Wow what a crazy two months it's been and very stressful.
First of all I had a tutorial about the workbook. I take direct quotes but my marker explained that although this is technically correct it spoils the flow of the essay - almost as if reading a story rather than a fluid piece of writing. My marker explained that I need to put the quote into my own words and then give credit to the original author, to show I understand the work so it would be like...Communication in healthcare brings together social, psychological and also the physical aspects of care to ensure care provisions are holistic (Lister and Dougherty, 2008) rather than taking the words straight out of the text.
So I changed that and submitted it. Then I looked at the clinical skills essay I had prepared and suddenly hated it. I changed the quotes following my previous tutorial and then realised I had missed a reference - NOT GOOD and some of my spelling was off. Thank heavens I re checked it. So that was another day spent on improving it but that's okay, it just shows the benefits of leaving work for a while and proof reading at a later date.
On top of these we had a two hour exam on skin assessment, communication, health promotion and genetics. It was nerve racking but we all gave each other moral support and I'm sure I did okay, I read through Andrew Northedge's the good study guide, to give me some guidance.
So now the exam is over I have another tutorial for the last essay I need to submit this year and then I can enjoy the Christmas holidays before my community placement in January 2009.
Today we had a practical session on giving injections which was really good and useful. I enjoyed it more since the stress of the exam is over. The last practical we had, on catheter care was not as enjoyable 'cos everyone was so stressed out, which is silly really because in nursing the pass rate is 40%.
02 December 2008
03 November 2008
an end to my placement
Well it was my last placement day on Saturday. I went through my evidence with my mentor to see what competencies we thought I had passed.
Because of the way I have chosen to catalogue my evidence it was easy to match up my evidence against the competencies and I am pleased that most of my competencies have been signed off by my mentor. There were a few people who I did not get a chance to speak to with regard to their job role which is a shame but at least I was able to speak to the stoma nurse and the play specialist during my placement, both were valuable experiences.
I felt sad to say goodbye to the friends I have made, both patients and staff but I leave feeling more confident in myself and my nursing future. It will be a shame to return to uni, even though I will see my friends there.
During the placement I also had the opportunity to attend a student road show run by the RCN. It was an extremely useful experience and one I am grateful to have attended. Matters such as interview technique, legal issues, student issues and RCN services were discussed and a delicious buffet lunch was provided (along with presentation notes and a cotton bag) the event would have cost £10 but was free to RCN members (very good value considering I paid £10 for 3 years membership to the union). Also at the event, and the most important speaker, was Amanda Sterne. Her husband was admitted to a hospital with diarrhoea and ended up being dehydrated because no one on the ward monitored his fluid intake and out take. This happened on 3 separate occasions, despite Amanda writing to the chief executive of the hospital and her husband's care team. This dehydration sparked off a chain of events which meant her husband suffered: multiple myocardial infarctions, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, had both legs amputated, lost his voice due to a tracheotomy and faced suffocation. Eventually he took his own life rather than run the risk of once again being admitted to hospital.
Amanda had a powerful message to give and you can buy her book, a full account of what happened, here.
Once back on the ward my mentor and I looked at my progress on the ward as a requirement of the mentor is to decide if you were: extremely good, very good, good, poor, very poor- for four separate categories. So I had sat down and thought about how I had done. My mentor and I compared notes and it was decided I had passed the placement.
So now I'm back at uni and trying to prepare for my impending exam - I will probably start to panic next week. At least I have got rough drafts of all my assignments finished!
Because of the way I have chosen to catalogue my evidence it was easy to match up my evidence against the competencies and I am pleased that most of my competencies have been signed off by my mentor. There were a few people who I did not get a chance to speak to with regard to their job role which is a shame but at least I was able to speak to the stoma nurse and the play specialist during my placement, both were valuable experiences.
I felt sad to say goodbye to the friends I have made, both patients and staff but I leave feeling more confident in myself and my nursing future. It will be a shame to return to uni, even though I will see my friends there.
During the placement I also had the opportunity to attend a student road show run by the RCN. It was an extremely useful experience and one I am grateful to have attended. Matters such as interview technique, legal issues, student issues and RCN services were discussed and a delicious buffet lunch was provided (along with presentation notes and a cotton bag) the event would have cost £10 but was free to RCN members (very good value considering I paid £10 for 3 years membership to the union). Also at the event, and the most important speaker, was Amanda Sterne. Her husband was admitted to a hospital with diarrhoea and ended up being dehydrated because no one on the ward monitored his fluid intake and out take. This happened on 3 separate occasions, despite Amanda writing to the chief executive of the hospital and her husband's care team. This dehydration sparked off a chain of events which meant her husband suffered: multiple myocardial infarctions, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, had both legs amputated, lost his voice due to a tracheotomy and faced suffocation. Eventually he took his own life rather than run the risk of once again being admitted to hospital.
Amanda had a powerful message to give and you can buy her book, a full account of what happened, here.
Once back on the ward my mentor and I looked at my progress on the ward as a requirement of the mentor is to decide if you were: extremely good, very good, good, poor, very poor- for four separate categories. So I had sat down and thought about how I had done. My mentor and I compared notes and it was decided I had passed the placement.
So now I'm back at uni and trying to prepare for my impending exam - I will probably start to panic next week. At least I have got rough drafts of all my assignments finished!
11 October 2008
End of my 5th week
Well my tutor came out to see me in practice and it has forced me to think about the work I need to complete before Christmas:
One workbook containing 4 500word essays
a reflective essay
an essay on the care given by a different branch of nursing
and an exam
I have almost completed a first draft of the reflective essay using Kolbs learning cycle and my reflective diary pages.
