On 9 June 2025, the Nursing Division at IMU University successfully conducted the “Pack it Right” wound packing workshop for Semester 4 Bachelor of Nursing (BNU) students. Held at the Seremban Clinical Campus just before the students began their clinical posting, this three-hour workshop was designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical practice. It focused specifically on wound packing for cavity and sinus tract wounds, commonly seen in surgical or orthopaedic settings, where careful technique is essential to promote healing by secondary intention.

The session was led by Ms Lee Mei Ying, with support from Ms Deepa A/P Kaliappen and Ms Goh Lay Khim.

Students participated in a concise lecture, followed by a live procedural demonstration and supervised hands-on practice using moulaged wound models. They were guided to perform wound packing using sterile gauze and normal saline while adhering to strict aseptic technique, which is essential for ensuring patient safety and promoting optimal wound healing.

In addition to refining their technical skills, students were reinforced on the importance of proper wound documentation as part of safe and accountable nursing practice.

They were reminded to apply the TIMERS framework to guide them in documenting wound assessments thoroughly and accurately. This emphasis on clinical documentation aimed to prepare students to meet the expectations of real ward practice and to develop the mindset of a responsible and competent staff nurse.

To consolidate learning, the workshop concluded with Kahoot quiz designed to emphasise key concepts and encourage reflection. All 21 students participated actively, showing a high level of engagement throughout the session. The top three scorers, Annita Lim Quan Mei, Samantha Low Ye Qing, and Kristen Liew Li-Ann, received small tokens of encouragement in recognition of their achievement.

Practical skills were also reinforced through peer-supervised wound packing using a procedural checklist adapted into a DOPS (Direct Observation of Procedural Skills) format. This allowed students to apply their knowledge in a structured and supportive manner, receiving feedback in real time to build confidence before entering clinical practice.

Feedback on the workshop was overwhelmingly positive. Every participant submitted a post-workshop evaluation, and the session received an average satisfaction score of 4.84 out of 5. Students praised the structured flow of the session, the effectiveness of the facilitators, and the value of being able to practise the skill in a safe and supportive setting.

One student shared, “The step-by-step demonstration was really helpful. It clarified things I was unsure about and showed me exactly what to do in practice.”

Another added, “Using the TIMERS for documentation made me realize how important it is to work efficiently while still being accurate. It felt like a real ward situation.”

Others praised the clarity of teaching and patient reminders on technique, stating, “The facilitators reminded us to maintain aseptic technique at every step. That discipline is so important when we start our clinicals.”

This workshop reflects IMU University’s ongoing commitment to student-centred, practice-based education. By offering structured, hands-on training in essential nursing procedures and reinforcing clinical standards, the “Pack it Right” workshop helps nursing students transition more confidently from theory to practice and prepares them for their future roles as competent and compassionate professional nurses.

Acknowledgement:
Special thanks to Ms Deepa A/P Kaliappen and Ms Goh Lay Khim for their valuable contributions in preparing the procedural materials, refining the wound packing checklist, and ensuring the workshop maintained both clinical accuracy and educational quality.

Written by Ms Lee Mei Ying
Reviewed by Dr Lim Swee Geok