Date of Learning: 05/07/2024
Time: 09:00-16:30
Title of learning activity: Long term MH conditions
Diary of Learning activity:
During Today’s session we had two guest lecturers. During the morning session we spent time with Heather, A mental health nurse which discussed long term mental health conditions. In detail she spoke about self-arm and suicide. In the afternoon we received the lecture from Martin Smith, still discussing the impact and the importance of recognising mental health issues at early stage in life. When talking about Self-Harm, we mean intentional injury to oneself, often as a coping mechanism for emotional distress. When we talk about Suicide, we referring to the act of intentionally causing own’s death. We looked into statistics and the prevalence rates, demographics and trend in self-harm and suicide. We discussed the contributing factors, these can be psychological, social, environmental and biological. We also discussed the importance of recognising early signs, and the way we can assess and support patients throughout this complex pathway. During today’s class I feel I have gained a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding self-harm and suicide. Realised the importance of a compassionate and non-judgmental approach when dealing with individuals in distress. I have Improved ability to recognise warning signs and confidently apply intervention strategies. Enhanced communication skills for discussing sensitive topics with at-risk individuals. I thoroughly enjoyed today’s session which has given me a wider understanding of complex long-term mental health comorbidities.
KSB addressed:
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| K17 | Understand commonly encountered mental, physical, behavioural and cognitive health conditions as applied to delivery of care |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| S14 | Promote preventive health behaviours and provide information to support people to make informed choices to improve their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing |
| 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 |