REFLECTION YEAR 2 THEATRES
Knowledge
I have managed to learn and practice the importance of confidentiality in accordance with the NMC code while on my placement on Alexandra ward. I have understood the importance of being non-judgmental, respectful and courteous at all times when interacting with patients, service users and all colleagues as well as maintaining the person’s privacy and dignity by seeking consent prior to care and observations during patients elective surgery. The day consists of medication management specifically towards post-operative care patients. We mainly focus on pain management, nausea management, and any relevant personal care as well as taking observations and other monitoring such as fluid balance and bowel management. For example, if a patient has a colorectal surgery, they have regular checks, as well as wound care/dressing changes and documentation. I have gained more knowledge on medication management as I have done a number of drug rounds and IV preparations under supervision of my practice supervisor. I have gained knowledge by observing my mentor practice good wound care management on post operative patients.
Each day is different and you are faced with a wide variety of patients, personalities, and problems. Having the same patients gives a lot of time to get to know them, and eventually i have mastered the art of small talk. As a student on a surgical placement, I have the opportunity to not only spend time with patients and the nurse, but to watch surgeries, small procedures, and scans. This has been fascinating and a completely new experience. I have been able to see someone have a closure of an ileostomy procedure as this was the first time observing an operation. This is something I will never forget. The most rewarding part is going home knowing I have made a difference to a patient’s day, even if it’s only small, those days are the most special.
Skills
I have been given the opportunity to work and study on (AOD) Admission on the day Ward whereby I developed skills based on patient interaction with inpatients being admitted for their elective surgery for the day. I have managed to enhance my skills and knowledge when it comes to medication drug rounds. I have practiced the five rights of medications under supervision and I have been given the opportunity to learn IV preparations. I have prepared IV antibiotics such as Amoxiclav and I have practiced and developed my knowledge more on subcutaneous injection techniques(Fragmin).
I have practiced to take care of patients with nasal gastric tubes(aspiration purpose).I have enhanced my learning on how to use the bladder scanner for measuring residual volume of urine. I have continued to practice being able to practice basic drug calculations. I have observed ECG’s and practiced with my supervisor. Able to understand the preoperative preparation of the patient( Pre-op checklist, Pregnancy test,TED stocking)
Attitudes and values
On my first day of placement at Alex ward I was really nervous but a bit more slightly confident due to the fact that I was in my second year of placement and I had gained a bit more experience based on my first year in placement. The first week I was quite overwhelmed with trying to learn the day to day routines of the ward, whilst trying to learn and understand the new terminologies I had to adapt to based on the fact it was a surgical ward. After the week went by I no longer felt what I felt on the first day. I had eventually adapted to my new surroundings, I felt like I was fitting in to the team and I felt more inclined to learn all the different procedures and values they shared with their patients and amongst each other as colleagues. I have utilized my free time to start revising and doing some research on the common problems faced by the ward so I could have better knowledge and understanding when I am on the ward with my patients as well communicating with the healthcare team.
I really value the experience I have been gaining on my placement at Alex ward. It has enabled me to think about the emotional , mental and physical aspects a patient has to face before and after surgery. I have a positive attitude on the ward I have been placed on, and I have grown to love the place whilst still being able to understand that I have to put myself out there in order to experience the opportunities that have been set before me. I have also managed to learn and practice how to communicate effectively with my patients as well as my team. I have observed during my placement that I have acquired a professional attitude toward my learning and I am able to follow the trust policies of the hospital inline with that of the University. I have observed all the rules and regulations and have managed to maintain safe practice throughout the first half my placement and when I was uncertain I asked for help and guidance from my supervisor. I even had a meeting with my link lecturer and she has reassured that everything is going to be okay and if I was ever in a difficult situation or if I was having problems at placement she would be there to assist me and advise me.