May 20, 2014, 07:35 pm
Depends on your uni curriculum. For the first week, it is normally introduction to the ward, getting to know the facility, nurses and routines. Do not expect much independences on your first year, but try to be pro-active and learn as much as you can. I was questioned by the RNs I worked with a lot and was allowed to be more independent after they assessed my knowledge on my 2nd year sem 2. Procedures such as wound dressings and giving of IV medications will still have to be accompanied at 3rd year. On the my 3rd year sem 2, my uni asked what placement I desired to go (ED) and gave it to me.
The nurses do not normally check on what I chart on the patient's chart. Their only question to me is normally 'Are the vital signs within normal range?'. However, they will still look at it when they are writing the nursing notes. So please don't screw up. If unsure, ask.
Year 1 - Taking of vital signs, changing bed sheets, showering patients, toileting(bum washing, tepid sponging, brushing of teeth for people who can't do it), transfer of patients, delivering meals. My placement were 1) age care 2) gastro/medical ward. (It is actually a mixed ward.)
Year 2 - Giving of medication and wound dressing at 2nd sem. The rest are the similar, except for the fact you are allowed to write nursing progress notes and exposure to different hospitals/facilities, including mental health. My placement 1) Respiratory ward + children ward 2) perioperative - holding bay, recovery and theatres + mental health
Year 3 - Depends a lot on your own progress. I was allowed to take charge of 6 beds (a cubicle), while 1 of my friend wasn't allowed to do anything and have to be accompanied in everything she do. Sad thing is that we were in the same ward and in the same year. IV drips will still be supervised by an RN and need to be checked by another nurse. My placement 1) medical respiratory (again) + mental health/community health 2) Emergency department.
I'm lucky that I was exposed to huge varieties of work environment. I have known of people completing their degree with only placement in age care. Eg. acute care - age care, community health age care, age care facilities, dementia wards and repeat placements.