I have finished a first draft of the other essay.
I have yet to begin revising for the exam, which I am worried about but have enough time scheduled into my timetable once my placement is over.
I just have the workbook essays which I plan to do over these next four days.
Phew.
After the meeting with my tutor in which my mentor and co-mentor were both unable to attend I looked through my competencies and the evidence I have gathered to pass them. I began to write page numbers on them i.e my reflective diary pages are numbered R1.21a (R=reflective, 1=year 1, 2=placement two, 1=the week number this this will go up to eight, and a,b or c to relate to what shift it is that week since I do three).
After this I looked at what competencies I did not have evidence for. I then thought about what skills I had learned so far and was confident in, what skills I felt I needed more practice in, what skills I would like to begin practicing and what skills I had not yet witnessed. This sheet can then be a discussion point for the next chat I have with my mentor.
The types of evidence I have gathered are: observation charts I have wrote in, fluid charts, witness statements, mini reports, information sheets I have found and my reflective diary pages.
One workbook containing 4 500word essays
a reflective essay
an essay on the care given by a different branch of nursing
and an exam
I have almost completed a first draft of the reflective essay using Kolbs learning cycle and my reflective diary pages.
I have finished a first draft of the other essay.
I have yet to begin revising for the exam, which I am worried about but have enough time scheduled into my timetable once my placement is over.
I just have the workbook essays which I plan to do over these next four days.
Phew.
After the meeting with my tutor in which my mentor and co-mentor were both unable to attend I looked through my competencies and the evidence I have gathered to pass them. I began to write page numbers on them i.e my reflective diary pages are numbered R1.21a (R=reflective, 1=year 1, 2=placement two, 1=the week number this this will go up to eight, and a,b or c to relate to what shift it is that week since I do three).
After this I looked at what competencies I did not have evidence for. I then thought about what skills I had learned so far and was confident in, what skills I felt I needed more practice in, what skills I would like to begin practicing and what skills I had not yet witnessed. This sheet can then be a discussion point for the next chat I have with my mentor.
The types of evidence I have gathered are: observation charts I have wrote in, fluid charts, witness statements, mini reports, information sheets I have found and my reflective diary pages.
25 September 2008
3rd week
I can't believe how quickly the time has passed by. It's taken me a while to get settled into the ward routine and even longer to stop feeling so scared and useless all the time (though I do still have my moments). So I wanted to do something positive to help other would be nursing students. So basically it's advice:
1. Learn what the ward routine is.
2. Keep a reflective diary of one occurrence every shift.
3. Get to grips with the equipment, look at what nasogastric tubes, cannulas, catheters, central lines, infusion (drip) pumps, intra venous lines, blood glucose monitors, needles, syringes etc are used for (VERY important). - I bought this kit before I started university and have found it quite useful
4.Learn what conditions you are most likely to see on the ward.
5. Take a bottle of water with you for your shift - you'll need it.
6. Plan what you would like to learn each week but make sure it is relevant to your competencies, accompanying a stoma nurse is a good idea but only if you can get quite a few competencies fulfilled for it.
Your mentor is not there to teach/train you by spoon feeding you what you need to know. Your learning is entirely up to you, no one will tell you you need to do better until it's becoming too late but do ask for feedback regularly.
It sounds scary but if you can get your head around all of this you'll do fine!
1. Learn what the ward routine is.
2. Keep a reflective diary of one occurrence every shift.
3. Get to grips with the equipment, look at what nasogastric tubes, cannulas, catheters, central lines, infusion (drip) pumps, intra venous lines, blood glucose monitors, needles, syringes etc are used for (VERY important). - I bought this kit before I started university and have found it quite useful
4.Learn what conditions you are most likely to see on the ward.
5. Take a bottle of water with you for your shift - you'll need it.
6. Plan what you would like to learn each week but make sure it is relevant to your competencies, accompanying a stoma nurse is a good idea but only if you can get quite a few competencies fulfilled for it.
Your mentor is not there to teach/train you by spoon feeding you what you need to know. Your learning is entirely up to you, no one will tell you you need to do better until it's becoming too late but do ask for feedback regularly.
It sounds scary but if you can get your head around all of this you'll do fine!
11 September 2008
A busy shift
Well today was my second shift. They are 12 hour shifts excluding time out for breaks. But I have experienced a whole range of learning opportunities,.
For instance, today I was given permission to accompany a patient to the operating theatre. I have heard some scary stories of students fainting and I was nervous that I too would faint and embarrass myself. When I asked the operating nurse about it she said it is healthy people who are very concerned for the patient, who have not had a drink or something to eat and who have a normal to low blood pressure who experience syncope (fainting). But luckily I was fine. I found the scrubs comfortable but I don't think the hat or mask suited me :) . I was standing right beside the surgeon and could see everything. I was fascinated. I was especially lucky as the registrar was happy to explain the procedures that were being performed and the reason behind it. I was able to ask the staff members questions in between operations and just get a general feel for the theatre.
I left my placement today and yesterday with renewed determination (not that it has wavered since I started the course). My placement is an absolute pleasure to work in and the staff are lovely. I know I'll be sorry once these next seven weeks are over.
