HLTEN504B
Implement and evaluate a plan of nursing care

This competency unit describes the knowledge and skills required to implement nursing care plans for individual clients and evaluate the care provided in a range of health environments

Application

The knowledge and skills described in this competency unit are to be applied within jurisdictional nursing and midwifery regulatory authority legislative requirements

Enrolled/Division 2 nursing work is to be carried out in consultation/collaboration with registered nurses and under direct or indirect supervisory arrangements in line with jurisdictional regulatory requirements


Prerequisites

Pre-requisite unit

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite:

HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients

1.1 Identify actual and potential nursing care needs in consultation/collaboration with the client

1.2 Identify client needs for health education and implement education within scope of nursing practice and in consultation/collaboration with registered nurse

1.3 Introduce and explain all nursing interventions, using appropriate language and interpersonal skills to address the diverse needs of clients and health care settings

1.4 Establish and maintain a safe environment through effective communication with clients, family and carers

1.5 Advocate for clients within the Enrolled/Division 2 nurse scope of practice

1.6 Work effectively with clients from a range of cultural, spiritual and religious backgrounds, taking action to address cultural factors that may impact on nursing practice

1.7 Incorporate health teaching into practice within role responsibility

1.8 Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for implementing nursing care within the Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse scope of practice

2. Assist client in activities of daily living

2.1 Explain to client the importance of hygiene and grooming to achieving health outcomes

2.2 Assist clients to address hygiene, dressing and grooming needs

2.3 Describe conditions which affect the oral cavity and demonstrate effective oral hygiene to client

2.4 Identify client nutritional needs in consultation/ collaboration with client and their significant others

2.5 Assist clients with their diet and fluid intake and ensure client's nutritional needs are met in consultation/collaboration with registered nurse

2.6 Apply strategies to assist clients with diet and fluid intake

2.7 Recognise and manage emergency situations associated with diet and fluid intake

2.8 Assist clients with key aspects of elimination

2.9 Explain and demonstrate to clients key factors associated with fluid balance and bowel charts

2.10 Assist with respiratory function especially deep breathing and coughing exercises

2.11 Use appropriate measures to promote comfort, rest and sleep

3. Assist with movement of clients

3.1 Apply the principles and techniques of safe manual handling and principles of 'no-lift' policy when assisting clients with movement

3.2 Identify situations of risk or potential risk and implement risk prevention/minimisation strategies and refer to registered nurse as appropriate

3.3 Actively encourage clients to contribute to their own mobility

3.4 Assist clients to safely transfer using appropriate mobility procedures with reference to safety of self, client and others involved

3.5 Identify common pressure area sites with reference to the needs of each individual client and implement appropriate strategies to prevent and manage decubitus ulcers

3.6 Identify and describe to clients factors contributing to the formation of decubitus ulcers and practices to avoid breakdown of pressure areas

4. Prepare clients for procedures

4.1 Provide each client with a full explanation regarding preparation for specific procedures

4.2 Maintain privacy and dignity of client throughout

4.3 Complete documentation as per organisation policy and procedures

4.4 Observe validity of consent and report any concerns to the registered nurse, as appropriate

5. Provide nursing care to meet identified needs

5.1 Participate in the implementation of a plan of nursing care in line with duty of care and OH&S policies and procedures

5.2 Monitor the application of safe workplace procedures as per OH&S policies and organisation policies and procedures

5.3 Monitor the application of infection control principles in all work activities

5.4 Prioritise work activities to meet acuity of client needs and maintain a balanced approach to own workload

5.5 Work in a manner that maintains the client's privacy and dignity and demonstrates best practice based on a full range of relevant information including scientific rationale

5.6 Undertake nursing procedures as delegated within the nursing team and scope of practice

5.7 Apply strategies to promote comfort, rest and sleep

5.8 Implement appropriate nursing actions to prevent and manage decubitus ulcers in consultation/ collaboration with a registered nurse

