Today’s sessions provided valuable insights and opportunities for academic and professional development. The morning began with a session led by Scott, focusing on exercise marking, which involved reviewing sample assignments. This activity was incredibly helpful in understanding the marking criteria and identifying key elements that contribute to a strong submission. Scott offered detailed clarifications and answered questions about the upcoming assignments, ensuring that we felt supported and confident in our approach. His guidance provided much-needed clarity on structuring arguments and referencing evidence effectively, which was particularly useful as I refine my current work.
In the afternoon, Lianne was joined by Orla as a guest speaker for the evidence-based module. The session centred around the principles of qualitative and quantitative research in evidence-based practice. We explored the differences in data collection and analysis for both methodologies, discussing their respective strengths and limitations in various healthcare contexts. The discussions were engaging and practical, emphasising how each approach can be applied to enhance patient care and inform decision-making in clinical settings. Orla provided a unique perspective, particularly on the nuances of qualitative data, sharing examples that highlighted the importance of capturing patient experiences and narratives.
Overall, the day was both enriching and productive. The combination of academic support in the morning and deep exploration of research methodologies in the afternoon strengthened my understanding of how evidence-based practice underpins quality care. I left feeling more prepared for my assignments and more equipped to critically appraise and apply research findings in my role as a Nursing Associate.
| 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 |
| K4 | Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice |
| 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 |
| 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 |