Article Writing Homework Help

Need help with my writing homework on Nursing in the United Kingdom. Write a 1000 word paper answering; Theatre nurses are the obvious people to step into this role but as Thatcher [2003] demonstrates the nurse’s role as an assistant needs to be recognised and standardised, so the role of advanced scrub practitioner can be developed. This essay will demonstrate how my development in a new role has impacted on my practice.

The Gibbs[1988] model of reflection will help to illustrate my growth as an advanced scrub practitioner. The Gibbs model of reflection provides a structure for reflection and is less controlling than other models. As an experienced scrub nurse I initially found it very difficult to separate myself and concentrate solely on assisting within my own specialty. It has had the most profound impact on me as an individual. Having always been lead scrub within the spinal unit it was unsettling not just for me, but for the theatre team as the dynamics had changed. The NATN [1993] guideline states that nurses acting as assistants should focus on the intraoperative care required by the patient and this required me to separate myself from worrying about instruments and concentrate all my attention on assisting the surgeon.

Developing in my role has helped me to question previous preconceptions regarding nursing. I have enhanced my knowledge of anatomy / physiology which has enabled me to become a more proficient assistant. This has helped me to appreciate the care needed for positioning the patient ready for surgery. The wound-healing process has been a revelation to me. It has benefited me enormously in the closure of wounds, tissue handling and in haemostasis. I have come to understand that all these factors contribute greatly to the healing process and also the choice of most suitable dressing.

My role as an advanced scrub practitioner has at times been difficult especially when working within my own unit . There are times when feel that I am pulled in both directions with the surgeon as he seems to expect more from me : for example positioning the patient prior to and after surgery. This can cause difficulties all round as no more staff are allocated to the theatre thus my team leader skills are being fully explored in resolving these issues.

The role of assisting for nurses has traditionally been within the remit of the scrub practitioner as Turner [2003] suggests, but she also states that greater definition and separation of the two roles are necessary. Thatcher [2003] demonstrates how all parties concerned with perioperative care established the creation of the Perioperative Care Collaborative in July 2002 did indeed define and identify the skills required for assisting as opposed to dual rolling and scrubbing. It has been suggested by Hind [1997] that if staff are expected to act in a role that requires new skills, then the employer should provide training and support.

Fairchild [1993] suggests that whatever role nurses undertake in theatre a good understanding of anatomical structures and their location is essential. She also suggests that as all theatre staff are responsible for total patient safety throughout any surgical procedure a good understanding of how the body works can only be of benefit to all concerned.