Category Archives: Reflections: Year 3

N3

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Medicines management is essential for patient safety, treatment efficacy, adherence, patient education, and continuous monitoring. It plays an important role in the healthcare system.

As a third-year student, I felt anxious about the thought of medication. I wanted to know the types of medication used in this particular ward( Dalby). I realised with pleasure the range of medications used such as blood thinner medication, tablets to reduce or control a patient’s cholesterol, tablets against seizure, and medicine to regulate blood glucose levels.

I was afraid to make mistakes and put the patient’s life at risk. However, after a few shifts, I started to practice confidently under supervision. I was able to explain the medication I was giving to the patient and its effect. I was able to prepare IV medication and explain the reason it was given. Also, I was able to document the types of medication, batch number, and expiration date. Ensuring patient safety was essential as it was necessary to apply the 7 patient’s rights which are rights ( patient, medication, dose, route, time, reason, documentation ) before administering it to them.

At the end of this placement, my Medicines management has improved and I feel this has helped me feel confident to work independently throughout the NHS in future

nurse3

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I worked at Dalby ward which is a dementia and delirium ward. Throughout my placement, preserving patient safety and their environment was essential. When I started my placement, it was challenging and I worried about patient overreactions. I learned that in this ward, I must be aware of various cognitive issues patients are facing as some can become verbally or physically aggressive. My duty was to ensure a safe environment for the patient, their family, and the whole staff. To preserve my patient’s safety, I had to ensure that the bed rails were always on; this would stop them from falling from the bed. I also ensured sharp staff such as needles were disposed of in the sharp bin.

During a shift, I was also able to raise concerns to the nurse in charge as when I was doing my routine check of EWS, I noticed a patient’s saturation had deteriorated.

Moreover, some shifts were more exhausting than others as some Dementia patients became agitated and walked around the ward. To avoid any incident I had to reassure and calm them down under supervision. I was always working within the limit of my competence as my supervisor and other staff nurses were always supportive. Working in this ward, I was always available to support any personal care or any other task.

In the end, this was a great experience in nursing as my patient’s safety was always prioritised and I gained more knowledge and skills during this placement.