WELCOME
&
INFORMATION
PACK
FOR
STUDENTS
PRESTON HOUSE NURSING HOME
Updated November 2014
Dear Student,
On behalf of all the staff welcome to Preston House Nursing Home. We hope that you will quickly feel part of the team and that your placement here will be an enjoyable and educationally enriching experience. The care home setting will allow you to enhance your understanding of older people as individuals with feelings and needs and to develop the skills to build relationships in a supportive, caring environment. You will be assigned a mentor who will help guide you through your placement.
Preston House is part of the Kingdom Homes Group.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Kingdom Homes ethos remains that quality of life should never be a thing of the past, it will always have a long – term future with Kingdom Homes.
We want everything we do in our homes to be driven by the needs, abilities and aspirations of our residents, not by what staff, management or any other group would desire. We are committed to ensuring that the facilities, resources, policies, activities and services of the home remain resident – led.
FITNESS OF PURPOSE
We are committed to achieving our stated aims and objectives and we welcome the scrutiny of our residents and their representatives.
COMPREHENSIVE
We aim to provide a total range of care, in collaboration with all appropriate agencies, to meet the overall personal and health care needs and preferences of our residents.
MEETING ASSESSED NEEDS
The care we provide is based on the thorough assessment of needs and the systematic and continuous planning of care for each resident.
QUALITY SERVICES
We are aiming for a progressive improvement in all aspects of care delivery and on-going training at all levels of our staff and management.
RESIDENTS’ RIGHTS
We place the rights of the residents at the forefront of our philosophy of care. We seek to advance these rights in all aspects of the environment and the services we provide and to encourage our residents to exercise their rights to the full.
Getting the most out of your placement will depend on how well you utilise your time. The home is very busy and it may not always be possible to work directly with your mentor- especially if they are in charge of the home. We expect you to use your initiative in either participating in the home activities or working with other staff members. If there is a quiet spell or you have university work which requires completion then please negotiate with your mentor to get some time for study.
We hope, having enjoyed your placement, you will complete the Evaluation Form at the back of this pack.
ABOUT US
Preston House Nursing home is located at:
Alburn Park, Glenrothes, Fife
Telephone Number: 01592 612 418
Preston House Nursing Home is a 60 bedded, purpose built nursing home. Our team consists of:
Manager, 2 Nurses on duty 24 hours a day, Support Workers, Assistant Support Workers, Cooks, Receptionist, Activities Co-ordinator and Laundry staff.
Our shift pattern is 8 – 8 night/days. Where possible you will follow the same shift pattern as your allocated mentor to maximise the amount of time spent directly or indirectly with your mentor.
You are welcome to contact the Home prior to your start date to arrange an informal visit to meet your mentor and arrange off duty.
If travelling by car we are situated beside the Preston roundabout but the turnoff to take is the one just past the Leven one as if heading towards Woodside. You can park in our underground car park and use the intercom for staff to let you in.
There are staff changing facilities and showers on site. The staff room has lockers, a fridge and a snack vending machine. The Home has a designated smoking area outside.
If you are absent due to sickness please contact us to let us know of your absence and again prior to the resumption of your placement.
OUR PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
We are committed to provide and maintain a quality learning environment. Students are encouraged to develop the knowledge, skills and attitude to competently deliver care under the direct supervision of a registered practitioner.
We encourage students to ask questions and will always try to answer them. However, we will expect the students to assist with their own learning by developing a questioning approach. We look forward to hearing their views and suggestions about how we can improve the learning experience for our students.
We will treat students as individuals acknowledging their needs and encouraging them to feel part of the care team by involving them in assisting and directing healthcare professionals in providing nursing care.
We will treat students with respect and recognise and value the contribution of all students in the process of planning and carrying out patient care and assist them to achieve/maintain knowledge and skills in order to provide safe and effective care.