5.9 Implement appropriate immediate action to address urgent needs and document and report as appropriate

5.10 Implement risk prevention strategies appropriate to delivery of nursing care

5.11 Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to reporting requirements to support safe practice as per organisation policies and procedures

6. Monitor and evaluate clients during care

6.1 Maintain ongoing observation and assessment during nursing care

6.2 Monitor the use of diagnostic tools and document results

6.3 Monitor and evaluate client progress and changes implemented within the nursing role

6.4 Assess and document changes in client independence or pain tolerance within scope of Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse practice

6.5 Record and report changes in condition/baseline data/behaviour to the registered nurse, as appropriate

6.6 Document evidence of client outcomes in nursing care plan

6.7 Respond to and report situations of risk to registered nurse

6.8 Identify and respond appropriately to signs and symptoms of common emergency situations

6.9 Demonstrate respect for the client's attitudes and values in regard to resuscitation

6.10 Use emergency codes correctly

6.11 Initiate CPR according to organisation procedures

7. Prepare the client for discharge in consultation/ collaboration with registered nurse

7.1 Clarify client needs for community support services on discharge and identify appropriate community support services to the client

7.2 Promote client awareness and understanding through health education within the Enrolled/Division 2 nurse scope of practice

7.3 Ensure client has all requirements for discharge: next GP's appointment: medications; and any referrals

7.4 Complete documentation as per policy and procedure

8. Evaluate nursing care provided

8.1 Evaluate own contribution to nursing care in consultation/collaboration with the client and registered nurse

8.2 Evaluate implementation of plan of nursing care in consultation/collaboration with the multidisciplinary team and/or registered nurse

8.3 Evaluate nursing care in light of potential and actual client outcomes

8.4 Evaluate risk prevention and management strategies applied in delivery of nursing care

8.5 Demonstrate an understanding of implications and risks related to alterations in normal physiological functioning and hospitalisation, and may relate to problems of the body systems

8.6 Document and report all aspects of evaluation of nursing care provided

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Activities of daily living

Cross cultural communications

Deviations from normal anatomy and physiology

Discharge policy and planning requirements

Documentation and reporting requirements, including mandatory reporting requirements

Environment policy and procedure

Factors that promote and impede comfort, sleep and rest

Legislation relating to medication administration

Lifespan approach to anatomy and physiology

Maintaining a safe environment

Manual handling an 'no lift' policy

Microbiology and pathogenesis relating to nosocomial infection

Occupational health and safety legislation

Organisation policies and procedures

Purpose of hygiene and grooming

Risk identification related to episodic care

age

anaesthesia and surgery

cognitive status

deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism

immobility

length of stay

mental illness

non-compliance

nutritional status

pain

presence of morbidity

Risk prevention strategies

active/passive exercises

asepsis/universal precautions

falls assessment

maintenance of skin integrity

pressure area care

Safe work procedures and manual handling

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Apply problem solving skills, including use of tools and techniques to solve problems, analyse information and make decisions that require discretion and confidentiality

Apply Professional Standards of Practice:

ANMC code of conduct

ANMC code of ethics

ANMC national Enrolled/Division 2 nurse competency standards

state/territory Nurse Regulatory Nurses Act

state/territory Nursing and Midwifery Regulatory Authority standards of practice

scope of nursing practice decision making framework

Apply nursing interventions/procedures, including:

mobility:

manual handling/risk assessment

assist with mobility

positioning/active and passive exercises

feeding a client

specimens:

collection of specimens

urinalysis

rest and sleep

bed making

bathing and showering

pressure area care

eye toilet

nasal toilet

perineal toilet

oral hygiene

dressing and undressing

assistance with eating and drinking

maintaining skin integrity

nebulisers, puffers, peak flow assessment, oxygen administration and oximetry

basic life support

nasogastric and gastrostomy feeding

ostomy care

established tracheostomy care

Demonstrate professional conduct, skills and knowledge

Identify and address risk minimisation needs

Meet nutritional needs

continued ...

