Counted4 Portfolio of Learning Opportunities (POLO)
GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS AND MENTORS This portfolio of learning opportunities is a document that details learning opportunities within your placement. It is intended that students and mentors utilise this resource to select appropriate learning opportunities to enable the student to meet their competencies. Due to the nature of the placement multi agency working is key to the patients journey. Therefore learning opportunities encompass a multi professional approach. Students are not expected to access all of these opportunities during one placement. On the first day of your placement a student induction will take place orientating you to your practice environment.
CONTENTS 1. AREA PROFILE 2. LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 3. LEARING ZONE 4. KEY ELEMENTS 5. INDUCTION CHECKLIST
AREA PROFILE Fighting Substance Misuse since 1999 Established with the principle of putting service users and carers at the heart of what we do, Counted4 (C4) is a progressive community interest company that provides a full range of flexible responsive treatment options for people aged 18+ who misuse substances. An award-winning social enterprise, C4 offers clinical services, substance misuse training and consultancy services across the country for public, private and third sector organizations. C4 reinvests all surpluses generated through its activities into developing drug and alcohol services for our clients. We are: Client focused; Friendly and non-judgemental; Clinically led; Accessible and community-based; We provide a different and creative approach to prescribing and a supportive environment for clients and carers; and We aspire to be a centre of excellence. Since January 2008, we have helped over 2,000 service users and reduced waiting times for appointments from an average of six months to three days. In Sunderland, we treat on average 90% of all clients receiving treatment for substance misuse. Working in partnership with local provision, we offer:
A strong, multi-disciplinary team that provides pharmacological and psycho-social interventions and 1:1 key-working and assessment; Clinical specialism in community alcohol and drug detoxifications; Drug testing and Drug Rehabilitation Requirement/Alcohol Treatment Requirement services; A range of low-threshold prescribing and supplementary nurse prescribing; In-house dual-diagnosis and psychiatric support; Service user and carer consultation and engagement services; Counselling and complimentary therapies, including a fully qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner; Recovery+ (Plus) programme (recover-based community re-integration model with AZ-1.co.uk); 12 step abstinence-based recovery programmes; Approved OCN NVQ and RCGP training provider; An approved training placement provider for social worker degree courses, counsellors and nursing degree courses (RMN and RGN). LOCATION Students must report to 4 Mary Street, Sunderland, SR1 3NH, for the first day of their placement. The service operates from 6 venues throughout the city enabling ease of access for clients. There will be opportunities for students to spend time at each site throughout their placement. CONTACT DETAILS Counted4 4 Mary Street Sunderland SR1 3NH 0191 5645700
WORKING HOURS The service predominately 9-5 operates Monday to Friday. A late clinic runs once per week on a Wednesday until 9pm. STAFFING INFORMATION There is a multi disciplinary team of professionals which incorporates both registered general nurses and mental health nurses, social workers and support staff. Within the organisation there is a vast knowledge base and levels of experience which can be utilised to enhance students learning. It is anticipated that students are proactive with their learning. Team working is an essential element to care delivery. SICK LEAVE If you are sick and are unable to attend your placement you must contact on the above number and ask to speak to the Area Leads. You must also contact the university in line with the University Policy. DRESS CODE Whilst at Counted4 you are not expected to wear a uniform. Students are advised to dress smartly and sensibly. Name badges must be worn at all times.
PROFILE OF LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Students have the opportunity to: Observe and participate in the assessment of patients and in the planning, implementation and evaluation of care from referral stage through to discharge. Liaise and work with other members of the multidisciplinary team, as detailed in the Learning Zones Access statutory and non statutory organisations which include voluntary and charitable organisations, e.g, Social Services Department s and Wearside Women in Need. Observe, plan, participate in community alcohol detoxifications, and keyworking sessions (under supervision). Participate in the assessment of new clients and follow the care through from initiation of treatment and titration of medication to work towards specific goals identified in an agreed care plan. Assist with all aspects of care planning and risk assessment.
Perform as the nurse in charge (under supervision) in regard to case load management, Attend multi agency meetings including safeguarding children meetings and liaise with outside agencies. Access the Internet to research relevant topics.
Specialist Midwife Health Visitor Life Line Hospital Project Dual Diagnosis Team NECA Learning Zones Group Dynamics NERAF Drug and Alcohol Team Counselling Turning Point Wearside Women in Need Traditional Chinese Medicines
KEY ELEMENTS INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Communication skills Assessment and planning of patient care Implementing and evaluating care Working with members of the Multi-disciplinary Team Report writing Attending multi agency meetings Participating in supervision sessions enabling reflection on practice CLINICAL SKILLS Assessment of needs Planning patients care Implementing care packages Evaluating care delivery Clinical Observations Utilising clinical tools to inform decision making Developing pharmacological knowledge Developing psychological therapies knowledge Documentation according to C4 policies and NMC guidelines Administering Injections
MANAGEMENT OF CARE Being responsible for assessing and planning patient care Managing a caseload Time management Management of resources Collaborative working with multi disciplinary team members Facilitate clinics DRESS CODE Whilst at Counted4 you are not expected to wear a uniform. Students are advised to dress smartly and sensibly. Name badges must be worn at all times.
INDUCTION CHECKLIST Name of student Intake Placement start date Guidance Facilitator The following itemised table will be included in your induction to Counted4. Whilst we endeavour to complete this on your first day this may not be possible for all items. The checklist must be completed within the first week of your placement. Whilst this is a comprehensive list it is not exhaustive and addition items may be included to enhance your induction to this practice area. TOPICS Introduction to key staff members Explanation of roles and responsibilities Dress Code Sites and Locations Mentor and co-mentor Identified Working hours Copy of POLO given Location of amenities Car Parking Telephone system Emergency procedures Location of fire exits and extinguishers Location of first aid box Identify first aiders/accident reporting Infection control and protective clothing Signature Date
Clinical Incident procedure Signing of confidentiality agreement Information governance I.T. access obtained You are encouraged to contact us prior to your placement. We are happy to answer any queries or concerns you may have. If in doubt please ASK as this will enhance your learning. Staff member completing the Induction SIGNATURE DATE