The Experience
Urine collection is part of the specimen collection, which aids in determining which pathogens are responsible for a disease. The most important lesson I learned from urine collection is knowing the correct way of collecting and labelling a specimen for analysis. Moreover, I got to know the proper way of gathering the specimen to protect myself and prevent the spread of the disease. One of the experiences in urine collection was when a male patient, 45, had a suspected kidney ailment and was required to provide a urine sample for testing. As a nurse, I am positioned to provide them with the necessary guidelines to obtain the required specimen.
Since the patient was independent, I guided them on how to clean themselves and urinate into the provided specimen container and clean themselves after the process. This experience gave me an opportunity to improve my communication skills, especially in explaining why we needed the urine and how to go about the process. Sometimes, it may be challenging to obtain the specimen because some patients may be reluctant or are afraid the specimen will be used for other purposes. Again, I learned the importance of asking the patient to clean themselves before collecting the sample, i.e., cleaning will contribute to a clean-catch midstream specimen free of contamination.
Reflection on Action
The urine collection experience went well because I managed to obtain the specimen without difficulty. Usually, there are patients who are afraid of drug tests because they are aware of their lifestyles and would do anything to protect themselves from such. Therefore, I attribute this step to what went well. On the other hand, this exercise is about the procedure to avoid contaminating the specimen. I have to admit it was not one of the most exciting experiences because I considered explaining about cleaning the private parts, which can be invasive. Again, I almost made a mistake in labelling, being the first time and paying more attention to sealing and protecting the specimen from spilling, although in a sealed container. However, I understood that confusion is normal and took my time to get everything right.
One of the most significant assumptions I had was that a sample is a sample, and it did not matter if they cleaned or it was midstream. Again, I thought that the process only included handing over the specimen container. Despite the thought and assumptions, I felt that this exercise provided a great opportunity for learning, especially on the instructions and specimen handling. Later, I learned that these feelings, assumptions and thoughts were part of the process.
Theory
My simulated learning experience in the lab has influenced both my professional and theoretical knowledge. First, I have learned about properly communicating nursing activities that may be invasive in nature to patients because some may not understand. Having good verbal and written communication while expressing sensitivity and professionalism ensures easy collection of urine specimens. This experience has also taught me that the ease with which the urine specimen is collected from the patient may not be all rosy because it contributes to laxity or even neglect by failing to educate the patient about the importance of proper urine collection.
On the other hand, the experience has influenced my theoretical knowledge of specimen collection, especially the earlier-mentioned concept of a “clean catch” usually obtained midstream. Liaw and Goh (2020) explain that nurses should consider midstream collection as an effective strategy, but it needs to be done using a standardized collection process. The concept of having the patient clean themselves before collecting the specimen has enlightened me on the importance of keeping specimens away from contamination by avoiding taking chances. Consequently, this lab activity has contributed to my reflection and evaluation of the available theoretical information on specimen collection and clinical decision-making.
Preparation
Next time, I will consider researching and practising other specimen collection requirements to gain confidence. Sometimes, as a nurse, you may not feel confident when doing something for the first few times. Therefore, I intend to practice and research more on the theoretical aspects that will supplement my experiment on urine specimen collection using simulations. This way, I will be ready to attend to real patients in a real clinical environment. Since this lab activity was not complete without the involvement of my facilitator, I will seek feedback to know the area I need improvement and where I am doing well.
Given the diverse specimens required to be collected in a clinical setting, I will use this opportunity to learn more about other procedures. Before that, I will explore other simulations involving patients who do not have sufficient independence to collect urine samples. I have done a few of them, but I have not done enough to gain more confidence. Therefore, I will save time by practicing simulations on children, bedridden patients, and those using a catheter. Ultimately, I will seek training opportunities and participate in professional workshops to enhance my knowledge as part of my strategies to prepare for future experiences.
References
Liaw, Y. Q., & Goh, M. L. (2020). Reducing contamination of midstream urine samples through standardized collection processes: a best practice implementation project. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 18(1), 256-271.
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