We aim to work in partnership with the university in order to maximise the provision of an enjoyable and effective learning environment for nursing students, in order to advance knowledge and skills, which will benefit our patients – current and future.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US
v You will receive a timely induction into your work area to ensure you are familiar with the environment and are able to practice safely.
v During your placement you will be allocated a mentor to work alongside. The mentor will be a qualified practitioner who will assist and support you during your placement and provide supervision during your clinical practice.
v You will discuss your learning needs and outcomes at the beginning of the placement.
v We will provide a safe and healthy environment which is conducive to meeting identified individual student learning needs suitable to your stage of education combining relevant theory with practice.
v Your mentor will assess your performance against your course learning outcomes and provide continuous feedback to help you develop your skills. You can expect to have an initial, interim and final assessment/interview with your mentor.
v We expect to be asked questions and we will endeavour to answer these appropriately. However, as an adult learner we may nudge you in the right direction and encourage you to get the answers for yourself.
v You will be given time for reflection and review.
v You will be a valued member of our team during your placement and can expect support from all your colleagues.
v We will listen to your feedback about your placement and will respond to any issues raised sensitively.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU
v We expect you to act in a professional manner in accordance with the Guidance on professional conduct for nursing and midwifery students (NMC, 2009), be courteous, respectful and show enthusiasm, interest and motivation to learn.
v We expect you to arrive on time for planned shifts and any other activity identified by the mentor or delegated supervisor.
v We expect you to ensure your Mentor is aware of your learning outcomes for the placement and specific learning needs.
v You are responsible for the safe-keeping of your OAR and care home workbook and to make these readily available to your mentor to assist them in your ongoing assessment.
v You will be guided in many areas but you will also be expected to assist your own learning through questioning, research and teamwork.
v You will be expected to work with a variety of our dedicated staff and we expect you to treat each one with respect and acknowledge the skills and expertise they are willing to share with you.
v We expect you to dress in accordance with the University uniform policy.
v You should inform your Mentor or delegated person if you are unwell, not able to attend your placement or have to leave unexpectedly.
v We expect you to maintain and respect confidentiality at all times. This applies to clients, their records and discussions between the student and the Mentor.
v We would like you to raise any issues regarding your placement with your mentor. If this is not possible you should contact your Learning Team Facilitator.
v You should reflect on your progress to increase self-awareness, confidence and competence.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Prior to commencement of your placement at Preston House you may wish to consider what experience and pre-existing knowledge you have and what you hope to gain from your placement in terms of further knowledge, skills and experiences that you require in order to fulfil your competencies and meet the standards contained within your pre-registration programme.
Your mentor will discuss your learning objectives for your placement in line with your OAR and care home workbook, taking into account your previous experience and personal objectives. The following outline of Learning Opportunities available to you whilst on placement in Preston House Nursing Home should be used as a framework to guide you and your mentor to devise a plan of learning for your placement.
You will meet with your Mentor for regular and consistent feedback which will contribute to the achievement of the learning outcomes, resulting in fair and objective assessment.
The following is a list of possible learning opportunities for you during your placement. The list is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and you do not have to participate in all the activities identified, but it is hoped you will participate in most of them. There may also be other opportunities for learning available that are not identified in this list.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
o Effective communication / talking with clients, carers, relatives in a variety of settings.
o Use of telephone – answering calls, recording information, dealing with patient and public enquiries.
o Discussions with other relevant professionals involved in client care.
o Use of computer / email / email / internet
o Awareness of own communication skills – both verbal and non-verbal.
o Awareness of and able to use buzzer systems
PEOPLE/PERSONNEL RESOURCE
o Nursing Team
o Social Care Staff
o Activities Co-ordinator
o Admin Staff
o GPs
o Outside Agencies
§ Specialist Nurses / District Nurses/ Care Commission
o Physio/OT/Dietician
ASSESSMENT SKILLS & DOCUMENTATION
o Admission procedures
o Utilising assessment tools
§ Wound Management
§ Nutritional Assessment
§ Risk Assessment
§ Falls Risk/Manual Handling Risk Assessment
o Care Planning inc. accurate documentation and recording of care given.
