A day of ups and downs, really.
The ward was understaffed (don't worry, I've reported such shocking news to Fleet Street and no doubt it will be on every front page come tomorrow. Not.) which left me at something of a loose end. I feared being used as a spare pair of hands, which isn't completely terrible, depending what my hands are tasked to do. But then Damn-Good-Nurse stepped into the fray.
DGN is a part of a dying breed, sadly. Educated in most aspects of the medical science and very skilled, with a lovely character to boot, DGN hates their job, they confided in me later in the day.
More on them later. DGN, suffice to say, voiced concerns about using my as a unskilled runaround and made sure I got some actual learning done, which is a refreshing change. They half-apologised for asking me to do observations, which was ridiculously sweet of them. They later told me that they had been used as a dogsbody for their 3 years training, basically, and didn't want it to happen to more students, which I fully support.
So, I got to jump on with an IV Nurse, being taught the newest ANTT (anti-septic non-touch technique) as well as other hand hints and tips. I learnt from this nurse that, apparently, no student from my University is allowed to administer IV drugs at any point in the course. Good fucking idea. So we learn it when? I, I have been reassured, will be doing it, rules or not.
I practised writing, MRSA-screening, and got a chance to talk to some of the patients, which is a great change. But the plight of DGN stayed with me all day.
They are, as mentioned, a damn good nurse. Caring yet hard-nosed when they need to be. Skilled and good under mounting pressure. But this nurse wants to leave the job. They tell me the police pay better and support their staff more. Hence they may switch public services. Now, don't get me wrong, we need good police officers, too, so it's not as if DGN would be going to work for QVC, but it'd be a sad loss. Particuarly when it comes to the other member of staff on this morning.
Newly Qualified Rookie (NQR) is exactly what it says on their tin. Yes, officially they are a registered nurse and are deployed as such. Their skills are usually lacking, and their ability to work under pressure stands up to little scrutiny. Although in this case NQR is enthusiastic, their inability to deal with the job meant that DGN has to take more patients than usual (we were one registered nurse down, remember) adding stress to DGN and increasing their rate of burn out.
It really is a crying shame. I've met other DGNs before (although not as many as I'd like) as well as other NQR. I hope never to be as ill suited as most of the NQRs, and am sure I will one day I will become a DGN, although hopefully without the hatred of the job.
DGN really challenged my views today. They are the sort of nurse I would like to be, and yet they admit to hating the job and wanting to leave. Whereas members of staff like NQR or Usually-Found-Gossiping-At-The-Nurse-Station (UFGatNS. Bit of a mouthful) seem to be in the majority. DGN doesn't think you can do real nursing as a nurse anymore, all the fun, caring jobs dispatched to the Support Workers. If staffing levels were higher then nurses could do a bit more nursing, but they're not. Not yet. Still, I know - even if they don't - that DGN helps people recover and improves their lives. And that is, after all, why I'm still in this game.
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
On a personal note
I kinda miss being a real, authentic, smelly student with time off to lounge around outside student accommodation with barbecues in the unseasonable sun. If I wasn't tired from a job I actually like, I mean. However, there are a number of hitches in this plan. Firstly, I went about making friends of the student variety, but they're all a bit young and irritating and so it didn't last. And sitting on my own in the sun sounds a bit dull. Second, I had my three years being the aforementioned type of student, and shouldn't give in to a mid-diploma crisis. Thirdly, I should be working. Which reminds me...
Second Day
It is, I hazard to mention, going surprisingly well.
First things first, I met my mentor today. They are a staff nurse from the Philippines with English as a second language. This will, to be honest, be annoying if anything lacking in the English language impacts on my paperwork, but that's hardly a huge worry. They are a decent nurse, by the looks of things, so I'm pleased. My other mentor is off for 4 weeks as they are getting married. Hrm - good work if you can get it, that is.
Anyway, I get to stay in 'Team B' which means I look after the same group of beds, which is a refreshing level of consistency. The turnover of patients is higher than I thought, but there are some around for long enough to get to know, which is positive.
I surprised my mentor by being able to do observations, dispense medications and mix up IV antibiotics, which inevitably meant an end to my gravy train of sitting around on my lovely bottom. But I wouldn't have it any other way, really. Hopefully my responsibilies might increase on this ward, a step I feel I'm ready for.
One sad thing involved the afternoon shift sitting around not wanting to do any work until 3pm, it seemed (I can't be sure as I was let off just after 2, which was pleasurable indeed), instead preferring to gossip gathered around the nurse station. I don't like that, personally, but it happens. I have begun to act a tad cheeky when the situation calls for it, and show my previous experience on the ward. I'm not sure how many people this is endearing me to, but it works and I like it so I'll stick with it for now. An air of cheery confidence is much better than quiet contemplation when it comes to nurse behaviour, I believe.