Essential skills (contd):

Participate as a member of a health care team

Promote comfort

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Undertake admission and discharge processes

Undertake observation and assessment

Use advanced oral communication skills (language competence) required to fulfil job roles as specified by the health environment. Advanced oral communication skills include interviewing techniques, asking questions, active listening, asking for clarification from client or other persons, negotiating solutions, acknowledging and responding to a range of views

Use interpersonal skills required, including working with others, empathising with clients, family and colleagues, using sensitivity when dealing with people and an ability to relate to persons from differing cultural, spiritual, social and religious backgrounds

Use written communication skills (literacy competence) required to fulfil job roles as specified by health environment. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding client reports and documentation to completion of written reports

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of performance in a work context is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations and should occur on more than one occasion and be assessed by a registered nurse

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the clinical workplace or in a simulated clinical work environment and under the normal range of clinical environment conditions

Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Method of assessment may include:

Observation in the work place

Written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Questioning - verbal and writing

Role play

Simulation - access to simulation clinical setting/environment (laboratory)

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

This unit is recommended to be assessed in conjunction the following related competency units:

HLTAP501B Analyse health information

HLTOHS300B Contribute to OHS processes

HLTEN509B Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice

HLTEN502B Apply effective communication skills in nursing practice

This unit incorporates the content of:

HLTEN405B Implement basic nursing care


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Therapeutic relationships include:

Nurse/client

Nurse/significant other

Client/client

Nurse/nurse

Nurse/multidisciplinary health care team

Actual and potential nursing care that clients may need assistance with includes:

Hygiene and toileting

Elimination/incontinence

Physical comfort

Sleep disturbances

Health education

Oral/dental care

Immobility

Respiration and circulation

Fluid and nutritional deficits

Pain

Wounds - acute and chronic

Stress

Underlying medical condition

Social emotional and financial issues

Sensory deficits

Cognitive deficits

Risks or potential risks due to hospitalisation/medical treatment may include:

Adverse reactions

Shock/haemorrhage

Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism

Nosocomial infection

Skin tears/pressure ulcer formation

Constipation

Loss of muscle tone

Slips and falls

Social isolation

Sleep deprivation

Challenging behaviour

Refusal of treatment

Risk prevention strategies:

Recording of allergies

Monitoring of client vital sign

Other monitoring as required eg. fluid balance, blood sugar levels

Pressure area care

Anti-emboli stockings/DVT prophylaxis

Aseptic technique/universal precautions

Passive and active exercises

Bed rails

Assistance with transferring

The broad principles of manual handling may include:

Body mechanics

Organisation policy and procedures

Risk minimisation and 'no-lift' policies

Back care

Ergonomics

State/Territory Occupational Health and Safety Act

Safe operation of equipment

Manual handling techniques must include:

Transferring a client from bed to chair and vice versa

Assisting a client to ambulate

Moving a client in the bed

Client falls

Factors contributing to mobility may include:

Client health status

Active and passive exercises

Equipment availability

Culture

Environment

Transfer/mobility devices/equipment may include:

Hoist

Wheelchairs

Walking frames

Slide sheets

Walking aids

Purpose of hygiene and grooming may include:

Cleanliness

Assessment of skin

Self esteem

Social aspects

Hygiene may include:

Showing and showering trolley

Bed bath/sponge

Bath

Grooming may include:

Brushing hair

Facial shavings

Nail care

Cleaning and applying glasses

Cleaning and inserting hearing aid

Application of make up and jewellery

Application of prostheses and orthoses

Conditions of the oral cavity may include:

Dry mouth, gums and tongue

Halitosis

Pale or bleeding mucosa and gums including tongue

Candida albicans (thrush)

