Category Archives: Reflections: Year 1

Reflection on Dementia

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Reflective account: 24/04/2023
What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?  
During my placement at Staywell, I had the opportunity to interact with dementia patients, which presented a valuable practice-related experience. One specific interaction with a patient who initially seemed disoriented and disconnected from her surroundings stood out to me.
What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?  
Through this interaction, I learned the importance of building rapport and effective communication, especially when dealing with patients with dementia. Initiating a conversation and engaging the patient in a meaningful activity like painting her nails helped her become more relaxed and comfortable in my presence. I realised the significance of redirection and engagement techniques to improve the mood and well-being of patients with dementia. By asking the patient about her hobbies and interests, I was able to redirect her thoughts away from loneliness and create a positive atmosphere. I recognised the importance of active listening skills, including making eye contact and nodding, to show my genuine interest and engagement in the conversation. However, I also acknowledged the potential for improvement in using open-ended questions and visual aids to encourage more extensive communication.
How did you change or improve your practice as a result?  

 
As a result of this experience, I am more attentive to building rapport with patients with dementia by engaging in meaningful activities and showing genuine interest in their hobbies and interests. I plan to incorporate more open-ended questions and visual aids in my interactions with dementia patients to encourage them to share more about their experiences and emotions. I aim to continue refining my active listening skills and non-verbal communication techniques to create a more supportive and empathetic environment.
How is this relevant to the Code?  

Select one or more themes: Prioritise people – Practise effectively – Preserve safety – Promote professionalism and trust 
By learning effective communication techniques for patients with dementia, I prioritise their emotional well-being and enhance their quality of care. Overall, this experience was valuable in reinforcing the importance of building rapport and effective communication when caring for patients with dementia, aligning with the principles of the NMC Code, and enhancing my ability to provide compassionate and person-centered care.

 

Reflection on Suicide Awareness

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Reflective account: 21/04/2023
What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?  
During my placement at a GP, I encountered a patient suffering from depression and self-harm tendencies due to the loss of a family member. This experience highlighted my lack of familiarity with handling patients who self-harm and my uncertainties in approaching such a situation. Subsequently, I participated in the Professional Resilience Programme Training, which provided insights and practical strategies to support patients facing mental health challenges.
What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?  
Through the training, I learned the importance of active listening. This involves paying close attention to what the patient is saying, reflecting on their words, and asking open-ended questions. This approach helps in understanding the patient’s problems and providing support by validating their feelings and encouraging them to share more. I realised the significance of building rapport with patients. Establishing trust and developing positive relationships with patients can make them feel more comfortable sharing their feelings and concerns. This can be achieved through increased eye contact and the use of reassuring language. I learned the importance of self-care for healthcare professionals. While caring for patients is crucial, it is equally essential to take care of ourselves. Strategies like taking deep breaths to calm nerves or seeking advice from colleagues with more experience can help maintain our well-being.
How did you change or improve your practice as a result?  

 
As a result of this reflection and the training, I now approach patients who self-harm with more confidence, using active listening techniques to better understand their needs and concerns. I make a conscious effort to build rapport with patients by establishing trust and using empathetic language, thus encouraging open communication. I prioritise self-care to ensure that I am in the best mental and emotional state to provide effective care for patients facing mental health challenges.
How is this relevant to the Code?  

Select one or more themes: Prioritise people – Practise effectively – Preserve safety – Promote professionalism and trust 
By enhancing my ability to support patients with mental health challenges, I prioritise their well-being and provide patient-centered care. Overall, this reflection and training have equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to provide better care and support for patients facing mental health challenges, aligning with the NMC Code’s principles and enhancing my learning as a student nurse. 

 

Reflection on Autism

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Reflective account: 10/07/2023 – 14/07/2023 
What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?  
During my simulated placement week on autism, I engaged in a variety of learning activities and experiences aimed at expanding my knowledge and understanding of autism spectrum disorders. These activities included online sessions with healthcare professionals, service users, and carers, national mandatory online learning modules, independent-directed self-study, and role-playing exercises involving actors portraying autistic patients.
What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?  
Through my interactions with healthcare professionals, service users, and carers, I gained insights into the diverse challenges faced by individuals living with autism and their families. I learned about the importance of person-centered care and the need to understand and address the specific needs of autistic individuals. Completing the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disabilities and autism provided me with essential knowledge on how to support individuals with autism effectively. I learned about best practices and strategies for providing appropriate care and understanding the unique requirements of autistic individuals. My self-directed study activities, including exploring the National Autistic Society UK website, reading articles on social anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and watching documentaries like “Katie Price: Harvey and Me” and “Inside our Autistic Minds,” deepened my understanding of autism and its impact. These resources provided diverse perspectives and personal insights. The role-playing exercises allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. I learned the importance of patience, empathy, and effective communication when providing care to autistic individuals, particularly in situations where they may experience anxiety or discomfort.
How did you change or improve your practice as a result?  