The prickly pear that is lying to patients reared it's ugly head today. Talk about absolute honesty all you like, it's sometimes not that black and white. We have a patient with a cerebral injury - I haven't found out exactly which part of their brain has been effected just yet, but their judgement and memory are pretty hazy. Although they are 'specialed' this doesn't mean they're taken care of all the time. Sometimes the Support Workers aren't much good in that role, sometimes the patient turns violent. So, when they threaten to leave in their 'car' unless their son turns up it's much more advisable to tell them their son will be along later on, even if he will not. When the alternative is diazepam and a curt call to security, I know which idea gets my vote.
First things first, I met my mentor today. They are a staff nurse from the Philippines with English as a second language. This will, to be honest, be annoying if anything lacking in the English language impacts on my paperwork, but that's hardly a huge worry. They are a decent nurse, by the looks of things, so I'm pleased. My other mentor is off for 4 weeks as they are getting married. Hrm - good work if you can get it, that is.
Anyway, I get to stay in 'Team B' which means I look after the same group of beds, which is a refreshing level of consistency. The turnover of patients is higher than I thought, but there are some around for long enough to get to know, which is positive.
I surprised my mentor by being able to do observations, dispense medications and mix up IV antibiotics, which inevitably meant an end to my gravy train of sitting around on my lovely bottom. But I wouldn't have it any other way, really. Hopefully my responsibilies might increase on this ward, a step I feel I'm ready for.
One sad thing involved the afternoon shift sitting around not wanting to do any work until 3pm, it seemed (I can't be sure as I was let off just after 2, which was pleasurable indeed), instead preferring to gossip gathered around the nurse station. I don't like that, personally, but it happens. I have begun to act a tad cheeky when the situation calls for it, and show my previous experience on the ward. I'm not sure how many people this is endearing me to, but it works and I like it so I'll stick with it for now. An air of cheery confidence is much better than quiet contemplation when it comes to nurse behaviour, I believe.
The prickly pear that is lying to patients reared it's ugly head today. Talk about absolute honesty all you like, it's sometimes not that black and white. We have a patient with a cerebral injury - I haven't found out exactly which part of their brain has been effected just yet, but their judgement and memory are pretty hazy. Although they are 'specialed' this doesn't mean they're taken care of all the time. Sometimes the Support Workers aren't much good in that role, sometimes the patient turns violent. So, when they threaten to leave in their 'car' unless their son turns up it's much more advisable to tell them their son will be along later on, even if he will not. When the alternative is diazepam and a curt call to security, I know which idea gets my vote.
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
The (not so) Difficult First Day
Is over. And I got out half an hour early, which is a bonus in anybody's book.
How did I find it? Alright. The staff are friendly and seem to know what they're talking about, with a seemingly minimum amount of backbiting kicking around. A few of them love my accent (yes, I have an adorable accent. Observant readers may have worked out where I'm from by now) and I've had a giggle with them early on, prompting one visitor to the ward to presume I'd been there for weeks.
The patients are mostly elderly, generally self-caring, which means less bed bathing (a task that was getting a little boring back on my previous ward) and more medication, observation and perspiration. It's warm out, innit?
My first day was basically shadowing a Staff Nurse, since it takes a bit to get back into the swing of things in a completely new setting. The nurse in question was lovely, so I delivered a present of doing some of the writing later on. Quite amused I can still manage it after five weeks, so congratulations to me.
My mentor is nowhere to be seen, which is hardly a surprise. I might see them tomorrow when they're working a bank shift, but I won't get my hopes up.
I went to my old ward for a few minutes on my - get this! - second break. I put my foot in it for asking about gossip about some very rich person being flown in and given their own bay. Something I'd heard about and my new ward wanted information on, but I did it whilst the Professor looking after this rich so-and-so was around. I quickly made myself scarce. Still, fun to see the old gang, so to speak. They reacted with good humoured chagrin, which is what I'd expect. I'll have to pop back and visit when Professors aren't around to prompt my-foot-in-my-mouth again.
Generally, it flew by as days go. But the first few always do. It'll be when I start to put in some solid graft when they stretch out. Can't wait.
How did I find it? Alright. The staff are friendly and seem to know what they're talking about, with a seemingly minimum amount of backbiting kicking around. A few of them love my accent (yes, I have an adorable accent. Observant readers may have worked out where I'm from by now) and I've had a giggle with them early on, prompting one visitor to the ward to presume I'd been there for weeks.
