Dated: 20/09/2024

Time: 09:30 – 04:30

Title:  Uniform Ordering/SWOT Analysis and SMART Objectives/Introduction to the Module Care Delivery

Uniform Ordering

The day started with ordering of uniforms. A professional spoke to us virtually, giving us informations regarding the process of ordering, how a uniform should fit, when to receive the uniforms, filling of questionnaires and other items we would be getting. The student nursing associate uniform is important during placement because it ensures I present myself professionally in clinical environments and also help patient, staff and the public easily identify student nursing associate as healthcare professionals in training.

SWAT Analysis and SMART Objectives

A SWOT analysis is a strategic tool used to evaluate the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in personal, professional or organisational settings. We discussed about the different internal and external factors for each strategic tool. This SWOT analysis allowed me to reflect on my current position and readiness for future growth. After listening to this teaching I plan to actively work on addressing my weaknesses which is lack of confidence and also manage the standard threats by organising my time more effectively to undo workload pressures.

SMART Objectives are goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, attainable and time bound. It’s a useful guide for setting objectives especially for performance management and personal development. By setting smart objectives I can focus on specific actions that are both achievable and relevant to my professional development. Now that I have set my SMART objective I will follow through with my study plan and evaluate my progress weekly and if I notice that I am fully behind I can adjust the plan by allocating more time or seeking additional resources.

Introduction to the Module Care Delivery 

We discussed respiratory rate, pulse and oxygen saturation. Respiratory rate is the number of breaths a person can take per minute and the normal rate for a healthy person should be about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Pulse represents the heartbeats per minute. This is usually felt at points where an artery is close to the skin such as the wrist. Oxygen saturation(spo2) refers to the measurement of the amount of oxygen in the blood compared to the amount of oxygen- depleted hemoglobin. These vital signs provides important information about a person’s health.

Then we went into the clinical area to perform these observations. I believe I am able to carry out this observation properly now and I know failing to monitor these signs can lead to missed opportunities for timely intervention.

In future, I will apply this knowledge by being more proactive in monitoring oxygen saturation in patients, particularly those with respiratory or cardiac conditions. I would pay closer attention to factors that might affect pulse rate such as medications, emotional states.  I will focus on improving my skills in interpreting these vital signs and also i will practice recognising early warning signs of deterioration based on patterns in vital sign. Additionally, I will follow up on abnormal findings with appropriate actions such as reporting to a senior lead.

KSBs addressed:

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

S4: Take responsibility for continuous self reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills.

Date: 19/09/2024

Time: 09:30 – 04:30

Title: Tri-partite/Theory Hours Log Sheet/Library Tour/Introduction to the Module Developing Professional and Academic Skills for Nursing Associate

Developing Professional and Academic Skills for Nursing

Tri-partite Review Form

The day started with learning about tri-partite review. It is a form which involves three parties, the apprentice, the educator, and the employer. The purpose of this review is to ensure that the apprentice is making good progress against the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship and for the competence in their role.These meetings are done through a face to face or virtual and points made will be recorded on the tri-partite review form and thereafter all parties must sign.

Theory Hours Log Sheet

This is used to track and record the time spent learning theoretical concepts in a former educational or training setting. The log sheet helps track Progress towards required theory hours needed for programme completion. Accurate and detailed tracking is essential not only for my reflection but also for the institution’s monitoring of progress.

Introduction to Developing Professional and Academic Skills for Nursing Associates

Under this module I was told what would be taught on each day of the week and we had a run through on each of the topics. I learnt lesson outcomes are crucial, they clearly define what I am expected to know, understand or able to do after completing the lesson. They will  help me focus my efforts on what is important, allowing me to prioritise my studies.

Library Tour

I had a library tour with the group. This was a session for me to familiarise with the resources, facilities and services available in the library. I was shown where to locate books related to my course, printing services and how to access digital resources like e-books. The library tour was important because it’s provided insights into how to effectively use the resources available for academic success. I might have struggled to locate the necessary resources or being unaware of the various tools and services available to support my learning.

In future tri- partite meetings, I plan to be more proactive in discussing both successes and challenges I have faced during the course of this programme I will also ensure that I communicate any specific support I need from my educator or employer to bridge.

To improve my theory hours log sheet, I will commit to logging my hours immediately after completing each learning lesson. This will ensure accuracy and help me monitor my progress.

Going forward, I will make an habit of utilising the library more actively, especially the study space. I now plan to incorporate visits to the library into my study routine, taking advantage of the quiet areas.

KSBs addressed:

k4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence based practice

S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records

S4: Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills.

Date: 18/09/2024

Time: 09:30 – 04:30

Title: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology/Cells/Systems/Homeostasis

In this lesson session i was taught anatomical directional terms, structure and function of cells, the different systems, the hierarchy for the organisation of life, the concept of homeostasis and various medical terminology.

Anatomy – The study of the physical structures of the body such as bones, muscles, organs and  tissues.

Physiology – This is the study of how these structure functions, like how the heart pumps blood, how muscles contract.

Cells – These are the smallest units of life with specialised structures like nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes, organelles and cell membrane. The cell membrane plays a crucial role in maintaining the internal environment by controlling the passage of substances in and out of the cell.

Systems – This consists of a group of organs that work together to perform one or more functions.

