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The Student Nurse Handbook


Synopsis


This convenient Handbook will be invaluable to students starting out on a pre-registration nursing course. Covering a broad range of topics, from helping understand what tutors and mentors expect, how to plan work, and coping with stress, it will support undergraduates across all aspects of student life.

This book will help students to:

  • Write assignments
  • Cope with stress
  • Make the most of clinical placements
  • Reflect on practice
  • Understand nursing models, theories and philosophies
  • Understand medical terminology and nursing jargon
  • Deal with legal and ethical issues.

Bethann Siviter

Summary

Chapter 1: Understanding the Role of the Student Nurse

* Explores the responsibilities, expectations, and ethical obligations of student nurses.
* Emphasizes the importance of professionalism, compassion, and patient advocacy.
* Example: A student nurse attends an ethical consultation meeting to discuss a complex case involving patient consent and end-of-life care.

Chapter 2: Nursing Theory and Practice

* Introduces the foundational principles of nursing theory and their application to nursing practice.
* Covers concepts such as holistic care, evidence-based practice, and the nursing process.
* Example: A student nurse utilizes the nursing process to assess a patient's pain level, develop a plan of care, implement interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of those interventions.

Chapter 3: Communication and Interpersonal Skills

* Discusses the importance of effective communication in nursing settings.
* Explores various strategies for building rapport with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
* Example: A student nurse demonstrates strong communication skills by actively listening to a patient's concerns, using empathetic language, and maintaining eye contact.

Chapter 4: Patient Assessment and Physical Examination

* Provides a comprehensive guide to patient assessment, including physical examination techniques.
* Covers detailed instructions on assessing vital signs, performing neurological and musculoskeletal exams, and collecting health histories.
* Example: A student nurse performs a physical examination on a patient with suspected appendicitis, palpating the abdomen and checking for rebound tenderness.

Chapter 5: Nursing Interventions

* Outlines various nursing interventions used to promote patient well-being.
* Covers topics such as medication administration, wound care, and infection control.
* Example: A student nurse administers medications to a patient post-operatively, following the five rights of medication administration.

Chapter 6: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

* Emphasizes the role of nurses in promoting health and preventing disease.
* Discusses topics such as nutrition, exercise, and immunization.
* Example: A student nurse conducts a patient education session on the importance of handwashing to prevent the spread of infection.

Chapter 7: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

* Introduces critical thinking principles and their application in nursing practice.
* Provides strategies for analyzing situations, identifying problems, and developing solutions.
* Example: A student nurse utilizes critical thinking skills to manage a patient with multiple medical conditions, prioritizing interventions and making decisions based on clinical data.

Chapter 8: Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Teamwork

* Highlights the importance of collaboration and teamwork in healthcare settings.
* Covers communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and the role of the nurse in interdisciplinary teams.
* Example: A student nurse participates in a team discharge planning meeting, collaborating with physicians, social workers, and family members to ensure a smooth transition for the patient.