Megan Smith

My role as a dental nurse is to provide chair-side support to dentists and hygienists.
I will see a variety of different patients from different backgrounds and no two days
are the same. I assemble, prepare and maintain appropriate equipment. I also perform
infection control procedures and ensure the tidiness of the surgery and sterilize all
equipment. I am required to record notes from dentist. As well as this I document
accurate patient records and information. I also assist in our nurse led clinic which
includes patient assessments, taking pictures of the patients mouth/teeth and taking
a 3D scan of the patients mouth/teeth. One of the most important skills expected is
support for patients.

From March 2020 to January 2023 I was a part of the NHS bank working as a health care assistant. This role was very varied, I would work within the community and local hospitals and healthcare settings. Providing support to patients with tasks when required, such as walking, toileting and washing. Monitor patient progress, identifying and proactively addressing obstacles hindering recovery. Built strong, trusting relationships with patients by providing continuous support and delivering best possible care. I also supported the Covid-19 response team within the NHS Tayside. During this time I was based at Whitehills hospital Forfar assisting with the assessment of patients that may have been experiencing Covid symptoms and directed them to the necessary department. I have also worked within the Covid community testing team which was based at the Royal Victoria hospital in Dundee. The roles and responsibilities for this post include preparing swabs for the patients
attending the hospital drive through service, maintaining stock, preform an initial assessment on patients in a courteous and helpful manner. Ensure effective infection prevention and control measures are always adhered to. I was based at the Forfar vaccination centre from October 2021 to December 2022 as a trained vaccinator, administering the Covid-19 and Flu vaccinations. As a vaccinator I am responsible for my own personal development and keeping up to date with all the new policies and training. I am responsible for configuration of my work station, administration of the vaccine in a safe and effective way. I would always confirm the patients identity and making sure they are happy and comfortable to go ahead. I would check the vaccine before it is administered and report any concerns i.e. about the syringe/ needle/ dose to the registered nurse or team lead, then disposing clinical waste and changing PPE as per national guidelines. I would then update patients records using the Turas vaccination management tool.

Roles and responsibilities;

Measure and record routine observations of temperature,
pulse, blood pressure, height and weight. Assist with patient mobility using correct equipment and techniques. Handle and label specimens safely and
correctly. Assist patients and chaperone whilst clinical examination / procedures are being undertaken. Collect drugs required for the appropriate clinical session,
ensuring safe return and storage after clinical session has ended. Taking blood samples. Offer support, care and guidance to the patient on their journey through
the Outpatients department. Maintain stock levels. Completing of essential paper work.

• Roles and responsibilities on a daily basis are: Guaranteed clients obtained entitled benefits
• Liaised with important local community agencies and service providers
• Washing, bathing, bed bathing and showering clients
• Taking clients on shopping trips
• Administering medicines to clients
• Completing of essential paper work
• Speaking to care managers on behalf of clients
• Ensure the security & safety of the home is maintained at all times
• Taking clients to social events, appointments and places of worship
• Assisting with money management
• General household chores
• Maintain stock levels
• Being alert and aware of the correct procedure in the event of a seizure
• Always ensure clients have the best quality of life