It's all over, no more year and week count on my posts because uni is over and I am now a qualified nurse working full time! Never thought I'd see the day, but here it is!
I'm now on my 3rd week, still supernumerary until next week which is good.
Unlike lots of people, I qualified in a different county and therefore a different trust so i made the difficult choice of moving to a new place for my first job.
The first 2 weeks were enjoyable but really tough. I felt like I had started all over again, I didn't know anything especially because my trust does everything so differently (drug charts, paperwork etc) but after asking everyone a million and one question I'm slowly getting to grips with it all.
And most importantly...I'm loving it!
I had my induction this week and went on my band 5 transition today which is my preceptorship. There are lots of opportunities and the trust is very proactive with skills and development. I get to do a masters once I've finished my preceptorship if I want to!
Anyway, just thought I'd drop in and say hi, I hope you are all doing well. I am living proof that uni does end and you will get there!
x
About Me
- Alex*Maria
- My name is Alex and I am a full-time student nurse living in Birmingham. I thought I'd blog my way through my training to give others some insight and information, as well as giving myself a lovely reminder of how far I've come on this seemingly long and sometimes difficult journey. Enjoy!
Thursday 16 April 2015
Sunday 15 February 2015
Honey, I'm hoooome! ...Year 3 Week 46
Hello all! How are you?
So some more big news from me...I've said goodbye to Birmingham for good! I moved home about 2 weeks ago and I have never been happier, it's so good to be home that I can't believe I've been living away for almost 3.5 years.
I also went to my new ward to meet my ward manager and sisters and to have a look around. They've provided me with a huge medication workbook and an even bigger competency booklet for all basic tasks on the ward.
The shifts are completely different to what I'm used to, I have always worked 07:00-19:30 or 19:00-07:30. But now my shifts are:
07:15-15:15
13:15-21:15 or
20:45-07:45
7.5h shifts which means I'll be working 5 days a week like a normal job, only it'll include weekends. At first I wasn't sure but now I am really happy as the shorter shifts mean I can have more of a life and won't be so exhausted all of the time.
I start work on 30th March as a HCA for just 2 weeks (hopefully) until my PIN comes through, woohoo.
I have my new staff nurse uniform too which is soooo exciting! 2 tunics and 2 dresses, feels surreal.
Until I actually start work I'm working in a ver small local hospital as an agency HCA about 30h a week, it's very slow compared to what I'm used to but I'm just chilled out and getting to know everyone who works there :)
Hope you're all good. Any questions for me?? xx
So some more big news from me...I've said goodbye to Birmingham for good! I moved home about 2 weeks ago and I have never been happier, it's so good to be home that I can't believe I've been living away for almost 3.5 years.
I also went to my new ward to meet my ward manager and sisters and to have a look around. They've provided me with a huge medication workbook and an even bigger competency booklet for all basic tasks on the ward.
The shifts are completely different to what I'm used to, I have always worked 07:00-19:30 or 19:00-07:30. But now my shifts are:
07:15-15:15
13:15-21:15 or
20:45-07:45
7.5h shifts which means I'll be working 5 days a week like a normal job, only it'll include weekends. At first I wasn't sure but now I am really happy as the shorter shifts mean I can have more of a life and won't be so exhausted all of the time.
I start work on 30th March as a HCA for just 2 weeks (hopefully) until my PIN comes through, woohoo.
I have my new staff nurse uniform too which is soooo exciting! 2 tunics and 2 dresses, feels surreal.
Until I actually start work I'm working in a ver small local hospital as an agency HCA about 30h a week, it's very slow compared to what I'm used to but I'm just chilled out and getting to know everyone who works there :)
Hope you're all good. Any questions for me?? xx
Sunday 25 January 2015
Placement is over!... Year 3 Week 43
Hey guys,
I bring good news. Not only have I completed my 12 weeks final placement and got signed off with Pass* on all aspects of assessment (yippee!), I also found out that I passed my dissertation!!!