 
As a result of these experiences, I developed a more person-centered approach to care, with a heightened awareness of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. I improved my communication skills, especially in situations where individuals with autism may have difficulty expressing themselves or may experience heightened anxiety. I became more proactive in seeking additional knowledge and resources to enhance my ability to provide effective care for autistic individuals.
How is this relevant to the Code?  

Select one or more themes: Prioritise people – Practise effectively – Preserve safety – Promote professionalism and trust 
By actively seeking additional knowledge and resources and applying them to my practice, I demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and trustworthiness in providing care for autistic individuals. Overall, this placement week has strengthened my dedication to person-centered care and has inspired me to continue learning and growing as a student nurse, especially in the context of caring for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

 

Reflection on Creative Therapy

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Reflective account: 03/07/2023 – 07/07/2023 
What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?  
During Creative Therapy Week, I participated in various CPD activities related to creative art therapies, including drama therapy, music therapy, art therapy, and dance movement therapy. These activities aimed to introduce and explore the potential benefits of creative therapies in promoting healing and well-being for patients.
What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?  
I learned that art therapy provides a valuable means for patients to express themselves and explore their emotions non-verbally. It fosters creativity and encourages individuals to communicate their thoughts and feelings through art. Additionally, I gained insights into the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for patients to freely express themselves through art. I discovered that drama therapy can facilitate personal growth, self-awareness, and the development of coping strategies. It allows patients to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences through role-playing and creative storytelling. Furthermore, I realised that drama therapy is particularly effective for patients who struggle with verbal communication. My experience with music therapy helped me learn its potential in managing anxiety, reducing pain perception, and improving overall well-being. I recognised the therapeutic value of using music to help patients express themselves and promote relaxation. I learned about the importance of creating a non-judgmental space for patients to express themselves physically and explore the mind-body connection. During dance movement therapy, I have learnt that it can aid in emotional release, enhance body awareness, and promote self-acceptance.
How did you change or improve your practice as a result?  

I plan to incorporate art therapy techniques to encourage patients to express their emotions through creative means. This aligns with the NMC’s code by prioritising patients’ ability to express themselves through non-verbal communication and creating a safe environment for them. I intend to use drama therapy techniques like storytelling and role-playing to encourage communication with patients, especially those who struggle to verbally express themselves. This supports the NMC’s code by preserving safety and promoting professionalism and trust through a judgment-free environment. I will utilise music therapy techniques to help patients manage anxiety, reduce pain perception, and enhance their overall well-being. This aligns with the NMC’s code by practicing effectively and meeting individual needs. I plan to incorporate elements of dance movement therapy into my care, promoting physical activity as a means of enhancing well-being and self-expression. This supports the NMC’s code by prioritising patients’ holistic needs and encouraging self-expression through movement. 
 
How is this relevant to the Code?  

Select one or more themes: Prioritise people – Practise effectively – Preserve safety – Promote professionalism and trust 
By using creative therapies, this has allowed me to practice effectively by applying different approaches to meet individual patients’ needs.

 

 

Reflective on Midwifery and Domestic Violence

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Reflective account: 26/06/2023 – 30/06/2023 
What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?  
The CPD activity involved a simulated placement in midwifery where I had the opportunity to explore various topics, including infant feeding, sepsis, and domestic violence and abuse against pregnant women. One significant experience during this placement was observing a roleplay scenario involving a pregnant woman facing abuse by her partner. This scenario allowed me to witness the dynamics of domestic violence and abuse in a healthcare setting.

 
What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?  
From this CPD activity, I gained valuable insights into several areas:

  • I learned to recognise signs of domestic violence and abuse, such as visible injuries, fearful behavior, and controlling partners.
  • I understood the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for pregnant women who have experienced abuse, fostering empathy and open communication.
  • I acquired knowledge about sepsis symptoms and the significance of early recognition, which can improve a patient’s chances of survival.
  • I enhanced my teamwork and critical thinking skills through a group game related to sepsis.
  • I gained knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding, breast milk composition, and proper breastfeeding techniques.
How did you change or improve your practice as a result?  

 
As a result of these experiences, I made several changes and improvements to my practice as a student nurse:

  • I am now more attentive to recognising signs of domestic violence and abuse in pregnant women and strive to provide them with the support and resources they need.
  • I will approach pregnant women who may have experienced abuse with greater empathy and sensitivity, creating a safe environment for them to share their concerns.
  • I prioritise the early recognition of sepsis symptoms and collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals to address this life-threatening condition promptly.
  • I will apply the knowledge I gained about infant feeding and breastfeeding techniques when advising and educating new parents, ensuring the safety and well-being of both infants and mothers.
How is this relevant to the Code?  

Select one or more themes: Prioritise people – Practise effectively – Preserve safety – Promote professionalism and trust 
Prioritise people: I prioritise the well-being and safety of pregnant women and infants by recognising and addressing issues like domestic violence, sepsis, and safe feeding practices.