Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide nursing care assistance in an acute care environment.
This unit applies to the provision of direct care activities to clients according to the nursing care plan and under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assist with the delivery of nursing care to clients in an acute care environment | 1.1 Implement aspects of nursing care to support client needs according to nursing care plan and as delegated by a registered nurse 1.2 Assist in completing assessment tools and collecting clinical data as delegated by a registered nurse 1.3 Use appropriate equipment and procedures when collecting client clinical data 1.4 Identify client preferences when collecting information to be considered in the development of nursing care plan 1.5 Inform client of the purpose of information and data being sought and gain feedback on their understanding 1.6 Inform client of the purpose of any procedure or activity and gain feedback on their understanding 1.7 Seek and obtain client consent prior to seeking any information or providing any procedure or activity 1.8 Communicate with clients in a manner and pace that meets their needs 1.9 Report relevant information, including changes in client condition, to a registered nurse 1.10 Carry out any procedure or activity according to safe work practices |
2. Support the client to meet personal care needs in an acute care environment | 2.1 Provide support, assistance and technical care according to the nursing care plan and appropriate protocols in order to meet activities of daily living 2.2 Use appropriate equipment and aids when providing assistance and support 2.3 Report any difficulties in providing client support and assistance to a registered nurse 2.4 Provide information to clients to assist them to meet their personal care needs in an appropriate manner and pace 2.5 Maintain the confidentiality, privacy and dignity of clients within appropriate protocols |
3. Work in a team environment | 3.1 Work with colleagues, with consideration of team and group dynamics 3.2 Report clinical data accurately and within a timely fashion to colleagues in a health care team |
4. Work effectively under supervision | 4.1 Carry out work instructions within agreed time frame 4.2 Seek clarification from an appropriate person if required to complete work instructions 4.3 Refer difficulties experienced carrying out work instructions to a registered nurse |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
assisted with nursing care for a minimum of 3 clients, 1 in a simulated environment and 2 in the workplace, over a range of different situations (including venue, time, patient conditions) according to a client care plan and direction of a registered nurse. This includes the following for each client:
working in a manner that respects the dignity of clients
providing support in the following activities of daily living, including:
washing
showering
dressing/undressing
oral health
grooming and hair
eye and nail care
toileting
eating and drinking
using relevant equipment and following procedures for collecting client clinical data which must include:
taking and recording temperature
taking and recording pulse rate
taking and recording respiratory rate
taking and recording blood pressure
taking and recording blood glucose level
recording intake and output on fluid balance chart and/or food chart
measuring and recording weight
collecting urine, sputum or faecal specimen
recognising changes in consciousness
using simple technical skills to perform the following activities at least 3 times, which can be in a simulated environment or in the workplace:
shallow wound care that requires cleansing but does not require packing
catheter care, not including insertion or removal of tubes
application of anti-thrombosis stockings
assistance with breathing devices, under the direct supervision of a health professional
performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 80 hours of work
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
fundamental anatomy and physiology required for scope of role
relevant policies, protocols and practices of the organisation and care programs and plans which may include:
purpose of continence programs and knowledge of continence aids
causes of loss of skin integrity, implications for the client and processes to maintain skin integrity
personal care
infection control procedures
working effectively and following instructions
legal and ethical considerations:
codes of conduct
dignity of risk
duty of care
human rights
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
work health and safety (WHS), including manual handling
procedures and requirements for the collection of clinical data from clients
common equipment and aids utilised in the delivery of personal care
the application of prostheses
principles and practices associated with supporting and assisting clients to meet personal care needs
Assessment Conditions
The following aspects of the performance evidence must have been demonstrated using simulation prior to being demonstrated in an acute care workplace:
assisted with nursing care according to a client care plan and direction of a registered nurse
The following conditions must be met for this unit:
client care plan/pathways
equipment and aids required in the nursing care plan
relevant assessment tools
mobility and personal care equipment and aids
client records and documentation
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
In addition, be a registered nurse with current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Authority (AHPRA).
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (such as language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.