Reflective on practices Essay

This is certainly a reflecting essay based on my activities whilst on my six week medical positioning on a haematology ward at a local medical center. The aim of this kind of essay should be to discuss the psychological and sociological impact on the relatives when a dearly loved dies, and after that focus on how a nurse supported the husband and relatives through their reduction. I chose this type of incident?nternet site felt incredibly strongly about the treatment given to this kind of patient shortly before her death, and felt the requirement to reflect on it further.

To be able to help me with my expression I have chosen Gibbs (1988), as the model to help guide my reflective procedure (see appendix 1). The[desktop] comprises of a procedure that helps the individual look at a situation and consider their feelings and thoughts at the time of the incident. Refractive skills support us to think about what could have been completely done, to ensure that if a comparable situation takes place again the feeling gained can be used to deal with the case in a professional manner (Palmer et ing 1997). To enable me to use this situation to get my representation the patient will probably be referred to as Ann. This is to ensure her true name is definitely protected and that confidentially maintained in line with the NMC (2002) Code of Professional Carry out.

Description Ann was a fifty eight year old female married to a very caring husband, the lady had been previously diagnosed withmultiple myeloma with secondary renal impairment, together been obtaining cycles of chemotherapy. My mentor and I were looking after Ann when needed concerned, her observations had been within the regular limits yet she ongoing to mention shortness of breath. Your woman became extremely anxious and I could tell by the try looking in her eyes she was frightened, and asked for myself to get someone quick as the lady could not breathe properly. I actually called my personal mentor when he was close by who came over and offered Ann some oxygen.

Ann said to the nurse I can’t breathe and seemed more anxious and scared, your woman repeated repeatedly that the lady could not inhale and each time the health professional replied extremely sternly and unsympathetically you can breathe in, you are talking to myself. Ann was right now clutching at my hand and asking me personally not to ditch her alone, We reassured her that I would stick to her provided that she desired me to. My instructor then summoned me to go to another sufferer nearby, thus i explained to Ann and apologised that I needed to go and reluctantly performed as I was asked simply by my mentor. On returning to Ann your woman was identified to be tachycardic and having great difficulty in breathing.

The doctors then arrived and it was suggested that her husband become called while she was deteriorating. It had been at this time I had previous agreements and so was required to leave the ward to get a short time. In the return to the ward a nurse informed me that generally there had been a cardiac arrest for the ward even though I had been gone, I intuitively knew it was Ann.

She had died alone, whist my instructor had been attending another sufferer. I was knowledgeable that an make an effort had been made to resuscitate her, without success, your woman was then simply pronounced lifeless. Ann’s partner and family members were currently waiting in the relatives’ room, and so were informed that she acquired passed away.

It had been the family members wish to be left alone with Ann, to enable them to say all their farewells, these were reassured by nurse that someone was available if he or she need business at this very emotional period. My mentor then put in a short time with the family outlining the methods and helping them with details they wished, including information on where to go to get help and support in the event they needed and where to obtain the fatality certificate. Emotions On representation of the incident I felt that I did not act in the best interests of Ann, as the NMC (2002) (clause 1) claims that I am answerable pertaining to my actions and omissions, regardless of tips or directions from another professional.

I felt furious that I was made to keep a patient who had been obviously incredibly frightened and anxious, when there was zero reason for me personally not to stick with her. Scrutton (1995) reinforces this simply by stating which the support of the friendly health professional in stressful situations can greatly reduce the anxiety and fear of the sufferer. I agree with this and felt that it was a waste that I had not been there on her behalf and truly feel she would have got appreciated my company.

I realize that healthcare professionals are occupied and have to prioritise their very own work nevertheless at this present time there was clearly no urgent situation that needed me to leave her. My spouse and i felt angry and annoyed that when the family arrived at view her body, the nurse involved actually did start to show some concern intended for Ann when ever only a short time earlier he had no time on her behalf at all. Analysis It was a shame a professional doctor acted in how that this individual did, neglecting how troubled and upset she was becoming at not being able to breathe.

The nurses` consideration and conversation skillsseemed being very much lacking, not hearing her issues and not demonstrating any feelings towards her. Cooley (2000) appreciates the requirement of almost all nurses to work with basic interpersonal skills, to look warm and welcoming to patients while allocating time and attention to conversation. Fallowfield and Jenkins (1999) discuss just how nurses can worry about not so sure what to claim or stating the wrong point when conntacting dying people and their family members, which can make barriers in communication.