I finished an agency shift and went straight to uni, picked up my results and went to the car before I opened it. Not only did I pass, I got 62%!!! I really couldn't believe it, and couldn't stop crying for about 10 minutes as I called my family and boyfriend to let them know. I really didn't know what to expect and that mark blew me away.
So this means I have completed all assessments and placements and managed to bag myself a 1st class degree!!!
So this is me just letting you all know, no matter what you feel might be holding you back and stopping you from reaching your dreams, you can do it :)
All I've got left is a couple of days in uni to get the run-down on getting our PINs and starting work, how exciting.
I hope you're all well :)
xx Alex xx
I bring good news. Not only have I completed my 12 weeks final placement and got signed off with Pass* on all aspects of assessment (yippee!), I also found out that I passed my dissertation!!!
I finished an agency shift and went straight to uni, picked up my results and went to the car before I opened it. Not only did I pass, I got 62%!!! I really couldn't believe it, and couldn't stop crying for about 10 minutes as I called my family and boyfriend to let them know. I really didn't know what to expect and that mark blew me away.
So this means I have completed all assessments and placements and managed to bag myself a 1st class degree!!!
So this is me just letting you all know, no matter what you feel might be holding you back and stopping you from reaching your dreams, you can do it :)
All I've got left is a couple of days in uni to get the run-down on getting our PINs and starting work, how exciting.
I hope you're all well :)
xx Alex xx
Thursday 15 January 2015
3 Shifts to Go!!! ...Year 3 Week 42
Hello all!
Not that I'm counting down or anything...but, I HAVE 3 SHIFTS LEFT!
How exciting :D
That would be 37.5 hours. I'm working this Saturday, next Monday and next Wednesday. Then I have to hand in my placement documents by the Friday and it's all over :)
Only other scary thing is my dissertation results. I get that tomorrow at 12:00 and I'm truly terrified. Just writing about it makes my stomach flip. If I've failed then not only do I have to rewrite it, I can't start my new job for an extra 2 months which may cause them to retract the offer.
Fingers crossed for me!!
How're you all? Get an account and comment me, I will reply! Want to know what you're all up-to :)
Take care,
Alex xxx
Not that I'm counting down or anything...but, I HAVE 3 SHIFTS LEFT!
How exciting :D
That would be 37.5 hours. I'm working this Saturday, next Monday and next Wednesday. Then I have to hand in my placement documents by the Friday and it's all over :)
Only other scary thing is my dissertation results. I get that tomorrow at 12:00 and I'm truly terrified. Just writing about it makes my stomach flip. If I've failed then not only do I have to rewrite it, I can't start my new job for an extra 2 months which may cause them to retract the offer.
Fingers crossed for me!!
How're you all? Get an account and comment me, I will reply! Want to know what you're all up-to :)
Take care,
Alex xxx
Thursday 8 January 2015
The Interview Process... Year 3 Week 41
Hello girls and boys!
I'm going to write what is hopefully a really helpful and informative post to you all about the interview process. From what to wear to what to say, it'll be here!
The beginning...
It all starts with a search on NHS Jobs online for suitable posts in your area, be aware you can't apply for just any post, once you click onto the application part it will sometimes ask you if you already have your PIN, and if you're newly qualified the answer would be 'nope' and you'd be back to square one.
My advice? Look around for weeks before you actually intend on applying, get a feel for what's available, read the person specification and what they are actually looking for. Don't wait until the deadline to apply because often they close applications early due to high demand.
Also, you can apply up to 6 months before you actually qualify, yay!
Step 1
Now you'll have to fill in all those pesky details; name, address, education, experience etc... And then to the most important part; your personal statement. This can be up to 1500 and should showcase why they want you. It should include all of your previous experience that you can link to this job, their person specification, the trust and more. Just wow them with your amazing-ness; you can do it!
Step 2
Waiting game!
