Reflections on Nursing Responsibilities in a Surgical Ward
Student Name: Jane Doe
Student ID: 123456789
Course Title: Bachelor of Nursing
Subject Code: NUR301 – Surgical Nursing Practice
Institution: Australian College of Health Sciences
Lecturer’s Name: Dr Amanda Greene
Date of Submission: 20 May 2025
Assignment Title: Reflections on Nursing Responsibilities in a Surgical Ward
Introduction
Nursing responsibilities in a surgical ward are both demanding and dynamic, encompassing a wide range of clinical, emotional, and administrative tasks. Nurses are often the backbone of post-operative recovery, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care that supports both physical healing and emotional well-being. This reflection explores my personal experiences and learning outcomes during my placement in a surgical ward, focusing on key responsibilities, ethical considerations, communication, and teamwork For students preparing similar reflections, seeking nursing assignment help can be beneficial in structuring their experiences effectively and aligning them with academic expectations
Initial Impressions and Environment
Upon entering the surgical ward, I was immediately struck by the fast-paced and highly coordinated environment Each nurse had clearly defined roles, and collaboration was critical to ensure patient safety and continuity of care. The ward was composed of pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative areas, each with unique nursing demands
Core Responsibilities
One of the primary responsibilities I observed and participated in was pre-operative preparation This included patient education, confirming consent, and ensuring fasting protocols were followed Nurses must be meticulous in checking surgical checklists, verifying allergies, and documenting vital signs.
Post-operative care was equally critical. Nurses monitored patients closely for complications such as bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anesthesia Pain management, wound care, and mobility assistance were central to recovery I learned the importance of early mobilization and consistent pain assessment to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
Communication and Team Collaboration
Effective communication stood out as a foundational skill Nurses regularly liaised with surgeons, anesthetists, physiotherapists, and patients’ families. One memorable instance involved a patient experiencing excessive pain post-surgery By promptly communicating with the surgical team, adjustments to the analgesic regimen were made, improving the patient’s condition significantly.
Teamwork was essential during emergency situations I participated in a scenario where a patient developed post-operative hemorrhage. The coordinated response from the nursing team, combined with clear role delegation, highlighted the importance of calm, focused action under pressure
Ethical and Emotional Considerations
Ethical decision-making was another integral part of surgical nursing Nurses often served as patient advocates, especially when patients were too anxious or sedated to make informed decisions Maintaining patient dignity, privacy, and autonomy was a constant priority I encountered a situation where a non-English-speaking patient was undergoing surgery. Ensuring proper translation and understanding of consent demonstrated the ethical and legal obligations nurses uphold
Emotionally, surgical wards can be intense. Nurses provide not only physical care but also emotional support I comforted a young patient anxious about an appendectomy by explaining the procedure in simple terms and remaining present during her transfer to the operating theatre. This reinforced my belief in the holistic nature of nursing.
