Organisation:
Job Title: Graduate Nurse
Word Limit: 250 words per criterion
Location: WA
Demonstrated ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care
Throughout my clinical placements, both as an Enrolled Nurse and a Registered Nurse, I have demonstrated the ability to effectively assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care. Whilst on a busy ward in a tertiary hospital, I had a patient load of three and was awaiting a fourth from theatre – a 32-year-old male who had undergone an exploratory abdominal procedure due to a history of severe pain, inability to open his bowels and copremesis.
Understanding that the patient had undergone a small bowel resection, I prepared the patient’s room, ensuring oxygen and suction were working, and an observation machine was present. Having assessed the patient as ready for transfer, I received a full hand over from the recovery staff, including full head-to-toe assessment. I commenced regular observations in line with the patient’s condition, as well as four-hourly aspirations of the nasogastric tube, wound assessment, and emptying of stoma and yates drain. As appropriate, I worked with my RN buddy to administer analgesia, intravenous antibiotics, and wound management and dressing.
Throughout the process, I continued to work within my scope of practice and, through discussion with my RN buddy, assessed the patient’s condition and determined that the current level of care was having the desired effect. I later evaluated this care in consultation with the Doctor during routine patient visits. Through effective assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation, I ensured the patient received the highest standard of nursing care through their recovery.
Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary team environment
Having completed a range of clinical placements as both an Enrolled Nurse and Registered Nurse, I have consistently engaged excellent communication and interpersonal skills to become a valuable member of the multidisciplinary team. During my clinical theatre placement in a regional hospital I had the opportunity to work alongside a number of Registered Nurses, Doctors and Anaesthetists. This collaborative approach afforded me opportunities to maximise my knowledge of the Recovery Room, including gaining an appreciation for the different approaches each team member utilised in providing holistic, patient-centred care. In one particular situation I was involved, with my RN buddy, in the management and maintenance of a patient’s airway following a general anaesthetic. I drew on the knowledge of the Anaesthetist regarding Laryngeal Mask Airway removal, and ensured I had a complete understanding of the procedure through both a detailed knowledge of the hospital’s protocols, policies and procedures, and through collaborative discussion.
Having received handover from the Anaesthetists, Surgeon and Scout Nurse, I performed DRABCD and a full head-to-toe assessment, and confirmed that I was happy to receive the patient into recovery. Continuing excellent levels of care, when the patient began to rouse and reject the LMA, I proceeded to remove the LMA, talking through the procedure with my RN buddy. My ability to work positively and effectively within the multidisciplinary team resulted in the successful removal of the LMA, whilst demonstrating best practice, and continued excellence of care throughout recovery.
Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication
Throughout my clinical experience, I have demonstrated effective written and verbal communication, and recognise this as imperative to the provision of excellent health care. Whilst in an acute surgical ward, I was caring for a patient who was recovering from a total knee replacement. This particular patient was a 68-year-old male with an extensive cardiac history, including hypertension, arterial fibrillation, myocardial infarction and tachycardia. As a result, he was placed in a high dependency room, and commenced on cardiac monitoring.
Operating independently, I commenced post-operative observations. In the course of these routine observations, I noted that the patient’s blood pressure was hypertensive and he was tachycardic. I confirmed these observations through manual blood pressure and pulse assessments, and noted that, although the pulse was regular, it was reaching 120 beats per minute, and his blood pressure was 180/90.
I utilised my effective communication skills to inform my RN buddy and the shift coordinator, both of whom then reviewed the patient, and instructed me to inform the Registrar. I phoned the Registrar, who instructed me to complete an ECG, and he would come and review the patient himself. On review, the Registrar administered metoprolol (Beta-Blocker), and referred the patient to be reviewed by the Cardiologist. After the shift had ended, I completed detailed documentation of the events that had occurred, and provided a detailed handover to the night-shift staff. As a result of my effective, timely communication, the patient’s medical needs were met, and his condition appropriately monitored and cared for.
Demonstrate how you ensure own practice is of the highest professional standard
As an Enrolled Nurse, and soon to complete my Registered Nursing studies, I pride myself on my high quality nursing practice, and am committed to remaining at the fore of the nursing profession. To achieve this, I engage in regular professional development to continually hone my skills. A key aspect of my professional philosophy is my strong knowledge of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council competency standards as they apply to Registered Nurses. This enables me to ensure I operate within industry guidelines at all times.
During my mental health placement, I was involved in an in-depth orientation session on the first day. As I was on a locked Forensic Unit, it was important for our Clinical Facilitators to identify the governing legislation relevant to the care of mental health patients. This made very clear my scope of practice within the Unit, and allowed me to gain further understanding of relevant legislation and common law. During my placement it was mandatory to complete a Mental State Exam on a chosen patient, and present it to our peers. As part of maintaining a high professional standard whilst on practicum, I understood and reviewed the Forensic Unit’s governing laws, legislation, patient confidentiality and privacy legislation before my assessment. This ensured protection of the individual’s rights.
This situation demonstrates my ability to ensure my practice remains high quality at all times, as well as my understanding of ANMC competency standards for Registered Nurses, and my commitment to upholding these standards at all times.
