Ward 10 Student Nurse
Orientation
Pack
2011
Compiled by staff nurse Teresa Robertson
Welcome to ward 10
We hope you enjoy your placement with us and whilst being a student in ward 10
we will strive as a team to ensure that you have the opportunity to complete all
competencies as set in your assessment booklet.
The ward is managed by Senior Charge Nurse Eileen Hanlon and Junior Charge
Nurse Stacey Arnott.
On your first day in the ward you will be appointed a mentor and a co-mentor. We
will try to ensure that you are with your assigned mentors for the duration of your
time on the ward however sometimes due to shift patterns, training courses and
holidays this may not always be possible. If you are not able to be with either of
your mentors you will be assigned another staff nurse to mentor you. However you
will be guaranteed to work with a mentor the required 40% of your placement time.
There are changing facilities on the ward for staff and students. There is a staff
fridge, microwave and tea and coffee available for anyone wishing to bring their
own lunch, there is also a staff canteen, cafe and WRVS.
Working a 12.5 hr shift you will be given an hour for breaks, this hour will be split
between breakfast, lunch and tea.
The Ward
Ward 10 currently operates as a duel surgical ward. The ward is divided into two
sections, 8 beds for 23 hour stay patients and the SEAL unit. We operate a 12.5 hr
shift pattern day/night shift (07.00 -19.30/ 19.00 – 07.30) Monday – Thursday
in the 23hr stay section.
In the SEAL unit staff currently work 07.30 – 15.30 Monday – Friday the ward
at the moment closes at 17.00 hrs on a Friday.
The 23hr stay section of the ward is made up of 2 side rooms and a 6 bedded bay.
We are a general surgical ward who cares for patients having a variety of
procedures.
Maxillofacial patients are also treated in the ward, conditions range from tooth
extraction, tooth abscesses, fractured mandible / zygoma, parotidectomy and oral
cancers.
Ophthalmology is another speciality which is based in ward 10. Patients may be
elective admissions for cataract / glaucoma surgery or emergency admissions for
treatment of corneal ulcers, chemical / penetrating eye injuries or raised pressures
associated with glaucoma.
Breast cancer patients may also be cared for in the ward following wide local
excision of breast, axillary node clearance, mastectomy and breast reconstruction.
Consultants
General surgery: Mr Ballantyne, Mr Amin, Mr Benzoni, Mr Masuad, Mr
Driscoll, Mr Oglesby, Mr McMillan.
Maxillofacial: Mr O’Reagan, Mr Campbell, Mr Jan
Ophthalmology: Mr Kearns, Dr Styles, Dr Brannan, Dr Sanders
Breast: Mr Neades, Mr Young
Due to the varied patients who attend our ward it would beneficial to have some
knowledge of pre and post operative care and the patho - physiology of the above
conditions.
The SEAL (Surgical Elective Admission Lounge) unit is a first in Scotland. It is
run by nursing staff in ward 10; the main lounge of the unit is situated at the end
of the ward. There are two individual consultation rooms for male patients and a
bay with chairs and two beds for female patients who may require examination
The SEAL unit opened in September 2011 and the idea behind SEAL is to ensure
that patients arrive at theatre on time therefore ensuring that the patient has a
seamless journey from admission to discharge.
It is only elective surgical patients who attend the Seal unit. The patient reports to
the SEAL unit and are welcomed by the nominated member of staff working in the
unit. They give consent for surgery to the consultant, are reviewed by the
anaesthetist and have the pre operative checklist completed by a staff nurse.
If the patient requires blood tests this will also be carried out, their belongings are
checked, listed and placed in a locked room. The patient is then asked to put on a
theatre gown and their dressing gown. The patient is then directed into a mixed
sexed lounge where they wait till theatre reception is ready to receive them; they
then walked to theatre. Post operatively the patient will be picked up by a nurse
from the designated ward for post op care.
It is likely that students in ward 10 will spend some time during their placement in
the SEAL unit gaining experience in pre operative care. There is a probable scope
for students who are at the end of second and third year to attend theatre if all
parties consent i.e. mentor, consultant, patients and theatre charge nurse.
On your first week on the ward you can expect:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Meet with your mentor and other ward staff
Orientated to the ward environment
Ward routine explained
Discussion regarding fire, arrest procedures and security
Learning needs identified
Initial induction completed
What we expect from student nurses:
 Arrive to the ward on time for report
 Appropriately dressed i.e. uniforms ironed, hair tied up, clean footwear, no
jewellery
 Professional behaviour at all times
 Bring Assessment book to ward every day
The off duty book is situated at the nurses station, off duty is usually made up in
a four week rota. If you have a problem with the off duty given to you please
speak to your mentor, co- mentor or the charge nurse, however the student also has
the responsibility to ensure that they work with their mentor for 40% of the duration
of their placement.
Absence / Sickness
Please ensure that if you are to be absent from your placement that you notify the
ward at the earliest convenience.
It is your responsibility to contact the university as well as placement to let them
know; we will also contact the university and inform them of your absence.
Ward telephone number: 01383 627060
Philosophy/Statement of Values in Relation to the Education of Students
A student’s first day in any ward can be a daunting time; this is why as Charge
nurse I feel it is important to spend some time with the students prior to them
commencing their shift. Making them feel welcome and valued is crucial. Students
deserve to know how valuable they are to the ward. This time allows for a brief
overview of the ward to be given along with some insight into the patients we receive.
It is also an opportunity for me as the Charge nurse to highlight my expectations
in respect of all staff delivering high standards of individualised patient care, let
students know that team work is essential and no matter the grade we are all
hands-on nurses.
We inform students that as a team we pride ourselves on being approachable thus
any problems, concerns or questions should be relayed to either me or any of the
team.
Students are encouraged to assist in their own learning by developing a questioning
approach. We look forward to hearing their views and suggestions about how we
can improve the learning experience for our students.
We Will:
 Treat students as individuals acknowledging their needs and encouraging
their participation in formulating care management plans.
 Encourage students to feel part of the team by involving them in assisting and
directing health care professionals in providing excellent patient care.
 Recognise and value the contribution of all students, assist them to achieve/
maintain knowledge and skills in order to provide safe and effective care.