Organisation: New South Wales Health
Job Title: Nursing
2016 NEW GRAD NURSING SELECTION CRITERIA
Demonstrated high level interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
I have frequently demonstrated a high level of interpersonal and verbal communication skills throughout my ten years’ experience as an Enrolled Nurse working at the Liverpool Hospital Emergency Department, and throughout my clinical placements. My experience within the Emergency Department has led to an appreciation of working in a team environment and has demonstrated the importance of developing a professional communication skill set, including verbal and non-verbal cues, within any interdisciplinary team. Specific areas where I have demonstrated this capability is where I have learned to recognise how, why and when I need to adapt my communication methodology when caring for individuals, patients and families when there are culturally diverse issues, both linguistically, culturally and ethically sensitive; and when caring for those of differing cognitive and mental functioning, such as those who present with an altered mental state of awareness and/or those suffering a mental health crisis. My written communication skills are valued through the recognition of adhering to the guidelines of the medico/ethical legal requirements of accurate record-keeping.
Demonstrated clinical knowledge and clinical problem solving abilities.
During my employment and clinical placements, I have been challenged to develop my clinical knowledge and problem solving skills. My awareness of accurate knowledge of an patients’ history and current condition is vital when dealing with possible side-effects of introduced medications and their safe administration. When administering a medication unknown to me it is my responsibility to know where to find the resources to safely administer this medication. Clinically safe and effective practise are paramount in the ongoing care and management of a patient. As important, are assessing a patients’ initial presentation to emergency and informing the team to review and escalate the monitoring of vital signs and alter therapy, dependent upon ongoing assessment.
These skills must have value-added, reading and checking orders during handover with the previous shift and further maintained and sustained through accurate clinical readings. On one occasion I recognised an incorrect blood transfusion administered to an elderly patient. Due diligence initiated an immediate review and a successful change of management for this patient.
An understanding of and ability to work within an interdisciplinary team.
It is essential within a clinical setting to have the ability to maintain and achieve positive health outcomes for patients through actively approaching the goals set within the interdisciplinary environment. Such objectives for best practise and patient care include those set by doctors, specialist physicians, nurses and professionals within Allied Health Services. To enable cohesive management of patient care, it is imperative that each facet of the interdisciplinary team employ accurate verbal and written record-keeping skills to inform all team members of alterations to patient care. Positive interaction of team members establishes and builds a strong rapport with patients and their support network.
The development and utilisation of my professional communication skill set has enhanced my proficiency when working within a team-oriented environment. Development of clinical practises has also heightened my ability to identify when, and if, a patient and/or their support network may be in need of Allied Health Services support, and to make the appropriate referrals, based upon the objectives of the multidisciplinary team approach.
An understanding of the professional, ethical and legal requirements of the Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife.
Throughout my studies to attain my Bachelor of Nursing, I have developed a thorough understanding of what I need to do to become a Registered nurse. This includes adherence to the professional, ethical and legal requirements as set out by the Nursing governing body The Nurses and Midwifery Board of Australia. Such awareness extends to my responsibility to consistently pursue, and improve my knowledge of the responsibilities of a Registered nurse. I will be required to develop my best practise, and adhere to, the current Competency Standards, Code of Conduct, and all other professional, ethical and legal requirements as set down by the Nurses and Midwifery Board of Australia and my current employer in order to maintain registration as a Registered Nurse. Best practise must also include strict adherence to, and updating my knowledge of, current hospital policies and procedures, education and my own learning interests in my chosen area of nursing by means of continual professional development and keeping a log of this.
An understanding of risk management, safety and quality improvement principles and the role of the Registered Nurse/Midwife in applying these principles.
Risk management involves the identification of and limiting risk were possible in the health care environment this includes staff, patients and visitors. The role of the Registered Nurse in risk management is to adhere to policies and procedures around the uses of equipment and safe patient care. When we identify a risk for example a broken commode chair, it is our responsibility as the Registered Nurse to isolate and report the risk to the in charge of shift or manager.
Safety and Quality improvement principles are put in place to help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the service provided. Safety and Quality improvement principles include strong leadership, employee empowerment, Patient identification, education and knowledge of safe work practices. One of the Registered Nurse’s roles in Safety and Quality improvement principles include performing manual handling and hand hygiene effectively, to ensure safety to the patients, staff members and the hospital. A Registered Nurse’s role in Quality improvement is to identify gaps in knowledge and to address these through current best practice education this will ensure patient safety and improved patient care and outcomes.
A demonstrated understanding of NSW Health’s CORE Values – Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment.
Within the interdisciplinary team, collaboration and communication (verbally and written) regarding patient treatment must recognise and appreciate holistic patient treatment options. Collaboration with Allied Health Services is necessary to ensure that the patient and their careers are able to cope with ongoing needs following discharge.
Trust within the interdisciplinary team fosters an openness; communication and cooperation recognize the uniqueness of each patient. Each discipline must work inclusively for each patient. An open, supportive communication networks between health professionals, patient and their careers maintains the integrity of care.
Respect recognizes and understands the distinct needs of each patient and their careers, including those with cultural/ethical concerns that may emanate from a course of treatment. Our role is to acknowledge their rights and wishes towards health care, and their life styles choices and offer all available treatment options without affront from patients and careers.
Quality health care empowers a team with regard to a patients’ care, but it brings responsibility and accountability. Utilizing each member of the health care team to promote inclusivity of patient care is paramount; patients to be well informed and confident that the decisions being made are for their benefit. Continued professional development empowers us to meet the best practice needs of our patients.
