Halfway through placement

So this is officially the halfway point in my first placement and as far as I'm concerned it couldn't be going any better. 

The sheer amount of knowledge and skills I have picked up is pretty amazing to me I never would've believed anyone if they told me I would be able to assist with removing drains or clips or cannulas or anything besides little dressings. My mentor and the other nurses have been so patient and informative about how to do things and why they do procedures a certain way. I feel like I could confidently explain some of them which is mad considering it's been 3 and a half weeks.

The ward is fast paced and as a staff nurse it would appear it requires a lot of multi tasking and being pretty vigilant but there is such a good team atmosphere and it's really put me at ease and brought me out of my shell although occasionally I feel like I'm asking silly obvious questions. 

Yesterday I spent the morning in theatre and found it really interesting, I watched a sentinel lymph node biopsy. The consultant was very friendly and informative. He talked me through what he was going to do and why and explained things while he was doing it. I found it really interesting actually getting to see what lymph nodes looked like as well as the layers of skin the go though. On the massive plus side I didn't knock anything over, faint or say anything really stupid (apparently not uncommon with students).

Although it was really interesting and I would definitely go back to theatre to watch other procedures given the chance. I enjoy talking to patients too much and being able to care for them when they are conscious, the theatre nurses seem like they could teach you a lot and hopefully at some point in the three years I'll have a placement there. 

I've arranged a few more spoke days as well, I'm spending a day with the infection control nurse, the case manager and a day at the beast clinic. I'm really trying to make the most of the placement and learn as much as I can. I guess because I'm enjoying the ward and the experiences it's just motivating me more to do well within the course. 

Really want to know where my next placement is too hopefully we find out soon!

Bursaries and tuition fees

Although I created this blog to really reflect on my placements and experiences while training to become a nurse and possibly after I feel like I want to share my opinion on an issue that seems to be pretty controversial at the moment

BURSARIES
Now although I don't receive one and am lucky enough to be seconded, I do know that the other members of my cohort do not receive a bursary, pay their tuition fees either independently or through loans and use said loans plus some part time work to support their families get to uni/placement ect and are managing for the most part just fine.

Let me reiterate the course structure at University of Bolton, our cohort has around 27 students. our lecturers know us well and make time to be available if we need help/ support or just to talk to them to clarify any issues. We have clinical nurse tutors (equivalent to PEFs) who visit us on placement roughly once a week to make sure we are coping and are getting the best learning opportunities we can. To me the extra support I feel like we get seems to make the tuition fees and lack of bursaries worth it. And it scrapping them means that us student nurses get this kind of support I think that's great.

However I think that if that isn't going to happen then in order to combat a recruitment crisis when it comes to student nurses never mind qualified nurses, the government are going to have to offer an incentive such as a more generous salary for nurses especially taking into account the planned rise of national minimum wage meaning that anyone over 25 will be paid at least £9 an hour by 2020... A newly qualified nurse gets roughly £21000 pa (£10.76ph). So after attending university for 3 years they will receive £1 more than the living wage. I don't think this will entice people to struggle for 3 years.

I agree that especially where my course is concerned its what people want to do so they will use student finance.. I am by no means going into nursing for the money. I have had personal circumstances which have motivated me to want to do this great career as have most people that complete degree programmes in order to become a nurse I'm sure. but in a few years time, my opinion is that there will have to be change when it comes to nurses salaries or else the backbone of then NHS is going to crumble and personally it worries me.

Making progress and feeling proud...

So I started placement on. A surgical unit two weeks ago now and it's going great, it's very different to what I'm used to and at times it's difficult because I'm unsure of routines and how things are done but my mentor and all the staff on the unit in general have been friendly and willing to show me where things are and how to do things properly. Anyone who knows me will know I'm not shy when it comes to asking questions so that probable worked in my favour a little bit. 

My first day was the most nerve wracking I think. Not knowing anyone or what to expect and obviously having worked with nurses for the past few years as a health care assistant hearing about their experiences both good and bad was colouring my opinions and expectations. The most challenging thing for me is feeling so unsure of myself almost like I'm second guessing what I'm doing quite a lot. Take for example the matron/ ward manager asking me to handover to her about the patients my team was looking after. It was pretty intimidating to me which is silly considering I've been present and contributed in countless handovers. And I needn't have been worried because she said herself I was very thorough then proceeded to get me handover most shifts. I don't mind I'm getting more comfortable with that. 

I feel like I've learnt loads in just 2 weeks and developed new skills, that on top on get my anatomy and physiology results and finding out I got 87% overall for the module (94% for the workbook and 80% for the exam) has boosted my confidence a little bit. I'm starting to organise some spoke placements for the next few weeks (day visits to related areas) so have done an application to spend a day in theatre, tried to book onto a wound care course and will be spending the day with one of the breast cancer physiotherapist next Wednesday in the pre-op clinic. 

I'm trying not to ramble on but I'm honestly enjoying feeling like I'm a step closed to being qualified and so despite being tired and busy and occasionally feeling a bit lost I'm excited to go in everydayand see  something new or different. I really hope I get this much out of all my placements.