Homeostasis – This is a process by which a living organism maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

Anterior(ventral) – This refers to front of the body.

Posterior(dorsal) – This refers to the back of the body.

Superior – Above or higher than another part of the body.

Inferior – Below or lower than another part of the body

Medial – Closer to the  midline of the body

Lateral – Further from the midline of the body

Proximal –  Closer to the point of attachment of a limb

Distal – Further from the point of attachment of a limb

Understanding the cells, how systems function, and the mechanisms of homeostasis is crucial for comprehending how living organisms survive, grow and adapt. The cells form the foundation of living tissues and organ systems ensure that the body’s necessary functions are carried efficiently. Homeostasis is essential for the survival of organisms because it keeps internal conditions within a range that is suitable for life.

Moving forward, I plan to delve deeper into understanding how different systems interact with one another to maintain homeostasis. I also aim to apply this knowledge in practical scenarios. By linking theoretical knowledge to real world medical cases, I will improve my diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills.

KSBs addressed

K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice  and behaviour for nurses, midwifes and nursing associates(NMC, 2018), and how to fulfill all registration requirements.

K3: Understand the professional responsibility to adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain the level of personal fitness and wellbeing required to meet people’s need for mental and physical care.

K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care.

K17: Understand commonly encountered mental, behavioural and cognitive health conditions as applied to delivery of care.

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

S4: Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills.

Date: 16/09/2024

Time: 09:30am – 4:30pm

Title: Introduction to the Programme/ Moodle and Eportfolios /Adult learning/ Time Management

Today was about  introductions, welcoming us to the nursing associate programme, the apprenticeship requirements and also completion of some forms. I was introduced to Moodle, Eportfolios, adult learning and time management.

Moodle is a learning management system used to manage, deliver and measure learning online. Questions were asked on how adult learning differs from that of a child and I gave my own input. Adult learning seeks out continuous learning based on personal interest, wants and needs. I learnt about the five (5) key assumption of adult learning theory or andragogy developed by Malcolm Knowles (1968). Time management tips were taught which included prioritising, setting goals, avoiding procrastination, making a to-do list and tracking your time.

As I look back to today’s Learning, I understand the importance of time management and how it will help me achieve more, make me feel less stressed and improve my performance. I will be able to manage my time between placement, school work and my job.

I am able to log into my Eportfolios which will help me reflect on my learning, develop my writing, track my progress, and display my accomplishments.

KSBs addressed

K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviou for nurses, midwifery and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfill all registration requirements.

K34: Know and understand strategies to develop resilience in self and know how to seek support to help deal with uncertain situations.

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwifery and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfill all registration requirements.

S4: Take responsibility for continuous self reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills.

S40: Support and motivate other members of the care team and interact confidently with them.

S43: Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services.

Date: 17/09/2024

Time: 09:30 – 04:30

Title: How to read a paper/Vark/Group work on Professionalism/Accountability/Codes of Nursing Midwifery Council

The day started with setting some ground rules of which everyone contributed each point, and we all agreed to uphold by it. And then we got a visit from two of our predecessors who came to speak to us about their experiences so far. Questions were asked and they both provided answers.

There was a group work of which the class was divided into three (3) groups of five (5) and each group was given one of the following topics to speak on; professionalism, accountability and the code of nursing and midwifery council (NMC). I was on the group that spoke on the code of nursing and midwifery council, and it was a success.

Reflection

This is thinking about the past and achieve better knowledge and understanding of my practise and also learning from my own experiences to improve the care I provide to patients. There are three (3) models of reflection which include Drisco (2007) Kolb (1984) Gibbs reflective cycle (1988).

Vark

This is a learning style questionnaire that shows the best study strategy.
Visual- Graph, Chats, diagrams, logos, memory maps.                                                       Aural- Listening to information, learning from listening to teachers speaking about a subject.                                                                                                                               Read/Write- Reading text dictionaries articles textbooks and outs.                         Kinaesthetic- Learning through movement and sensation in muscles and joints, learning using case studies, reality, concrete example.

I also learned how to read a paper from soler to surety. I understand that I have to begin with the abstract to give me a summary of the entire paper, helping me gauge its relevance to my research or interest. And then I read the conclusion which gives me the final insights and broader implications of the work.

I understand that Professionalism accountability and nursing and midwifery Council (NMC) are all interconnected and I need to familiarise myself with the nursing and midwifery council (NMC) code and as a student nursing associate the code the nursing and midwifery council (NMC) code Is not just is set of rules but a framework for developing my professional identity. I will also need to keep reflecting on my work and keep my Eportfolios up to date.

Reflection will help me Improve my work and practise, learn from my mistakes, improve assimilation, and recall ability, Help build stronger and more cohesive teams. I can use the Driscoll model of reflection to write my learning logs. Vark Model will help me understand my learning style and how to learn more effectively.

KSBs addressed

K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviou for nurses, midwifery and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfill all registration requirements.

K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice.

K34: Know and understand strategies to develop resilience in self and know how to seek support to help deal with uncertain situations.

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwifery and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfill all registration requirements.

S4: Take responsibility for continuous self reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills.

S40: Support and motivate other members of the care team and interact confidently with them.

S42: Understand and apply the principles of human factors  and environmental factors when working in teams.

S43: Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services.