Apprenticeship Learning Log

Date of Learning: 04/10/24

Time: 13:30-16:30

Title of learning activity: Care delivery: Session 10: Nutritional Support and Artificial Feeding

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:

Apprenticeship Learning Log

Date of Learning: 28/02/2025

Time: 09:30-16:30

Title of learning activity: End Point Assessment Preparation

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)

What?

The lecture is about End Point Assessment (EPA) offered crucial insights into the completion of the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme and transitioning into a professional practice. Important topics included the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards, revalidation, necessary tasks for program completion and the transition into the workforce. Throughout the lecture, I acquired an understanding of the significance of maintaining a learning log, ensuring that hours are properly documented, completing the ePAD documentation and submitting a declaration affirming ‘Good Health and Good Character.’

Revalidation is a significant aspect which mandates the renewal of NMC registration every three years. This procedure includes the accumulation of clinical practice hours, continuing professional development (CPD), feedback collection, and the preparation of written reflections. The lecture also highlighted the critical components of the transition, such as the significance of preserving academic resources and regularly checking email updates to facilitate effective communication with the NMC.

So What?

The lecture made me realise the complexity of transitioning from student to a registered Nursing Associate. It underscored the important roles of organisation, accountability and self-reflection in achieving professional standards. I recognised that completing required task promptly would prevent unnecessary delays in registration. The revalidation discussion reinforced the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement, ensuring that I remain competent and up to date with best practices.

In evaluation my readiness, I identified areas for improvement where I could enhance my efficiency in managing documentation. While I have participated in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities and received feedback related to my practice, I had not consistently documented these experiences. This realisation prompted me to take a more proactive stance, ensuring that I fulfil all revalidation requirements without the pressure of last-minute preparations. Moreover, the session reinforced the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration and maintaining professional conduct. As I approach my registration as a Nursing Associate, it is important that I follow to the NMC Code, ensuring that my practice is safe, effective, and ethical. The guidance provided on the transition process also served as a reminder to actively pursue my registration and to notify my employer once the process is finalised.

Now what?

To ensure a smooth transition into professional practice, I have outlined the following action plan:

1. Complete required tasks: I will review my ePAD and learning log to ensure all hours are signed off and all documentation is complete before submission.

1. Organise revalidation documentation: I will establish an organised framework for documenting CPD activities, practice-related feedback, and reflective insights. I will also update my CPD log following each educational engagement
2. Strengthen self-reflection: Utilising the NMC reflective accounts form, I will systematically record my experiences and the feedback received to enhance my professional practice and prepare for initial revalidation.
3. Ensure professional registration preparedness: I will verify that my university has submitted my information to the NMC and will keep my contact information current. I will also notify my employer once my registration has been confirmed.
4. Commit on ongoing professional development: I will participate in study days, seek out learning opportunities, and solicit feedback from experienced colleagues to further enhance my professional competencies.

Apprenticeship Learning Log

Date of Learning: 13/09/2024

Time: 13:30-16:30

Title of learning activity: 13/09/2024 Delivering Quality Care through Evidence Based Practice: Session 3: Evidence based practice in healthcare and frameworks

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:

Learning outcomes:

1. Asking question about evidence-based practice
2. Understand what is evidence-based practice

What?

Session 3 focused on evidence-based practice (EBP) in healthcare, highlighting its significance in enhancing the quality of care. The session discussion detailed how the integration of research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide healthcare decisions. The session acknowledged the foundational work of Florence Nightingale, particularly her use of data to enhance hospital environment. Additionally, frameworks were presented to offer a systematic method for implementing EBP. The session also addressed obstacles to EBP adaptation, including limited resources, resistance to change, and the necessity of critical appraisal.

So what?

This session underscored the importance of EBP in ensuring high-quality, patient centred care. The focus on frameworks clarified how to systematic approach to integrating evidence into clinical practice, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practical application. The example set by Florence Nightingale motivated me to appreciate the value of observation, data collection, and critical thinking as vital competencies in my role as a Nursing Associate (NA). Reflecting on barriers such as limited resources and resistance to change enabled me to identify potential challenges in promoting EBP. Furthermore, its emphasised the importance of combining clinical judgement with evidence to meet the distinct needs of each patient.

