During my placement, Fairfield 2 is a ward that treats and manages haematology and endocrine patients. The haematology and endocrinology doctor admits and treats patients with health conditions such as cancer, sickle cell, and anemia.

During my placement, I have bid by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code, “prioritising people” is fundamental to providing compassionate, person-centred care. I ensured that the needs, dignity, and well-being of patients were at the forefront of my practice. Prioritizing people encompasses not only clinical competence but also the ability to respect each patient’s values, preferences, ensuring they are treated as unique individuals rather than just cases or conditions. Also, I ensured continuous self-awareness and reflected on how my actions, attitudes, and decisions affect patients. For example, a bed-bound disabled patient on a PEG tube was admitted to the ward. Their only means of communication were body language and noise making. During personal care, I was courteous, gained consent and communicated throughout the time nursing care were given. Also, throughout the shift, I closely monitored the patient due to the lack of verbal communication. I ensured the patients were treated with respect, their rights were upheld, and no discriminatory attitudes and behaviours towards them.

I ensured to report any concerns to a staff member when appropriate and escalate as required as per trust policy, for example, during my fourth week, I was assigned to a bay with a nurse, during my observation round, one of the patient’s temperatures was 38.8OC and pulse rate was 125. I informed the nurse in charge. As the patient was already given tazocin less than 30mins before this change. Paracetamol was given, and I did an ECG on the patient while the nurse made a view call to inform the escalation doctor. The patient was assessed for urine output, and blood was taken to the lab, including a blood culture. After assessing the patient, the plan was to increase the patient’s antibiotics and check blood pressure hourly. In this case, the patient received the care needed without undue delay and I worked in partnership with other health professionals to deliver fundamental care effectively. Also, information was only shared with healthcare professionals involved in patient care.

During this placement, I ensured to gain consent for all nursing care given to the patients. I listened to what the patient had to say and responded to their preferences and concerns. For example, a disabled patient declined to be assisted with meals; a choice was offered but still declined. Soon after, the patient’s family came and assisted the patient in having all their meals. The patient relative explained to me that the patient sometimes skips meals

The NMC’s code prioritise people is at the heart of nursing and midwifery practice. It calls for a compassionate, patient-centred approach that upholds dignity, advocates for the vulnerable, and places the individual at the center of every decision. During this placement, I have reinforced my commitment to these values by advocating for patients and ensuring holistic care delivery.