Dated: 02/10/2024

Time: 09:30 – 04:30

Title: Blood/Cardiovascular System/Infection Control/Personal Hygiene/Moving and Handling

At the early hours of the day, we looked at blood and cardiovascular system, I learnt that the cardiovascular System comprises the hearts, blood vessels, and blood. The heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body and returns deoxygenated blood to the lungs. The main components of blood include red blood cells (which carries oxygen), white blood cells (which Fight infections), platelets (which helps in clotting), and plasma (which transports nutrients, waste products). The cardiovascular system’s primary function is to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and to remove waste products and regulates blood temperature. I also learnt about the different blood groups and different types of blood vessels which includes arteries, veins, capillaries and their roles in circulation.

This learning is crucial to my development because understanding the blood and cardiovascular system is essential to providing holistic patient care. And by understanding the fundamentals of how blood circulates and supports body functions I can better monitor patients.

Moving forward, I will continue to enhance my knowledge of the cardiovascular system by engaging in clinical practice and applying what I have learnt to real life scenarios. I will focus on developing practical skills such as measuring blood pressure, understanding electrocardiograms (ECGs).

At the later hours of the day, we all went into the clinical area, where I learnt about infection control, personal hygiene, moving and handling. These are essential practices in healthcare. Infection control are procedures used to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. It involves various measures aimed at minimising the risk of infections such as hand washing, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning and disinfection etc. Personal hygiene plays a crucial role in infection control and as Nursing Associates we are constantly exposed to various pathogens. Moving and handling involves supporting patients to move safely, weather from bed to chair, turning in beds, or assisting with walking.

Hand hygiene is essential in breaking the chain of infection and preventing the transmission of microorganisms. And I understand maintaining a patient’s dignity while providing personal care is as important as the task itself. The moving and handling experience taught me that improper technique can lead to injuries such as back pain for both the patient and myself. It is not all about physically assisting the patient but doing so in a way that ensures safety for everyone involved. I also realised how crucial communication is during these processes to maintain the patient’s comfort and cooperation.

Moving forward, I will ensure that I consistently follow strict infection control measures especially hand hygiene to protect patients and myself. In terms of personal hygiene, I will focus on providing care that respects the patient’s dignity while also preventing infections or other complications. And for moving and handling, I plan to continue practicing safe techniques and using equipments such as hoists, slide sheets where necessary. I will also seek additional training or guidance to refine my trainings ensuring that I can safely support patients without causing injury to them or myself.

KSBs addressed:

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

K30: Understand the principles of health and safety legislation and regulations and maintain safe work and care environments

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

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

Date: 25/09/2024

Time: 09:30 – 04:30

Title: Respiratory System/Introduction to academic writing

At the early hours of the day, we looked at the functions, key structures of the respiratory system, diffusion, process of gas exchange and the role of the respiratory system in homeostasis. The respiratory system is responsible for the process of gas exchange, enabling oxygen to enter the body and taking out carbon dioxide. Gas exchange is important because it maintains homeostasis by regulating blood levels necessary for circular respiration and ensuring the removal of carbon dioxide, a waste product.

The respiratory system consists of different structures which include:

Nose/Mouth: This is where air enters the respiratory system through these openings

Pharynx and Larynx: These passages direct air into the lungs

Trachea: A tube that spits into the two bronchi

Bronchi and Bronchioles: These branching tubes carry air into the lungs

Lungs: The main organs of the system where gas exchange takes place in tiny air sacs called alveoli

Diaphragm: A muscle that contracts to allow inhalation and relaxes to support exhalation

Diffusion

Diffusion is the movement of substance from an area of high of concentration to an area of low concentration. Diffusion Is essential for the survival of cells as it allows the transport of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.

Understanding the respiratory system is crucial because it directly impacts life sustaining processes and if any part of the system is compromised, it can lead to serious health issue

Moving forward, this will help me in clinical practice, to assess and monitor patient’s respiratory function, recognise normal and abnormal breathing patterns, detect signs of respiratory distress or failure. Knowing how respiratory system works I will be able to support emergency situations like choking.

At the later hours of the day, we looked at the academic writing skills, requirements for writing at level 4, stages for writing an assignment and importance of referencing. The essay writing skills includes planning, thinking, researching, writing, and editing. The stages of writing an assignment should include-

Introduction: This is the opening session that provides can context, establish the topic and engage the audience.

The body: This is the main session where i develop my arguments, present evidence with referencing and analyse the topic in detail.

Conclusion: This is the last section where I summarise the main points and reinforce my arguments without introducing any new ideas.

Action plan: This is the step taken to improve issues mentioned in the body of the essay

Referencing: This is acknowledging the sources of information, ideas that I have used in my writing.

Referencing allows readers to see the original sources I have used and follow up on them. It also improves my writing and help me learn more.

After learning about academic skills and referencing, in future assignments and projects I would prioritise accurate referencing to enhance my work’s credibility and integrity. I would also make referencing a habitual practice in my academic and professional writing to consistently supports my arguments and maintain ethical standards.

KSBs addressed

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

K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences 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

S30: Recognise when a person’s condition’s improved or deteriorated by undertaking health monitoring, interpreting, prompting responding, sharing findings, and escalating as needed

Date: 24/09/2024

Time: 09:30 – 04:30

Title: Developing Professional Values and Behaviour/Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, Systems, Cells, and Homeostasis

At the early hours of the day, we talked about the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code, purpose of the code, who the code is useful to and value. The NMC code was introduced in 2017 and updated in 2018 because of the Nursing Associate position. It outlines the professional standards that Nurses and Midwifery must adhere to in the Uk and Nursing Associate in England. They include:

1.        Prioritise People: Always put in the care of people first, treating them as individuals and respecting their dignity.

2.        Practise Effectively: Providing high quality care based on the best available evidence.

3.        Preserve Safety: Minimising risk, raising concerns, and protecting patients.

4.        Promote Professionalism and Trust: Maintaining the reputation of the profession and always act in a manner that reflects the integrity of the role.

The NMC code is useful to patients, registered professionals, employers, and educators. The importance of this code is that it reinforces the need to always take responsibility for safety, uphold professional standards, maintain competence, and prioritise patient wellbeing.

Moving forward, i will need to actively reflect on the principles and apply them in every patient interaction. This will ensure my care is patient centred, safe, effective, and professional. I will also lead by example in promoting professionalism and trust in my workplace.

We also talked about value which is the belief and principle that people consider important. It reflects on what we believe whether right or wrong. We were later paired in twos to discuss about the values we have and what values we have in common.

At the later hours of the day, we talked about body systems, types of cells, homeostasis, and characteristics of life.

Understanding how my body systems work together highlights the complexity of life and emphasises the importance of system integration and by studying cells, I gain insights into how life functions, the processes within the cells such as energy production. Homeostasis is essential for the survival of organisms because it keeps internal conditions within a range that is suitable for life. And these characteristics of life is necessary for survival.

After learning how my body works today, it encourages me to think about my lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise and how it can influence my body’s ability to maintain equilibrium. I also plan to apply this knowledge in practical scenarios.

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 mK16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care.

K7: Understand the importance of courage and transparency and apply the duty of candour

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

S1: Act in accordance with the code: professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements

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

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

S30: Recognise when a person’s condition’s improved or deteriorated by undertaking health monitoring, interpreting, prompting responding, sharing findings, and escalating as needed

S36: Respond to and escalate potential hazards that may affect the safety of people.

B1: Treat people with dignity respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy, and preferences

B2: Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice

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.