For instance, today I was given permission to accompany a patient to the operating theatre. I have heard some scary stories of students fainting and I was nervous that I too would faint and embarrass myself. When I asked the operating nurse about it she said it is healthy people who are very concerned for the patient, who have not had a drink or something to eat and who have a normal to low blood pressure who experience syncope (fainting). But luckily I was fine. I found the scrubs comfortable but I don't think the hat or mask suited me :) . I was standing right beside the surgeon and could see everything. I was fascinated. I was especially lucky as the registrar was happy to explain the procedures that were being performed and the reason behind it. I was able to ask the staff members questions in between operations and just get a general feel for the theatre.
I left my placement today and yesterday with renewed determination (not that it has wavered since I started the course). My placement is an absolute pleasure to work in and the staff are lovely. I know I'll be sorry once these next seven weeks are over.
09 September 2008
preparation for placement
Well I start my second placement tomorrow so fingers crossed I stay healthy this time :) .
It's in a surgical ward for babies so I'm smitten (I'm going through a broody stage which is scary lol).
Anyway I've rang up the ward, visited, met my mentor and co mentor and both are lovely.
I was able to look through their Portfolio Of Learning Opportunities (POLO) booklet which has given me some great information on the work that the ward does and the types of operations they treat. I've then been able to learn a little more about these operations by watching Campbell training video clips on youtube and by finding patient information sheets.
I then wrote down other areas I'd like to visit, skills I'd like to learn (I just jotted the three I thought were the most important) and some questions I'd like to ask. I bought this diary so hopefully it will help with the reflective essay I need to write before Christmas :P .
As the ward has a microwave, and you only get 1/2 hour per break (you get 2) I bought some microwave meals today, also most wards don't have a lot of tea and coffee etc. so I think it's a nice way to introduce yourself to the ward by bringing tea, coffee and sugar for staff to share - it kinda says thanks in advance.
And I got a tatty teddy badge yesterday for my uniform.
My bag is packed: my fob watch which is vital for doing obs, a little calculator on a keyring with helpful cards I made with info such as drug calcs ect (let me know if you want a copy - you'll have to laminate them yourself) my RCN pin, 3 pens, 2 notebooks, my name badge, my uniform + a spare set, my gel hand cleaner and my comfy shoes which I keep strictly for on the wards. I have a map of the hospital site too in case I need to visit the pharmacy etc.
It's in a surgical ward for babies so I'm smitten (I'm going through a broody stage which is scary lol).
Anyway I've rang up the ward, visited, met my mentor and co mentor and both are lovely.
I was able to look through their Portfolio Of Learning Opportunities (POLO) booklet which has given me some great information on the work that the ward does and the types of operations they treat. I've then been able to learn a little more about these operations by watching Campbell training video clips on youtube and by finding patient information sheets.
I then wrote down other areas I'd like to visit, skills I'd like to learn (I just jotted the three I thought were the most important) and some questions I'd like to ask. I bought this diary so hopefully it will help with the reflective essay I need to write before Christmas :P .
As the ward has a microwave, and you only get 1/2 hour per break (you get 2) I bought some microwave meals today, also most wards don't have a lot of tea and coffee etc. so I think it's a nice way to introduce yourself to the ward by bringing tea, coffee and sugar for staff to share - it kinda says thanks in advance.
And I got a tatty teddy badge yesterday for my uniform.
My bag is packed: my fob watch which is vital for doing obs, a little calculator on a keyring with helpful cards I made with info such as drug calcs ect (let me know if you want a copy - you'll have to laminate them yourself) my RCN pin, 3 pens, 2 notebooks, my name badge, my uniform + a spare set, my gel hand cleaner and my comfy shoes which I keep strictly for on the wards. I have a map of the hospital site too in case I need to visit the pharmacy etc.
02 September 2008
Back after the holidays
Well I returned to uni yesterday after a lovely 4 weeks off. I've had more lectures on public health and the nurses role with regards to educating people to live healthy lives.
I enjoyed the practical we had on de-escalation skills, I feel I learned some very valuable tips if ever a serious situation arises. I'm also looking forward to the first aid practice we are having tomorrow.
I visited my next placement today, which I start next week. It was a lovely ward and I got a lot of useful information in the Portfolio Of Learning Opportunities. Looking through the book I was able to see what ailments are treated the most on the ward and have been able to find information about them so I can start my placement better prepared.
I enjoyed the practical we had on de-escalation skills, I feel I learned some very valuable tips if ever a serious situation arises. I'm also looking forward to the first aid practice we are having tomorrow.
I visited my next placement today, which I start next week. It was a lovely ward and I got a lot of useful information in the Portfolio Of Learning Opportunities. Looking through the book I was able to see what ailments are treated the most on the ward and have been able to find information about them so I can start my placement better prepared.
31 August 2008
End of the holidays
Well today is Sunday 31st August. I've really enjoyed the holidays. When I started uni I knew there would be a lot of work involved and I'd probably not get too many reminders from tutors etc. So I decided, rather than a standard calender I'd print off an A4 calender sheet for each month then have four of these months attached to my bedroom wall. I got the calender sheets from a website called sciral. Then all I do is take my diary with me and update the calender with dates from my diary and student timetables.
Well, doing this has meant I can see at a glance when assignments are due in. So far I have a work book to hand in the last Monday of November (with 6 mini-500 word essays), a 2000 word essay on the 1st Monday of December and an exam. Then another 2000 word essay on the 2nd Monday in December. Phew, that's quite a lot.
So what I did was start on a little bit each day during the holidays (sad I know) but I've got a 1st draft of one on the main essays done and one of the work book essays finished, plus other marked bits and pieces out of the workbook.
I've also got the all clear from my MRSA screening and had my final HepB jab. I just have to wait 2 weeks to get the serology test for antibodies and measles antibodies.
