This assignment is a two part assignment, it involves (1) clinical preparation (500 words) and (2) personal reflection (200 words). Students are strongly encouraged to complete (1) clinical preparation prior to clinical placement and (2) personal reflection upon completion.
(1) Clinical preparation should be completed prior to any clinical placement. Learning needs identified may be used to inform the smart goals utilised on clinical placement. Therefore aim to complete this component prior to clinical placement.
This assignment requires you to explore the facility you will be attending. As a large number of students will be attending, please do not directly contact the facility. Information can be found by conducting web searches of the facilities and health services. Information may include:
Background information of the facility
Types of residents
Models of care and staffing
Ageing is associated with a decline in health and functioning, with many health conditions and associated impairments. Many students find these clinical conditions and associated end-of life treatments confronting and this may be present a significant barrier to learning and clinical engagement.
In preparation for clinical placement, we are asking you to develop a greater understanding of a degenerative clinical condition you may encounter (some of these may be discussed, in the information relating to the facility/health service).
These conditions may include;
Parkinson’s disease
dementia
acute delirium
osteoarthritis
osteoporosis
hearing/vision impairments
chronic cardiac failure
chronic respiratory failure.
Alternatively, please discuss;
palliative care/end of life cares
Please provide an explanation of these conditions and treatments (palliative care/end of life cares). Consider care requirements relating to the condition/treatment. Relate these cares to how they will pertain to your role as a student nurses completing duties with an Assistant in Nursing (AIN), Personal Care Worker (PCW) and Registered Nurse (RN).
(2) Reflection is a personal response to your clinical experiences and for this assignment will not be graded, however marks will be deducted for non-inclusion. Students are encouraged to review the Gibbs Reflective Cycle (below), to inform writing for future assessment pieces.
