Date of Learning Log: 08/08/2024
Time: 09:30-16:00
Learning Activity: Module Introduction and Reflecting Critically.
From today’s session, the module and assessment were introduced. In this session, I participated in understanding the purpose of the module and the assignment brief, demonstrating the ability to use reflection as a tool, demonstrating the use of reflective models and critically reflecting upon learning to date. I was also introduced to padlet which will be used during the sessions to reflect on the takeaways of the lessons.
Self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth and development that can help people gain self-awareness and understand their identity. Here are some ways to demonstrate the ability to use reflection as a tool for self-development:
- Ask open-ended questions: Prompt self-reflection by asking questions like, “What could I have done differently today?”
- Journal: Express your thoughts and responses to questions through journaling.
- Practice gratitude: Take time to review what you’re thankful for.
- Meditate: Use meditation to practice self-reflection.
- Take a walk: Reflect on your thoughts and experiences while taking a walk.
- Spend time alone: Practicing self-reflection can be done by spending time alone.
- Talk with friends: Engage in conversations with friends to practice self-reflection.
- Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine for self-reflection.
- Practice creative expression: Use creative expression to practice self-reflection.
Self-reflection can benefit many aspects of life, including relationships, parenting, and professional development.
Reflecting on your actions helps you develop your skills and assess their effectiveness, rather than just continuing to do things the same way. It involves positively questioning what you do and why you do it, and then deciding if there’s a better or more efficient way to do it in the future. One notable process for reflective practice is Gibbs’ reflective cycle, which involves describing what happened, considering your feelings and thoughts during the experience, evaluating what was good or bad about it, and analysing what else you can make of the situation.
Critical reflection is a process of reasoning to make sense of an experience. It involves being descriptive, analytical, and critical and can be expressed in various forms, such as in writing, orally, or through artistic means.
The session emphasises the importance of self-reflection for personal growth and development. It introduces various ways to demonstrate the ability to use reflection as a tool, such as asking open-ended questions, journaling, practising gratitude, and engaging in mindfulness. Reflective practice, including using Gibbs’ reflective cycle and critical reflection, is also highlighted as an essential process for making sense of experiences and promoting self-awareness.
Learning Activity 2: Professionalism and Accountability
I gained valuable insights into the crucial aspects of leadership, professionalism, and accountability in the nursing field. Effective leadership involves setting a positive example, serving as a role model, and exhibiting strong communication skills. Additionally, the importance of fostering a culture of teamwork, honesty, care, and respect for patients and colleagues was highlighted. Furthermore, the session underscored the significance of maintaining professionalism and adhering to the scope of practice, as every action taken carries a weight of accountability.
During this session, we were split into groups and given a topic. My team created a PowerPoint presentation on our topic, ‘The NMC code’. The task included reflecting on the professional requirements of nursing associates, in which we demonstrated how NAs are accountable professionals. We also discussed how leadership relates to professionalism and accountability.
A nursing associate is a crucial member of the healthcare team, responsible for providing high-quality, person-centred care within specific practice guidelines. They must possess a comprehensive understanding of medical knowledge and practical skills to ensure the safety and well-being of their patients. Working closely with registered nurses, nursing associates play a vital role in monitoring and assessing patient care, maintaining accurate records, and communicating effectively with other healthcare professionals.
In addition to their clinical responsibilities, nursing associates are expected to prioritize the promotion of health and well-being, as well as the prevention of illness, across a variety of healthcare settings. This may include collaborating with patients, their families, and the broader community to educate and advocate for healthy lifestyle choices.
Furthermore, nursing associates are tasked with upholding the ethical and legal frameworks within their practice scope, ensuring that patient dignity is always maintained. They must demonstrate a deep commitment to professional conduct, confidentiality, and respect for individual rights while delivering care. Adhering to these standards is essential for building trust and maintaining the integrity of the healthcare profession.
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 |
| K2 | Understand the demands of professional practice and demonstrate how to recognise signs of vulnerability in themselves or their colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health |
| K4 | Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice |
| K5 | Understand the meaning of resilience and emotional intelligence, and their influence on an individual’s ability to provide care |
| 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 |
| K11 | Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes |
| K12 | Understand the importance of early years and childhood experiences and the possible impact on life choices, mental, physical and behavioural health and well-being |
| K13 | Understand the contribution of social influences, health literacy, individual circumstances, behaviours and lifestyle choices to mental, physical and behavioural health outcomes |
| K18 | Understand and apply the principles and processes for making reasonable adjustments |
| K19 | Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice |
| K20 | Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met |
| K26 | Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld |
| K27 | Understand the principles of safe and effective administration and optimisation of medicines in accordance with local and national policies |
| K28 | Understand the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivity, side effects, contraindications and adverse reactions |
| K29 | Understand the different ways by which medicines can be prescribed |
| K30 | Understand the principles of health and safety legislation and regulations and maintain safe work and care environments |
| K31 | Understand how inadequate staffing levels impact on the ability to provide safe care and escalate concerns appropriately |
| K32 | Understand what constitutes a near miss, a serious adverse event, a critical incident and a major incident |
| K33 | Understand when to seek appropriate advice to manage a risk and avoid compromising quality of care and health outcomes |
| K34 | Know and understand strategies to develop resilience in self and know how to seek support to help deal with uncertain situations |
| K36 | Understand the roles of the different providers of health and care |
| K37 | Understand the challenges of providing safe nursing care for people with complex co-morbidities and complex care needs |
| K38 | Understand the complexities of providing mental, cognitive, behavioural and physical care needs across a wide range of integrated care settings |
| K40 | Understand own role and contribution when involved in the care of a person who is undergoing discharge or a transition of care between professionals, settings or services |
| K41 | Know the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of different members of the nursing and interdisciplinary team, and own role within it |
| K42 | Understand and apply the principles of human factors and environmental factors when working in teams |
| 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 |
| S5 | Safely demonstrate evidence-based practice in all skills and procedures required for entry to the register: Standards of proficiency for nursing associates Annex A & B (NMC 2018) |
| 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 |
| S38 | Prioritise and manage own workload, and recognise where elements of care can safely be delegated to other colleagues, carers and family members |
| S43 | Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services |
Behaviour
| 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 |