Job Title: Registered Nurse
Word Limit: 500 words per point
Good interpersonal and time management skill, organise task, work effectively, meet deadline, ability to foster trust and co operative to others
With a career spanning over 32 years as a Registered Nurse within the scope of practice of Scrub and Circulating Nursing, I have developed high-level interpersonal skills that enable me to collaborate with anaesthetic and surgical teams to ensure best patient outcomes. My friendly and open demeanour facilitates a cooperative approach resulting in quality patient care and the assurance of safety for the patient and all members within the surgical team. I possess careful questioning and listening skills which have fostered trust, particularly in tense situations. These skills have also assisted me in challenging situations where I have been able to work in consultation with the Operating Theatre Nurse Unit Manager to identify, select, implement and evaluate appropriate interventions for patients that have had less predictable outcomes. As a dedicated team member with a strong people focus, I constantly made a conscious effort to build positive relationships with the people around me, regardless of appearance, ethnicity or other potentially discriminating factors. I understand the importance of a cooperative hospital environment in order to foster a work atmosphere in which colleagues combine their talents, and strive toward a common goal of providing high-quality patient care.
When interacting with patients I take a patient-focused communication approach which I have demonstrated to improve outcomes in patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment options and overall patient health. By taking the time to build rapport with patients through open-ended questions, listening, empathy and assertiveness, I foster an environment which focuses on positive nurse-patient relationships. Patients can trust that I will provide care based on the highest standards, knowledge and competence, engage them as partners in care, and treat them with dignity and respect them as individuals. When communicating with a patient’s family or caregivers, I ensure that I maintain confidentially while remaining empathic to their situation and providing reassurance where necessary.
As a Registered Nurse I aim to work independently and in a self-directed manner. In order to do this, I make a time plan at the beginning of each shift and complete my tasks accordingly. Having a time plan assists me with prioritising care and meeting deadlines for the shift which is imperative when assisting in the operating theatre. Patients have varying schedules and require surgery at different times, so with the use of a time planner I can easily view where I am required to be at any given time and prepare accordingly. When preparing for surgery I am aware that I must be flexible and willing to reprioritise to assist in unforeseen circumstances. This was demonstrated in my previous role with Rockhampton Base Hospital when I identified that a requested surgical drill was not available. Using my expertise, I discussed this with the Surgeon and made a suggestion for him to use an alternative type, which he agreed with. As a result of my high-level knowledge, I was able to ensure that the Surgeon had the necessary equipment to meet the deadline of the scheduled surgery.
Ability to work as a team member, analyse problem, devise solution
My ability to work as a team member has been evident throughout my career where I have demonstrated myself to practice collaboratively with health care teams to promote the safety, security and personal integrity of all staff and patients. I promote a positive work environment through the facilitation of effective communication and ensure that communication changes are understood and utilised. This is demonstrated through my ability to provide comprehensive handovers to nursing staff. I am stringent with meeting with other Nurses to discuss handovers and any safety issues to ensure that all staff are informed of updated patient plans and risk management procedures following surgery. In all of my placements as Registered Nurse, I have focused strongly on team-based health care by working collaboratively and respectfully with other health providers in order to accomplish shared goals and to achieve coordinated high-quality patient care. As a member of these teams, I find satisfaction in incorporating the suggestions of my team members into my work in order to achieve holistic care of our patients. Through open and clear communication, as well as actively listening and respecting the point of views of each other, we are able to ensure successful outcomes. I am always willing to assist my team members when required and take on additional responsibilities in times of absence on the ward.