Well, doing this has meant I can see at a glance when assignments are due in. So far I have a work book to hand in the last Monday of November (with 6 mini-500 word essays), a 2000 word essay on the 1st Monday of December and an exam. Then another 2000 word essay on the 2nd Monday in December. Phew, that's quite a lot.
So what I did was start on a little bit each day during the holidays (sad I know) but I've got a 1st draft of one on the main essays done and one of the work book essays finished, plus other marked bits and pieces out of the workbook.
I've also got the all clear from my MRSA screening and had my final HepB jab. I just have to wait 2 weeks to get the serology test for antibodies and measles antibodies.
25 July 2008
A good end to a good week
Well I've only been scheduled in at uni 2 days this week so I've been enjoying spending time with my children which has been nice.
On Monday we had a practical on aseptic technique, learning why surfaces should be kept clean and how. Then we did some wound washing after trying to put on the gloves without contaminating the outsides of them - not as easy as it sounds!
I had a follow-up appointment at the hospital yesterday and the x-ray they took has shown my lung is completely free of pneumonia and there's no scarring.
There was a timetable mix-up today so I ended up traipsing around campus to find where everyone was, which was frustrating! But I got my two assignments back. I got 58% for one and 68% for another. I'd ideally like all of my assignments to be over 60% but a pass is 40% or over so I still passed both which I am pleased about. If all of my assignments in this year and the second year are over 50% I automatically start working toward an advanced diploma in my third year - there's no choice about it either!
I've got next week to go then I'm off for the summer - 4 weeks :)
On Monday we had a practical on aseptic technique, learning why surfaces should be kept clean and how. Then we did some wound washing after trying to put on the gloves without contaminating the outsides of them - not as easy as it sounds!
I had a follow-up appointment at the hospital yesterday and the x-ray they took has shown my lung is completely free of pneumonia and there's no scarring.
There was a timetable mix-up today so I ended up traipsing around campus to find where everyone was, which was frustrating! But I got my two assignments back. I got 58% for one and 68% for another. I'd ideally like all of my assignments to be over 60% but a pass is 40% or over so I still passed both which I am pleased about. If all of my assignments in this year and the second year are over 50% I automatically start working toward an advanced diploma in my third year - there's no choice about it either!
I've got next week to go then I'm off for the summer - 4 weeks :)
09 July 2008
Study week
Well I handed in my 2 essays and I get the results at the end of the month. I got a score of 83% for my poster presentation - we only had to do the presentation in front of our own group (4 members). I also prepared a supplementary sheet to read from to reiterate what I was saying. I also had a practical on CPR, we did this during our placement induction too but to get extra practice on a baby, child and adult was really useful as was the feedback and I feel more confident about it now.
This week is a study week - though I do have to attend a collaborative learning workshop. Basically I meet students from other branches of nursing, midwifery and physiotherapy with the purpose of learning from each other so once we're qualified we talk to each other - it's a shame we don't do these with trainee doctors too.
Never mind. I bought the latest student edition of the Royal Marsden handbook of clinical nursing procedures, I have a much earlier edition and find it very useful.
My chest x ray is in 2 weeks so hopefully the pneumonia will have cleared and I'll be able to go to my next placement in September - a post ICU ward, I'm looking forward to it and hoping the 12 hr shifts wont be too much (just keeping awake for 10 hrs is a bit hard lol).
I've enjoyed the week off but it would perhaps have been better spent if we'd been given a suggested reading or activities list, otherwise it's more like leisure time.
I've signed up to the Royal College of Nursing student road show. since I'm a member I get in free though I did have to hand over a deposit of £10 which is worth it. I've put my confirmation letter in my PPDF as it seems good evidence.
This week is a study week - though I do have to attend a collaborative learning workshop. Basically I meet students from other branches of nursing, midwifery and physiotherapy with the purpose of learning from each other so once we're qualified we talk to each other - it's a shame we don't do these with trainee doctors too.
Never mind. I bought the latest student edition of the Royal Marsden handbook of clinical nursing procedures, I have a much earlier edition and find it very useful.
My chest x ray is in 2 weeks so hopefully the pneumonia will have cleared and I'll be able to go to my next placement in September - a post ICU ward, I'm looking forward to it and hoping the 12 hr shifts wont be too much (just keeping awake for 10 hrs is a bit hard lol).
I've enjoyed the week off but it would perhaps have been better spent if we'd been given a suggested reading or activities list, otherwise it's more like leisure time.
I've signed up to the Royal College of Nursing student road show. since I'm a member I get in free though I did have to hand over a deposit of £10 which is worth it. I've put my confirmation letter in my PPDF as it seems good evidence.
24 June 2008
The usefulness of tutorials
Whenever you are asked to submit an assignment for university, you also get told the name of the tutor who will be marking the work. You can contact this person and ask to have a tutorial with them - you can then take along a first draft of your work for their comments and suggestions.
Once you have the marked work back you can then request another tutorial to discuss your marks (in addition to the comments you get back with the marked work).
Well I'm glad I took advantage of this today. Previously I have undertook science and social science courses and didn't think writing essays for a nursing course would be any different for a nursing course. It is.
It was only through talking about my assignment that I began to understand why. Nursing is evidence based so your essays need to be strongly evidence based. You need to use at least 10 different pieces of evidence from journals, government websites, topic based books and lobby groups (websites such as BHF etc). Social science courses need a lot less. But that isn't to say your whole work needs to be essays - about 1/3 of it perhaps.
I have decided to make a series of help sheets such as essay tick lists for reflective essays, literature reviews and informative essays.
