In this assessment, you will identify and summarise the key requirements for practicing as a Paramedic in Australia, with a special focus on the professional registration obligations. You must outline a plan for maintaining these registration elements through continuous professional development, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory frameworks involved.

Word Limit: 1500 words (+/- 10%)

Weight: 30% of total unit grade

Submission Format: 

Font: Calibri, Size 12

Spacing: Double line spacing

Alignment: Left justified text

The submission must include a reference list on a separate page. All references must be current (from 2014 onwards), excluding Wikipedia and (if any) course-prescribed texts.

The APA 7th edition referencing style is required.

Include a cover page with your name, student number, unit ID, due date, and word count (excluding references).

Criteria for Success:

Identification and succinct summary of the five critical requirements for practicing as a paramedic in Australia.

A detailed plan for ongoing professional development, including strategies for comprehensive record-keeping of activities related to professional registration.

Critical engagement with contemporary literature and resources relevant to paramedic registration and professional development.

The assessment criteria for this unit are in the form of a detailed rubric, which is available from the Moodle site.
However, broadly you will be assessed on:

Identification and Succinct Summary of the Five Critical Requirements for Practicing as a Paramedic in Australia:

You must identify and succinctly summarise the five critical requirements for practicing as a paramedic in Australia. These requirements encompass registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), adherence to the Paramedicine Board of Australia’s standards, completion of a recognised qualification in paramedicine, demonstration of continuing professional development (CPD), and compliance with the relevant legislative and ethical guidelines. 

A Detailed Plan for Ongoing Professional Development

You will develop a comprehensive plan for your ongoing professional development, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and growth in your paramedic practice. This plan should include strategies for staying current with industry advancements, attending professional workshops and conferences, and participating in relevant training programs. Additionally, you will outline methods for maintaining detailed records of all activities related to your professional registration, ensuring that you meet the CPD requirements set by AHPRA. Your plan will be evaluated based on its thoroughness, feasibility, and alignment with professional standards.

Critical Engagement with Contemporary Literature and Resources

You will be assessed on your ability to critically engage with contemporary literature and resources relevant to paramedic registration and professional development. You will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of current research, best practices, and emerging trends in paramedicine. Your engagement with these materials should reflect a critical analysis of their implications for your practice and professional growth. This criterion will measure your proficiency in integrating scholarly resources into your reflective practice and ongoing professional development efforts.

ASSESSMENT TWO (2) - PORTFOLIO

You must submit a portfolio comprising three (3) main items:

1. VIA Character Strength Assessment:

Submit a copy of your VIA Character Strength Assessment, highlighting your top five strengths at a minimum. This assessment is accessible via Moodle content.

2. SCARF Model Feedback:

Provide a copy of your SCARF model feedback, which is accessible through Moodle content. Both assessments' reference links are available in the Week 3 unit tile. 

3. Recorded Presentation:

Create a three (3) to five (5) minute recorded audio-visual presentation. (Microsoft PowerPoint is recommended for recording this presentation). An appropriately referenced PDF version of your presentation is to be included in your submission. 
 

Activity Instructions:

• Submit your VIA Character Strength Assessment, highlighting your top five strengths at a minimum. 
• Submit your SCARF Model Feedback.
• Submit your three (3) to five (5)-minute recorded presentation addressing the presentation questions below.
• An appropriately referenced PDF version of your presentation is to be included in your submission. 
   

Presentation Questions:

Part A:

How can understanding your personal values and character strengths, assessed through the VIA Character Strength Assessment, combined with insights from David Rock's SCARF model, enhance communication effectiveness within healthcare settings?

Part B:

How do you envision leveraging these identified qualities and traits when giving and receiving feedback in healthcare contexts, and how might this contribute to professional growth and improvement?

The assessment criteria for this unit are in the form of a detailed rubric, which is available from the Moodle site.
However, broadly you will be assessed on:

Completion of VIA Character Strength Assessment:

Submission of the VIA Character Strength Assessment, including the identification of at least your top five strengths.

Completion of SCARF Self-Assessment:

Submission of the SCARF model feedback.

