Ashley Randall

• Provided one-on-one specialized care for patients requiring additional assistance.
• Acted as a float assistant nurse, adapting quickly to various wards and patient needs across multiple facilities in Adelaide.
• Conducted independent patient assessments, including vital signs, blood glucose levels (BGLs), neurovascular assessments, and other evaluations within scope of practice.
• Assisted patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, and mobility, promoting independence and comfort.
• Administered medication alongside the Registered Nurse, adhering to strict safety protocols and ensuring accurate dosing and monitoring.
• Delivered compassionate care and clear communication to patients and their families, providing emotional support and guidance on care plans.
• Thrived in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, demonstrating exceptional time management skills and the ability to prioritize patient care effectively.
• Gained experience across various healthcare facilities and departments, developing a strong adaptability to diverse patient populations and care settings.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless patient care, actively contributing to team discussions and providing clear and concise handovers.

• Developed comprehensive knowledge of common orthopaedic conditions such as neck of femur fractures and peri prosthetic joint infections. Gained proficiency in understanding the musculoskeletal system and the intricacies of surgical recovery in orthopaedic patients.
  Regularly reviewed patient X-rays to connect visual anatomical issues with clinical conditions, enhancing diagnostic skills and helping to inform appropriate treatment plans alongside the healthcare team.

• Developed a multi-faceted approach to pain management, combining pharmacological treatments with patient education on mobility and recovery. Learned to assess pain levels in complex cases, including patients with chronic pain or communication difficulties, and implemented strategies to improve pain control while promoting functional recovery.

• Integrated neurovascular observations into routine vital sign checks, identifying early signs of complications like foot drop. This allowed for timely interventions such as the use of ankle-foot orthosis, preventing long-term disability. Demonstrated the importance of persistence and attention to detail in developing clinical assessment skills.

• Navigating autonomy and beneficence: Addressed ethical dilemmas in patient care, particularly in encouraging early mobilisation post-surgery despite patient reluctance. Balanced patient autonomy with the need for early movement to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis, providing empathetic education on the benefits of mobility to ensure long-term recovery.

• Developed strong critical thinking skills by reflecting on the rationale behind clinical actions. Set daily patient goals focused on rehabilitation and discharge planning, ensuring that care was both patient-centered and aligned with long-term recovery objectives.

• Actively participated in a buddy system with nursing colleagues to manage patient loads effectively, fostering a collaborative environment. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork in managing busy shifts and ensuring high standards of patient care.

• Provided holistic care to patients with a variety of medical conditions, including respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and endocrine disorders.

• Performed regular assessments, including vital signs, physical examinations, and monitoring of clinical symptoms, to track patient progress and inform care decisions.
  
• Assisted in the safe administration of medications, including IV antibiotics and anticoagulants following proper protocols and ensuring timely delivery under supervision.
  
• Gained experience in caring for patients with multiple comorbidities, addressing the challenges of managing overlapping conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and COPD.
  
• Performed wound assessments and dressing changes, particularly for patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions like pressure injuries.

• Monitored and maintained patients’ fluid balance through IV therapy, fluid restrictions, and daily intake/output measurements, especially in patients with heart failure or kidney disease.
  

• Provided care to patients with various stages of renal failure, including those undergoing dialysis and those preparing for renal transplant.

• Regularly performed vital signs monitoring, including blood pressure, fluid balance, and weight assessments, which are critical for patients with renal conditions.

• Supported the administration of renal-specific medications under the supervision of Registered Nurses, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.

• Developed a strong understanding of fluid management, including assessing patients’ fluid balance and adjusting intake/output based on clinical needs and dialysis requirements.

• Monitored patients for symptoms of uremia, electrolyte imbalances, and fluid overload, promptly reporting significant changes to the healthcare team.
  
• Assisted in the care and education of patients using peritoneal dialysis, learning about catheter care, infection prevention, and patient self-management strategies.
  
• Provided emotional and psychological support to patients adjusting to life with renal disease, fostering trust and rapport to enhance patient-centered care.