Step 3
NHS jobs has a message waiting for you... YAY the day is finally here, you have an interview! And believe me, the chances are you will be invited to interview. The only time I wasn't was when I applied too early. This is also when you'll receive a date and will have to confirm your attendance.
Step 4
Now to find the perfect outfit...
Personally I went for a knee length, fitted floral dress with a smart navy blazer, black tights and navy flats. It was really appropriate, smart and eye-catching at the same time (if I say so myself haha).
You can go for anything smart. Don't go casual, you're trying to make someone want you on their team, not go for food and drinks. Some girls I saw were in leggings and a cardigan, maybe it worked for them but I wouldn't recommend it.
A pencil skirt and shirt. Trousers and blouse. Dress and blazer. Anything you want at the end of the day, just make it smart.
Tone down the hair and the makeup too, you want to make a really good first impression :).
Step 5
Today is the day! Whatever you do make sure you're there 15 minutes early. Leave way too early if you're worried about timings and traffic. DO NOT BE LATE.
I'll give you guys a list of the questions I was asked at both interviews so you have an idea:
- What would you do if your patient was having chest pain?
- What would you do if your patient had dementia and was constantly trying to get off the ward?
- What would you do if you found someone collapsed breathing and not breathing? (hint hint...BLS!)
- What do you know about infection control?
- Give an example of when you used good communication.
- Give an example of when you were in a difficult/complicated situation.
Most of the questions they asked were situations, but just try to be yourself and relax because in both of my interviews they were very friendly and we ended up having a chat by the end!
Step 6
On my first interview they told me then and there that I was successful. On my second I received an email the following day. They are normally pretty quick.
And here's the exciting part...YOU'VE GOT THE JOB!
And you should be so so proud of yourself, but the hard work doesn't end here, this is where it all begins :).
I hope you all found some if not all of this helpful, I know how much it would have helped me if I'd have known.
Take care,
Alex xx
I'm going to write what is hopefully a really helpful and informative post to you all about the interview process. From what to wear to what to say, it'll be here!
The beginning...
It all starts with a search on NHS Jobs online for suitable posts in your area, be aware you can't apply for just any post, once you click onto the application part it will sometimes ask you if you already have your PIN, and if you're newly qualified the answer would be 'nope' and you'd be back to square one.
My advice? Look around for weeks before you actually intend on applying, get a feel for what's available, read the person specification and what they are actually looking for. Don't wait until the deadline to apply because often they close applications early due to high demand.
Also, you can apply up to 6 months before you actually qualify, yay!
Step 1
Now you'll have to fill in all those pesky details; name, address, education, experience etc... And then to the most important part; your personal statement. This can be up to 1500 and should showcase why they want you. It should include all of your previous experience that you can link to this job, their person specification, the trust and more. Just wow them with your amazing-ness; you can do it!
Step 2
Waiting game!
Step 3
NHS jobs has a message waiting for you... YAY the day is finally here, you have an interview! And believe me, the chances are you will be invited to interview. The only time I wasn't was when I applied too early. This is also when you'll receive a date and will have to confirm your attendance.
Step 4
Now to find the perfect outfit...
Personally I went for a knee length, fitted floral dress with a smart navy blazer, black tights and navy flats. It was really appropriate, smart and eye-catching at the same time (if I say so myself haha).
You can go for anything smart. Don't go casual, you're trying to make someone want you on their team, not go for food and drinks. Some girls I saw were in leggings and a cardigan, maybe it worked for them but I wouldn't recommend it.
A pencil skirt and shirt. Trousers and blouse. Dress and blazer. Anything you want at the end of the day, just make it smart.
Tone down the hair and the makeup too, you want to make a really good first impression :).
Step 5
Today is the day! Whatever you do make sure you're there 15 minutes early. Leave way too early if you're worried about timings and traffic. DO NOT BE LATE.
I'll give you guys a list of the questions I was asked at both interviews so you have an idea:
- What would you do if your patient was having chest pain?