Also evidence needs to be recent and age related. For example - my reflective essay is based on a teen and my evidence was for a child, therefore I had irrelevant evidence.
I am so glad I sought out these tutorials and strongly recommend anyone to do the same.
Once you have the marked work back you can then request another tutorial to discuss your marks (in addition to the comments you get back with the marked work).
Well I'm glad I took advantage of this today. Previously I have undertook science and social science courses and didn't think writing essays for a nursing course would be any different for a nursing course. It is.
It was only through talking about my assignment that I began to understand why. Nursing is evidence based so your essays need to be strongly evidence based. You need to use at least 10 different pieces of evidence from journals, government websites, topic based books and lobby groups (websites such as BHF etc). Social science courses need a lot less. But that isn't to say your whole work needs to be essays - about 1/3 of it perhaps.
I have decided to make a series of help sheets such as essay tick lists for reflective essays, literature reviews and informative essays.
Also evidence needs to be recent and age related. For example - my reflective essay is based on a teen and my evidence was for a child, therefore I had irrelevant evidence.
I am so glad I sought out these tutorials and strongly recommend anyone to do the same.
22 June 2008
Back on track
I had a meeting with my programme manager who suggested that, as I still sounded wheezy and couldn't return to a ward environment that I should go back to my GP and get another sick note.
She also agreed that I can't go on any placements until my chest is clear - which I will know once I've had the chest X-ray. Watching day time TV was boring but I also spent a lot of time working on 2 essays which are due for submission soon.
I didn't get a very good mark for my practice essay - only 40% because I didn't use enough quotes. I'm disappointed at this so I've booked a tutorial with my marker (in university you get a different , named assignment marker for each assignment you do and you can book tutorials with them before and after they have marked your work) to get advice on how to improve. I have also booked appointments with the markers of my other 2 essays as I want the scores to be better.
We've a poster presentation soon so I know I've got that to prepare. My mam wants to take my children out for the day on saturday so that will give me time to get the essays sorted at least.
It was disappointing missing most of my first placement - I feel like a student rather than a student nurse, I still don't have most of my energy back but I know this will take time, in the mean time I have discovered apple flavour lucozade lol. At least I can continue on the course with the good friends I have made.
She also agreed that I can't go on any placements until my chest is clear - which I will know once I've had the chest X-ray. Watching day time TV was boring but I also spent a lot of time working on 2 essays which are due for submission soon.
I didn't get a very good mark for my practice essay - only 40% because I didn't use enough quotes. I'm disappointed at this so I've booked a tutorial with my marker (in university you get a different , named assignment marker for each assignment you do and you can book tutorials with them before and after they have marked your work) to get advice on how to improve. I have also booked appointments with the markers of my other 2 essays as I want the scores to be better.
We've a poster presentation soon so I know I've got that to prepare. My mam wants to take my children out for the day on saturday so that will give me time to get the essays sorted at least.
It was disappointing missing most of my first placement - I feel like a student rather than a student nurse, I still don't have most of my energy back but I know this will take time, in the mean time I have discovered apple flavour lucozade lol. At least I can continue on the course with the good friends I have made.
29 May 2008
Mega hitch
It's been 2 1/2 weeks since I started my placement but unfortunately I have been off sick.
On the Sunday after my 2nd shift I woke up with what I thought was flu. The dry cough I'd had got worse and started to really hurt my chest. On the Thursday I went to see my GP practice nurse with my little son who also had a cough which had been diagnosed as croup a week earlier.
The practice nurse diagnosed chest infections in both of us and gave antibiotics. By Sunday I hadn't gotten any better with a temperature of 38.5 oC after taking paracetamol - though I thank god that Ryan's cough cleared up. Obviously this was dangerously high so I went to my NHS walk in clinic. In the clinic tests showed my oxygen saturation was 92% - which if you remember from a previous blog entry, is cause for concern. My blood pressure was also very high - compensating for a lack of oxygen but not good for my heart. Plus my temperature was still high. They admitted me to the medical admissions ward of my local hospital.
Tests there confirmed the test results I'd had at the clinic and I was sent for a chest x-ray. The Dr was impressed that I was still standing - 1/3 of my chest was filled with fluid caused by two separate bacterial infections - fluid in the lungs is diagnosed as pneumonia. I was immediately admitted onto a ward and given antibiotics both intravenously and orally. I was also placed on oxygen, ice cold and horrible.
I was tested for legionella - this worried me, thinking about the ward I had been working on. But the tests came back negative. Two days later my temperature had returned to normal and my coughing improved, I was sent home with antibiotics and feeling like a pin cushion from all the blood tests and the IV line I'd had in for the antibiotics.
So now I'm at home. I have a GP appointment on Monday to determine when I can return to my course. Once I can return I have been told I will have a meeting with the programme manager and my guidance tutor. I am worried I will have to leave the course as the Nursing and Midwifery council (NMC) state students can only have 15 days off sick during the whole course. I have had 15 so far. But I will just have to wait and see what happens.
On the Sunday after my 2nd shift I woke up with what I thought was flu. The dry cough I'd had got worse and started to really hurt my chest. On the Thursday I went to see my GP practice nurse with my little son who also had a cough which had been diagnosed as croup a week earlier.
