Self Identified Learning Objectives (SILO)

Sydney Collin

January 26 , 2020
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A5-2

 
 I am a third year nursing student at Trent University. I have had the opportunity to work

in 4 clinical placement settings before this one. This semester my clinical placement is on an

orthopedic surgery unit at PRHC.

  My first goal is to improve my sterile technique by the beginning of March. Setting up

the sterile field has many steps and rules to prevent breaking sterile technique that I feel I need to

become more comfortable and confident with. Aseptic technique is vital to infection control in

regards to post-op wounds. I will achieve this goal by performing dressing changes as much as

possible and by also observing nurses and my fellow nursing students perform dressing changes.

I will also review the aseptic technique checklist found in the lab guide.

  My second goal is to improve my skills with chest assessments by the end of February.

This is a very important component of care on the unit for clients coming back from surgery. 

This is due to the anesthetics given during surgery. Anesthesia effects a person’s normal

breathing and fluid or mucus could build in the lungs. This is why it is important to ensure their

lungs are clear after being under anesthetics. The patient should be encouraged to perform

coughing and deep breathing exercises. I would like to be able to identify abnormalities in chest

sounds easier, therefore I will achieve this goal by taking my time and being extra attentive to all

chest assessments. I will also utilize the other students in my clinical groups as well as my

clinical instructor for second opinions if I am unsure of the nature of a patient’s chest sounds.

  My third goal is to become more competent with patient education by the end of

February. I am already finding that patient’s have many questions after their surgery, despite

having been given a booklet of information beforehand. Although I can usually provide some

answers, I would like to be more confident in my post op knowledge. This is an important

component of care as these patients are usually only in the hospital setting for a few days before

going home. I will achieve this goal by reviewing the PRHC surgery information booklets and

consulting with the physiotherapy team. I will consult with the physiotherapy tea, because many

questions are in regards to how they should begin to move about with their new hardware.

  I believe all my goals are attainable and relevant to orthopedic surgery. I feel confident

that I have the proper resources and skills to achieve these goals.