top of page
Performing Proper Protocols
Key Insight 3: Work
This is a picture of my clinical group and I during the Fall 2020 semester. We are wearing masks because that is the hospital's protocol.
Key Insight 3: Image
Protocols are a concept that can be used within any context. Protocols are the accepted or established code of procedure or behavior in any group, organization, or situation. Foundations of Nursing Practice (NURS312) demonstrates a number of protocols for basic nursing. The ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation, safety) are instilled in our brains. The ABCs are how you determine what is most important in this moment for prioritizing between patients. We are also taught pain scales and how to determine if a non-verbal or otherwise cognitively deficient person is in pain. In Maternal/Newborn Nursing (NURS424) we are taught VEAL-CHOP which is a learning mnemonic for reading fetal heart rhythms and what is happening. For example, ‘E’ is early decelerations (for the fetal heart rhythm) so that correlates with ‘H’ which is head compression (the fetus’s head is being compressed when it shouldn’t be). The established procedure for this is to turn the mother on her left side to ensure oxygenation to baby. In HPEB 399, Health Promotion Research in Human Subjects, I learned the methodology for testing hand grip strength. This was done for research purposes, so the testing protocol had to be identical between all the researchers to test the participants.
Key Insight 3: Text
A beyond the classroom experience was the execution of the IRB-approved Student Mobile Anthropometric Research Team (SMART) study done on campus. As a research assistant and coordinator, I worked extremely hard to ensure my peers were approved, trained, and prepared to accomplish the study. An important role of mine was to coordinate and instruct training sessions for my peers who were also involved in data collection. I had to be adequately trained and proficient in the use of the equipment and software. Prior to implementing the study, I conducted hours of literature reviews to be prepared to write the proposals and grants needed to complete the study. Following the literature reviews, I participated in the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program to be certified to perform research on human subjects. Each protocol is put in place to ensure the safety and to protect the patient or research participant. The use of protocols can be initially time consuming, however long term they save time because mistakes are prevented.
​
While serving as the Vice President for Student Nurses Association (SNA) at University of South Carolina Lancaster (USCL), I collaborated with the Columbia campus on rules, regulations, and bylaw modifications. The bylaws are the protocols in which we govern these organizations by. For example, while attending the SC-SNA annual conference, we utilized Robert’s Rules of Order when initiating a new bylaw. After witnessing this practice at the conference, I decided to add this to the protocols for our executive meetings. Now, the Vice President is to ask for a motion to begin the meeting.
​
Another opportunity where I utilized protocols was during the development of the DHEC satellite site on USCL campus, The Hubb. This clinic has the ability to provide basic preventive care to students and community members. I participated in many meetings with the Dean, Dr. Walt Collins, along with the Board of Trustees to get approval for the DHEC Satellite clinic that would be on campus. I assisted my mentor, Mrs. Lauren Thomas, in writing the grant and presenting it to the aforementioned audiences. This is an example of using proper protocols because my primary role required following the direction of my mentor. Another aspect includes the preparation in presenting to the Board of Trustees.
Key Insight 3: Text
The picture to the left is the executive leadership for University of South Carolina Student Nurses Association (SNA). The picture was taken at the Annual SC-SNA Convention.
Key Insight 3: Image
Upon reflecting on upcoming graduation, I realize every day how indispensable protocols are. At the time of working through CITI training, I thought it to be tedious and time consuming for no reason. However, throughout the SMART study it dawned on me repeatedly why we must be trained to perform research on human subjects, their safety is potentially at risk. Organization allows for more to be accomplished, which was demonstrated in following protocol during formal meetings. Every day or night when I step foot in the hospital, I am reminded of the safety of my patients and why various protocols are the foundation of nursing practice. After graduation, I will have a career in which the basis is saving lives. Without protocol, then what standards would the healthcare profession have?
Key Insight 3: Text
Beyond the classroom artifacts
This artifact is the meeting minutes I took in October of 2020. These minutes represent the protocol dissemination to all the partners. As previously mentioned, I was following the direction of my mentor which is protocol in its self.
Key Insight 3: List
Within the classroom artifacts
Study notes I made to help me learn the Pain Scales in Foundation of Nursing Practice (NURS312).
The learning acronym for studying fetal heart tones in Maternal/Newborn Health class (NURS424).
Key Insight 3: List
bottom of page