kkestral

Hi, Your message brought tears to my eyes. I think it is why I am not brave enough to train to be a child nurse. I think you showed admirable care and compassion for this child and parents. I have three children and would hope that if I was in the same situation as that my child would have some one like you caring for them. Kkestral xx

I agree with you it is very sad, what if the patient is in pain? they shouldn't have to suffer this and monitoring would indicate this might be happening. Where's the dignity and respect? Kkestral

LOL your post made me giggle for good reasons. I am presently a 2nd year student in the UK and have observed the above many times. But let me just say we are not all like that. I love looking after patients and doing basic care, I go home happy I have done a good days work and happy that I have helped the patient. Also there is nothing wrong with wanting to learn about what you are doing and why then you can put it into context and explain to your anxious patient. Lets be honest Drs. don't have good communication skills (or writing skills lol). They frighten and bamboozle patients with terminology. Nurses are excellent communicators who can explain that 'hypertension' isn't a cancerous growth but maybe an indication to eat better and exercise more lol. Nursing in the UK is great I have met some fantastic, educated and professional nurses tht have brought me to tears with their empathy and knowledge. Big up the NHS I am proud to be part of it and training to become a nurse. Kkestral

Hi, I am a UK early second year student, I don't know if this will will help or if you think it is appropriate due to my level, but I thought it might be good to offer a students view of situations like you described that I have observed in practice. I have on many of my practices observed and hear about students that love to just do paperwork, meds and so called percieved nursey tasks on placement. It is a shame when someone has that view. Indeed how can you check skin integrity unless you are doing cares and washes?, how can you check for infection unless you are aware of the looseness, colour and smell of stools? and how can you be a great nurse without that patient connection that develops experience, empathy and communication skills? I was very lucky with my placements I was placed with the HCAs for the first two weeks til I became used to the ward routines. This taught me invaluable skills about basic cares and team work and being in a observational place where my patients were. I learnt to realy observe their colour, behaviours, breathing and look for things out of the norm. Doing repeated observations taught me to look for the abnormal patterns and ask questions of all the staff around me. I got a kick out of successfully having the time to think about what I had read and learnt at university and have time to apply it and put it into action. Working through my CAP document (check list of expected achievements) really help to guide me on what I needed to learn and ask my mentor for opportunities to learn. Every mentor I have had has verbally encouraged me and talked me through every hesitant moment I have had and told me when I have done a great job. You really look up to your mentor so when they say 'good job' and 'thank you' you skip home keen for the next day and more willing to ask about uncertainties. Your student sounds scared, does her course not cover assessment? and I agree with some comments here that maybe failing her will not be a bad thing as the patients wellbeing, dignity and respect are at risk. Surely she should have picked up such basics by her third year? I don't want to sound mean but patient care comes first your student needs to take control of your learning and apply evidence based practice to patient care. Kkestral xx