- What would you do if your patient had dementia and was constantly trying to get off the ward?
- What would you do if you found someone collapsed breathing and not breathing? (hint hint...BLS!)
- What do you know about infection control?
- Give an example of when you used good communication.
- Give an example of when you were in a difficult/complicated situation.
Most of the questions they asked were situations, but just try to be yourself and relax because in both of my interviews they were very friendly and we ended up having a chat by the end!
Step 6
On my first interview they told me then and there that I was successful. On my second I received an email the following day. They are normally pretty quick.
And here's the exciting part...YOU'VE GOT THE JOB!
And you should be so so proud of yourself, but the hard work doesn't end here, this is where it all begins :).
I hope you all found some if not all of this helpful, I know how much it would have helped me if I'd have known.
Take care,
Alex xx
Sunday 28 December 2014
What it's like being on Management (sign off) Placement... Year 3 Week 39
Management or 'sign off' is what your final placement as a student nurse is referred to. This is because on this placement you are expected to manage the ward (coordinate) and then be 'signed off' by your mentor who says 'this student is safe to become a qualified practitioner'.
How exciting! And slightly daunting...
So at my university this placement is 12 weeks long. 8 weeks of normal placement and then your final 4 weeks is considered the 'sign off' period.
By the time you get to this placement you will be shocked at the knowledge you have built up and how capable you actually are. Of course you will make mistakes, forget to do something or make a fool of yourself, that is part-and-parcel of being a student and you will still do this when qualified! No-one is perfect so don't work yourself up over small things.
What you will be able to do by the time you reach the final 1/3 of this placement is the following:
-Manage patients care including = observatoins, BMs, referrals, liaise with Dr's and members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT), medications (under supervision), dressings, care plans, note writing and documentation.
-Coordinate the ward with your mentor (admissions, discharges, liaise with outside agencies to get patients home asap, eg. district nurses, recovery at home etc)
-Manage your own workload and act with initiative at all times!
There's probably more because nurses do so much more than what is defined by NMCs code of conduct, as you will find out.
My biggest tip? Be openminded, motivated and enthusiastic. Make a conscious effort to get on with EVERYONE. It really helps to get everyone on your side, it makes your life easier and it makes the days more enjoyable.
If you feel like you are lacking in an area, then read! Do research, ask questions, ask more questions, it's up-to you to develop yourself!
By the time you are on this placement people often 'leave you to it' because you are expected to be practicing your skills not learning them. therefore prepare yourself in the placement prior to this one, try and learn all you can so you are in the position to just perfect your work and learn more about everything else.
It's complicated and may sound daunting but you will be ready! Never be scared to say you don't know something.
Girls and boys you will make it and you will be fine, I can vouch for that! Just try and get on a ward you enjoy with staff you get on with. You will become part of the team after 3 months.
I hope that has helped some of you :)
Take care,
Alex xxx
How exciting! And slightly daunting...
So at my university this placement is 12 weeks long. 8 weeks of normal placement and then your final 4 weeks is considered the 'sign off' period.
By the time you get to this placement you will be shocked at the knowledge you have built up and how capable you actually are. Of course you will make mistakes, forget to do something or make a fool of yourself, that is part-and-parcel of being a student and you will still do this when qualified! No-one is perfect so don't work yourself up over small things.
What you will be able to do by the time you reach the final 1/3 of this placement is the following:
-Manage patients care including = observatoins, BMs, referrals, liaise with Dr's and members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT), medications (under supervision), dressings, care plans, note writing and documentation.
-Coordinate the ward with your mentor (admissions, discharges, liaise with outside agencies to get patients home asap, eg. district nurses, recovery at home etc)
-Manage your own workload and act with initiative at all times!
There's probably more because nurses do so much more than what is defined by NMCs code of conduct, as you will find out.
My biggest tip? Be openminded, motivated and enthusiastic. Make a conscious effort to get on with EVERYONE. It really helps to get everyone on your side, it makes your life easier and it makes the days more enjoyable.