Basic life support skills and moving & handling

So it seems like its been forever since I did a blog post, this month has been a bit non-stop preparing for my anatomy and physiology exam (thank god that's over with). I think it went quite well just purely from the fact I walked out smiling and non planning to move far far away.. I'll find out my results in two or three weeks so we will see.

At the moment we have clinical skills week before starting placement on monday, (little bit nervous). Cinical skills week is kind of like mandatory training and basic skills we will need during out first placement. So far we had moving and handling yesterday which pretty much consisted of safe techniques, and risk assessment techniques for when moving, transferring or rolling a patient. As well as how to use equipment like slide sheets, hoists and pat slides. It's training that I have had before but its always good to have a refreshers specially when different workplaces have different preferences.






Today we did basic life support techniques, and went through how to assess a patient (A-E assessment, SAMPLE, SBAR) and emergency procedures for deteriorating patients and cardiac arrests, apart from almost giving myself a black eye with the mannequins head when practising chest thrusts I'd sat it went well if not slightly embarrassing. Emergency CPR I felt fairly okay with after having training and simulations a few times now I feel like I could be a little bit more useful in that situation even if I'm just calling for help or getting the re-suss trolley.

Tomorrow after we finish I'm going over to the ward I'm on for placement to meet my mentor and have a look around which I'm pretty excited for if I'm honest. Although I can see myself getting lost at Chorley hospital, its a bit or a maze but maybe that's because I haven't worked there before.

Oh and I've been appointed a student quality ambassador and have a welcome event next week in Liverpool. Its all going great at the moment.

Future plans, exams, and placement looming

So I've been a little bit caught up in revision and some assignment work and as a result it seems like forever since I updated this. I've been pretty busy and the rest of the time mentally tired from revision for my A&P mock exam which is tomorrow. I thought I would take a little break and update everyone on what I've been learning and different things I'm looking to get involved it.

 As far as class work goes e have been steadily working through the bodies systems and trying to remember everything we did in the previous weeks (A&P) and shockingly although I'm snowed under I think its all starting to sink in to the Point where I'm driving Liam (my fiancée) mad telling him about bones and why the body works in certain ways... I can't help it talking helps me learn. In graduate kills we are mostly covering evidence based practice and reflection as well as research processes which is a pretty dry subject for a Tuesday morning but the class gets involved and the group research and feedback work seems to be pretty interesting at times. I think actually doing a research project will be more interesting than learning about it. In foundation skills for nursing module what we are learning seems to be really diverse.. from neurological observations to equality and diversity the the NMC code of practice and most recently medical terminology and acronyms which gave some of the class headaches but i really enjoyed it. Must be the geek in me.

I have to admit I thought it might slow down a little with the volume we have to learn and i would feel a bit less mentally tired, it hasn't. Although that's the case I have found my feet with studying and work and am really enjoying it. I'm also quite nervous about starting placement in 4 weeks but again equally excited.

I've decided to apply to become a student quality ambassador after the session we had this afternoon with SQA's from the first cohort who started in February. These are people who have a desire to 'champion good practice and enhance the quality of patient care' they have been working alongside and liaising between practice areas, PEF's (practice education facilitator), HEI's (Healthcare Environment Inspectorate), students, Service users & patients, carers and other professionals. I think this is a great opportunity and something I'd love to be a part of.

Time flys..

I'm in a little bit of shock with the fact that this is not my fifth week at university, It is literally flying by soo quickly its a little hard to believe. I was told it would but still it's a little shocking! My next six weeks of so will be busy so trying to keep organised. Its going to go like this..

1. 28th October: Mock exam for anatomy and physiology in 3 weeks... AND BREATHE
2. 11th November: The actual exam.
3. 16th November: Clinical skills week (EXCITED)
4. 23rd November: Placement starts.. (even more EXCITED) 
5. 7th December: Graduate skills assignment due
6. 11th January: 2 weeks annual leave (consisting on sleep!)

Its funny really but everyone asks me how its going and and ho I am, and my answer is its great but I'm soo busy and tired but not in a bad way. At that point you can [insert funny look they give me]. I'm tired in a good way because i know its what I ant to do and I'm working towards it although its stressful and hectic, I've worked in healthcare for four years now and stressful and hectic is normal to me. It pushes me and lets me improve the way I do things so I don't see it as a bad thing. 

I seem to be following my own advice so far, I've stayed organised (for the most part), I've de-stressed (usually with a very bubbly bath and a glass of Malibu and lemonade) and I know why I'm doing this. I'd say I'm more determined to get through it and because a Nurse as planned. The support from family friends and work colleagues has been great I couldn't be happier with the people in my life.

Just for context my route into nursing is innovative not just because of my secondment with Spiral health but also with the fact that the University of Bolton in partnership with Lancashire teaching hospitals is the first to offer non-commisioned nursing programme

Practice, Placement and Prevention

So, I'm now close to completing my third week at university and definitely starting to feel a lot more settled when it comes to my routine at home/work and studying. So far so good. I think what's helped me the most is the fact that the course is well organised so that we have a a module a day meaning I can organise my personal study so that I expand on class work.