Herpes Simplex/cold sores

Ulcers of the mucosa, gums and tongue

Ill fitting dentures

Deviations of tongue alignment

Stomatitis/Gingivitis

Cleft palate/lip

Dental caries

Oral hygiene may include:

Brushing teeth

Mouth wash/Gargle

Mouth toilet

Application of lip emollient

Assisting a client with diet and fluid intake may include ensuring:

Comfort

Hygiene and elimination needs met

Serviette provided/presentation of meal

Meal size and food preference

Placement of meal to facilitate appetite

Suitable utensils and condiments offered

Rate of eating and fluids offered

Encourage independence

Meal completion, hygiene and comfort needs met

Visual and hearing impairment considered

Swallowing impairment

Cognitive and physical impairment

Fasting and restricted fluids

Strategies to assist may include:

Position and environment

Key aspects of elimination may include:

Bedpan/Urinal/Commode

Enemas/Suppositories

Perineal care

Continence aids

Privacy and dignity

Positioning and hygiene

Disposal of waste

Odour control

Key aspects associated with fluid balance and bowel charts may include:

Intake and output measurements in millilitres, totalled with positive/negative balance calculated on fluid balance chart

Diet intake chart

Accurate and continuous documentation

Description of stool on bowel chart

Report variances as per environmental policies

Factors contributing to formation of decubitus ulcers may include:

Intrinsic

Extrinsic

Strategies for prevention and management of decubitus ulcers may include:

Pressure risk assessment scales

Use of pressure relieving devices

Regular observation of skin condition\

Repositioning

Rest may include:

Power naps/meditation/relaxation techniques

Factors that promote and impede comfort, rest and sleep may include:

Routine and position

Environment/equipment

Emotional state/pain physical state

Medication

Nursing interventions

Visitors/other clients

Bed making may include:

Occupied

Unoccupied

Admission and discharge may include:

Admission documentation/application of client identification

Collection of data

Care of valuables/Identification of belongings

Orientation to unit

Diet and fluids need identified

Identify and storage of current medication/s

Commence discharge plan

Return belongings and medications

Documentation of time of discharge

Appointments for follow up

Ensure transport organised

Risk minimisation strategies or nurses may include:

Hazard assessment/reporting/risk minimisation

Implementation of 'No-Lift' policy

Maintenance of regular contact with members of the care team/nurse supervisor

Referral of self appropriately for debriefing/counselling

Attention to own health and rest requirements

Recording and reporting requirements includes:

Admission and discharge documentation

Client progress notes

Fluid balance charts

Conscious/neurological observations

Specific charting as required

Verbal handovers/case meetings

Critical incident reporting to senior staff

Incident reports

Understanding of work roles of other health team members

Occupational Health and Safety hazard reporting

Safe work practices must include:

Personal Protective Equipment

Duty of Care

Needle stick injury

Cleaning, decontamination and storage of equipment

Fire and evacuation procedures

Standard precautions

Critical incident

Workplace harassment/Aggression and Violence

Manual Handling

Principles of Infection Control must include:

Hand washing

Standard precautions

Handling of specimens

Body systems include:

Cardiovascular system

Gastrointestinal tract

Urinary tract

Musculoskeletal system

Nervous system

Endocrine system

Integumentary system

Reproductive system

Emergency situations may include:

Choking and aspiration

Burn/scald

Allergic reaction

Cardiac arrest

Family structure may include:

Nuclear

Extended and blended

Single parent

Same gender parents

Communal

Cohabitative

Foster/Adoptive

Cultural factors that influence nursing care may include:

Gender of carer/health professionals

Dress code

Dietary preferences

Spiritual practices

Strict hygiene practices

Refusal of treatment and drugs

Taboos

Concept of personal space

Personal possessions

Traditional care of the people eg. elderly/children/disabled

Strategies to incorporate spiritual beliefs into nursing practice may include:

Accommodation of prayer times

Fasting

Chapel

Quiet rooms

Pastoral care


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable