Title Introduction To Nursing Workbook

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Introduction to Nursing Workbook

Module Code – NURS07022

Module Title Introduction to Nursing

Module Code NURS07022

Cohort September 2012

Assignment Title Introduction to Nursing Workbook

Assignment Date 17.12.12

Word Count 1650

Part 1

Learning outcome 1

With reference to the evidence-base, discuss the student nurse’s role in maintaining confidentiality.

500 words (30 marks)

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the regulator of nursing and midwifery (NMC, 2008). The NMC, (2008) states that their main aim is to "safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public". The NMC, (2011) highlights that a student nurse should "respect a person’s right to confidentiality" (p.13).

The National Health Service (NHS) Scotland, (2003) define confidentiality as "information that is given to another person in circumstances where it is reasonable to expect that the information will be kept confidential". The NHS Scotland, (2003) also states that confidential information is information that is recorded verbally, electronically and hand written and only the relevant information should be recorded and accessed. A student nurse should therefore only access relevant information for a particular patient that they are nursing for and should only record information when necessary to do so [Accessed Online].

The NMC, (2011) states that a student nurse should "not disclose information to anyone who is not entitled to it" (p.13). A student nurse may have witnessed a procedure they are particularly interested in and as a result may want to discuss what they have seen with their family and friends but this would not be adhering to the NMC’s standard that a person’s right to confidentiality must be respected (p.13). NHS Scotland, (2003) highlights that information that is unlawfully shared with others, even when names are not mentioned, it can be deciphered by the person or by someone who may have over heard and as a result confidentiality has been beached and the patient’s personal information has been leaked [Accessed Online]. The NMC, (2011) states that information that a student may want to include in their coursework must be made anonymous, meaning not just the patient but staff, relatives and the clinical placement too (p.13). The NMC’s guidance on professional conduct explains that a student nurse must uphold professional behaviour outside of work and therefore posting information, comments and remarks on the internet and social networking sites is an offence (p.9). All allegations are investigated by the NMC and if a student nurse has not maintained confidentiality then their fitness to practice will be questioned resulting in the student being struck off the course (NMC, 2008).

The NMC’s record keeping guidelines, (2009) are supported by the Data Protection Act (1998). The legislation protects individuals who have lawfully shared personal data and along with the NMC’s standards it also assists the student nurse in maintaining confidentiality as it can be accessed by the student at any time. The Data Protection Act, (1998) highlights that all information should be stored safely, where no unauthorised personnel can access it and where data cannot be lost [Accessed Online]. A student who is familiar with relevant legislations is adhering to the NMC, (2009) guideline that nurses must be aware of legislations and policies regarding confidentiality.

Part 2

Learning outcome 2

a. Provide a SWOT analysis of your communication skills (100 words)

b. With reference to the evidence-base, explain why it is important that nurses communicate effectively (400 words).

500 words total (30 marks)

This is my SWOT analysis on communication skills.

Strengths

Weaknesses

While on my placement I have shown skills in effective communication with older vulnerable adults, demonstrating clear verbal communication and appropriate use of touch.

On a few occasions I have lacked confidence when communicating information to staff.

Opportunities

Threats

To build on communication skills and how to overcome barriers when working with different patient groups.

With every patient I meet I will be learning again, to meet their individual needs and preferences.

When I am communicating, a lack of confidence could affect my nursing practice in the future.

b.

Bach and Grant, (2011) explain that it is important that nurses communicate effectively in order to achieve their common goal of providing a service where the patients receive the best quality care possible. Brooker and Waugh, (2007) define communication as two or more people exchanging information (p732). Bach and Grant highlight that within nursing practice information is constantly being exchanged from person to person and can be exchanged by different methods of communication. The authors explain that nurses use verbal communication and non-verbal communication.

An essential aspect in communication is the use of language and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), (2008) states that for effective communication to take place nurses must use the appropriate use of language to the patient they are communicating to, to ensure the patient can understand fully the information they are receiving regarding their health. The NMC, (2008) also states that appropriate arrangements must be made "to meet people’s language and communication needs" (p.3). Bach and Grant highlight that Britain is a multicultural society and therefore nurses provide transcultural care and communication can become a barrier. If a patient would benefit from an interpreter then the nurse should recognise this and act on it. Effective communication that is clear and accurate will have been achieved as a result (p.135). Dougherty and Lister highlight that verbal communication can be misinterpreted very easily so nurses must take into account the pitch, volume and rate of speech so as not to sound patronising but sound compassionate and interested about the information being received (p.195).

The NMC, (2008) states that nurses must listen to their patients and act to ensure the patient’s preferences are met and concerns are dealt with in the correct way (p.3). Dougherty and Lister, (2011) explain that a nurse can demonstrate active listening by their use of non-verbal actions and by summarising and clarifying or paraphrasing to the patient the information they have received. This in turn reassures the patient that they have been heard. Non-verbal communication can be body language, facial expressions and use of touch. For effective use of non-verbal communication the model SOLER produced by Egan (2002) can ensure nurses use non-verbal communication in the most effective way.

Electronic and written information is another form of non-verbal communication. The NMC, (2008) states that nurses must keep clear and accurate records and must be updated or recorded as soon as possible (p.7). The NMC, (2009) also states that records must be factual and contain relevant information only. It is important for nurses to communicate effectively with their patients and their colleagues to enhance patient care and wellbeing (Bach and Grant, 2011).

Part 3

Learning outcome 4

The care of people with dementia is a significant contemporary issue.

A key standard of care for people with dementia in Scotland is, "I have the right to be regarded as a unique individual and to be treated with dignity and respect" (Scottish Government, 2011, p. 10).

With reference to the evidence-base, discuss ways in which the student nurse can support this right.

500 words (30 marks)

Dementia Rights (n.d.) highlights that the charter of rights for people with dementia and their carers in Scotland (2009), states that every person living with dementia have human rights and therefore will be treated with dignity and respect. The charter of rights also supports the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, and the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 [Accessed Online]. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), (2011) states that all nursing and midwifery students must make the care of people their main priority while treating them with dignity and respect (p.12). The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), (2008) explains that for a nurse to provide dignity there are three essential parts that need to be taken into consideration and these parts are respect, compassion and sensitivity.

For a student nurse to put respect into practice they must respect the individual for the person they are, providing person centred care at all times. Brooker and Waugh, (2007) define person centred care as empowering the individual by giving them the information they need to make informed choices of their own, while respecting the individuals rights (p.736). Kitwood, (1997) explains that when an individual meets someone living with dementia it can cause them to feel levels of anxiety because they are faced with the fears of dying and mental impairment (Cited in Bradley, S et al 2010). Bradley, S et al, (2010) explains that using a person centred approach aids student nurses in providing positive care, enabling them student to gain confidence in communication with someone living with dementia. Dougherty and Lister, (2011) explain that a student nurse, to maintain dignity and respect, needs to socialise with the patient, in a non-patronising way, to gain knowledge of their preferred choices and offer emotional support. The authors also state "patients need to feel that they have an equal and influential role in their own healthcare" (p.12). Barker and Board, (2012) states the student must respect and meet the individual’s privacy and cultural needs. The student must take an interest in the background of the patient in order to achieve an understanding of the patient’s culture and enabling the student to gain more positive interaction. Barker and Board highlight that an aspect of a person’s culture is their beliefs. Beliefs could be spiritual beliefs and morals etc. When a student has the knowledge of the person’s beliefs they can begin to respect them. For example a person living with dementia may like the opportunity to go to a church service or may be a vegetarian and if the student nurse has the knowledge then they can facilitate to meet the person’s needs, instead of asking themselves why has the patient not eaten anything for dinner again?.

The RCN (2008) states that showing compassion towards a patient is part of respecting an individual’s dignity. Greig, J, (2007) explains that a patient has emotional needs as well as the need for nursing care. Barker and Board, (2012) explain that student nurses need to learn how to recognise patient’s emotions and they also highlight that a behaviour that a patient displays can have a meaning and its learning to understand what the patient means (p.93). The RCN (2008) also explain that showing the person sensitivity can give them reassurance, "ensuring their comfort". A student nurse when assisting a patient with personal care should ensure the person is covered to maintain their dignity. The RCN, (2008) also highlight that when a person living with dementia is not treated with dignity and respect then the person can become withdrawn and feel devalued resulting in lack of confidence and a low self-esteem. When a student nurse is able to display respect, compassion and sensitivity towards a patient living with dementia then this aids the student in promoting the patient’s rights to dignity and respect as indicated by the RCN, (2008).