The practice nurse diagnosed chest infections in both of us and gave antibiotics. By Sunday I hadn't gotten any better with a temperature of 38.5 oC after taking paracetamol - though I thank god that Ryan's cough cleared up. Obviously this was dangerously high so I went to my NHS walk in clinic. In the clinic tests showed my oxygen saturation was 92% - which if you remember from a previous blog entry, is cause for concern. My blood pressure was also very high - compensating for a lack of oxygen but not good for my heart. Plus my temperature was still high. They admitted me to the medical admissions ward of my local hospital.
Tests there confirmed the test results I'd had at the clinic and I was sent for a chest x-ray. The Dr was impressed that I was still standing - 1/3 of my chest was filled with fluid caused by two separate bacterial infections - fluid in the lungs is diagnosed as pneumonia. I was immediately admitted onto a ward and given antibiotics both intravenously and orally. I was also placed on oxygen, ice cold and horrible.
I was tested for legionella - this worried me, thinking about the ward I had been working on. But the tests came back negative. Two days later my temperature had returned to normal and my coughing improved, I was sent home with antibiotics and feeling like a pin cushion from all the blood tests and the IV line I'd had in for the antibiotics.
So now I'm at home. I have a GP appointment on Monday to determine when I can return to my course. Once I can return I have been told I will have a meeting with the programme manager and my guidance tutor. I am worried I will have to leave the course as the Nursing and Midwifery council (NMC) state students can only have 15 days off sick during the whole course. I have had 15 so far. But I will just have to wait and see what happens.
2nd day of placement
I had a dry cough and felt a little tired so I rang the placement. They said not to worry as a dry cough meant there is no infection - so I'm not bringing anything nasty onto the ward.
I got to do vital obs today. basically you watch a childs tummy and count how many times per minute their tummy moves with breathing - children will breathe, take a pause and then take a few breaths together, which is different from how adults breath. Then I took their temperature - which should be 36-37o C ideally and blood oxygen levels using an oxymeter - basically that white clip you put on a patients finger. Oxygen levels show how well the child's lungs are working - anything under 95% needs checked out.
I then got to write these up. I did a lot of wiping down surfaces and getting urine and faecal samples - sounds yuck but stuff like that just doesn't bother me.
I got to do vital obs today. basically you watch a childs tummy and count how many times per minute their tummy moves with breathing - children will breathe, take a pause and then take a few breaths together, which is different from how adults breath. Then I took their temperature - which should be 36-37o C ideally and blood oxygen levels using an oxymeter - basically that white clip you put on a patients finger. Oxygen levels show how well the child's lungs are working - anything under 95% needs checked out.
I then got to write these up. I did a lot of wiping down surfaces and getting urine and faecal samples - sounds yuck but stuff like that just doesn't bother me.
1st actual day of placement
What a lovely ward! The staff seem very kind, especially the male nurse who seems more friendly with the kids - like a youth worker - women nurses are all about wrapping kids up and making them feel better where the male nurses are playful, wanting to make sure the kids are happy. I respect that and am convinced more than ever that we NEED male nurses, teachers and community youth workers.
I was able to write admissions, chat and just get a general feel for the place.
I'm looking forward to the next 5 weeks
I was able to write admissions, chat and just get a general feel for the place.
I'm looking forward to the next 5 weeks
12 May 2008
Placement introduction
Well today was my first day out on placement. For placements each student is allocated a 'home' trust which they will spend most of their placements with.
Well my placement have provided 2 days on induction training which I am pleased with as it's a lovely way to meet the practice placement facilitator who works with your mentor out in practice to make sure you are okay.
There was a lot of lectures and some practicals so overall a nice day. I still can't wait until I actually start the placement properly though.
Well my placement have provided 2 days on induction training which I am pleased with as it's a lovely way to meet the practice placement facilitator who works with your mentor out in practice to make sure you are okay.
There was a lot of lectures and some practicals so overall a nice day. I still can't wait until I actually start the placement properly though.
03 May 2008
7 th week of uni - it's getting busy now
It's been quite a busy week!
On Monday we had a lecture on health psychology and stress - I've chosen this subject for my essay so I felt like there wasn't a lot new to learn. This was just as well as I was loaded with flu and so dosed up on paracetamol and ibuprofen. I didn't want to call in sick as NMC only allow students 15 sick days during the course of the whole 3 years! In the afternoon I practised taking temperatures, blood pressure (I already have a manual sphygmomanometer set so I already knew how to do that) and heart beats.
I also handed in my first essay - a diagnostic one, to the assignments office so hopefully I'll have done okay but if not at least it's a good chance to look at what I need to improve on.I think I'll book a tutorial with my marker (each assignment I do will have a different marker who I should have a tutorial with before and after any essays) once I get my marked assignment back.
On Tuesday we had a massive 4 hr session on manual handling where I practised moving a patient up the bed, moving from one side to another, transferring the patient from bed to trolley, moving patient from bed to chair using a hoist (that was fun as I got to be in the hoist), walking with a patients, helping the patient to fall safely, helping the patient to stand and then helping the patient to sit down. It was a good session which had to be 'signed off'.
On Thursday we had a seminar on care experience which was basically looking at extracts on patient and nurses' experiences of care and we had to evaluate the good and bad practices. That afternoon I visited my placement (I'd arranged this over the phone last week).
Then on Friday I had a tutorial about the Portfolio of Professional Development Folder(PPDF), which we'd been given on the first day. My tutor discussed how I'd need to keep a reflective diary, write reports on critical incidents and witness statements which I'd keep in the folder as evidence, even once I've qualified. Nursing is about lifelong learning so you have to prove you continue your professional development in order to remain registered.