It had been this lack of communication that led to a breakdown in the nurse-patient-relationship, with the individual being afraid of the healthcare professionals return to the bedside, and begging myself not to ditch her alone. That has been also in contravention with the NMC Code of Specialist Conduct (2002) clauses, 1 2 five and several. By not listening, comforting and reassuring the patient, all this added extra stressors to Ann who had been already restless and extremely scared. I feel that I should have reacted differently from this situation and been certain and assertive and endure my advisor and say that I would stick with Ann, as she wished me to.

I could certainly not see any good points at first in the situation on its own, however about reflection from the situation I do think it made me take a very good look inside myself and think of could would have taken care of the situation basically were employees nurse, once again I continually come up with similar thoughts showing how important very good communication, compassion and standard nursing skills are, becoming there to reassure the patient when they are scared or troubled, also getting there to keep their palm and offer a few support. Which often made me more aware of my own, personal communication abilities and how powerful they are and if there is virtually any room to get improvement, just for this reflection procedure and looking within myself I have seen a huge improvement within my nursing expertise and individual observations plus the care My spouse and i deliver.

From my viewpoint it has been a great exercise in showing myself how not to treat people. Analysis Educating the family of the death of their loved one is perhaps probably the most distressing and difficult acts performed by overall health professions, and must be dealt with with honestly caring and sensitive way (Reed 2002). The news of Ann’s death came as a great impact to her partner and family, even though that they knew the lady was terminally ill these people were not mentally prepared on her behalf death, so were within a state of shock and disbelief when ever initially educated of her death.

Scrutton (1995) covers how the death of a partner is the most challenging losses to visit terms with and the doctor has an natural part in helping relatives through this incredibly emotional time. KГјbler-Ross (1981) suggests that arsenic intoxication the registered nurse who was taking care of the patient will help the friends and family feel even more at ease, even though the news is told by a person in medical personnel. According to Worden (1991) individuals react to loss in many different different ways, really for relatives to be furious, in disbelief or discouraged and nurses need to be conscious of the differences answers to reduction and offer suitable support for the individual.

Parkes (1988) theory of loss explains the challenges involved in situations of loss, which in turn according to Worden (1991) can affect people in an emotional, physical, behavioural or internal way. Parkes (1988) implies a process of realisation, refusal and avoidance followed by thoughts of anxiety, trouble sleeping and fear. Nurses should be fully aware about the range of emotions plus the psychological impact the loss of a family member can include on the friends and family. The family members wanted to spend some time alone with Ann to state their goodbyes, so the doctor ensured we were holding given personal privacy to enable them to accomplish this. Preparing the body for the relatives to view before the last offices is important (Wright 1991).

Alexander ainsi que al (1994) have pointed out the importance of this and have stated that the last sight with their loved one will stay in their memory space of the family for a long time, so it is the nurses responsibility to ensure that seen the body will not disturb them. The death of Ann has also had a great sociological impact on the family, they have suffered multiple losses: this being the first loss of the individual themselves, and a loss in roles and relationships loosing the whole family device, and finally the loss of hopes and dreams her husband and family experienced for their future together (Heming & Colmer 2003).

It’s the nurses’ position to support the family through these 1st stages of loss, to listen to them exhibiting genuine attention and consideration for the anguish and upset they are really feeling. Conclusion I experienced that the way I got was not right, after all the patients needs were vital and though I was a student, I should have served in the patients’ best interests. General I have found this very fulfilling reflecting about this incident, I have been able to discover my weak points that can now be turned into strong points.

I now believe that I was a stronger person developing in confidence now will ensure I actually confront my personal fears of operating against an individual in the defence of a patient. Action Plan Applying Gibbs’s refractive cycle has helped me be preferable of the scenario and put things into point of view, recognising how i could put this learning experience to confident use in my own future practice as a Medical professional. In the event that this situation would be to arise again I know I might now have the courage to question the nurses attitude at an earlier stage showing that that bad practice’ simply by anyone is not really acceptable.

I possess made agreements to roundel this incident, and others My spouse and i am worried about to the keep manager, mainly because it my initial consideration to guard the passions and protection of patients, in line with the NMC (2002) Code of Professional Perform, (clause 8). This representation has pointed out the need to boost my know-how and understanding of the process of damage and sadness, I will address these issues at the bereavement officer intended for the trust, listening and learning from the qualified staff and by studying relevant materials. Conclusion To summarize it can be noticed that the doctor has a extremely important role in supporting the patients relatives through all their loss, emotionally, psychologically and a caring perspective.

It might be seen using this reflection that effective interaction and listening skills will be the key to successful care to enable nurses to support families through their loss. Parkes (1988) model of damage has been within understanding the psychological impact with the loss of a relative, helping healthcare professionals to support individuals experiencing damage, although each person will react differently it offers nurses a framework enabling them to be prepared.