Student Placements in Early Learning and Care Settings - Essay Example

Reflection Paper on My Clinical Placement in a Long-term Facility Long term care facilities have become an essential component in the health care industry. As a nursing student it is, therefore, imperative that one receives quality education so as to take of people with chronic illnesses or disabilities. This will ensure one meets these people’s health and personal needs. Part of the learning involves a clinical placement which enables one to put the theory learnt in class into practice in a real hospital setup.

Such a learning experience will enable one to observe and practice safe nursing on people at each stage of the human life cycle. This paper, therefore, discusses the learning experiences one receives during a clinical placement on a long-term basis in a health care facility..Reflection Paper on My Clinical Placement in a Long-term FacilityLong term care facilities have become an essential component in the health care sector since they look after people with chronic illnesses or disabilities, meeting both their health and personal needs.

Though mostly associated with the old age, one may need this care at some point in their lives. According to Medicare (2009) ‘about nine million people over the age of 65 needed long term care in 2009, and it estimated that by 2012 twelve million people will need it’. This shows that there will be a rise in demand for nurses and related services in the near future. It is thus crucial for nursing students to receive quality education to be able to cater for such patients.Part of the learning involves a clinical placement which enables the student to practice the theory learnt in class.

This is achieved through observation and practice of safe nursing care to people in all phases of human life. This experience offers a valuable opportunity to prevent illnesses, maintain excellent health services as well as nursing of clients with different illnesses while not forgetting providing support in death.The purpose of a clinical placement is to provide an opportunity to a student to acquire expertise in nursing skills, apply already taught theory and facilitate further learning. It presents a chance to a student to practice the theory they learnt in class.

Therefore, before one has a clinical placement it is a requirement that they have theoretical knowledge. In addition, it is crucial for one to be vaccinated against various pathogens to protect them from receiving infections from their patients. The clinical placement consists of a program that ensures learning and gaining of skills essential in nursing care practice as will be discussed later in this paper.DiscussionThe program followed during the clinical placement provides one with the knowledge and techniques that are practical when working as a care provider in various health care environments.

It equips nurses with the skills to deliver care to different clients with individual needs through theory, laboratory and clinical experience (Algonquin College, 2011). Communication and interpersonal skills are essential too in maintaining effective relationships with patients. Dealing with patients is not an easy task, which is why it is critical that communication skills are taught comprehensively for the nurses to learn how to relate well with them.Secondly, since the profession deals with the human body and its functionalities, an introduction to the human anatomy and physiology is mandatory to promote understanding of the normal body structure and how various organs operate.

Laboratory skills on vital signs, height and weight measurements, isolation laboratory techniques and oxygen therapy among other supportive services are also taught. Thirdly, different methods of drug administration, the effect of illnesses on the patient and their families and the sad concept of death are covered. Lastly, through supervised practical experiences, nurses are given the opportunity to apply and showcase understanding of the concepts learnt from the classroom and laboratory as stated by Algonquin College (2011).

ConclusionOverall, the clinical placement offers trainee nurses the opportunity not only to put into action what they have learnt in class, but also the practical perspective of their future job and its environment. The most satisfying bit for most is being able to help and take care of patients. This can only be achieved through teamwork, possession strong communication and interpersonal skills and enjoying the challenges of working with people. However, in life there is death which is a sad reality that one has to accept as a care and support giver.

ReferencesAlgonquin College (2011). Personal support worker. Retrieved from http://www2.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/program/personal-support-worker/Medicare (2009). Long term care. Retrieved from ww.medicare.gov/longtermcare/static/home.asp