There seems to be a lot which needs to be done on placement including:
* A reflective diary
* Critical incident reports
* Sociology in related to practice mini essay
* A module work book
* A record of the hours I've worked (35 per week)
* 3-4 manual handling records sheet of how I've applied what I learned in practice
* A breakdown of what I expect to learn each week and assessment of how I have/haven't learned them
* A 2000 word essay on reflective practice
Phew, I'm already worried about how I'll fit this all in around my family, plus I've another 2000 word essay due in the week I return from placement, they don't half lay it on thick!
On Monday we had a lecture on health psychology and stress - I've chosen this subject for my essay so I felt like there wasn't a lot new to learn. This was just as well as I was loaded with flu and so dosed up on paracetamol and ibuprofen. I didn't want to call in sick as NMC only allow students 15 sick days during the course of the whole 3 years! In the afternoon I practised taking temperatures, blood pressure (I already have a manual sphygmomanometer set so I already knew how to do that) and heart beats.
I also handed in my first essay - a diagnostic one, to the assignments office so hopefully I'll have done okay but if not at least it's a good chance to look at what I need to improve on.I think I'll book a tutorial with my marker (each assignment I do will have a different marker who I should have a tutorial with before and after any essays) once I get my marked assignment back.
On Tuesday we had a massive 4 hr session on manual handling where I practised moving a patient up the bed, moving from one side to another, transferring the patient from bed to trolley, moving patient from bed to chair using a hoist (that was fun as I got to be in the hoist), walking with a patients, helping the patient to fall safely, helping the patient to stand and then helping the patient to sit down. It was a good session which had to be 'signed off'.
On Thursday we had a seminar on care experience which was basically looking at extracts on patient and nurses' experiences of care and we had to evaluate the good and bad practices. That afternoon I visited my placement (I'd arranged this over the phone last week).
Then on Friday I had a tutorial about the Portfolio of Professional Development Folder(PPDF), which we'd been given on the first day. My tutor discussed how I'd need to keep a reflective diary, write reports on critical incidents and witness statements which I'd keep in the folder as evidence, even once I've qualified. Nursing is about lifelong learning so you have to prove you continue your professional development in order to remain registered.
There seems to be a lot which needs to be done on placement including:
* A reflective diary
* Critical incident reports
* Sociology in related to practice mini essay
* A module work book
* A record of the hours I've worked (35 per week)
* 3-4 manual handling records sheet of how I've applied what I learned in practice
* A breakdown of what I expect to learn each week and assessment of how I have/haven't learned them
* A 2000 word essay on reflective practice
Phew, I'm already worried about how I'll fit this all in around my family, plus I've another 2000 word essay due in the week I return from placement, they don't half lay it on thick!
21 April 2008
6th week at Uni
Well that's my 1st essay finished and I'll hand it in on Thursday as I'm not required to be on campus until then.
There is an assignments office where they're handed in so I'll need a cover sheet and I also have to use plagiarism detection software which generates a report I must print a copy of and hand in with the assignment. That's quite a bit to remember!
Practical sessions are increasing from this week too. So far I've had practicals on therapeutic communications, bed bathing, disposing of sharps, hand washing and infection control.
I'm used to using the library now. I know where the nursing books are, how to use the library's online catalogue and how to use the computer systems to check out and return books. I like the fact I can also hire a laptop to use if there are no work stations spare. printing things out is a bit of a faff so I prefer to do that at home.
My uni has a desktop anywhere system so I can log in at home to print off lecture and seminar sheets. I have been using the Cornell system for taking notes during lectures and so far it's working out well.
EBL (enquiry based learning) is helping me to become more understanding of people's problems too which is a good thing.
There is an assignments office where they're handed in so I'll need a cover sheet and I also have to use plagiarism detection software which generates a report I must print a copy of and hand in with the assignment. That's quite a bit to remember!
Practical sessions are increasing from this week too. So far I've had practicals on therapeutic communications, bed bathing, disposing of sharps, hand washing and infection control.
I'm used to using the library now. I know where the nursing books are, how to use the library's online catalogue and how to use the computer systems to check out and return books. I like the fact I can also hire a laptop to use if there are no work stations spare. printing things out is a bit of a faff so I prefer to do that at home.
My uni has a desktop anywhere system so I can log in at home to print off lecture and seminar sheets. I have been using the Cornell system for taking notes during lectures and so far it's working out well.
EBL (enquiry based learning) is helping me to become more understanding of people's problems too which is a good thing.
08 April 2008
Settling in, week 4
Well this is my fourth week at uni now.
The days are flying by, especially as I seem to get one day a week when I'm not required to go into uni. During these days I've been working on my essays and assignments.
Every night when I get home I've been putting all the handouts from the day into the relevant folders. See we're working on four modules at the moment - which is like four separate courses - each carry individual points which I get awarded for passing the module and it's these points which add up to make the diploma.
On the point scale, the course is probably the equivalent of the O.U's level 2.
Well I delivered my first presentation yesterday - scary stuff. We had to look at a scenario in groups of four, then research it and present our findings to the whole group. I got chosen to go first and I went bright red when I was talking lol.
Nevermind I'm looking forward to the lecture on the nature of nursing- looks like we'll get to watch some video clips!
The days are flying by, especially as I seem to get one day a week when I'm not required to go into uni. During these days I've been working on my essays and assignments.
Every night when I get home I've been putting all the handouts from the day into the relevant folders. See we're working on four modules at the moment - which is like four separate courses - each carry individual points which I get awarded for passing the module and it's these points which add up to make the diploma.
On the point scale, the course is probably the equivalent of the O.U's level 2.
