Reflective Articles in Nursing Activities - Essay Example

REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ACTIVITIES (Skills) 1. Hand Wash Reflection : In the hand washing activity, it was awkward at first to be very technical and clinical in carrying out a simple and habitual activity, but in understanding the concept behind hand washing, I understood why it needed to be done in a particular way. In the process, I was able to carry out the hand washing assessing based on the Nursing Hand Wash Practice video. I was able to look at the video and was able to do the test in relation to hygiene. Goal: To know how to do hand washing in a practical way. ACTIVITIES (Skills) 2. vital signs competency package Blood Pressure Temperature Pulse Rate Respiration Reflection : I had the opportunity to practice my skills in taking vital signs several times. At first, I performed proper hand washing. Next, I assessed the patient’s blood pressure by applying the cuff and by using the stethoscope. Through the stethoscope, I was able to hear and feel the pulse in the different pulse points. I also took the patient’s temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate. I used the thermometer to take the temperature and I used my senses, particularly my sense of sight and touch to determine the patient’s pulse and respiratory rate. The rates were then compared against normal standards. Goal: to be able to take the patient’s blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature and respiratory rates with confidence and with success. ACTIVITIES (Skills) 3. Assisting patient : moving & transfer techniques positioning clients in bed making an occupied bed assist patient to walk Reflection : I have carried out this practice in the workshop. At first, we practiced placing the dependent patient in a lateral position from a supine position through a slide sheet. We also utilized a hoist machine in moving the patient from a bed to a chair. I was also able to practice making an occupied bed based on hospital style. Lastly, I was also able to practice how to safely assist a patient from the bed to a chair, vice versa; and to safely assist patients in ambulating. Goal: to work with other students in safely and appropriately assisting patients during moving, transferring, and ambulating ACTIVITIES (Skills) 4. Personal hygiene: bed bathing/showering/other hygiene activities oral hygiene assisting with meals grooming (including shaving) & dressing Reflection : Firstly, I was able to apply self-care and hygiene in the health practice by assisting patients in washing their hands and face and in brushing their teeth. I was also able to gain skills in showering and bathing patients with the help of a suitably clothed and willing participant and with the help of a mannequin. Lastly, I was able to assist the client/participant in having a feed posting and in starting to feed said client. Goal: To demonstrate beginning competency in assisting the client with personal hygiene. ACTIVITIES (Skills) 5. Safe mobilization Reflection : I learned how to reassess the patient for signs and symptoms of improved or decreased mobility status. I was able to reassess the patient’s abilities before the start of mobilization; also, to check the safety of the area where movement shall be carried out. This activity needs two students to participate. I also asked for the patient’s perception in terms of his mobility status after intervention and whether his expectations of care are being met. Goal: To assist the client in walking within a private and safe environment. ACTIVITIES (Skills) 6. Take blood glucose Reflection : I measured the blood glucose of my friend. I learned how to do a sit up for the glucometer and the preparations needed before taking the blood glucose. I first applied hand washing techniques and then I put the lancet into pine, the strip into the machine, and then I pricked the finger with the lancet. I then placed the drop of blood on or at the side of the strip. Finally, I learned the normal range of blood glucose in both the mmol and meter measurements. Goal: To know how to take blood sugar in a practical way ACTIVITIES (Skills) 7. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Reflection : Attended Lab and practiced CPR techniques. I was able to apply the 6 principles for CPR : 1 DANGER : check for signs of danger in the area 2 RESPONSE : check if the patient can hear me or is responsive to me 3 AIRWAY : down head tilt 4 BREATHING : give 2 breaths 5 COMPRESSIONS : give 30 compressions 6 DEFIBRILLATION : locate the unit and follow the prompts Goal: To keep the blood pumping around the body and to ensure that people survive after the heart stops. 8. Lecture given by Marsha Ellis FRCNA presenter of The Royal College of Nursing, Australian (RCNA). Reflection : The RCNA is one of the major nursing organizations in Australia and its main mission has always been geared towards benefiting the Australian community through the different resources of research and excellent nursing care. This organization has a major role in reconciling issues and in providing appropriate solutions within the profession and within the immediate communities where it operates. It also has a major participation in carrying out consultations for government agencies and private institutions. The organization delivers various services to its members and has provided significant support services for regional and rural nursing, elderly care, community, and primary health care services. It also gives a voice to Australia in the International Council of Nurses and assists other professions in the delivery of quality health services. 9. Lecture given by Tony Coughlin (RN) student support officer of The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF). Reflection : The ANF performs different functions in relation to the promotion and the protection of the interests of its members, as well as improving the status of employment within the professional nursing practice. It also helps secure member support and assistance to the members in relation to their work conditions, unfair dismissal, and in terms of disciplinary sanctions. It is an organization which plays a crucial role in increasing the graduate pay rate and in improving the nurse-patient ratio. The members of the ANF benefit from insurance coverage of up to $10,000,000 from the date that they join the ANF and through these benefits they are somehow able to secure their employment and insurance status. Read More