Reflective Account On Community Service

Caring for others has always been a deep passion of mine. As part of my course I have recently attended placement at a local residential home, where I would talk to and assist in caring for the service users. It was at this placement that I discovered the importance at providing support to people who may be feeling confused or distressed, particularly individuals with dementia. As a nurse this is an important skill to have. Initiative is another of these skills, in which I developed during my second placement at a specialist support centre for adults with learning disabilities. The service users there had various disabilities and needs such as Cerebral Palsy, in which I was able to communicate with and support. Nursing is such a
challenging, and rewarding, worthwhile career that opens up many opportunities when providing patient care, as it is about promoting health, healing, growth and development, and the prevention of disease, illness, injury, and disability. Roles I feel strongly passionate about. In studying for a degree in Adult Nursing, I know that I will be able to make the most of these opportunities, as it is a vocation for individuals who are committed and compassionate.
I believe I have these attributes along with a genuine desire to learn about how to help and care for people and their families when they are at their most vulnerable. I have been employed for three years by a fast food restaurant, in which I am a staff trainer. This has given me a large amount of responsibilities, as it is important to be able to quickly establish good, trusting relationships with new starters. Such a role, and working within customer care, has developed my confidence and leadership within the work place, and has been excellent for my interpersonal skills, something that is transferable to nursing. During my time in sixth form, I organised my own work experience in a hospital Microbiology Laboratory. This gave me an idea of what it is like to work in a professional setting, and gave me an insight into the running of a hospital and the people who work in it. Experience in such diverse settings has confirmed and enhanced further my desire and increased my motivation to work within the nursing
profession. At school I achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, which aspects involved working as part of a group to plan and undertake expeditions, of which were both physically and mentally challenging. This experience has helped me become an effective team player whilst being under pressure which I believe is an important skill to use when working in a health setting. In my current course I have learnt the importance of meeting deadlines and keeping up with current issues and events within the health sector, by reading newspapers such as The Guardian and The Independent. I have particularly enjoyed learning how the human body works through Anatomy and Physiology. I am looking forward developing my knowledge and understanding on this and putting the theory that I have learnt into practice. From my own personal experiences, I know that a degree in nursing is the right choice for me. It has taught me the importance of patients receiving the best care when they need it most, which has fuelled further my ambition. I want to feel the reward and satisfaction, knowing that I can help someone to regain their health and independence, and make a difference to others.