Well I delivered my first presentation yesterday - scary stuff. We had to look at a scenario in groups of four, then research it and present our findings to the whole group. I got chosen to go first and I went bright red when I was talking lol.
Nevermind I'm looking forward to the lecture on the nature of nursing- looks like we'll get to watch some video clips!
29 March 2008
End of my first week
Well that's my first 'proper' week at uni over!
There's 3 of the nurse branches been put together for lectures: a Learning disabilities group, Mental health group and my little group of child branch.
So far I've had 7 Lectures on:
Structure and function of the body
Organisation of the NHS
Holism
Spirituality
Ergonomics
Communication
and then module introductions.
I've had seminars (which are smaller groups and more interactive than seminars) on:
Introduction to Enquiry Based Learning (you get a scenario and have to research problems and solutions)
Professionalism
and using journals for referencing (primary and secondary referencing etc)
I've been given 4 assignments and two tasks. Though some of the assignments aren't due until next semester (term).
I have even used the library to borrow a laptop, borrow books and just generally browse. I like it - you use your card to get in and out and there's even a machine to let you borrow and return books.
Everything to do with the course I can get on line especially nursing journal which I can access for free with my 'Athens' password. Though I've used loads of ink and paper printing off the lecture slides etc.
Plus I got 2 months worth of bursary payments right on time which was obviously very good
I always thought lectures would be a bit boring (it's a fact that the average adult loses concentration after a maximum of 20 mins) but the lecturers really make them enjoyable by telling you anecdotes and cracking little jokes.
I'm already glad I took the plunge. I just hope it being at level 4 isn't too much as the OU courses I did were only ever level 1- I think I'll ask how the levels compare.
There's 3 of the nurse branches been put together for lectures: a Learning disabilities group, Mental health group and my little group of child branch.
So far I've had 7 Lectures on:
Structure and function of the body
Organisation of the NHS
Holism
Spirituality
Ergonomics
Communication
and then module introductions.
I've had seminars (which are smaller groups and more interactive than seminars) on:
Introduction to Enquiry Based Learning (you get a scenario and have to research problems and solutions)
Professionalism
and using journals for referencing (primary and secondary referencing etc)
I've been given 4 assignments and two tasks. Though some of the assignments aren't due until next semester (term).
I have even used the library to borrow a laptop, borrow books and just generally browse. I like it - you use your card to get in and out and there's even a machine to let you borrow and return books.
Everything to do with the course I can get on line especially nursing journal which I can access for free with my 'Athens' password. Though I've used loads of ink and paper printing off the lecture slides etc.
Plus I got 2 months worth of bursary payments right on time which was obviously very good
I always thought lectures would be a bit boring (it's a fact that the average adult loses concentration after a maximum of 20 mins) but the lecturers really make them enjoyable by telling you anecdotes and cracking little jokes.
I'm already glad I took the plunge. I just hope it being at level 4 isn't too much as the OU courses I did were only ever level 1- I think I'll ask how the levels compare.
22 March 2008
End of the 1st week
Well that's the 1st week over with
So far I've had talks on:
* The uni's IT system - including wireless access info
*NMC code of conduct - I'm on their student register now apparently
*Placement info
*Occupational health/sick policy
and
* The uni's facilities - most of which is on their website.
I also had a fitting for my uniform - 4 tunic tops and 4 pairs of trousers, which I think is very generous and will make it easier to get these washed etc.
The uni also provides each student with a USB memory stick and remote network access, meaning if I log on with my laptop I can use their windows 2007 etc as I currently only have open office on my asis laptop.
Oh, and I passed my Open University course: Understanding health.
So far I've had talks on:
* The uni's IT system - including wireless access info
*NMC code of conduct - I'm on their student register now apparently
*Placement info
*Occupational health/sick policy
and
* The uni's facilities - most of which is on their website.
I also had a fitting for my uniform - 4 tunic tops and 4 pairs of trousers, which I think is very generous and will make it easier to get these washed etc.
The uni also provides each student with a USB memory stick and remote network access, meaning if I log on with my laptop I can use their windows 2007 etc as I currently only have open office on my asis laptop.
Oh, and I passed my Open University course: Understanding health.
26 January 2008
17 March 2008
~ Welcome to my new blog that I will be keeping as a nursing student0);">**********************************************************************************
Well today was my first day of University on my nursing diploma course-child branch
At 11:00 am I went to the clinical skills centre. All the students were required to sign in on a register. My guidance tutor (GT) handed me my Personal and Professional Development File (PPDF) as well as a timetable for the week, group information and list of telephone numbers.
Then we sat through a lecture welcoming us to the uni.
At lunchtime there were a number of stalls set up in the uni gym with information on unions, uni facilities, the NHS fraud dept and chaplinacy. All had freebies lol. I was able to get my library/uni card that day as I'd enrolled online.
In the afternoon I met the rest of my group and had a tour of the campus.
There was a lot of info given today but overall it's been a good experience
Well today was my first day of University on my nursing diploma course-child branch
At 11:00 am I went to the clinical skills centre. All the students were required to sign in on a register. My guidance tutor (GT) handed me my Personal and Professional Development File (PPDF) as well as a timetable for the week, group information and list of telephone numbers.
Then we sat through a lecture welcoming us to the uni.
At lunchtime there were a number of stalls set up in the uni gym with information on unions, uni facilities, the NHS fraud dept and chaplinacy. All had freebies lol. I was able to get my library/uni card that day as I'd enrolled online.
In the afternoon I met the rest of my group and had a tour of the campus.
There was a lot of info given today but overall it's been a good experience
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