Competence acquisition using the insulin pen as an example

Acquiring competence in studies: from theory to practice.

Educational components, practical training and work placements are ideally coordinated in the Health Care and Nursing degree programme: In courses, you are taught the theoretical basics, which you subsequently practice and apply in a protected environment. You will gain your first experience with real patients under supervision in the professional practical training before you accompany patients on your own.

The four stages of competence development using the insulin pen as an example:

Stage 1: You learn everything about the insulin pen
In the course "Nursing Assessment 3" in the 3rd semester you will learn everything about the insulin pen theoretically.

Stage 2: You complete your practical training
In training environment at the nursing school Vorarlberg you will be shown the practical use of the insulin pen. You practice, for example, on a simulation mannequin and directly discuss your practice experiences.

Stage 3: In the professional practical training you inject a patient with insulin under supervision
After you have been discussed and demonstrated, you now inject insulin under the guidance of the practice guidance of a patient.  

Stage 4: You use the insulin pen independently
Already in the study you inject insulin independently on the basis of your newly acquired skills. You involve the patient in the process and implement individual preferences (e.g., if the syringe should rather be placed in the abdomen) with consideration.