The patients are mostly elderly, generally self-caring, which means less bed bathing (a task that was getting a little boring back on my previous ward) and more medication, observation and perspiration. It's warm out, innit?
My first day was basically shadowing a Staff Nurse, since it takes a bit to get back into the swing of things in a completely new setting. The nurse in question was lovely, so I delivered a present of doing some of the writing later on. Quite amused I can still manage it after five weeks, so congratulations to me.
My mentor is nowhere to be seen, which is hardly a surprise. I might see them tomorrow when they're working a bank shift, but I won't get my hopes up.
I went to my old ward for a few minutes on my - get this! - second break. I put my foot in it for asking about gossip about some very rich person being flown in and given their own bay. Something I'd heard about and my new ward wanted information on, but I did it whilst the Professor looking after this rich so-and-so was around. I quickly made myself scarce. Still, fun to see the old gang, so to speak. They reacted with good humoured chagrin, which is what I'd expect. I'll have to pop back and visit when Professors aren't around to prompt my-foot-in-my-mouth again.
Generally, it flew by as days go. But the first few always do. It'll be when I start to put in some solid graft when they stretch out. Can't wait.
I *do* know what I'm yelling about
Stupid fucking knobheads like this
They annoy me. Well, specifically, Nadine annoys me. A quick look at that article will tell you a few things.
A cross-party selection of MPs are happy with the 24-week limit.
Most Doctor groups believe insignificant improvements have been made to warrant anything less than a 24-week limit.
So, in short: MPs and Medical Organisations agree the current limit is fine. But this idiot, who I am quite worried to mention she used to be a nurse (I think her new vocation of political zealot is much more suited to her ridiculous character), thinks she knows better.
"I respect a woman's right to choose. But we are close to being the abortion capital of the world and it is now time to adopt a more moderate, commonsense approach to abortion."
I.e. "I don't think women having control over their own bodies is a good idea. I should. 'Cause I'm big and clever. Unlike those silly sluts in the real world."
If this is one person I would like to smash, repeatedly, in the face with a sledgehammer it's Nadine Dorries. Not only was she once a nurse, but her arguments have been disproved constantly and yet she still clambers for publicity.
One of my major dislikes is, clearly, sexism. Some people tend to assume that women are more apt and suited to talk about issues of abortion and choice. Which, let's be honest, is bollocks. Firstly - are men effected by these issues? Yes. Do (some) men care? Yes. Does the fact that men do not have the capability to physically give birth to a child make their views less valid? No. It bloody well shouldn't. I don't see how a woman who is physically unable to give birth is more suitable to talk about abortion has automatically more important views because of their gender alone.
They annoy me. Well, specifically, Nadine annoys me. A quick look at that article will tell you a few things.
A cross-party selection of MPs are happy with the 24-week limit.
Most Doctor groups believe insignificant improvements have been made to warrant anything less than a 24-week limit.
So, in short: MPs and Medical Organisations agree the current limit is fine. But this idiot, who I am quite worried to mention she used to be a nurse (I think her new vocation of political zealot is much more suited to her ridiculous character), thinks she knows better.
"I respect a woman's right to choose. But we are close to being the abortion capital of the world and it is now time to adopt a more moderate, commonsense approach to abortion."
I.e. "I don't think women having control over their own bodies is a good idea. I should. 'Cause I'm big and clever. Unlike those silly sluts in the real world."
If this is one person I would like to smash, repeatedly, in the face with a sledgehammer it's Nadine Dorries. Not only was she once a nurse, but her arguments have been disproved constantly and yet she still clambers for publicity.
One of my major dislikes is, clearly, sexism. Some people tend to assume that women are more apt and suited to talk about issues of abortion and choice. Which, let's be honest, is bollocks. Firstly - are men effected by these issues? Yes. Do (some) men care? Yes. Does the fact that men do not have the capability to physically give birth to a child make their views less valid? No. It bloody well shouldn't. I don't see how a woman who is physically unable to give birth is more suitable to talk about abortion has automatically more important views because of their gender alone.
Monday, 5 May 2008
Delving back in...
OFMN starts his longest ever placement tomorrow (for some reason, despite the tiny bursary and general lack of government support we get bank holidays off. And there are two this month. Woo). I will be working within a cardiology and rhumotology (which I need to learn how to spell) setting in the 'old' part of the hospital. I have been browsing the internet for mainly cardiological disorders as this is how the ward is weighted, by the sounds of things. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not kidding myself that my brief research will have me all prepared for time within the complicated world of heart problems, but I feel a bit more comfortable if I have a vague idea what some of the acronyms mean.
