At the placement on Laurel Ward, there were many objectives to learn but my main were only few that I focused on:
-Firstly, I wanted to learn about sections that the Ward operates and what is the meaning behind them. I was able to learn about Section 2, Section 3, Section 17 leave and Section 37/41 and what they represent.
-I also was ablet to learn what is important and the main focus on building a Care Plans for the patients in Mental Health.
The main objectives that we focus on when building a care plans for mental health patients are:
1) Mental Health problem
2) Physical Health Problem
3) Safety and Risks
4) Recovery Goal 1
5) Recovery Goal 2
-I also was able to do the admissions and discharges and the list of things to adhere to when doing so.
-I also learn on what we focus on when Assessing Capacity (MCA)
- If the patient understand the information
- Weighing up- making decision
- Retaining Information
- Communicating back- repeating.
Skills
This time I would like to focus on Physical Observation Skills (Vital Signs) which is the National National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2), and paying attention to the physical appearance of the patient and the way they patient is presenting. NEWS2 is used to identify adult patients in risk of clinical deterioration. The are six components to this, and our focus as the health care professionals are to stay in range and anything that is not, should be followed up through. They are:
- Respiratory rate (RR) ( We aim for 12-20 BPM)
- Oxygen saturation (SpO2) (We aim for <95)
- Temperature (36.1-38)
- Systolic blood pressure (BP) (111-219)
- Heart rate (HR) (51-90)
- Level of consciousness (Alert) ,
Anything that is not in range, we add the scores and alert.
In my practise I was able to assess patients by the NEWS2 score and was able to act accordingly if anything was not in range and support the patients well-being.
Attitudes and values
The attitude I would like to mention here that in my opinion is one of the main objectives that stands out for me in Nursing is about Reflection. During this first year of my nursing studies, my first and second placement in the hospital I needed to reflect a lot on my work, on my personal life, my studies and my attitude in order to grow. I had to expand this attitude in order to be able to move on and succeed at my studies and progress in my learning. I needed to reflect on what works for me, what does not, what is important and what my priorities are. I also needed to reflect on how to behave professionally, how to communicate and how achieve the best results from my experiences in the hospital departments, community and my university and in my opinion that is the core for success.
The value that I believe is a core foundation in Nursing is Human Dignity. Human Dignity is about respecting every human being and treating them they best way possible. Every human deserve to be respected and treated fairly, without prejudice and personal bias. Its about giving individuals the freedoms to pursue their happiness and purpose and treating them in least restrictive manner.