NHS Staff Provide a Hands-On Workshop for Our T Level Health Learners
Employers
Last week, as part of T Level Week, the Year 1 Health: Supporting Adult Nurse Team learners had an engaging and educational workshop session with NHS staff from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW). The session was run by NHS professionals, Emma and Karen, along with Georgina and Simon.
The workshop began with a discussion about the daily routine of healthcare assistants, focusing on understanding schedules, daily jobs, and the expectations placed on these vital roles. Learners explored the critical importance of recognising changes in patients, from routine observations like blood pressure and pulse rate to more subtle indicators of deterioration.
Emma and Karen emphasised the need for vigilance and proactive reporting to ensure the learners understood the importance of patient safety. Students actively participated in testing their knowledge by answering questions, learning how to record observations both digitally and physically, and practised manual blood pressure measurements on their peers using stethoscopes.
The session highlighted the significance of identifying serious conditions such as sepsis. Students learned about its common causes, symptoms like behavioural changes and altered mental states, and the importance of acting swiftly in such situations. The instructors ensured the learners understood not only the practical aspects of conducting observations but also the critical decision-making and communication required in healthcare settings.
The second half of the session brought a hands-on, interactive approach to learning. Students explored ways to prevent injuries during patient care, using creative and festive methods. Mini gingerbread figures served as teaching aids, with learners mapping pulse points and high-risk pressure areas using icing. This activity blended fun with knowledge retention, providing a memorable way to identify areas prone to pressure build-up – and they got to eat them at the end!
Learners then practiced proper techniques for unpacking and handling sterile supplies. They carefully opened bandages and gauzes, ensuring minimal contact with packaging to maintain sterility and avoid contamination. These skills are essential for maintaining hygiene and safety in real-world healthcare environments.
This dynamic session provided the T Level learners with practical skills and valuable insights into the responsibilities and challenges faced by healthcare assistants. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, Emma and Karen from UHBW provided a deeper understanding of patient care to prepare the students for their future roles in healthcare.
Thank you to the NHS staff that visited our learners! Your insight was invaluable and provided our future healthcare professionals with a greater understanding of what to expect in the industry.
