This clinical reflection was written using the Gibb’s cycle from Jasper (2003).

During week 7 of our PPE3 CPU class I learnt about catheterization. I had had previous experience in the past with observing catheter changes and changing and draining the bags. Having had this previous experience I was looking forward to adding to the skills I knew. The tutor explained about the different catheters, then using the mannequins, showed us how to insert the catheters. When we split into our groups, I opted to have a turn of the male catheter on the patient. I followed the guide that was given to us in CPU to catheterize my patient (Sparkes, Bassett, & Jacob, 2014)). First off, I read the notes of the patient and introduced myself. I then explained what I needed to do and asked if this was OK, gaining consent while doing so. I identified the patient and checked the medical order. I did a risk assessment to identify any limitations in physical activity. I then gathered the equipment. I washed my hands and put on my personal protective equipment. Once I did this I closed the curtains to maintain privacy and put the bed at a height that was comfortable for me to work at. I made sure the patient was positioned on his back with legs slightly apart and slid the waterproof pad under him. I opened the sterile catheterisation tray using sterile technique and placed the sterile drape over the perineal area. At this stage I washed my hands again and donned sterile gloves. I prepared the sterile tray and tested the catheter balloon using 10ml of sterile water, then removed it. I checked the penis for any signs of infection and cleaned using a swab. I put lubricant on the catheter tip. I told my patient what was about to happen and I inserted the catheter into the urethral opening. Once I was happy with the position, I used the syringe to insert 10ml of sterile water into the catheter balloon. I attached the catheter bag and waited till urine was passing and ensuring that there were no leaks or kinks. With my clean gloved hand I pulled the sheets back up. I then removed my gloves and PPE equipment and disposed of them. I washed my hands and documented the procedure. While doing this I maintained aseptic technique by ensuring there was no cross contamination and putting the used items in a separate kidney dish. This was done following the checklist (Sparkes, Bassett, & Jacob, 2014). Research from Simpson, Hawes, James & Lee (2014) has shown that checklists to control aseptic techniques during catheter procedures is essential.

I felt that because I had seen a catheterisation before the CPU class that I somehow felt a bit confident going into the class with the knowledge. I was however nervous as it is different doing it on a mannequin rather than on a real patient. In class it was obviously more thorough and leant the procedure properly.

I wanted to practice on the male catheter because I felt it would be a good experience. The good thing about doing this was that I was able to practice on a mannequin and can continue to do so, meaning I can refine the skills before doing it on a real patient, meaning that errors can be reduced (Sundler, Pettersson, & Berglund, 2015). I didn’t find anything negative about the experience, apart from the fact knowing that it was a mannequin and not a real patient, however as mentioned above this will aide when I do it on a real patient.

Reflecting on the skills of inserting and management of the catheter, I am able to see how the skill and the practice of infection control measures and aseptic technique links back to two of the learning outcomes in our PPE3 learning guide – learning outcome 7 and learning outcome 12. It also links back to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (2008) Professional Code of Conduct Statement 1. It is always important to refer back to the NMBA documents as they guide you through your nursing career.

Overall it was a good CPU class and I learnt a lot that I did not know before and will be able to use in the future – whether it be in CPU again or in a hospital environment. I am happy with how the experience turned out and I look forward to practicing this again in the future.

As I now have more knowledge about catheterisation and the infection control measures associated with it, next time I would be more efficient in gathering the equipment to get ready, as well as refining my skills. I would be able to show other students who may not have had as much experience doing this and explain why we are doing things a certain way.