Date: 20/08/2025

Time: 09:30am – 04:30pm

Title:  External Placement Evaluation/Preparation for Year 2

In class, everyone had an opportunity to give a brief reflection on their experiences from the concluded external placement focusing on both positive and negative aspects. I developed new clinical skills, gained confidence and felt supported by mentors. And even though there was always shortage of staff, I made every effort to do the best I could to support the team. Our lecturer also briefly discussed modules to expect in year two

This discussion allowed me to process and articulate my experiences. Hearing from my classmates helped me realised that some of the challenges I faced in my own placement area were a common part of placement experience.

Moving forward, I will prepare better for placements, not only technically but also emotionally. I will continue to seek feedback and communicate my needs more effectively.

KSB addressed:

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

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

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

Date: 02/07/2025

Time: 09:30am – 04:30pm

Title: Nutritional Support/Bowel Care

During the class we covered the various types of nutritional support such as enteral feeding via nasogastric or PEG tube, understanding the different screening tools such as BMI (Body and Mass Index), MUST (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool), importance of monitoring and recording dietary and fluid intake. In bowel care, I learnt how to assess bowel patterns, how to use Bristol Stool chart, the different types of stoma bag, identifying constipation or diarrhoea and the use of interventions such as laxatives or enemas safely.

This teaching is important in overall health and recovery. Poor nutrition can lead to complications such as delayed wound healing, pressure ulcers and increased risk of infection. Similarly, in bowel care, unmanaged constipation can lead to pain or even bowel obstruction. This aspect can be sensitive and embarrassing for patients and that is why communication, empathy and respect is needed when carrying out these tasks. I also had the opportunity to observe how nasogastric tube is inserted into the stomach via the nostril.

Moving forward, I will continue building my knowledge around nutritional assessments such as MUST score and how to use them. I will pay close attention to fluid intake, food chart and bowel chart on future placements. I will also continue practicing safe and hygienic techniques when assisting with feeding or bowel care, maintaining patient’s dignity.

KSB addressed:

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

K22: Know how to meet people’s needs related to nutrition, hydration, bladder and bowel health

K36: Understand the roles of the different providers of health and care

S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records

S25: Meet people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep

S26: Meet people’s needs related to nutrition, hydration, bladder and bowel health

Date: 25/06/2025

Time: 09:30am – 04:30pm

Title:  ANTT, Wound Assessment and Management

In class, we were taught ANTT (Aseptic Non-Touch Technique), wound assessment and management. The session covered the principles of maintaining asepsis during wound care, the importance of identifying different type of wounds, wound dressing and signs of infection. This was followed by a practical demonstration in the clinical area where the lecturer demonstrated the standard ANTT protocol which includes hand hygiene, use of sterile gloves, the correct procedures for wound cleansing, dressing application and documentation.

This session helped me understand why ANTT is important in wound care. It also showed me how lapses in technique can compromise patient safety, leading to increased infection risk. Communication and documentation are key elements of wound management and being able to accurately describe wound characteristics such as size, depth, exudate and signs of infection is essential.

Going forward, I will apply what I have learnt by being more cautious of aseptic technique in all clinical procedures, carry out thorough wound assessments using the TIMES (Tissue, Infection/Inflammation, Moisture, Edge, Surrounding skin) framework and document clearly and accurately. I will make sure to avoid unnecessary contacts and use sterile equipment appropriately. In future placements, I will observe and learn from experienced nurses, ask questions when unsure and review policies and guidelines on wound care regularly.

KSB addressed:

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

K21: Understand co-morbidities and the demands of meeting people’s holistic needs when prioritising care

K23: Know how to meet people’s needs related to mobility, hygiene, oral care, wound care and skin integrity

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

S27: Meet people’s needs related to mobility common hygiene, oral care, wound care and skin integrity

S17: Protect health through understanding and applying the principles of infection, prevention and control including communicable disease surveillance and

Date: 18/06/2025

Time: 09:30am – 04:30pm

Title:  Sexual Health and HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis PrEP

During the class, we looked at what sexual health is all about, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), how PrEP works, who is eligible for it and the four (4) groups who do not need PrEP.

This session deepened my understanding of sexual health, especially as it relates to HIV prevention. Before this session I had a little knowledge of PrEP but after this, I see how crucial health education is, in preventing disease and I am more aware of the barriers such as lack of awareness, stigma and accessibility that can prevent vulnerable populations from benefiting from PrEP. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a preventative treatment for individuals who are at risk of contracting HIV.

Moving forward, in my practice placements i aim to observe and learn from experienced colleagues about how they approach sexual health discussions and I hope to contribute to creating a healthcare environment where all patients feel comfortable seeking help and advice. When I decide to go towards this field, I will seek further training on sexual health literacy to ensure I can offer safe and non-stigmatising care.

KSB addressed:

K13: Understand the contribution of social influences, health literacy, individual circumstances, behaviours and lifestyle choices to mental, physical and behavioural health outcomes

K33: Understand when to seek appropriate advice to manage a risk and avoid compromising quality of care and health outcomes

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

S16: Promote health and prevent ill health by understanding the evidence base for immunisation, vaccination and herd immunity

S17: Protect health through understanding and applying the principles of infection, prevention and control including communicable disease surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship and resistance