Wondering how to make your GradConnect application stand out for the right reasons? If so, you’ll need to set aside a few hours of your precious time, as the application form for GradConnect can take quite a while to perfect. It will need to be succinct and you’ll need to use solid examples of how you can demonstrate the selection criteria that are included in the application form. Here, Courtney Trenorden, final semester Bachelor of Science (Nursing) student and successful GradConnect applicant, shares examples of her address to the selection criteria.

“I thought I would pass on the good news that my application for a graduate position for my first preference was successful. Thank you so much for all of your help and examples throughout the application process. There were 14 people at the interview and of the five that I knew from university only two of us were successful in getting the position.”

Selection Criteria Response Example 1

Question 1: Provide an example/s of how you assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care.

The nursing process is a cycle of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation in response to individual needs of a patient as they arise.

Assess:
On clinical placement at RPH I had to dress a patient’s wound and upon removing the old dressing I assessed the wound and observed slough and exudate.

Plan:
I informed the supervising nurse and Doctor of my observations. I consulted the hospital policy and procedure manual and the multidisciplinary team to determine the type and frequency of the dressing that would be appropriate. This was documented in the patient’s care plan to ensure continuity of care.

Implement:
I informed the patient and gained consent for the new care planned for her wound and using an aseptic technique I cleaned the wound and applied the dressing. On completion I ensured the patient was comfortable, updated the wound care plan and informed the shift coordinator and the patient’s Doctor of the wound appearance and the modifications made to the wound care plan. I documented all information in the patient’s records. Finally I completed an ISOBAR handover for the following shift so they could monitor the patient for infection.

Evaluate:
Three days later I observed that the wound was free of slough and exudate. By following the hospital policy and the ANTT of wound care I was able to provide individual client focused care. The nursing process allowed me to deliver a holistic patient orientated and continuous cycle of care framework, to prevent the patient from developing an infection.

Selection Criteria Response Example 2

Question 2: Provide an example/s of where your effective communication skills within a multidisciplinary team have resulted in quality patient care.

Effective communication is an integral part of the clinical setting which needs to involve the patient, allied health professionals and nursing staff.

While caring for a patient suffering hypokalaemia the doctor prescribed IV potassium chloride. I prepared and connected the infusion under the supervision of an RN. I gained consent and educated the patient about why he needed a potassium infusion. I also communicated with the patient that should he feel pain at the IV site pain it may be due to the cannula being in a small vein and if this was the case he needed to inform us. After checking the PIVAS score and the six drug rights I began the infusion following the hospital policy. Quite quickly the patient experienced pain at the cannula site. In consultation with the RN the infusion was stopped and the RMO was contacted for further instructions.

Upon review of the patient the RMO decided to resite the cannula. This resulted in no further complaints of pain from the patient. All actions were documented in the patient’s progress notes and I ensured that the documentation was factual, concise and legible so that all members of the health care team would have a clear and accurate report of what had happened.

Advocating for the patient with effective communication skills and, in collaboration with allied medical and nursing staff, I was able to deliver quality nursing care to the patient which ensured they experienced minimal pain and discomfort.

Selection Criteria Response Example 3

Question 3: Provide an example/s that demonstrates how you have considered the rights of an individual or group.

As a student nurse, community carer and phlebotomist, I recognize the moral obligation and responsibility that I have to respect and uphold the universal human rights of my patients by respecting their values, self-worth, dignity and ensuring their privacy and comfort.

While at RPH I cared for a Croatian patient who didn’t speak very good English. After consultation with my preceptor we decided an interpreter’s service would benefit this patient’s quality of care.

I looked up the WA Health Language Service Policy 2011 as well as RPHs applicable policies and procedures. With the patient’s daughter translating, I informed the patient of his right to have a free translator and emphasized the benefits it would offer. The patient continued refusing a translator. By taking a holistic approach I acknowledged that cultural considerations may have influenced his decision making. I also acknowledged that the patient may not have been comfortable sharing his personal information with a stranger, and that in this setting he had the right to choose not to. I documented this in the progress notes and informed the CN that the patient was still refusing a translator but his family would regularly try to be present.

Although this decision made communication and delivery of care difficult at times I respected the rights of my patient. The NMBA Code of Ethics also helped with this new and unfamiliar situation. As a nurse it is important to respect all individuals by recognizing their diversities, cultural beliefs and their right to make informed decisions.

Need help with your application? Get in touch via (08) 9266 7802 or [email protected], or Drop In at Level 2, Building 303 on Bentley Campus Monday – Friday 8.45am – 5pm (no appointment necessary). (Eligible to all Curtin students at no charge)