This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of

Acute health problems with older person

An understanding of the potential impacts of dualmultiple diagnosis on identifying and prioritising needs

Basic knowledge of current research or dementia including relevant statistics

Best practice guidelines to address complex andor special needs

Chronic health problems with older person

Common indicators and symptoms of dementia

Complex nursing interventions

Confidentiality and privacy

Continence management

Counseling resources within environment and community

Documentation principles

Effective communication skills

Environment policy and procedures

Fundamental nursing interventions

Infection control principles

Legal frameworksrequirements eg RCS documentation Aged Care Act

Limitations and legal ramifications of physical chemical and psychological restraint

Medication administration principles

Nature of dementia as a neurological condition which is progressive

Occupational health and safety

Organisation protocols and policies related to own area of work

Pain management

Plan of care for the client

Principles and practices of assessment of individuals with complex andor special needs

Range of appropriate strategies when working with people with dementia

Relevant activities and communication in working with people with dementia

Stereotypes and influences on ageing

Support services available

The importance of a physical social and emotional environment for people with dementia

The importance of a safe physical environment for people with dementia

Understanding of anatomy physiology and pathophysiology

Understanding of physiology of ageing process

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to

Apply problem solving skills including use of tools and techniques to solve problems analyse information and make decisions that require discretion and confidentiality

Apply clinical skills related to activities of daily living

dressing

elimination

fluid intake

grooming

hygiene

nutrition

oral hygiene

Apply professional standards of practice

ANMC code of conduct

ANMC code of ethics

ANMC national EnrolledDivision nurse competency standards

stateterritory Nurse Regulatory Nurses Act

stateterritory Nursing and Midwifery Regulatory Authority standards of practice

scope of nursing practice decision making framework

Prioritise and address changing service needs of clients with complex and special care needs

Undertake admission and discharge activities

Use interpersonal skills including working with others empathising with client and relatives using sensitivity when dealing with people and relating to persons from differing cultural social and religious backgrounds

Use oral communication skills language competence required to fulfil job roles as specified by the organisationservice Advanced oral communication skills include interviewing techniques asking questions active listening asking for clarification from client or other persons at the scene negotiating solutions acknowledging and responding to a range of views The work may involve using interpreters

Use written communication skills literacy competence required to fulfil job roles as specified by organisationservice The level of skill may range from reading and understanding incident reports and case management materials to preparing handover reports for receiving agency staff

Work effectively with older people carers colleagues and other health care providers

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of performance in a work context is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations and should occur on more than one occasion and be assessed by a registered nurse

Observation must include

care of the older person in both acute care and residential aged care facility

communication with older people family and carers

clinical performance

assessment of the older person

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the clinical workplace or in a simulated clinical work environment and under the normal range of clinical environment conditions

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Where for reasons of safety access to equipment and resources and space assessment takes place away from the workplace simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace

Written assignmentsprojects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Questioning verbal and writing

Role playsimulation

Access and equity considerations

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units

This unit is recommended to be assessed in conjunction with the following related units

HLTAPB Analyse health information

HLTAP501B Analyse health information

HLTENB Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice

HLTEN509B Apply legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice

This competency unit incorporates the content of

HLTENB Deliver nursing care to older clients

HLTEN414B Deliver nursing care to older clients

Theories of ageing could include:

Social attitudes and beliefs could include:

Normal ageing process

Age-related adjustments could include:

Preventative health care include:

Activities of daily living include:

Tools for functioning assessment may include:

Special health problems may include:

Disease processes include:

Legal and ethical issues include:

Community services for the older person include:

Strategies to respond to challenging behaviours include:

Ensuring safety and comfort of aged person while addressing the risks associated with:

Environmental strategies may include:

Validation strategies to relieve distress and agitation in clients may include: