Becoming a Professional Nurse

6141 Words25 Pages
Becoming a Professional Nurse

The decision to embark upon a life changing programme of study came about initially in response to redundancy. During that difficult time, two potential career options were realistically available i.e. return to secondary school teaching biological and health sciences or return to nursing. Following a period of deliberation and upon close scrutiny of existing skills the decision to apply for the PG Dip in Nursing was made, the decision being based upon the notion that prior employment within the sector together with teaching experience on nursing cadetship programmes could prove to be very valuable.

As a former lecturer in microbiology the inherent difficulties of maintaining asepsis within community based settings was an issue that became immediately apparent particularly in respect of dressing wounds and the potential for cross contamination and healthcare associated infections [HCAI’s]. With this as the focus the purpose of this assignment is to explore five key themes, it is anticipated that by using prior knowledge, personal values in respect of lessening the incidence of HCAI’s and incorporating effective infection control measures in personal practice might be significantly enhanced.

Concepts of caring and nursing– learning the skills

The first theme for consideration is concepts of caring, the focus being the fundamental skill of hand washing with specific reference to working within community settings. It has been suggested that “hand hygiene is the cornerstone for infection control activities” (Smith, S. M. 2009, p788) However evidence exists within this study that suggests there are still lessons to be learned with regard to technique and efficacy of training methodologies with regard to acquiring this fundamental skill. The World Health Organisation [WHO, 2011] similarly recognise that the endemic nature of
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