Nadia Tomsen

• Pacing Wires and Cardiac Devices: Acquired knowledge about pacing wires and how to check the settings for patients with pacing boxes, emphasising the importance of monitoring and managing cardiac devices.
• Cardiac Conditions and Surgeries: Gained insights into a wide range of cardiac conditions and the associated surgical procedures, including TAVI, CABG, angiograms, AVR, and more, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular care.
• Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Collaboration: Learned about the diverse range of healthcare professionals in the MDT, including outreach nurses, surgeons, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, HF (Heart Failure) nurses, and congenital nurses. Highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in cardiac care.
• Cardiac Diagnostics: Observed and learned about cardiac diagnostic procedures, such as stress Echocardiography, and the techniques involved in ensuring accurate results.
• Cath Lab Experience: Gained exposure to cardiac catheterization lab procedures, including PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention), angiograms, and angioplasty, while emphasizing the importance of safety precautions and teamwork.
• Clinical Skills Development: Developed a range of clinical skills, such as preparing and administering IV antibiotics and fluids, performing wound dressings, managing ECG and telemetry monitoring, and removing arterial lines and catheters.
• Discharge and Referrals: Learned how to refer patients to other healthcare facilities or services as needed upon discharge, facilitating continuity of care.
• Theatre Preparation: Acquired skills related to theatre checklists and preparing patients for surgical procedures, emphasizing the importance of safety and thorough preparation.
• Patient Monitoring and Handover: Demonstrated proficiency in checking and recording drain output, and providing effective handovers, ensuring smooth transitions in patient care.

• Maintained accurate, up-to-date patient records, maximising data accuracy.
• Clinical Skills: Acquired hands-on clinical skills, including taking manual observations (e.g., blood pressure, pulse), measuring height and weight, performing blood sampling, testing urine samples, calculating and administering injections, and operating a syringe driver.
• Patient-Centered Approach: I learned the importance of tailoring care to individual patient needs, demonstrated by the ability to suggest alternatives like diet and exercise for managing blood glucose levels, thereby promoting patient engagement and choice.
• Health Promotion: I Gained insight into the role of practice nurses in health promotion, emphasising how they provide patients with advice tailored to their specific conditions to prevent health issues from developing.
• Monitoring and Assessment: I observed and assisted in monitoring patients' blood glucose levels at home and how these results could guide treatment decisions. Highlighted the ability to use data to make informed decisions.
• Impact of Lifestyle on Health: I gained an understanding of the significant impact of lifestyle choices on patient outcomes, including the positive impact of health promotion on motivated patients and the challenges posed by non-compliant patients.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Acquired knowledge about the members of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) involved in A&E patient care, I have learnt. about the importance of teamwork and effective communication.
• Medical Procedures and Treatments: I have gained exposure to various medical procedures and treatments in A&E, including the administration of adenosine, observation of echocardiograms, and the treatment and monitoring of patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
• Patient Discharges and Referrals: I have learnt about the processes for discharging patients from A&E and making referrals to other healthcare services.

Skills Developed:

• Oral Suctioning: Acquired skills in oral suctioning techniques, which are essential for maintaining airway patency in emergency situations.
• Venepuncture and Cannulation: Demonstrated proficiency in venepuncture and cannulation, critical skills for drawing blood samples and administering intravenous medications.
• Mental Health Care: Developed the ability to work with patients at risk of self-harm or suicide, as well as implementing diversion strategies for mentally distressed patients.
• Cardiac Care: Gained experience in using a defibrillator, completing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), and reading ECGs.
• Catheterization: Acquired knowledge and skills related to catheterization for both males and females, which is important for urinary management.
• Urine and Blood Sample Collection: Demonstrated the ability to collect urine and blood samples for diagnostic purposes.
• Pregnancy Tests: Conducted pregnancy tests for patients as part of the diagnostic process.
• Neurological Assessment: Learned to determine a patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and conduct neurological observations.
• Intravenous Medication Administration: Gained the skill to set up a syringe driver for medication delivery and prepare IV bags.
• Sepsis Screening (BUFALO): Demonstrated knowledge and ability to screen for sepsis using the BUFALO criteria.
• Escalation of Concerns: Gained an understanding of the significance of escalating concerns, particularly in situations involving patient observations or safeguarding concerns

• Performed physical assessment by measuring blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen level.
• Delivering Bad News: Acquired the skill of delivering difficult news to patients and providing support following a cancer diagnosis. Demonstrated empathy and communication skills to help patients cope with such news.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Role: Learned about the role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist in oncology, including providing physical and emotional support, coordinating care services, and offering clinical and practical advice to patients. Highlighted the importance of effective communication and the role of a CNS in patient care.
• Observing Mole Removal Surgery: Gained insights into surgical procedures related to melanoma, including the pre-operative documentation process (e.g., consent forms) and post-operative aftercare. Demonstrated an understanding of the surgical care process.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Worked collaboratively with various members of the healthcare team, such as consultants, clinical nurse specialists, care support workers, and more. Also, had exposure to different aspects of the cancer care pathway and learned about the roles of different team members.
• Admissions Process: Participated in outpatient admissions, which included tasks like MRSA and COVID testing, paper records of observations, and transfer checklists. Learned the importance of monitoring patients who are waiting for a bed on a ward.

Skills Developed:

• Provided personalised care and support to vulnerable individuals, helping them retain maximum independence.
• Built patient confidence through physical exercise, promoting positive lifestyle changes and improved wellbeing.
• Worked closely with nurses to maintain optimum levels of communication.
• Handled non-clinical duties including dressing, toileting and feeding patients.
• Operated hoists and assistive technology safely for patients with mobility issues.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals for excellent care continuity.

• Offered compassionate emotional support to patients and families.
• Maintained patient dignity throughout personal and intimate care.
• Demonstrated respect, compassion and professionalism to maintain high standards for diverse patient groups.
• Improved health outcomes by delivering consistent care in collaboration with nursing team.
• Applied mobility assistance knowledge to safely ambulate patients in varying elevations and obstacles.
• Monitored and documented client behaviours, activities and development, aiding appropriate care plan management.
• Continuously promoted best practices in health, safety and security to safeguard patient welfare.
• Used excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and interact with individuals in need.

• Supported clients with sensitive personal care tasks including dressing, showering , maintaining respect and confidentiality to promote trust.
• Managed and administered clients' prescribed medication to maintain optimum health and wellbeing.
• Aided clients with nighttime routines including getting them dressed and helping them to go to the toilet to establish and maintain effective habits.
• Contributed to specialised care for people with dementia, re-enablement or people with continence difficulties.
• Assisted with household finances, sorting bills and payments and running errands on behalf of patients.
• Turned bed-bound patients regularly to prevent pressure sores.
• Prepared and served healthy, nutritious meals, taking into account any special dietary needs and personal preferences.
• Administered oral and topical medication following instructions from medical personnel.
• Tackled chronic loneliness by providing tailored companionship through active listening and shared hobbies.

• Delivered toileting support for clients with mobility issues.
• Guaranteed user safety by monitoring wellbeing and promptly reporting concerns.
• Prevented accidents and falls by ensuring cleanliness and tidiness of service user homes.
• Improved eating and drinking habits, preparing [Number] nutrient-rich scheduled meals daily.
• Helped individuals manage daily activities of living due to age, illness or injury, or chronic condition.
• Adapted care activities in response to clients' mood, energy levels, and preferences.
• Kept detailed records of care activities, condition changes and treatment responses.