Apprenticeship Learning Log

Date of Learning: 22.01.2025

Time: 0930 – 1630

Title of learning activity: Introduction to Pharmacology & Practice Skills

Diary of Learning activity

Today’s lecture is an Introduction to Pharmacology.

We learnt the differences between pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. We also learned how the body utilises drugs, processes them, and then eliminates them, explaining the “First Pass.” Most drug absorption occurs in the small intestine due to the Villi, which increases the surface area for maximum absorption. The flip side is how the drug affects the body and blocks pain stimuli in the case of analgesia. We also discussed the five rights: right person, right drug, right route, right time and right dose.

The afternoon was spent being taught how to insert a catheter in a male and female patient. Make sure you choose the correct catheter for the correct sex, i.e. Do not use a female catheter for a male patient, as it will not be long enough. We then spoke and demonstrated how to use a fluid balance chart, which was a new learning experience for me, having never done this before.

KSBs addressed:

K27: Understand the principles of safe and effective administration and optimisation of medicines in accordance with local and national policies

K28: Understand the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivity, side effects, contraindications and adverse reactions

K29: Understand the different ways by which medicines can be prescribed

K41: Know the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of different members of the nursing and interdisciplinary team, and own role within it

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

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

Apprenticeship Learning Log 15.1.25

Date of Learning: 13.11.2024

Time: 0930 – 1630

Title of learning activity: Preparation for Placement

Diary of Learning activity

E-pads – what are they, what do they do, how do we use them.

Today’s lecture instructed us on navigating the e-pad system so that we would be ready to start placement on 18.11.2025.

This was a vital lecture, as working around the e-pad was daunting. There was much information to digest in a session. I felt disadvantaged because my log-in was not working correctly; however, it was sorted by the end of the lecture, and I was able to gain access. I was also given a task list on day one: first, I had to smile, sort out my practice assessments, and try to schedule my ward induction and first placement interview. It seems scary, and I feel unprepared for this, but I am sure I am not the only one feeling this way.

I plan to spend the weekend going through the e-pad again and familiarising myself with its features, what forms must be completed, and when. Although there is the emotion of impending doom, there is also much excitement about experiencing nursing in a different capacity to which I am unaccustomed. Recognising the achievements I can gain over the next five weeks is an accomplishment. I shall use my previous lectures on communication to make myself more aware of my body language and how I come across to people, along with the anatomy and physiology that I have learnt, which will help me recognise and make sense of what I am doing and why I am doing it.

KSBs 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

K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice

K5: Understand the meaning of resilience and emotional intelligence, and their influence on an individual’s ability to provide care

K6: Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice

K7: Understand the importance of courage and transparency and apply the Duty of Candour

K10: Understand the principles of epidemiology, demography, and genomics and how these may influence health and well-being outcomes

K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

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

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

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

S32: Work collaboratively and in partnership with professionals from different agencies in interdisciplinary teams

S33: Maintain safe work and care environments

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

Date of Learning: 06.11.2024

Time: 0930 – 1630

Title of learning activity: The Renal System / BLS

Diary of Learning activity

We investigated the Renal System in depth.

This lecture went through the importance of the Renal system to promote homeostasis in the human body. We learnt the anatomy of this system and the function it plays it maintaining water and electrolytes in the body system. We examined the structure of the Kidneys, Ureters, bladder and urethra and their individual functions in the three stages of urine formation. Filtration, Selective reabsorption and Secretion. We looked at what compounds formulate urine and what Specific gravity meant in relation to urine. We also looked at the RAAS system and why that occurs.

The afternoon we went to the clinical ward to demonstrate basic life support on adults, children and infants.

KSBs addressed:

K10: Understand the principles of epidemiology, demography, and genomics and how these may influence health and well-being outcomes

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

K42: Understand and apply the principles of human factors and environmental factors when working in teams

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)

S24: Perform a range of nursing procedures and manage devices, to meet people’s need for safe, effective and person-centred care

S43: Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services

Date of Learning: 30.10.2024

Time: 0930 – 1630

Title of learning activity: The Endocrine System

Diary of Learning activity

We investigated the Endocrine System in depth.

This lecture went through the importance of the Endocrine system to promote homeostasis in the human body. Being the second most important command system of the body as it explained the glands that make up the system and the hormones that are produced that bring about effects. Hormones are transported through the blood stream and therefore take longer to take effect but are more precise versus the autonomic nervous system, where effects are immediate. We discussed the differences between endocrine and exocrine and the learnt the differences between negative and positive feedback mechanisms.

We were given a mnemonic to remember all the glands in the system. 3 x T’s – Thyroid, Thymus, Testes, 1 x A – Adrenal, 4 x P – pineal, pituitary, parathyroid, pancreas and 1 x O – Ovaries. We spoke about the relevance of the Hypothalamus and its relationship with the nervous system and how the hypothalamus works closely with the pituitary gland.

I feel this section will need a lot of revision to remember all the components that was taught.

The afternoon we conducted an MDT meeting with the course lecturer.

KSBs addressed:

K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice

K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care

S43: Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services

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

Date of Learning: 23.10.2024

Time: 0930 – 1630

Title of learning activity: Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity

Diary of Learning activity

Developing professional and academic skills for nursing associates – CNR020C112A

Continuing my learning for this module where I will have to write a 2000-word essay.

We defined what the three titles meant and discovered how they all intermingle with each other to provide a set of standards that we should adopt and will help us to abide by the NMC Code of Conduct further into our career.

What I liked about this session is that it offered a chance for the class to enter healthy debate about issues they may have faced that were outside of these parameters. Hearing differing opinions helps you understand and formulate a different way of thinking and acceptance.

I will be using these reflective thought processes not only in my practice as a registrant of the NMC but as a person in everyday life.

The afternoon, I taught a small group of fellow students how to correctly take a manual blood pressure. I found this an easy task as I am used to doing this skill and teaching others. The frustration came when a student was following bad practice and trying to persuade them otherwise was futile. I learnt that patience was a virtue and not everyone is going to want to do things your way.

KSBs 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

K5: Understand the meaning of resilience and emotional intelligence, and their influence on an individual’s ability to provide care

K11: Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes

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

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