I've finally done it!!

I've gained an Integrated masters degree (MNurs) qualification in children's nursing. It was tough going but I can finally say I have a nursing qualification and achieved my life's dream. I've just got to get the approval of the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) and I can call myself a registered children's nurse :)

A way back

I was excited, just before Christmas, to find I had gained the 2:2 I need - I wish it was a 2:1 but I thought doing a 3rd year module in literature was a good idea ... it was not but hey, I learned something new.

My masters course begins on 25th March though I must admit I'm feeling more apprehensive than excited! What a difference to how I felt before my diploma course commenced but 4 years gives you plenty of time to doubt yourself.

01 November 2011

My interview was successful, however, the course will be for a masters degree rather than a post grad course. I'm a bit nervous about this but I'm gonna give it a shot as there's no point giving in before I've even tried it.

I've started my 3rd year degree modules so I guess my next blog will be to post my degree mark (hopefully a 2:1) then I'll be about ready to start my nursing course again.

A new chance?

It's been a while since I made the heart breaking decision to leave my nursing course.

My son has received a diagnosis of ADHD and mild autism. I wasn't expecting this as he didn't seem to meet all of the criteria, still, it's good to know what difficulties he's been facing and why so we can now support his needs better.

Since I left my nursing course I've been volunteering, in my local children's centre and also as a health trainer, sign posting people to better health. Oh, I've also been studying towards a BA(hons)degree in childhood and Youth studies. if I get a 2:2 or better I can join a post graduate nursing course back at my university.

I have an interview for this on Monday and an exam to finalise my second year modules the following Friday :O. I begin my third year modules on Monday, the first one being a children's literature course.

It's postponed

Well, after a year out I haven't been able to find another child minder.

My youngest son has some learning difficulties (we are in the process of having him assessed) and so I felt that I couldn't put him in an after school group with 60+ children when he has struggled to settle in his class of 30 children.

So with this in mind I have withdrawn from my place at university.

I plan to re enroll in the future but for now I have decided to pursue a childhood and youth studies degree with the Open University. If I achieve a 2:2 pass or higher I can apply to undertake a shorter, 2 year nursing diploma course. I have also begun to volunteer at my local children's centre, as I know as a nurse I need good communication skills. I believe I can gain these skills running groups at my children's centre.

I wish anyone who is planning to undertake a nursing course and current nurses the best of luck and hope you have a long and fulfilling career

Regards

Sarah xx

Plans on hold

Well I passed my final placement of year one and then went on a well deserved break to Manchester. But when I returned I was informed of the sad news that my poor child minder had suffered a stroke and was now in hospital!

I have tried desperately to organise care for my children but without success. Therefore I have had to leave the course for a year and hope that there will be better child care in my area in March 2010.

So now I have a year of nothingness and as nice as being with my boys is, I can't help but feel disappointed. But, never one to procrastinate I have already gathered together a huge pile of books and nursing magazines. I also rang my nearest hospital and requested to speak to the volunteer manager (I didn't know a name or staff extension number). Once I was put through to the right person I explained my circumstances and said that, as my husband works 9-5 Monday to Fridays could I possibly volunteer as a healthcare assistant during weekends. The lady was very kind and said she would actually speak to the nursing bank to try and get me some paid work! Lets hope it pans out as I would love to keep my knowledge up to date and continue to build both my confidence and skills as I've been a student nurse for a whole year and feel I still have so much more to learn - perhaps more than can be fit into a three year course.

End of year 1

Well, that's the first year over with!

I can't believe I've completed the first year of the course already.

During my placement I was able to make the most of the opportunities there by letting my mentor know who I was interested in meeting (such as social workers etc.) to follow cases we were working on. My mentor was good enough to provide me with contact numbers so that I could arrange to visit members of the multidisciplinary team, which has really given me a flavour of how care is provided. I went out on visits to:

A child and family social worker
A nursery nurse
two difference nurse prescribers
A mental health worker
A children's community nurse (the equivalent of a district nurse)
A women's refuge health visitor
A school nurse
two district nurses
A midwife
CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health) nurses
SCBU (special care baby unit)

I would advise anyone on a community placement to bring a diary wiuth them to keep track of everone one they are going to spend time with.

Before I went on each visit I wrote a list of what I would like to find out about. I took a witness statement and then after the visit I wrote a reflective diary entry where I was able to explore how the care I witnessed fit into the picture, this also provided me with evidence to meet my placement competencies.

I must have done something right on the placement as I got a good pass mark and my mentor wrote some lovely comments in my placement book.

Anyway I've finished the first year. I got a mark of 70% for my final essay giving me an average assignment scores of 60% across the year. This means I will be doing the advanced diploma. Which means I will have two extra units to study in my final year, I'm disappointed as I can't choose to opt out of this and I think the extra work will make my work/family life balance even worse. I must admit I've found this year very hard in places particularly when I'm required to do 12 hr shifts and complete essays and placement evidence on my days off, rather than being free to spend spare time with my family.

But it'll be worth it in the end.....