I use my problem solving skills on a daily basis in order to centre care on the needs of patients and to ensure the completion of goals; however, my skills are particularly important when covering after hours or weekend shifts when the hospital is faced with limited resources. My skills in this area were clearly demonstrated during a situation that I experienced whilst working for Rockhampton Base Hospital. A patient had presented to the hospital after hours as a result of a trauma and required emergency surgery. After determining the time for the surgery to take place, I informed the Theatre Sterile Supply Unit (TSSU) of the instruments that I required in order to efficiently prepare. However, upon presenting to the Unit to collect the instruments, I was advised that the sterilisation equipment had failed and the process would have to be recommenced. As there were no spare instruments available, and taking into consideration the urgent situation and inability to reschedule the surgery, I made the decision to contact a neighbouring hospital. Confirming that they had the adequate instruments required for this surgery, I arranged for them to be taxied to my hospital as soon as possible. My ability to analyse this problem and use my initiative to devise a solution resulted in the Surgeon acquiring the correct instruments to conduct the emergency surgery on time. In order to prevent future instances of this occurring, I have educated the TSSU on always having a spare set of instruments at all times and have ensured that they are the first team informed of any pending and emergency surgeries.
Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skill
Throughout my career as a Registered Nurse, I have developed high-level verbal and written communication skills which have allowed me to demonstrate clear, assertive and empathic communication across my practice area, including building rapport with patients, their families/carers, colleagues, as well as Surgeons, Clinical Managers and Supervisors. My extensive history in the medical field has taught me that to provide quality care to patients I must utilise effective listening techniques, be aware of their body language, be empathetic, respond appropriately to their requests, build rapport and ensure that they understand instructions. My ability to do this has resulted in positive nurse-patient relationships. My awareness of non-verbal cues such as body language and eye moments can provide me with an indication as to how a patient is feeling both prior and after surgery. If I walk into a ward and I see a patient smiling and their colour is good, I have an awareness that they are doing well, even before I ask my first question. For those patients who are tense and tight and who may be looking at the ceiling or floor and not looking me in the eye, I can gauge that they are the ones who are concerned and may have some unanswered questions, or that they are in pain and may require extra attention. My skills in this area have also fostered strong working relationships with my colleagues, and in particular Surgeons, as I can often gauge if things are proceeding well, or if they are in need of assistance during a procedure. By utilising my high-level non-verbal communication skills, I have been able to build positive relationships and identify cues in relation to underlying unspoken concerns and emotions, as well as reinforce verbal comments.
As a Registered Theatre Nurse, I am involved in an extensive verbal and written communication process from the moment that I receive a patient. This involves physically and psychologically assessing a patient and clearly communicating the risks involved in the scheduled surgery, ensuring that the patient understands, and obtaining written consent to confirm this. I am then involved in ‘team time’ with the surgical team to discuss the patient’s consent and to go over a surgical safety checklist. The checklist essentially identifies three distinct phases of an operation, each corresponding to a specific period in the normal flow of work: before the induction of anaesthesia, before the incision of the skin, and before the patient leaves the operating facility. The intention of such a checklist is to systematically and efficiently ensure that all conditions are optimum for patient safety, and that all staff are identifiable and accountable, and errors in patient identity, site and type of procedure are avoided completely. Prior to the patient leaving the operating theatre, I discuss any key concerns for recovery management with the Surgeon and Anaesthetist. My verbal communication is endorsed through constant timely and accurate written documentation, which is crucial for patient handover and ensuring that they receive the appropriate after-surgery care.
Knowledge of quality improvement, willingness to be involved in this process, professional self awareness
I support the delivery of quality and safe patent care which includes identifying, facilitating and participating in continuous safety and quality improvement activities, and ensuring practices align with the requirements of the National safety and Quality Health Service Standards. This is demonstrated through the time that I take to learn about my patients prior to commencing care of them. Upon commencement of a shift I gather laboratory data, recent tests, information on medications, consults and speak to the previous Nurse on duty to gather information that will assist me with predicting the care that my patients may need. I ensure that I follow the Standard Operating Protocol for Implementing Bedside Handover in Nursing, fostering an interactive process which provides opportunities for input and questions from myself and the outgoing Nurse, as well as obtaining the patient’s viewpoint. This ensures that the patient remains at the centre of my care.
