PPE3 2015

To critically reflect onmy recent placement in a hospital setting, I have used the Gibbs reflectivecycle (Dempsey, Hilledge & Hill, 2014, P.244.). During my fourth week here,the registered nurse I was working closely with suggested I remove a surgicaldrain from a post hernia operation patient. The drain was inserted in thepatients’ left upper quadrant of the abdominal area. The process involvedcreating a sterile environment, aseptic technique, wound care andprofessionalism. Firstly, I cleaned my trolley and gathered the equipment I required.Next, I explained the procedure to the patient and left the trolley aside thepatient’s bed with the two registered nurses. After I completed a surgical handwash, with the assistance of the nurses I was able to put on my personalprotective equipment, including a gown, sterile gloves, glasses and a mask. Theprevious dressing over the entry point of the drain had been removed by theassisting nurses and I began the procedure. I cleaned the wound site usingnormal saline and maintaining aseptic technique to minimise risk of infection(Jones, 2014). I removed a suture which was holding the drain in situ. Thenusing one motion I was able to remove the drain with no friction. When thedrain was completely removed, I placed a gauze over the wound site. There wereno extra fluids. I then completed the procedure by dressing the wound,disposing of equipment, informing the patient of follow up, and washing myhands. As this was a procedure I had not physically performed on a patientbefore, I was anxious. The patient was also nervous as they had been previouslyadvised by a relative that the removal of a drain was uncomfortable and couldbe painful. Her stress made me hesitant but I incorporated professionalism andconfidence to the task which eased the patient and myself. To ensure thepatients needs came first, I put my nerves aside, reflected competency standard9.1 and reassured my patient to create a calm atmosphere (Nursing and Midwifery Boardof Australia, 2008). In completion of the procedurethe patient praised me, as she claimed I had caused her no pain or discomfort.An optimistic attitude evolved as I felt relaxed and satisfied. I think thatoverall this was a positive learning experience for me. Despite the nerves anddoubt, which could’ve potentially increased the risk of infection or a mistake,I was able to develop skill and gain experience. It was beneficial to have twohighly qualified registe