Date of Learning: 09/06/2023
Time: 09:30-16:30
Learning activity 1: Critical Thinking
The aim of this learning log is to reflect on an episode of learning from my developing professionals and academic skills module. In this session I was introduced to the concept of critical thinking for nursing associates. The learning outcomes from this session are to review what we already know as learners, to consider how to develop and enhance our critical thinking skills and how we can use critical thinking in academic work.
Critical thinking is proactively examining ideas and exploring all sides of arguments, its being objective and open minded against what you know. Bloom’s taxonomy of critical thinking was discussed and how the hierarchy model shows different levels of thinking. In this class, each learner participated on different topics we can critically think of. We identified key skill to critical thinking which are seeking information, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, and explanation.
In this episode of learning, I learned that critical skills can be developed. The class delivered strategies that can help me improve my critical thinking skills. We were also provided a practical toolkit which will help build independent learning skills, become critical and reflective thinker, and excel with academic studies. I was surprised that the course convenor reminded each student that we are already using our critical thinking in our professional practice. It is important to critical think for me a nursing associate learner to avoid assumption, give evidence-based advice, to accurately assess health and when problem solving or decision making occurs. It was helpful to know that the University provides services in which they help and support students with academic skills.
Learning activity 2: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity
In this learning log I will be reflecting on an episode of learning in which we covered topics of equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI). The learning outcomes of this episode of learning is to refresh what we already know and to explore the concept of each topic. The Equality Act (2010) was also discussed and how we can apply the concept of EDI in nursing.
The class started by defining what ‘Equality’ means. Equality is not about treating everyone the same but fairly in which we meet individuals’ needs appropriately. It is about having the same chances and having equal opportunities. Diversity is recognising and celebrating individuals’ differences. It is about treating individuals’ values, beliefs, cultures, lifestyles with respect. Good equality and diversity practices ensure that people get the dignity and respect they deserve. Inclusivity links with diversity and equality, in healthcare socially excluded people can access and benefit from the service they need. Everyone is unique, it is important that everyone is included and treated equally and fairly.
At my practice workplace, discussion and learning about equality, diversity and inclusivity is a must. There is a legislation which emphasis this and it was also introduced in this module session. The UK’s Equality Act (2010) is an important legislation in which I should be familiar with as a nursing associate. It is used to protect characteristics and how everyone should be treated fairly. It is based on people’s age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The legal framework protects individual’s rights and provides equal opportunities to everyone. The legislation reduces discrimination towards people with established characteristics.
Equality, diversity, and inclusivity is an integral part of my service as a healthcare worker. It provides equal opportunities regardless of their background, abilities, or lifestyle. Promoting EDI can meet individuals’ satisfaction within the service and that they get the dignity and respect they deserve. Inclusion is ensuring that people in the society is included and that I can maintain relationship to avoid social exclusion or social isolation. This module session has reminded me of how important equality, diversity, and inclusivity are within care settings.
KSB ADDRESSED:
Knowledge:
| K1 | Understand the code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives 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 well-being required to meet people’s needs for mental and physical care |
| K4 | Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice |
| K6 | Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice |
| K7 | Understand the importance of courage and transparency and apply the Duty of Candour |
| K8 | Understand how discriminatory behaviour is exhibited |
| K9 | Understand the aims and principles of health promotion, protection and improvement and the prevention of ill health when engaging with people |
| K11 | Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes |
| 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 |
| K39 | Understand the principles and processes involved in supporting people and families with a range of care needs to maintain optimal independence and avoid unnecessary interventions and disruptions to their lives |
| K43 | Understand the influence of policy and political drivers that impact health and care provision |
Skills:
| 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 |
| S2 | Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records |
| S3 | Recognise and report any factors that may adversely impact safe and effective care provision |
| S4 | Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills |
| S6 | Act as an ambassador for their profession and promote public confidence in health and care services |
| 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 behavioural health challenges |
| S8 | Recognise signs of vulnerability in self or colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health |
| S9 | Develop, manage and maintain appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers and colleagues |
| S10 | Provide, promote, and where appropriate advocate for, non-discriminatory, person-centred and sensitive care at all times, reflecting on people’s values and beliefs, diverse backgrounds, cultural characteristics, language requirements, needs and preferences, taking account of any need for adjustments |
| S11 | Report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes |
| S12 | Challenge or report discriminatory behaviour |
| S13 | Apply the aims and principles of health promotion, protection and improvement and the prevention of ill health when engaging with people |
| S18 | Apply knowledge, communication and relationship management skills required to provide people, families and carers with accurate information that meets their needs before, during and after a range of interventions |
| S22 | Take personal responsibility to ensure that relevant information is shared according to local policy and appropriate immediate action is taken to provide adequate safeguarding and that concerns are escalated |
| S23 | Work in partnership with people, to encourage shared decision making, in order to support individuals, their families and carers to manage their own care when appropriate |
| S24 | Perform a range of nursing procedures and manage devices, to meet people’s need for safe, effective and person-centred care |
| S25 | Meet people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep |
| S34 | Act in line with local and national organisational frameworks, legislation and regulations to report risks, and implement actions as instructed, following up and escalating as required |
| S42 | Support, supervise and act as a role model to nursing associate students, health care support workers and those new to care roles, review the quality of the care they provide, promoting reflection and providing constructive feedback |
Behaviours
| 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 |
| B3 | Be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience and self-awareness |