Course Title: Implement and monitor nursing care for older clients

National Element Code & Title:

HLTEN515B Implement and monitor nursing care for older clients

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Work within the scope of practice for the Enrolled/Division 2 nurse with the aged care client within any health care setting
1.2 Work with an understanding of physical changes that take place as part of the ageing process, associated age-related adjustments and transitions and psychosocial needs of the older persons and their families
1.3 Allow for the fact that drugs and medicines have different effects in the older person
1.4 Reflect an understanding of pathophysiological disorders and how they may affect older persons and their family
1.5 Communicate effectively with older person experiencing sensory loss
1.6 Perform preventive health checks in consultation/collaboration with a registered nurse
1.7 Assist the older person to maintain health lifestyle practices
1.8 Work with an awareness of own values, attitudes and beliefs towards ageing and the aged person
1.9 Work with an awareness of common stereotypes associated with ageing and the influences they can have on the care of the older adult
1.10 In planning and implementing care for the older person, use work practices that reflect an understanding of theories of aging and best practice care guidelines
1.11 Take action to manage factors which may tend to segregate and disadvantage the older adult

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Assess the older client to determine their health status in consultation/collaboration with registered nurse
2.2 Complete appropriate health assessment tools used specifically in the aged care environment
2.3 Assist the older client to identify self-care abilities and disabilities
2.4 Develop the nursing care plan within the context of the health care setting using organisation policies and procedures
2.5 Ensure client, family and/or significant other understand the implications of their admission to the health care setting
2.6 Discuss with older client or their family representative psychological, social and/or physical needs
2.7 Discuss with older person or their family representative the impact of the ageing process and/or pathophysiological disorders on the performance of activities of daily living
2.8 Share information regarding older person's health status with other members of health care team
2.9 Implement care as per nursing care plan and monitor work allocated to others
2.10 Provide support, comfort for grieving family/client
2.11 Take into account the impact of complex issues involved in aged care on carer(s)

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Document responses of older client to nursing actions
3.2 Report changes in older client response to nursing actions to registered nurse
3.3 Convey information clearly and accurately to appropriate staff member
3.4 Take in account complex and dual diagnosis issues in addressing aged care
3.5 Provide information on community services available to older person and their family

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Work with an understanding of the funding mechanisms impacting on aged care provision
4.2 Take into account the variety of areas of practice within the aged care environment
4.3 Take into account the changes and impacts of those changes to the delivery of health care for the older person
4.4 Work with an understanding of the changing demographics of the aging population
4.5 Work with an awareness of own values, attitudes and beliefs towards ageing and the aged person
4.6 Promote health maintenance for older person and their family
4.7 Provide information on community services available to older person and their family
4.8 Provide care of deceased person
4.9 Provide support, comfort for grieving family/client
4.10 Take into account the impact of complex issues involved in aged care on carer(s)

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Work with an awareness of the current legal and ethical issues involved in aged care practice
5.2 Work with accurate knowledge of the role of guardianship, advanced health directives and legislation in aged care practice
5.3 Recognise and support the rights and responsibilities of the older person
5.4 Work with an awareness of elder abuse as a significant contemporary issue for older persons
5.5 Act as an advocate for the client and their family
5.6 Demonstrate respect for individual culture, spiritual and religious practice for the older person
5.7 Observe and respond appropriately to physical, emotional and mental signs of stress in the older adult

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Work with an awareness of dementia as a neurological condition
6.2 Provide activities appropriate for gender, culture and age reflecting likes and dislikes of the individual
6.3 Design activities that provide the client with opportunities for autonomy and risk-taking where they can maintain safety, dignity and comfort
6.4 Use a range of validation strategies to relieve distress and agitation in clients

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Observe and document behaviours to determine triggers which may be related to: physical and emotional health; environment; tasks; and communication
7.2 Consider the potential impact of the behaviours on the person or other persons in determining an appropriate response
7.3 Consider a range of options when developing effective responses for inclusion in the person's care plan
7.4 Implement best practice strategies which minimise the impact of behaviours
7.5 Regularly review strategies that are implemented to ensure maximum effectiveness