1. Non-Acute Sector – TLC Hallam
The first placement was in the Non-Acute Sector at TLC Hallam, an aged care facility. I was placed under the supervision of Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) and nursing staff to build foundational skills in providing person-centered care and support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
Key responsibilities during this placement included:
- Assisting residents with personal care such as showering, grooming, dressing, and toileting
- Supporting mobility and safe manual handling using equipment like slide sheets and hoists
- Feeding assistance and monitoring dietary intake and hydration
- Making beds and maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment
- Taking baseline observations including temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation
- Performing neurological observations under supervision for residents requiring cognitive or post-fall monitoring
- Documenting care activities and reporting changes in residents' physical or mental condition to nursing staff
2. Sub-Acute Sector – Pakenham Medical Clinic
The second placement was in the Sub-Acute Sector at a Pakenham Medical Clinic, where I worked under the supervision of both a Registered Nurse (RN) and a General Practitioner (GP). This placement exposed me to a broad range of clinical procedures and patient interactions across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly. It significantly deepened my understanding of primary health care and chronic disease management.
As a Student Enrolled Nurse (EN), I was involved in or observed the following:
- Performing urinalysis, blood glucose monitoring, and ECGs under supervision
- Preparing and assisting during minor procedures such as wound suturing and skin excisions
- Assisting with wound care, dressing changes, and removal of sutures or staples
- Observing iron infusions and IV transfusions, learning about indications, monitoring protocols, and patient education
- Observing in venepuncture (drawing blood for pathology) under supervision
- Observing with vaccination administration across all age groups from infants (immunisation schedule) to adults (flu, COVID-19, travel vaccines)
- Preparing and maintaining a clean and sterile clinical environment, following infection control procedures
3. Mental Health Sector – Vasey RSL Frankston (MSU Section)
The third placement was in the Mental Health Sector at Vasey RSL Frankston, specifically in the Memory Support Unit (MSU), catering to residents with dementia and other cognitive impairments. I worked alongside both Enrolled Nurses (ENs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) to support the psychological and physical wellbeing of residents.
My duties included:
- Providing ADLs with a focus on therapeutic communication and behavioural support
- Engaging residents in cognitive and sensory stimulation activities
- Monitoring and documenting mood, behaviours, and any changes in mental status
- Assisting with medication rounds under supervision
- Supporting staff in implementing care plans tailored to individual psychosocial needs
4. Acute Sector – Central Gippsland Hospital (Sale Hospital)
The final placement was in the Acute Sector at Central Gippsland Hospital (Sale Hospital). I worked under the supervision of both Enrolled Nurses (ENs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) across various acute care settings, including medical and surgical wards. This placement provided hands-on experience in a high-acuity environment, further developing my clinical reasoning, time management, and prioritisation skills.
As a Student EN, my responsibilities included:
- Conducting patient assessments and performing routine vital sign observations (TPR, BP, SpO2, pain scores)
- Monitoring and recording Blood Glucose Levels (BGLs) using glucometers
- Assisting with subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, including insulin administration, under supervision
- Assisting during medication rounds, including preparation and checking procedures
- Assisting with wound care, including dressing changes, pressure injury prevention, and aseptic techniques
- Observing and assisting during IV transfusions and blood transfusions, learning about monitoring for adverse reactions and documentation
- Monitoring fluid balance (input/output charts) and assisting with urinary catheter care
- Assisting with mobility and ADLs for post-op or high-dependency patients
- Supporting patients and families emotionally, while maintaining professionalism and patient dignity
- Participating in handovers, understanding clinical prioritisation and patient progress reporting