I'm both excited and nervous, two emotionals rattling my usual cool, calm and collected exterior. I'm going to get in extra early so I can find the place (I considered going on a recon mission today but am just that bit too lazy and would rather relax). Unlike my recent placement, there are no other students from my course coming along, so I'll be all on my lonesome unless there are students from other years/universities also attached. It is, for sure, going to be strange getting back in the swing of things.
I have had 5 weeks off (well, 3 in University and 2 on holiday, but who's counting?) and have been relatively idle. Which has annoyed me. So it'll be good to be actually learning again. And the heart itself is something I find very interesting. So all in all it'll be good to strap myself back in to the ugly student nurse uniform and get out there.
I just hope, as ever, that the staff are a good bunch - I've been told they are, which is a quality start. Failing that, I hope my mentor knows what he or she is talking about and that I get to work with them a lot. I've been lucky on that front for the past two placements, although arguments can be made that my strength of character has meant I've been able to work with my mentor whilst other people I've spoke to have accepted some kind of brush off far too easily.
Right. Back into the swing of things. That considered, I need to do a bank holiday supermarket run to buy sandwich-based supplies.
I'm both excited and nervous, two emotionals rattling my usual cool, calm and collected exterior. I'm going to get in extra early so I can find the place (I considered going on a recon mission today but am just that bit too lazy and would rather relax). Unlike my recent placement, there are no other students from my course coming along, so I'll be all on my lonesome unless there are students from other years/universities also attached. It is, for sure, going to be strange getting back in the swing of things.
I have had 5 weeks off (well, 3 in University and 2 on holiday, but who's counting?) and have been relatively idle. Which has annoyed me. So it'll be good to be actually learning again. And the heart itself is something I find very interesting. So all in all it'll be good to strap myself back in to the ugly student nurse uniform and get out there.
I just hope, as ever, that the staff are a good bunch - I've been told they are, which is a quality start. Failing that, I hope my mentor knows what he or she is talking about and that I get to work with them a lot. I've been lucky on that front for the past two placements, although arguments can be made that my strength of character has meant I've been able to work with my mentor whilst other people I've spoke to have accepted some kind of brush off far too easily.
Right. Back into the swing of things. That considered, I need to do a bank holiday supermarket run to buy sandwich-based supplies.
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Why you should go see Iron Man.
I've just got back and I must say - I love it when I'm not disappointed.
The casting, especially of Tony Stark, is truly perfect. The actor really gets in to character throughout the roller coaster, bullet-strewn morality tale. He's a mysoginistic, often-selfish, egotistical ball of charisma. To hit the old cliche - men want to be him, women want to be with him.
Like in all good hero (super or not) films, the protagonist has to go through a complex, difficult journey and if the actor can't pull this off then the film is pretty pointless. The man who plays Stark has it down perfectly.
As for other casting, Paltrow (as Ms. Pepper Potts) is very well suited. The Arab terrorists are typically evil, as is the big bad guy. On top of that, the voice of Jarvis is amazing.
The plot: At two hours long, it's perfectly paced in my opinion. There are thrills and spills and it keeps you wanting just a tiny bit more.
The effects: Bliss. I know I was in a cinema, but the CGI doesn't look cheap. There is, for example, a great switch between the gritty Mark One suit and the final (in this film, at least) Mark Three.
In short, between the acting, plot, effects, music (Iron Man is cued at the perfect moment) and the last line of the film... It's more than worth watching. Again, in fact! Where's my bike...?
The casting, especially of Tony Stark, is truly perfect. The actor really gets in to character throughout the roller coaster, bullet-strewn morality tale. He's a mysoginistic, often-selfish, egotistical ball of charisma. To hit the old cliche - men want to be him, women want to be with him.
Like in all good hero (super or not) films, the protagonist has to go through a complex, difficult journey and if the actor can't pull this off then the film is pretty pointless. The man who plays Stark has it down perfectly.
As for other casting, Paltrow (as Ms. Pepper Potts) is very well suited. The Arab terrorists are typically evil, as is the big bad guy. On top of that, the voice of Jarvis is amazing.
The plot: At two hours long, it's perfectly paced in my opinion. There are thrills and spills and it keeps you wanting just a tiny bit more.
The effects: Bliss. I know I was in a cinema, but the CGI doesn't look cheap. There is, for example, a great switch between the gritty Mark One suit and the final (in this film, at least) Mark Three.
In short, between the acting, plot, effects, music (Iron Man is cued at the perfect moment) and the last line of the film... It's more than worth watching. Again, in fact! Where's my bike...?
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