REFLECTION ON SECOND PLACEMENT ON DAY CASE WARD

This placement has been very insightful and has increased my knowledge on admitting patients to ward, through to theatre and then to ward and discharge. I’ve had the opportunity to follow a patient’s journey from admission to theatre, to recovery, back to ward and discharge. Working on the day case ward has broadened my understanding of how person-centred nursing care is provided to patients before they are discharged ensuring patient safety.

It is very important to ask for the patient’s consent before starting the admission. I asked the patient to confirm the name and date of birth and any other important medical information that is required during the admission. I washed my hands between patients and clean the equipment used for each patient effectively. If there are any abnormalities in the observations of the patient I report it to the supervisor for immediate action. When the patient is ready to go for the operation we inform them to change into the surgical gown, I pull the curtains round to maintain the dignity and privacy of the patient. Furthermore, if a patient has dental surgery, I have learnt not to give them hot drinks post op to preserve their safety as it can cause bleeding after their surgery. I have observed different types of surgeries being carried out in theatre and understands how significant it is to maintain sterility in the theatre. In addition, the patient can go home when all the observations are in normal range and the discharge criteria are met.

I had the opportunity to admit patients when they come to the day case unit for surgery under the supervision of staff nurse. I now feel confident carrying out observations on patients which includes taking their blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, pulse rate, temperature etc., and I can now take prompt decisions about changing the cuff if it is not the appropriate size so that it does  not distort the reading. I have understood the skills of using the NEWS chart and evaluating the NEWS score. Moreover, it is essential to make sure that the patients has any allergies which can be noted down on the red allergy band. I have been able to take handovers and repeat observations on patients after their surgery.  I have also gained knowledge about what can be given to a patient to eat or drink when they return from the theatre. We offer patients drinks and food after their surgery because GA patients are normally nil by mouth before their procedure, to avoid dehydration and weakness before their discharge. I have observed how to discharge patient, advise patients on what to do, or who to call when advise needed, and also how they can administer their TTO’s.

SKILLS

I have developed better communication skills with patients and staff members. I understand the importance of taking consent before offering support to the patient. I now feel confident in observations and evaluating the NEWS score. I realize how nurses work professionally following the NMC code which I have also learnt a lot whilst observing their interaction with patients and the care they provide. I have always been punctual to placement which demonstrates professionalism and time management. I have built positive relationship with members of multidisciplinary team. I am keen to learn any news skills that will help and promote my learning career as a student nurse.

My confidence at this point is better than my first day at placement. Day case Unit staff and my practice assessor has really laid a good and strong foundation in my career which will lead me to my next placement.