CAREERS STUDENT LIFE
‘The best nurse I can be’ Two award-winning former students describe an undergraduate course that enhanced their empathy skills Edinburgh Napier University’s Simon Pullin award was created in memory of senior nurse Simon Pullin, who played a major role in Edinburgh Napier’s renowned Leadership in Compassionate Care programme until his death from cancer in 2011. When we graduated from the programme last summer, we were honoured and completely surprised to receive the award. Asha James writes: ‘I am not entirely convinced that compassion can just be taught; I believe that it comes from within your nature. However, education can enhance our learning about compassionate care. ‘Edinburgh Napier University’s nursing programme taught us to look after patients’ health, but also strongly encouraged us to be aware of and respond to “small things”, such as patients’ comfort. I have to remind myself that patients are not in the healthcare setting because they want to be, so it is essential to understand how people are feeling. ‘Throughout the programme, we were presented with real stories from patients, often by guest speakers sharing their experiences of receiving care. This was an effective teaching method, allowing students to develop an understanding of compassionate care. ‘Our skills were also assessed through simulations, role play, the use of actor patients, group work, essays and online discussions. However, many students felt that while these techniques can be helpful, they do not accurately reflect the reality of patient care. Even so, the programme was invaluable
skills and communicating was a key competency objective while on placements. ‘In my second year, I was anxious about a placement on a surgical oncology ward where I was afraid of discussing personal and delicate matters such as end of life care. ‘Witnessing colleagues interacting with patients and their families helped me. I surprised myself and found that I could deal effectively with situations I never imagined possible.
Confident care
Allison Brogan (left) and Asha James (right) with Edinburgh Napier University adult nursing lecturer Laura Stirling
in allowing me to become the best nurse I can be.’ Allison Brogan writes: ’Most nurses enter the profession because they are passionate about providing the best care to patients. Many already possess attributes such as being caring and empathetic, and these skills are the cornerstone of compassionate practice. ‘From the outset, Edinburgh Napier’s undergraduate programme emphasised the importance of exploring holistic nursing models and the psychological, social and spiritual effects of illness on patients and their families. This knowledge enhanced my desire and ability to practise with compassion. ‘The programme also had a strong focus on teaching compassionate communication
‘This learning prepared me for my management placement, during which I helped to nurse a number of patients receiving palliative care in their own homes. On reflection, I can see how witnessing more experienced nurses’ interactions, underpinned by the teaching we received, helped me to practise more confidently during my final placement. I also realised that the act of simply listening or being alongside someone can make a huge difference. ‘We also discussed the possibility of becoming emotionally fatigued and losing sight of compassion. I think strong teamwork and a positive working environment is vital in helping to avoid this. Recently I have started work as a surgical staff nurse. Undergoing surgery can be an anxious and vulnerable time for many people and their families. It is my goal to use and develop the compassionate skills I have learned to make patients’ experiences as positive as possible’ NS Asha James is now a staff nurse at Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh, and Allison Brogan is now a staff nurse at Spire Healthcare, Edinburgh RESOURCES Edinburgh Napier University’s undergraduate programme tinyurl.com/NapComCare
66 january 7 :: vol 29RCNi.com no 19 :: 2015 STANDARD Downloaded from by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 23, 2015. For personal use only. NoNURSING other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
‘The best nurse I can be’ Two award-winning former students describe an undergraduate course that enhanced their empathy skills Edinburgh Napier University’s Simon Pullin award was created in memory of senior nurse Simon Pullin, who played a major role in Edinburgh Napier’s renowned Leadership in Compassionate Care programme until his death from cancer in 2011. When we graduated from the programme last summer, we were honoured and completely surprised to receive the award. Asha James writes: ‘I am not entirely convinced that compassion can just be taught; I believe that it comes from within your nature. However, education can enhance our learning about compassionate care. ‘Edinburgh Napier University’s nursing programme taught us to look after patients’ health, but also strongly encouraged us to be aware of and respond to “small things”, such as patients’ comfort. I have to remind myself that patients are not in the healthcare setting because they want to be, so it is essential to understand how people are feeling. ‘Throughout the programme, we were presented with real stories from patients, often by guest speakers sharing their experiences of receiving care. This was an effective teaching method, allowing students to develop an understanding of compassionate care. ‘Our skills were also assessed through simulations, role play, the use of actor patients, group work, essays and online discussions. However, many students felt that while these techniques can be helpful, they do not accurately reflect the reality of patient care. Even so, the programme was invaluable
skills and communicating was a key competency objective while on placements. ‘In my second year, I was anxious about a placement on a surgical oncology ward where I was afraid of discussing personal and delicate matters such as end of life care. ‘Witnessing colleagues interacting with patients and their families helped me. I surprised myself and found that I could deal effectively with situations I never imagined possible.
Confident care
Allison Brogan (left) and Asha James (right) with Edinburgh Napier University adult nursing lecturer Laura Stirling
in allowing me to become the best nurse I can be.’ Allison Brogan writes: ’Most nurses enter the profession because they are passionate about providing the best care to patients. Many already possess attributes such as being caring and empathetic, and these skills are the cornerstone of compassionate practice. ‘From the outset, Edinburgh Napier’s undergraduate programme emphasised the importance of exploring holistic nursing models and the psychological, social and spiritual effects of illness on patients and their families. This knowledge enhanced my desire and ability to practise with compassion. ‘The programme also had a strong focus on teaching compassionate communication
‘This learning prepared me for my management placement, during which I helped to nurse a number of patients receiving palliative care in their own homes. On reflection, I can see how witnessing more experienced nurses’ interactions, underpinned by the teaching we received, helped me to practise more confidently during my final placement. I also realised that the act of simply listening or being alongside someone can make a huge difference. ‘We also discussed the possibility of becoming emotionally fatigued and losing sight of compassion. I think strong teamwork and a positive working environment is vital in helping to avoid this. Recently I have started work as a surgical staff nurse. Undergoing surgery can be an anxious and vulnerable time for many people and their families. It is my goal to use and develop the compassionate skills I have learned to make patients’ experiences as positive as possible’ NS Asha James is now a staff nurse at Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh, and Allison Brogan is now a staff nurse at Spire Healthcare, Edinburgh RESOURCES Edinburgh Napier University’s undergraduate programme tinyurl.com/NapComCare
66 january 7 :: vol 29RCNi.com no 19 :: 2015 STANDARD Downloaded from by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 23, 2015. For personal use only. NoNURSING other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