o Prioritising workload.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF CARE
o Developing skills to assist/provide clients with care to meet their holistic needs
o Client comfort- hygiene, toileting, oral hygiene
o Understanding principles of patient-centred care
o Moving and handling- assistance with mobility
o Pressure Area care
o Medication (knowledge and administration)
§ Oral
§ Injection
§ Nebulisers/Inhalers
§ Eye drops
§ Creams and lotions
§ Rectal medication (enemas, suppositories)
o Meeting nutritional and dietary needs
§ PEG Feeding
o Catheterisation and catheter care- urethral.
o Bowel management/care
o Measurement and recording of systemic observations including blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring.
o Wound Care and aseptic technique
o Specimen Collection
§ Wound swabs
§ Urine
§ Faeces
o Venepuncture
PROFESSIONAL & ETHICAL PRACTICE
o Practice within NMC codes of confidentiality, respecting client wishes and decisions.
o Dignity and respect.
o Recognising and working within your own accountabilities.
o Observing and adhering to area ways of working, operational instructions and local Policies and Procedures.
o Care Commission Regulations
o Legislation
o Reflection on own experiences
o Use of Evidence Based Practice- SIGN Guidelines etc.
SAFETY
o Infection Control in care Home setting
o Personal and area risk assessments procedures.
o Awareness of strategy in dealing with verbally aggressive/challenging behaviour.
o Fire regulations and evacuation procedures
o Safe use of any equipment
o Moving and handling
MANAGEMENT
o Supplies and ordering
o Rota management
o Care of valuables/client belongings
o Audits
OTHER
o Care of people with eye problems
o Maintenance treatment of various disorders e.g.
§ Anaemia
§ Thyroid Disorders
§ Diabetes
§ Vitamin Deficiencies
o Palliative and Terminal Care
o Care of acute and chronically ill people
o Care of people with dementia, Alzheimers
o Bandaging
o Removal of sutures/clips
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
o Experienced Staff
o Access to computer/intranet
o Policies and Procedure Manuals
o Teaching/Learning Packs
o Nursing Home Resident Information Leaflets
o Care Plans
o Care Commission Inspection Reports
o Articles
o Journals
o Books
FURTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
o University of Dundee: Clinical Placement Support Unit (CPPSU)
§ www.cppsu.dundee.ac.uk
o NHS Education for Scotland:
§ www.nes.scot.nhs.uk
o Nursing & Midwifery Council NMC:
§ www.nmc-uk.org
o The Knowledge Network (formerly e-library) -literature search facility, free with Athens log-on details, full articles available.
§ www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk
o The Care Inspectorate
§ www.careinspectorate.com
EVALUATION OF PLACEMENT AREA
We sincerely hope you have enjoyed your placement at Preston House Nursing Home and that it has met and perhaps exceeded your educational expectations.
We would be very grateful if you could take a few moments to complete the following Evaluation Form.
STUDENT EVALUATION FORM
1. DO YOU FEEL YOU WERE ORIENTATED TO THE PLACEMENT AREA?
YES/NO Comments:
2. WERE YOU INFORMED OF WHO YOUR MENTOR WAS ON ARRIVAL TO THE PLACEMENT?
YES/NO Comments:
3. WERE YOU WELCOMED AND MADE TO FEEL PART OF THE TEAM?
YES/NO Comments:
4. DID YOU DISCUSS YOUR OBJECTIVES WITH MENTOR?
YES / NO Comments:
5. WAS THERE APPROPRIATE TIME TAKEN FOR MIDWAY ASSESSMENT/FINAL ASSESSMENT/OAR BOOKLET?
YES/NO Comments:
6. DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE MET YOUR OBJECTIVES TO THE LEVEL REQUIRED?
YES / NO Comments:
7. DO YOU FEEL YOU WERE GIVEN ADEQUATE SUPPORT THROUGHOUT YOUR PLACEMENT?