Now what?

In the future, I aim to actively integrate EBP principles into my practice by consistently seeking and evaluating peer-reviewed research from resources such as systematic reviews and clinical guidelines. I intend to utilise frameworks to guide my problem-solving and decision-making processes. To address potential obstacles, I will commit to promote a culture that values EBP. Through these efforts, I aspire to enhance the provision of safe, effective and patient centred care, in alignment with the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Code (2018).

KSB addressed:

Apprenticeship Learning Log

Date of Learning: 11/10/2024

Time: 13:30-16:30

Title of learning activity: Care Delivery 2: Safe Medicate exam

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:

What?

I completed a Safe Medicate exam as part of my Nursing Associate training. The exam assessed my competency in medication calculations, including dosage and conversions, to ensure safe and accurate administration of medications. Although I had prepared by practising calculations and reviewing guidelines, I found some questions challenging due to time pressure and anxiety.

So what?

This experience highlighted the critical importance of accuracy in medication administration for patient safety. The areas I performed well in, such as basic dosage calculations, boosted my confidence, but the challenges I faced underscored the need for more practice. the exam also made me realise how anxiety can impact performance and decision-making, which is a potential risk in real clinical settings. Reflecting on this, I recognised that improving my mathematical skills and building confidence under pressure are essential for my role.

Now what?

To enhance my skills, I will dedicate more time to practising medication calculations, focusing on complex scenarios. I will use resources such as safe medicate practice modules and seek support from my colleagues for areas I find challenging. Additionally, I will explore stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, to reduce anxiety during exams and in clinical practice. by continuously reflecting on my progress and seeking feedback, I am to strengthen my medication administration skills, ensuring patient safety and meeting the standards required for my role as a Nursing Associate.

Apprenticeship Learning Log

Date of Learning: 29/11/2024

Time: 13:30-16:30

Title of learning activity: Delivering Quality Care through Evidence Based Practice: Session 8: Searching for relevant literature evidence

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:

What?

In this session, we learned how to find and evaluate information for academic clinical research. The lecture covered search strategies, source selection, evaluation techniques, and referencing. We explored Boolean searching (and, or, not) to refine searches, truncation and wildcards to broaden results, and google advanced search to locate credible sources. The session also explained the pros and cons of books, journals, and websites with an emphasis on peer-reviewed sources for reliability. We were introduced to the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) to assess the credibility of online resources. The session ended with a discussion on referencing and the importance of citing trustworthy sources.

So what?

This session highlighted the importance of evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing. As a Nursing Associate (NA), using credible and up to date sources is crucial for clinical decision-making and professional accountability. The CRAAP test ensures that research is reliable, unbiased and relevant to patient care. Learning about Boolean operators and database searching helped me understand how effective search strategies improve the quality of information gathered.

One key lesson was the need to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. The session showed that open-access sources like Wikipedia and AI- generated content may contain outdated or incorrect information. This is critical in nursing, where using non-peer-reviewed data can compromise patient safety and professional integrity.

I also realised the importance of proper referencing in avoiding plagiarism and maintaining academic integrity.  Referencing strengthens academic writing and reflects professionalism and adherence to NMC guidelines. Understanding how to structure citations ensures I can confidently use evidence-based arguments in my work.

However, finding reliable sources can be time-consuming. The large volume of information, along with paywalls and restrictive databases, makes accessing quality research difficult. This shows the need for efficient search techniques and strong evaluation skills to filter useful data quickly.

Now what?

To improve my research and information literacy skills, I will apply what I learned in my academic and clinical practice: Specific: Improve my ability to find and evaluate reliable sources by practicing Boolean searches and using the CRAAP test. Measurable: Conduct one structured literature search per week using library databases to improve research efficiency. Achievable: book a library session and attend referencing workshop to strengthen my searching and citation skills. Relevant: Developing research and referencing skills will enhance my academic writing and evidence-based practice. Time-bound: Implement these strategies over the next two months, tracking progress through self-reflection and feedback from academic mentors.

KSB addressed:

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: