Rachael Whyman

During my time as a Student Nurse, I developed a strong foundation in patient care. I had the opportunity to work within diverse clinical settings, enhancing my ability to adapt to different environments and patient needs. My student experience has included several acute hospital wards, emergency department, a community hospital, a GP practice placement, and my elective placement which was in the dermatology outpatient department at Gloucester Royal Hospital.

My most recent placement was an 18-week experience on an elective neurosurgical ward at Southmead Hospital. During this time, I applied the skills I had developed throughout my three years of nurse training. This placement allowed me to further refine a broad range of clinical and interpersonal skills, which enabled me to contribute effectively as part of a nursing team whilst also working independently when required. Some skills that I have achieved are highlighted below.

• Participated in health education programmes and nurse education activities in clinical and community settings.
• Complied with quality healthcare standards to uphold hospital reputation.
• Built positive rapport with patients from various backgrounds.
• Observed changes in patient conditions; reported to appropriate healthcare personnel promptly.
• Advised on dietary, nutrition and illness prevention.
• Handled patients' hygiene needs in support of personal dignity and optimum wellness.
• Planned and delivered evidence-based care tailored to patients' needs.
• Monitored patient conditions, continuously assessing vitals to ensure ongoing quality care.
• Tracked and addressed patient pain levels, helping promote healing by minimising discomfort.
• Followed strict hygiene protocols during all clinical procedures; minimised cross-contamination risks significantly.
• Applied clinical skills to administer IVs, injections, and catheters accurately and safely.
• Liaised effectively with multidisciplinary team, ensuring seamless patient care delivery.

• Coordinated age-appropriate activities to enhance learning development, including art, music and physical pursuits.
• Implemented Safeguarding Procedures to monitor and protect children.
• Set up and helped children with activity equipment and resources.
• Built positive relationships with families, enhancing trust in care provisions.
• Established rapport with families and delivered comprehensive progress reports.
• Created safe and stimulating outdoor learning environments.
• Applied Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework knowledge to drive curriculum attainment.
• Supported children with toilet training to aid physiological development.

• Established and maintained working relationships with clients based on trust and non-judgement.
• Promoted physical activity through assistance with exercises improving overall health condition of the client.
• Encouraged social integration by facilitating community involvement opportunities.
• Empowered individuals to pursue hobbies and leisure activities such as shopping and creative activities.
• Delivered high-quality care to individuals with varying needs, tailoring support to meet personalised care plans.
• Maintained detailed records of patient behaviour changes for healthcare team reference.
• Enhanced wellbeing of patients by providing emotional support and companionship.

• Aided service users in everyday activities, such as washing and dressing, ensuring constant safety and effective care.
• Ensured safe, secure living conditions for service users, reducing risk and enhancing quality of life.
• Completed care documentation and monitored patient progress to achieve up-to-date records.
• Liaised between patients and healthcare professionals, facilitated effective communication channels.
• Safely escorted patients during medical appointments and hospital visits.
• Improved service users' daily lives through compassionate conversation, empathetic care and community socialisation.
• Prepared nutritionally-balanced meals and assisted with feeding to guarantee wellbeing of individuals under care.
• Ensured patients took all medications as prescribed by their doctor, as per medication policy.
• Received training on dementia care principles, enhancing skills in managing challenging behaviours.