We spent our second week at Royal Preston hospital having the trust induction which I was expecting to be a Very long day but actually wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. It was good to get some background on the trust and its history especially if I'm going to be completing my placements within it. The second day was definitely my favourite after receiving my student nurse ID bade and getting measured for our uniforms we got to find out where our first placement is. Can honestly say I was pretty excited, and yes also nervous. It's on a surgical unit and I geeked out a bit when I got home and did a bit of a Google search to get an idea of what to expect when I start it.

Wednesday was for infection control and although it was not a lively day I know how essential it is and its definitely stuck.. we learnt soo much about super-bugs I'm pretty sure I can touch anything without washing or gelling my hands... I actually had to resist the urge to ask a woman leaving the ladies in the city centre in front on me to wash her hands. I would've been rude I know but after finding out how fact bacteria can spread and make people seriously ill it was a struggle.

The third week we had our normal classes at Bolton, I enjoyed my session on Monday where we spend time in the skills lab attempting manual blood pressures (no one really found it easy) it was a lot harder to concentrate in a busy area an hear everything you needed to with the stethoscope but it was realistic. On a ward its not going to be quiet to this is the learning curve we are on. I know that not all nurses do BP manually any more but the ones that do and definitely the nurses that spent their whole career doing so deserve a pat on the back for their concentration skills.

I'm finding that I'm still pretty stressed but in the good way, like its spurring me on and motivating me to do well. I'm feeling pretty lucky at the moment with the people I have in my life and the support I'm receiving from them. My family, friends and work colleagues have probably listened to my concerns and little things that I'm nervous about a million times over and have been great.

I don't know if its just me but the fact that my cohort is smaller than some universities it really helping to put me at ease, its comforting to know that there ate 30 other people doing the same thing along side me and have similar stresses and worries. It's a real team atmosphere. Along with that my lecturers seems to be pretty approachable and really willing to listen and try to problem solve for me this is great when i have an issue i need to talk about it otherwise it'll seem 50 times bigger than it really is to me.

So my first week as a student nurse kind of went by in a blur and was definitely slightly overwhelming. After all it is what I've been working towards for the past few years after starting work as a care assistant back in 2012...

The night before just about anything important I do and (especially this) I get a serious care of butterflies, so its understandable that come Monday morning at 6:30am I felt like a walking zombie... If zombies can still get excited. I wonder round the house trying to get ready and pack everything I think I'll need into my bag while getting anxious about the train I have to get and countless other things I am sure to encounter for the first time on my first day.

I'm far too tired and excited to eat so my usual two cups of coffee sets me on my way and I leave the house to get my train and wonder how many others on my degree course will be travelling from the Blackpool/Preston area.

I have umpteen questions in my head about the course and placement and study resources and expected reading materials and the list goes on. After the 40 minute journey to Bolton (which felt surprising quick) I get the university and head to the building which holds the health classes assuming this is where the funny little T3-010 number is on my timetable only to be told by the receptionist that that is in a building on the other side of the campus. Just my luck. Problem being that when i get to said building climb the 6 flights of stairs to the third floor I find the room has been changed and surprisingly I'm actually in the first building I went to, meaning I narrowly make it to my first session on time.

FIRST IMPORTANT RULE: even when your early and organised, prepare for the worst case.

This session was mainly the class getting to know each other and exchanging silly little facts about themselves so to ease the tension and probably everyone's nerves. Afterwards we were introduced to our personal tutor Maddy and out main lecturers for the semester as well as programme leads ect. The were friendly and welcoming but if I'm honest I didn't really take in all their names. 

Our modules are outlined a little as is our timetable but the main thing I take in and have a bit of a freak out about is the fact I have an anatomy and physiology exam at the beginning of November.. I haven't done any theory based science since my GCSE's which I finished in 2008... (and breathe). Well, pretty sure I need to get organised and fast..

SECOND IMPORTANT RULE: find a simple way to de-stress it'll be needed for the next three years.

I was prepared, at least in theory for the stress and the fact that the course would be full on by some of the lovely nurses I work with, but knowing about it and then actually feeling it were two different things. 

The best way I know how to keep calm and feel prepared is to get prepared, so when I got home I ordered a desk, chair and bookcase so I could have a quiet area to study in the house.. I'd highly recommend this. 

I have to say the come the end of Wednesday I was shocked and a little relieved that induction week was over. I had things to looks forward to this weekend.

Friday was the Spiral Health celebration ball (Spiral Health being the company I work for, which has definitely been the best experience I've had working in the health care sector and coin-dentally the company helping me to achieve my ambition to become a nurse) and I had never felt more in need of a bit of pampering and getting dressed up, a large class of wine and a bit of dancing and great company. 

                                                                                                                                                       

 THIRD IMPORTANT RULE: Make time to have fun and remind yourself why your doing this!