Organisation: Government of Western Australia Department of Health
Job Title: GradConnect 2016 Registered Nurse
Word Limit: 250 words per question
Location: Various
Demonstrated ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care
Through my university studies and practicum placements, I have demonstrated my ability to
assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care. I take a systematic problem solving approach
within my nursing practice which enables me to identify, prevent and treat actual or potential
health problems, while ensuring the overall wellbeing of patients. My ability was clearly
demonstrated during a placement in a medical assessment unit where I observed that a patient’s
appearance had altered significantly. I asked her how she was feeling and whilst doing so, assessed
previous observations taken from her and made the decision to undertake an additional set of
observations in order to compare the results. Upon evaluating the outcomes, I noted that there
was a trending drop in her blood pressure, increase in her heart and respiratory rate, and her skin
was cool and clammy. In addition, the patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale had decreased by two, all of
which met the MET call criteria, so I immediately informed my mentor nurse of the worsened
condition. The nurse was unconcerned with the results and informed me that she would check the
patient later. Believing that there was cause for concern, I went back to my planning stage where I
decided to inform the clinical nurse on duty of the situation who, after assessing the patient,
immediately called a code blue. My ability to effectively assess, plan, implement and evaluate this
patient’s nursing care resulted in swift action, ensuring that appropriate action could be taken to
stabilise the patient.
Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary team environment
Whilst undertaking my university studies, I developed strong skills in effectively working within a
multidisciplinary team environment, while contributing to excellent patient care within a hospital
setting. I have demonstrated my ability to apply these acquired skills through my current
employment with Identitywa, as evidenced in a situation when I took charge of a new patient that
had been diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. I noticed that his blood glucose levels (BGL) had been
monitored twice daily, however my knowledge regarding this condition reflected that this should
not have been necessary. I reviewed the client’s files and identified that his BGL results were not
unusual, so engaged his GP for further investigation. The GP advised that the client’s diagnosis
could be managed through a healthy lifestyle and diet, and regular BGL monitoring was not
necessary. To assist my client, I arranged for him to see a dietician, as well as a diabetes specialist
to attend to provide an educational session for staff, who then implemented a diabetic-specific
meal planner. In addition, I engaged a local gymnasium and requested that his day placement
ensured that he attended on a weekly basis, as well as arranged for my client to see a psychologist
fortnightly to discuss his relationship with food and assist with appropriate eating strategies. My
ability to engage a multidisciplinary team to assist my client has resulted in him loosing 110kg over
the past 3 years, thus reaching his goal weight and no longer having to monitor his BGLs.
Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills
I am aware of the importance of clear and effective written and verbal communication when
delivering information within the discipline of nursing, as errors may incur serious consequences.
Accuracy and attention to detail are skills that I highly uphold, which I have demonstrated through
my nursing practicum placements, as well as my current employment with Identitywa. During one
of my overnight shifts with Identitywa, one of the clients experienced an epileptic seizure, and as a
result of the nursing skills that I have acquired through my university studies and practicum
placements, I was able to implement the nursing process in order to formulate a plan of action.
Not long after the client’s seizure ended, another followed. Upon assessing the client utilising a
systematic DRSABCDE approach, and with consideration of his medical history, I made the decision
to contact emergency services for an ambulance. Due to my effective communication skills and
clinical knowledge, I was able to efficiently communicate essential information regarding his
overall medical history, including the medication that he was currently prescribed, his current
situation, as well as the duration, onset, location, severity and patterns of his seizures.
Additionally, I provided this information to the paramedics in written form and included
photocopies of vital documents within his care plan. Subsequent to the patient being transferred
to hospital, I ensured that I contact my supervisor and communicated the details to her, as well as
completing relevant incident forms, and clearly and objectively documenting it into the patient’s
notes.
Demonstrate how you ensure own practice is of the highest professional standard
Whilst undertaking my university practicum placements, I demonstrated my ability to practice in
accordance to professional standards, including when drawing up intravenous antibiotics. While
undertaking this task and recognising that it fell within my scope of practice, I researched the
relevant policy and procedure manual regarding the formulation that was required to prepare the
medication. Prior to administering the medication, I clearly explained to my supervising nurse the
indications for administration, as well as ensured that I performed hand hygiene and wore
appropriate personal protection. I ran through the six rights and three checks regarding the
administration of the drug, and proceeded to draw up the medication while explaining each step
and the rationale behind my actions. Subsequent to drawing-up the medication, I co-signed an
identification sticker indicating the contents of the fluid bag. I then took the medication, empty
ampoule and the patient’s file back to the patient’s bedside where I again went through the six
rights and three checks of medication administration. After checking the patient’s cannula site for
any indication of phlebitis, I used a sterile swap and syringe to ensure that the intravenous access
line was patent and positioned correctly. Once I had connected the intravenous fluid bag to the
patient, I programmed the drip rate and asked the supervising nurse to check it prior to
commencing it. I then documented the relevant information in the patient’s medication file and
asked for any feedback in order to improve my skills for next time.
