Reflection essay on vital signs using Driscoll's model

by helmet_grghotmailcom (student)

University Degree Subjects allied to Medicine

This assignment is a reflection that I undertook during my first clinical practice, using Driscoll’s (2000) reflective model, a recognised framework to demonstrate my ability to reflect critical thought in theory to practical skills. Reflection is defined as process of explaining and expressing from one’s own experiences and helps to enables us to develop and improve our skills and knowledge towards becoming professional practitioners (Jasper, 2003).

Temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate and respiration are the vital signs that indicate the condition of someone’s ability to maintain blood flow, regulate body temperature, rate of breathing and heart-beat (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2007). A small change in one vital sign can lead to detention in another vital sign. This assessment was analysed and interpreted in order to record and measure the vital signs accurately which significantly allowed practitioners to take appropriate action to meet the needs of the patient (The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2010).

The first stage of Driscoll’s reflective mode (Johns 1994) describes what happened. The main purpose of this simulation is to increase student confidence and also to prepare student for real clinical setting.We were paired up where one took the blood pressure and the othertook the temperature, the respiration and the pulse rate. According to the (NMC, 2010) communication is the key element therefore I introduced myself, informed patient about the procedure and asked for patient consent to ensure that decisions are made on behalf of the service user (NMC 2010) about taking the vital signs. Hand washing is the most crucial part for the prevention of cross contamination (NICE 2005) so my colleague and Iwashed our hands using the six steps techniques (NPSA, 2009) lasting 30 seconds before and after contacting with the patient. Prior to going over patient’s health and safety, I made sure the equipment available in the ward was clean and functioning well. I found out that the battery on the tympanic thermometer was not functioning; I informed my colleague and I made sure the battery was replaced before using it. After the assessment, I forgot to interpret the recording in the NEWS chart andaccording to NMC (2010) good record keeping is an important component to the provision of safe and effective care.Then we pulled the curtain for privacy to ensure that Miss X received care in a dignified way that does not confound her whereothers are unable to hearher condition and to make sure she is comfortable (NMC, 2008).

This is a preview of the whole essay

Before the assessment, I was excited because I was going to use my theory skills in real clinical practice. But I was nervous and anxious as I entered in the ward because this was my first time taking the vital signs on the real patient therefore I forgot to make sure the patient in the bed was Miss X and when asked by the patient about the procedure I could not explain it to her clearly(RCN, 2007). Having experienced in this simulation I now I realised that I have to learn more to become aware of different practices concerning the correct procedure of taking the vital signs in future assessment. The learning gained from this assessment will impact my future practice in various areas which include communication and team work. Critical things like forgetting to document the finding result lack of information for my colleagues to carry the further procedure. Highlighting the difficulties in communication during the assessment, I failed to know what miss X was trying to say. At the same time, looking at the positive aspect I was success in following the 6 step of hand washing correctly. At the end I noticed that my colleague was happy about simulation because she was confident about the procedure of taking the TPR. Also she had the experienced in working in the care home with various types of patients.

Ultimately, I failed to demonstrate the good understanding about measuring and recording the vital signs. I have slightly improved my understanding of vital signs by practising in clinical seminar with my colleagues. However, I have not sufficiently developed my skills in communication and it means that I need to work on my communication skills. For example, communicating with my lecturer and colleagues. This skill will be useful to me as a learner because I am not yet confident about explaining the situation if being asked by someone and nursing is all about good communication and practice to illustrate the different condition of the patient and their family members. As a next step, I need to concentrate more on my practical skills such as practising on taking blood pressure with the correct procedures, communication skills and my confidence level in order to achieve success in my further clinical assessment.

In conclusion, looking at the some key factors now I realise how important communication is in order to understand the client needs, feelings and reactions. The concept of reflection is helpful in order to know my strength and weakness and also give me the concept to justify specialist practice in the light of further evidence-based care, accountability and practice. Also I have learnt that reflection can be used as a tool in order to turn an unpleasant experience into a positive one.

References:

Bulman, C. and Schutz, S, (2008). Reflective practice in nursing. 4th ed. Cornwall: Blackwell publishing Ltd.

Driscoll, J., (2007). Practising clinical supervision. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier limited.

Elliott, M and Coventry, A. (2012).Critical care: the eight vital signs of patient monitoring. British Journal of Nursing. 21 (10), pp.621-624

NHS (June, 2003). National Institute for Clinical Excellence. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG2fullguidelineinfectioncontrol.pdf. [Last Accessed 17/04/2013].

NMC (2009). Standards for pre-registration midwifery education. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.nmc-uk.org/Documents/NMC-Publications/nmcStandardsforPre_RegistrationMidwiferyEducation.pdf. [Last Accessed 17/04/2013].

Royal College Of Nursing (December 2007).Standards for assessing, measuring and monitoring vital signs in infants, children and young people. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/114484/003196.pdf. [Last Accessed 17/04/2013].

Sutcliffe H, (2011). Understanding the NMC code of conduct: a student perspective. Nursing Standard. 25 (52), pp.35-39

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