SUPERSTOCK
CPD practice profile choices for those with mental health conditions. One of these sessions focuses on diabetes, and I have incorporated some of the information from the CPD into it.
Stroke awareness
Blood glucose monitoring A CPD article inspired Sarah Davey to educate mental health patients on the importance of safe blood glucose levels I found the CPD article on blood glucose monitoring and management in acute stroke care interesting and informative. As I am a mental health nursing student, my knowledge of chronic physical conditions is limited, so I learned a lot. While the CPD article focused on managing blood glucose levels in stroke patients specifically, the information it contained could be applied to patients in all healthcare environments. Nurses working in mental health settings should have a basic understanding of blood glucose monitoring, because the majority of antipsychotic medications can lead to weight gain and metabolic syndrome, which can cause patients to crave sugary foods. The increasing prevalence of diabetes is associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. After reading the CPD, I have a better understanding of the ideal range of blood glucose levels and what levels
NURSING STANDARD
are dangerous to patients. My knowledge of the presentation of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia has improved. Currently, I am on a management placement at a mental health recovery unit. Educating patients on how to care for themselves physically and mentally is vital to its ethos. After reading this article, I am more confident about teaching patients about the effects of different blood glucose levels on the body. I am currently involved in running a weekly education group that highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle
This practice profile is based on NS725 Laird E (2014) Blood glucose monitoring and management in acute stroke care. Nursing Standard. 28, 19, 52-56.
While there were some areas I did not understand fully, such as different types of stroke, I did further reading on this topic. As a result, I am now more aware of the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and treatment of both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. I intend to increase my knowledge of anti-diabetic medication and how to administer emergency medications such as glycogen. It would be beneficial to learn more about other chronic physical conditions that may affect patients with mental health conditions, such as asthma and obesity. I intend to study these conditions and to spend time with the GP on the unit’s rounds to further my knowledge and awareness of the physical conditions that patients with mental health conditions may be experiencing. After gaining valuable information and developing my confidence from reading this CPD article, I am now making it a priority to read other CPD articles so I can improve my nursing knowledge and practice NS Sarah Davey is a third-year nursing student at Aderyn hospital, near Pontypool
Write your own practice profile You can gain a certificate of learning by reading a Nursing Standard CPD article and writing a practice profile. Turn to page 54 for this week’s article and on page 62 you can find out how to present and submit your practice profile.
Visit the RCN Learning Zone The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone can be found at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php june 4 :: vol 28 no 40 :: 2014 61
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CPD practice profile choices for those with mental health conditions. One of these sessions focuses on diabetes, and I have incorporated some of the information from the CPD into it.
Stroke awareness
Blood glucose monitoring A CPD article inspired Sarah Davey to educate mental health patients on the importance of safe blood glucose levels I found the CPD article on blood glucose monitoring and management in acute stroke care interesting and informative. As I am a mental health nursing student, my knowledge of chronic physical conditions is limited, so I learned a lot. While the CPD article focused on managing blood glucose levels in stroke patients specifically, the information it contained could be applied to patients in all healthcare environments. Nurses working in mental health settings should have a basic understanding of blood glucose monitoring, because the majority of antipsychotic medications can lead to weight gain and metabolic syndrome, which can cause patients to crave sugary foods. The increasing prevalence of diabetes is associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. After reading the CPD, I have a better understanding of the ideal range of blood glucose levels and what levels
NURSING STANDARD
are dangerous to patients. My knowledge of the presentation of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia has improved. Currently, I am on a management placement at a mental health recovery unit. Educating patients on how to care for themselves physically and mentally is vital to its ethos. After reading this article, I am more confident about teaching patients about the effects of different blood glucose levels on the body. I am currently involved in running a weekly education group that highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle
This practice profile is based on NS725 Laird E (2014) Blood glucose monitoring and management in acute stroke care. Nursing Standard. 28, 19, 52-56.
While there were some areas I did not understand fully, such as different types of stroke, I did further reading on this topic. As a result, I am now more aware of the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and treatment of both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. I intend to increase my knowledge of anti-diabetic medication and how to administer emergency medications such as glycogen. It would be beneficial to learn more about other chronic physical conditions that may affect patients with mental health conditions, such as asthma and obesity. I intend to study these conditions and to spend time with the GP on the unit’s rounds to further my knowledge and awareness of the physical conditions that patients with mental health conditions may be experiencing. After gaining valuable information and developing my confidence from reading this CPD article, I am now making it a priority to read other CPD articles so I can improve my nursing knowledge and practice NS Sarah Davey is a third-year nursing student at Aderyn hospital, near Pontypool
Write your own practice profile You can gain a certificate of learning by reading a Nursing Standard CPD article and writing a practice profile. Turn to page 54 for this week’s article and on page 62 you can find out how to present and submit your practice profile.
Visit the RCN Learning Zone The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone can be found at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php june 4 :: vol 28 no 40 :: 2014 61
Downloaded from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Dec 08, 2015. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
