My week - an overview

This week has been pretty good. I worked three shifts. The first was out on the ward, as opposed to HDU, on a night shift. We are so undersaffed and underresourced and with the forthcomin gclosure of the ward the staff have had enough. The highlight of my night shift was being womited on by a baby who just would not stop crying, with a pretty useless father who seemed to feel it was the nurses job to do everything for his daughter, he'd just lie in bed when she cried or come and get us and point out that she's crying. Well.. yes.. and what do you think we're going to do that you can't do better as her father?

Yesterday I worked with B and she's a star, really helped me get some of my skills schedule signed off. Once again understaffed, I think it's helpful for them when I'm working as I can (fairly competently) take my own patients easing the staff load slightly. Highlight of that shift? (I typed shit then by mistake, Freudian slip?) Hmm. I did my first subcut injection and it's about time really. Hardly news worthy I know, but I had a sense of fulfilment doing it - I quite like doing injections, maybe I'm abit of a sadist.

Today I worked with my mentor. I don't think I've mentioned him before. He has been the most challenging mentor I have had I think, for reasons I won't go into here/now. But I have learned a lot of patience on this placement, and a lot about how not to treat people and patients. I was really hoping I'd find some way to get out of it as it was my last shift, however I didn't and I survived and it wasn't entirely horrendous. The highlight of today was being told by one of the senior sisters that I've "got what it takes to go far in nursing", that she's seen me in practice and that if they could offer me a job in April they would do, with the forthcoming closure and reshuffle they won't be able to, it's good to know though.

Oh, and I did a really good blood gas today, not a big deal at all I know but I feel like I always fuck them up and have to get someone else to do them, so it felt good. It really does make a difference having a supportive and encouraging person working with you when you're not feeling confident (it also helps that it was a compliant 9 year old and not a kicking, screaming babe).

Oh, and having done my durgs assessment last module I'm allowed to be a second checker. I like it, it's fun, but I also feel like I'm helpful and contributing.

I should really go back and check my typing, but I'm tired and can't be bothered so I apologise for any mistakes, if you begin to read this blog on a regular basis though I'm sure you'll get used to them.