor control, and cognitive functions which are critical when providing holistic care.

Going forward, I can apply this knowledge to improve patient outcomes by recognising early warning signs of nervous system issues to prompt timely interventions, educate patients on lifestyle changes to promote nervous system health like stress reduction or exercise for rehabilitation and assist in the management of neurological disorders.

At the later part of the day, we talked about the importance of communication and professional value relating to nursing practice, barriers of communication. Everyone had one or two things to say. Effective communication is important in nursing practise. Good communication ensures that patient’s needs are understood, treatment are properly explained, and any concerns or complications are addressed. However, there are barriers to effective communication such as language differences, environmental factors and emotional distress. These barriers can result in misunderstandings, errors in care and diminished patient satisfaction.

Communication is fundamental for building trust and rapport with patients. Understanding the barriers helps to develop strategies to overcome them, improving patient care and teamwork. For example, active listening, use of nonverbal clues, or providing translation services can mitigate communication issues.

To improve communication, it is essential i develop strong listening skills, be patient centred and adopt communication techniques based on individual needs. And reflecting on past communication challenges can help me learn and apply better strategies in future interactions.

KSBs addressed:

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

K20: Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met

K26: Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld

S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records

S7: Communicate effectively using a range of skills and strategies with colleagues and people at all stages of life and with the range of mental, physical, cognitive, and behavioural health challenges

S9: Develop, manage and maintain appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers and colleagues

S10: Provide, promotes, and where appropriate advocates for, non-discriminatory, person centred and sensitive care at all times, reflecting on people’s values and believes, diverse backgrounds, cultural characteristics, language requirements, needs and preferences, taking account of any need for adjustment

S18: Applying knowledge, communication and relationship management skills required to provide people, families and carers with accurate information that meets their needs before, during and after a range of interventions