Throughout my career I have taken part in weekly meetings where I have been proactive with discussing ideas for identifying and minimising hazards and injuries in the workplace. I have made many contributions in regards to changes on wards in order to facilitate quality improvement, including the implementation of clear hand washing procedures for all patients and their carers and families at Rockhampton Base Hospital. My extensive career and experience has enabled me to share my knowledge in order to drive innovation. This has been recently demonstrated in my current role as Theatre and Recovery Nurse at Marie Stope International when new equipment was introduced for surgical procedures. In-service education was provided in regards to the operation of the new equipment, however I identified that not all staff were present. As a result, some of my colleagues were unable to operate the equipment and required my assistance to troubleshoot. To prevent further instances of this, I contacted the representative from the company that the equipment came from to arrange an additional in-service. I also used my initiative to develop a basic troubleshooting manual with easy-to-follow steps, and advised all staff of its location and how it can be used. As a result of my willingness to be involved in the quality improvement process, all staff gained sufficient knowledge on how to operate the new equipment and were confident in doing so.
Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to continual professional development, I actively engage in regular education and professional development activities in order to maintain my clinical knowledge, skills and competencies, and to ensure that my practice meets the high standards expected from the nursing profession. In addition to completing online modules and in-house training that meets continuing professional development (CPD) standards, I undertake regular training and courses. Participating in continual professional development ensures that I maintain, improve and broaden my clinical knowledge, expertise and competence and keep up-to-date with the rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Understanding of and ability to work within interdisciplinary team, flexibility to achieve goals
My ability to work within interdisciplinary teams is consistently demonstrated in my role as a Registered Nurse, particularly in emergency situations. I respect all team members for their individual expertise, opinions and point of view during such situations, including decision making for the best interest of the patient. Utilising the skills of experts in areas such as the Intensive Care Unit Doctors and Nurses, Anaesthetists, Surgeons and Patient Care Assistants, ensures the consistency of evidenced-based care for patients. My effective teamwork skills were demonstrated when I was working at the Rockhampton Base Hospital and received a transfer of a woman requiring an emergency caesarean section. To effectively manage this situation, and to ensure high-levels of patient care, my clinical practice involved working with team members from various hospital units, including Medical Officers, Registered and Student Midwives, other Theatre Nurses, Surgeons and Porters. Once I had determined the urgency for the caesarean section, I allocated the urgency category and communicated the category to ward staff and theatre staff. Prior to surgery, I ensured that the Anaesthetist, Paediatrician and Bed Manager were informed of the urgency category and I then completed the relevant booking form. It was then my responsibility to prepare to receive the woman for theatre, and to liaise with the Bed Manager to ensure that a midwife was available to receive the baby. Once the woman was prepared for theatre, I coordinated the nursing staff within the Operating Suite in order to prepare and organise the equipment required for the emergency caesarean section. My ability to work within this interdisciplinary team contributed to a positive patient outcome, and enhanced surgical team satisfaction by minimising the often experienced challenges of emergency surgery.
My flexibility to achieve goals is demonstrated in my ability to undertake roles as Scrub Nurse and Circulation Nurse. My duties require me to undertake multiple roles before, during and after operations. As a Scrub Nurse, I am focused on the patient and the equipment used during a procedure. I have extensive knowledge in regards to surgical equipment and their uses, which assists me to respond calmly and immediately to a Surgeon’s request. As a Circulation Nurse, I possess the discipline and expertise to fetch and open packs that are required during surgery. As the packs contain sensitive contents that must remain sterile and immaculate, I am responsible for ensuring that the operating room is not contaminated in any way. In previous roles I have utilised my expertise to assist in the event of a deteriorating patient by offering help to the Anaesthetic Nurse or Surgeon to ensure the well-being of the patient. By taking over the basic tasks of changing bottles, I am able to provide the Anaesthetist or Surgeon with an opportunity to monitor the patient’s vital signs and undertake interventions to stabilise the patient. My ability to demonstrate flexibility in my roles and duties ensures that patients receive high-levels of holistic care, as well as assisting colleagues in the achievement of best practice outcomes.
