Extracts from this document...

Introduction

Reflective Essay to Discuss the Nursing Process and how it was Applied in the Clinical Area in which I was Placed INTRODUCTION This is a reflective essay to demonstrate the nursing process and how it was applied in The clinical area in which I was placed. Atkinson et al (1983, p2) describes "The nursing process is a system of planning the delivery of nursing care, consisting of four steps: Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation". This is a client focused assignment; therefore I will choose a client whom I have participated in providing nursing care for. I will discuss the nursing process, how it was applied and the context in which it was done. I will use reflection to compare my findings to how literature states it should be done. I plan to show an understanding of holistic care and how it is used in each stage of the nursing process. Holistic care is an approach to healthcare which treats the individual as a whole person in relation to their needs (Hinchliff et al, 1998). In order to maintain confidentiality I have provided my client with a pseudonym (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2002). I based this assignment on Mary, who is a 72 year old lady and suffers with osteoarthritis which is a degenerative disorder in bone and cartilage (Hinchliff et al, 1996). She had fallen at home and was presented at the Accident and Emergency department by emergency services. After a short stay on Medical Assessment she was transferred to the unit for rehabilitation following her fall. ...read more.

Middle

Due to the nature of this ward care plans usually determine discharge outcomes. Targets are set for a maximum rehabilitation period of 28 days. Reasons for this are due to the fact that patients are not acutely ill and need very little medical attention. Instead, they have a great deal of input from physiotherapists, occupational therapists who work closely with clients both individually and in small groups. Newton (1996 p.29) states "Goals of Nursing care must be realistic and achievable and reflect the patients goals for living, so they must be set in close partnership with the patient and based on assessment of the individuals AL's and on the nursing knowledge associated with them". The care plan is initially implemented by nursing staff who will also take into account client centred outcomes. The easy care (single assessment) document allows the client to say what they would like to achieve. All key players will acknowledge care plans at some point, therefore they must have easy access to the information they need, laws and standards mandate that care plans be specific, clear and legible (Alfaro-LeFevre, 1998). In order to keep Mary involved in her care, goals were agreed with her. This is to ensure patient autonomy but also to give Mary a clear picture of what will be expected of her during her rehabilitation period. It was established that the goal set for pain was highly prioritised and so analgesia was reviewed by a doctor. ...read more.

Conclusion

After a discharge date was set the nurse made appropriate arrangements for transport via an ambulance and liaised with a family member in order ensure a safe arrival at home. CONCLUSION As both care giver and observer, I found that the care planned matched the care given. Collaboration between the Multidisciplinary Team and working closely with patient and family enabled outcomes to be achieved. This experience has taught me the importance of holistic care in relation to the nursing process and how an effective therapeutic relationship between patient and healthcare professional allows more information to be retrieved, thus creating a more precise and individualised care plan. To care for a person holistically requires ongoing assessments - utilizing knowledge, attitudes and skills. Improving assessments and patient involvement in care is highlighted in the essence of care document (DoH, 2001b). The fact that the MDT were based within the same unit allowed a more timely advantage for both patient and staff , allowed maximum communication to all concerned and worked well in relation to discharge planning. My client had commented how she enjoyed the 4 weeks on the ward. I think that the social aspect of the ward helped a great deal. Mary was encouraged by the whole team and maintained as much independence possible throughout her stay. I have benefited as a result of this placement, as it has taught me the importance of the nursing process. I have become more efficient in collecting information from the client and utilising it appropriately in order to care for the client in a holistic way. ...read more.

This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our University Degree Healthcare section.