Apprenticeship Learning Log

Date of Learning: 08/08/2024

Time: 13:30 to 16:30 (online session)

Title of learning activity: Leadership and Collaborative Working: Session 2: Professionalism and Accountability

Diary of Learning activity

(itemise learning activity and reflect on the main points of learning from each. You should identify for each entry the relevant KSB)

Reflection on Learning Activity (include model of reflection e.g. Driscoll or Gibbs):

Learning outcomes:

1. Reflect on the professional requirements of the nursing associate.
2. Demonstrate how nursing associates are accountable professionals
3. Consider how leadership is demonstrated in relation to professionalism and accountability

What?

During today’s session, we received our leadership module lecture online via Microsoft teams. The session was well-organised and ran smoothly, allowing us to meet our lecturer, who had previously taught us in another module. The morning session provided an overview of the module and a thorough explanation of the assessment, which focus on leadership skills, critical thinking, professionalism and accountability in the Nursing Associate role.

The module assignment is a reflective essay, requiring an understanding of leadership theories, their clinical application, and the development of a SMART action plan. In the afternoon session we participated in interactive group work, preparing a presentation on assigned topics. At the end of the session, we presented our work and provided peer feedback to each other, offering insights into our strengths and areas for improvement.

So what?

This session reinforced the importance of leadership in nursing practice, highlighting how critical thinking, professionalism and accountability impact patient care and team dynamics. Understanding leadership theories is essential for enhancing decision-making and guiding clinical practice. This discussion on reflective practice emphasised that critical reflection extends beyond summarising knowledge- it requires questioning how leadership theories apply to real-time nursing scenarios.

Through the group presentation, I recognised the value of collaboration and communication. We had to discuss ideas, delegate tasks, and present confidently, which enhanced teamwork skills. Additionally, receiving peer feedback was beneficial, as it provided different perspective on our presentation, helping me identify areas for improvement in communication and teamwork. However, I realised that effective leadership involves not only guiding others but also being open to feedback and adapting strategies accordingly.

Furthermore, I became aware o the challenges in group collaboration, such as differing opinions, time constrains, and balancing leadership with shared responsibilities. This experience highlighted the importance of active listening, adaptability and assertiveness in leadership roles.

Now what?

To develop my leadership skills, I will apply what I have learned in this session to clinical practices by using SMART action plan to stay focus and track my progress.

1. Specific: I will improve my understanding of leadership theories by reading relevant literature and attending leadership workshops.
2. Measurable: Each week, I will reflect on at least one leadership experience, noting how I applied leadership principles in practice.
3. Achievable: I will seek guidance from senior colleagues to gain insights into effective leadership strategies in clinical settings.
4. Relevant: developing leadership skills will enhance my decision—making, teamwork and accountability as a nursing associate.

1. Time-bound: over the next three months, I will evaluate my progress through self-reflection and feedback from colleagues.

KSB addressed: