Personal Skills

After my first age care placement I really feel that I have met my Novice level of Personal skills. I had to do problem solving every day, especially when working with Dementia patients. I really tried hard to critical think throughout my reflections and was able to explain to my facilitator why I made a certain decision. I was resilient throughout the placement and could reflect on different situations. My confident has grown over the placement and I worked well with different staff members. I also was able to use the facilities computer programs to write progress notes.

Life Learner

I worked towards and completed all required placement outcomes and I was keen to learn as much as I could on the placement. I was also able through discussion with my facilitator able to identify some learning areas that would be great for continuous improvement such as conflict management and building confidence.

Professional Identity

On this placement I always worked with my scope of practice. I asked questions when I was not sure and reported what needed to be reported to the appropriate person. I got better at this as the placement went on and my confidence grew. My facilitator gave me feedback that I was enthusiastic and I feel this attitude helped me build rapport with staff and patients. I was an ethically appropriate student throughout my placement.

Communication

On this placement I communicated overall well verbally. As my confidence grew, so did my verbal communication. I also wrote in patient’s notes and records which my buddy and facilitator co-signed and gave good feedback. On my aged care placement I worked as part of a team every day and really enjoyed it. I also maintained my patients privacy and confidentiality, making sure the doors were closed and if a patients raised an issue or asked me a question I always made sure to find out the answer.

Person and Family Focused

I found that as compassion and empathy come naturally to me, these skills were easier for me to demonstrate on this placement. I build rapport quickly with my patients and their family and ensured I was always sensitive to their needs. My facilitator praised me for my friendly disposition and I was aware of the need for respecting cultural diversity and did this well.

Nursing Skills

My nursing skills are at a novice level. I am safe in my nursing practice and I am learning quickly but skill need to continue to develop my nursing skills.