Aseptic Non-Touch Technique Reflection: Nursing Practice Analysis

This report presents a reflection on the aseptic non-touch technique used in wound management, employing the Gibbs model for analysis. The student, acting as a nurse in a simulated scenario, describes the process, including wound assessment, area preparation, and adherence to aseptic principles. The reflection details the student's initial anxiety and curiosity, followed by excitement upon successful completion. The evaluation highlights positive aspects such as adherence to hygiene standards but identifies a lack of rapport with the patient. The analysis connects the practice to NMBA standards, emphasizing the importance of safe and appropriate nursing practices, planning, and sterile technique. The conclusion identifies areas for improvement, such as pain assessment and patient education, and proposes an action plan that includes patient education on nutrition, establishing rapport, and promoting hygiene practices for faster wound healing. References to relevant literature supporting the practices are also included.

RUNNING HEAD: ASEPTIC NON-TOUCH TECHNIQUE REFLECTION 1
Reflection on aseptic non-touch technique
Name:
Institution:
Tutor
Date:

ASEPTIC NON-TOUCH TECHNIQUE REFLECTION 2
Reflection on aseptic non-touch technique
DESCRIPTION
In this assignment, I will use the Gibbs model of reflection to reflect on the skills of
aseptic non-touch technique of wound management. The Gibbs model is a framework that nurses
use to reflect on past scenarios so that they can improve In future if they come across a similar
case (Williams, Woolliams, & Spiro, 2012). In this case, the tutor placed us in groups of two
where one was to act as the nurse while the other was to act as the patient. I was lucky to act as
the nurse. I began by assessing the character of the wound. This involved looking out at the color
as well as the presence of exudates. After that, I prepared the working area through thorough
cleaning. I made sure there was enough gloves, water and detergents. I also made sure there was
a dustbin to dispose waste. I then instructed the patient to lie in a comfortable position since the
wound was on the leg. I proceeded with the process making sure that only the sterile material
come into contact with the wounds. I also observed hand hygiene within the exercise until I was
done. I then disposed all the used material in the dustbin and instructed the patient to wake up
and leave.
FEELINGS
At the beginning of the process, I was very anxious and curious. This is because this was
the first time I was performing the aseptic non-touch technique process. I had only learnt of the
process in class but I had never got the chance to practice to it and so I was very anxious and
curious of the outcome. I was also very worried since am usually not that confident. I had that
feeling that I would make many errors during the process. I felt tired along the process due to the

ASEPTIC NON-TOUCH TECHNIQUE REFLECTION 3
numerous episodes of hand hygiene. However, I became very excited at the end of the process
since it was successful.
EVALUATION
Most of the things in the case were positive. This is because I made sure that I observe
the principles of hygiene throughout the process as well as making sure that only the sterile
material come into contact with the wound. The only negative experience was failure to establish
a good rapport with the patient.
ANALYSIS
There are different NMBA standards of practice that govern the daily operations of
nurses. One such standard is number six which states that it is the obligation of the nurse to
ensure that they offer safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practices to the patient
(Davidson, 2015). I therefore made sure that I operate along that line while using the aseptic non-
touch technique. During the process, I made sure that none of the contaminated material came
into contact with the wound apart from the sterile areas. This is because I have learnt that incase
contaminated parts come into contact with the wound, they might aggravate the wound and this
slows down the process of healing. I have also learnt that it is necessary to effectively plan ahead
of the aseptic non-touch technique. This includes cleaning the area of work. The NMBA
standards of practice for nurses in Australia states that it is the duty of the nurses to ensure that
they develop a good plan for nursing practice (Chau et al., 2010). This why I had to ensure that I
plan everything prior to the process.

ASEPTIC NON-TOUCH TECHNIQUE REFLECTION 4
CONCLUSION
This case was very important to me since I have learnt that there are some things which I
should have done in a different manner. Pain assessment is one important aspect that I did not
focus on. I only examined the characteristics of the wound then went ahead with the aseptic non-
touch technique of dressing. I could have conducted the PQRST pain assessment since relieving
the pain before the technique is one of the most important principles in this case. I would also
have ensured that i discuss the patient on the principles of care. In this case, I never educated the
patient since I made an assumption that it was just a simulation. Assumption in nursing is wrong
and I feel that I could have just educated the patient.
ACTION PLAN
I am anticipating to meet a patient who is need of wound dressing in the future. In case I
come across one, I will ensure that I educate the patient on nutrition. This is because nutrition
plays a key role in the healing of wounds. Another important thing that I will do in future for a
similar case is establishing a good rapport with the patient. In this case, I was just silent to the
patient and I was only providing instructions to the patient. Since my teacher told me that my
confidence was low, I will ensure that I handle the patient with a lot of confidence in future. I
will also carry out health promotion programs to the patient after the process. This involves
educating the patient on hygienic practices of handling the wound so that it can heal at a faster
rate.

ASEPTIC NON-TOUCH TECHNIQUE REFLECTION 5
References
Chau, J. P., Lam, L., Lui, M. H., Ip, W., Chien, W., Lee, I. F., & Thompson, D. R. (2010). A
survey of registered nurses’ perceptions of the code of professional conduct in Hong
Kong. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19(23-24), 3527-3534. doi:10.1111/j.1365-
2702.2010.03349.x
Davidson, J. R. (2015). Current Concepts in Wound Management and Wound Healing
Products. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 45(3), 537-
564. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.01.009
Williams, K., Woolliams, M., & Spiro, J. (2012). Using a framework for reflection: Gibbs’
reflective cycle. Reflective Writing, 90-102. doi:10.1007/978-0-230-37724-0_16