ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Respond to the special health requirements of the older adult

1.1 Work within the scope of practice for the Enrolled/Division 2 nurse with the aged care client within any health care setting

1.2 Work with an understanding of physical changes that take place as part of the ageing process, associated age-related adjustments and transitions and psychosocial needs of the older person

1.3 Allow for the fact that drugs and medicines have different effects in the older person

1.4 Reflect an understanding of common medical conditions and how they may affect older persons and their family

1.5 Communicate effectively with older person experiencing sensory loss

1.6 Perform preventive health checks in consultation/collaboration with a registered nurse

1.7 Assist the older person to maintain health lifestyle practices

1.8 Work with an awareness of own values, attitudes and beliefs towards ageing and the aged person

1.9 Work with an awareness of common stereotypes associated with ageing and the influences they can have on the care of the older adult

1.10 In caring for the older person, use work practices that reflect an understanding of theories of ageing

1.11 Promote health maintenance for older person and their family

1.12 Take action to manage factors which may tend to segregate and disadvantage the older adult

2. Contribute to care plan development for the older person

2.1 Assess the older client to determine their health status in consultation/collaboration with registered nurse

2.2 Complete appropriate health assessment tools used specifically in the aged care environment

2.3 Assist the older client to identify self-care abilities and disabilities

2.4 Implement the nursing care plan within the context of the health care setting using organisation policies and procedures

2.5 Ensure client, family and/or significant other understand the implications of their admission to the health care setting

2.6 Discuss with older client or their family representative psychological, social and/or physical needs

2.7 Share information regarding older person's health status with other members of health care team

2.8 Implement care as per nursing care plan and monitor work allocated to others

2.9 Provide support, comfort for grieving family/client

2.10 Take into account the impact of complex issues involved in aged care on carer(s)

3. Assist to evaluate outcomes of planned nursing care of the older client

3.1 Document responses of older client to nursing actions

3.2 Report changes in older client response to nursing actions to registered nurse

3.3 Convey information clearly and accurately to appropriate staff member

3.4 Take into account complex and dual diagnosis issues in addressing aged care

3.5 Provide information on community services available to older person and their family

4. Use strategies which relate to the progressive and variable nature of dementia

4.1 Work with an awareness of dementia as a neurological condition

4.2 Provide activities appropriate for gender, culture and age reflecting likes and dislikes of the individual

4.3 Design activities that provide the client with opportunities for autonomy and risk-taking where they can maintain safety, dignity and comfort

4.4 Use a range of validation strategies to relieve distress and agitation in clients

5. Develop and implement strategies to minimise impact of challenging behaviours

5.1 Observe and document behaviours to determine triggers which may be related to: physical and emotional health; environment; tasks and communication

5.2 Consider the potential impact of the behaviours on the person or other persons in determining an appropriate response

5.3 Consider a range of options when developing effective responses for inclusion in the person's care plan

5.4 Implement best practice strategies which minimise the impact of behaviours

5.5 Regularly review strategies that are implemented to ensure maximum effectiveness