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
29 May 2008
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.
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