Understanding and Application of Character Strengths and Values:

Demonstrate a clear understanding of your character strengths and values identified through the VIA Character Strength Assessment and their relevance to effective communication in healthcare settings. Articulate specific character strengths and values and link them to communication practices.

Integration of SCARF Model:

Effectively integrate insights from David Rock's SCARF model into your discussion on communication effectiveness. Explain how status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, and fairness influence communication dynamics and align with your character strengths and values.

Reflection and Self-Awareness:

Exhibit a deep reflection on your communication style, strengths, and areas for development. Demonstrate self-awareness in recognisng how your personal values and character strengths impact your communication behaviors and interactions.

Communication of Ideas:

Ensure clarity and coherence in your presentation, effectively communicating ideas and insights. Structure your presentation logically, use appropriate language and terminology, and maintain audience engagement.

Application to Feedback:

Illustrate how your self-assessment findings can inform your approach to giving and receiving feedback in the healthcare context. Provide specific examples or scenarios showing how your identified character strengths and values influence feedback interactions and contribute to professional growth and improvement.

Presentation Skills:

Focus on the quality of your audiovisual presentation, including delivery style, use of visual aids (if applicable), and adherence to time limits. Consider clarity of speech, enthusiasm, body language, and effective use of presentation tools to enhance understanding and engagement.

You must submit all items listed in the Activity Instructions to receive a minimum pass mark for this assessment item.  

ASSESSMENT THREE (3) CASE STUDY 

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO INTEGRATE SELF-CARE STRATEGIES AS A PROFESSIONAL PARAMEDIC? 
You are presented with a case study of a complex patient-care interaction that may trigger critical incident stress. In this scenario, you arrive at the scene of a horrific road traffic accident involving multiple family members. While providing clinical treatment and psychological support to three surviving family members, you are confronted with the loss of a fourth patient who is entrapped in the vehicle and has sustained injuries incompatible with life.

Despite the trauma, you manage the scene professionally, ensuring all patients receive urgent care and are transported to the hospital promptly. In the days following this incident, you experience symptoms of critical incident stress, including intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, emotional numbness, heightened arousal, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbances.

This case highlights the importance of developing self-awareness and insight to manage stress and maintain resilience as a professional paramedic.

Assessment Task

Your Assessment Three response will take the form of a poster presentation, like you would see at a conference. A Poster Presentation template has been provided in the Assessment section of the Moodle site. The template is a PowerPoint slide specially set up for developing Poster Presentations. You must include a reference list somewhere on the poster. The Poster Presentation will include three content components:

1. Outline Self-Care Strategies:

Describe the self-care strategies you plan to use to maintain your physical and mental well-being.

2. Include a Short Justification for Each Strategy:

Explain why you believe your chosen strategies will be effective when describing each self-care strategy.

3. Application of your strategies to professional practice

Illustrate how the identified self-care strategies can be integrated into your professional practice as a paramedic. 

The assessment criteria for this unit are in the form of a detailed rubric, which is available from the Moodle site.
However, broadly you will be assessed on:

Identification of Self-Care Strategies:
Identify a comprehensive set of self-care strategies to maintain physical and mental health. Strategies should be relevant and applicable to the demands of a professional paramedic's role.

Rationale for Self-Care Strategies:
Provide a succinct and insightful rationale for each self-care strategy. Explain why each strategy is particularly effective for you, taking into account personal experiences and professional requirements.

Understanding of Critical Incident Stress:
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of critical incident stress and its impact on paramedics. Highlight the importance of self-care in managing stress and promoting resilience.

Clarity and Coherence of Presentation:
Ensure the poster presentation is clear, coherent, and visually engaging. The information should be organised logically, focusing on readability and professional presentation standards.

Reflection and Self-Awareness:
Exhibit deep reflection and self-awareness in the selection and description of self-care strategies. Show evidence of insight into personal responses to stress and the importance of proactive self-care.

Application to Professional Practice:
Illustrate how the identified self-care strategies can be integrated into your professional practice as a paramedic. 

Use of Visual Aids:
Ensure that any images, charts, and other visual elements support and clarify the content, contributing to the poster's overall impact and understanding.