If you feel like you are lacking in an area, then read! Do research, ask questions, ask more questions, it's up-to you to develop yourself!
By the time you are on this placement people often 'leave you to it' because you are expected to be practicing your skills not learning them. therefore prepare yourself in the placement prior to this one, try and learn all you can so you are in the position to just perfect your work and learn more about everything else.
It's complicated and may sound daunting but you will be ready! Never be scared to say you don't know something.
Girls and boys you will make it and you will be fine, I can vouch for that! Just try and get on a ward you enjoy with staff you get on with. You will become part of the team after 3 months.
I hope that has helped some of you :)
Take care,
Alex xxx
Saturday 27 December 2014
I'VE GOT A JOB and a 1ST!... Year 3 Week 39
Hello everyone,
I'm so so sorry it's been 5 months. To be honest I'm just spiting myself because this is a wonderful resource to look back on and identify my progress, and by not updating I'm almost losing a section of my progression. Oh well, I'm back now.
I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas!?
As you can see by the title, I am far into my 3rd and final year of adult nursing now. And guess what... I got myself that 1st class degree! I can't believe I've done it, but I am so so happy.
During my A-Levels I was very disinterested and not engaged at all, I ended up with 3 Cs. I was so disappointed and felt very much put down, so to actually put a lot of effort in and achieve a 1st class bachelor of science degree I finally feel like I've proven myself :).
Not only that, but I have 4 weeks of placement left, 1 week of uni and then it's all finally over!
This is from my last post, but I thought I'd put it in here too to give some perspective:
8 weeks of uni - done
1 week A/L - done (went to IBIZA woooo)
9 weeks of placement - done
6 weeks of uni - done
1 week A/L - done
12 weeks placement - doing
1 week uni
And then...FINITO!
The modules I've done this year are as follows, along with results:
Nursing Practice 4 (exam) - 87%
Policy, Politics and Nursing (assignment) - 65%
Transition to Qualified Practitioner (Presentation) - 52%
Academic and Practice Enquiry (Dissertation) - a/w
My strengths are definitely exams and as you can see I managed to improve my academic writing to a 2:1 standard which I'm extremely proud of (since this was and always has been my downfall). I got my presentation mark back last week, I'm happy with 52% because it got me my 1st overall, but the module itself wasn't explained very well and resulted in many of my colleagues failing :(.
Even more exciting news...I've got a job!
I got a job on my management placement ward, and then I got a job back home which I've accepted and will be starting at the end of March (so long as I pass my dissertation). I'm really pleased and so happy that I get to move home. The job is on a gastroenterology and dermatoloy ward with respiratory outliers. It is quite acute and I'm looking forward to learning a lot.
I think I'll make a separate post on my interview experiences and advise for others? Hopefully it will be helpful to you all.
Well I'm back with a super long post but I hope you all enjoy reading!
Take care,
Alex x
I'm so so sorry it's been 5 months. To be honest I'm just spiting myself because this is a wonderful resource to look back on and identify my progress, and by not updating I'm almost losing a section of my progression. Oh well, I'm back now.
I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas!?
As you can see by the title, I am far into my 3rd and final year of adult nursing now. And guess what... I got myself that 1st class degree! I can't believe I've done it, but I am so so happy.
During my A-Levels I was very disinterested and not engaged at all, I ended up with 3 Cs. I was so disappointed and felt very much put down, so to actually put a lot of effort in and achieve a 1st class bachelor of science degree I finally feel like I've proven myself :).
Not only that, but I have 4 weeks of placement left, 1 week of uni and then it's all finally over!
This is from my last post, but I thought I'd put it in here too to give some perspective:
8 weeks of uni - done
1 week A/L - done (went to IBIZA woooo)
9 weeks of placement - done
6 weeks of uni - done
1 week A/L - done
12 weeks placement - doing
1 week uni
And then...FINITO!
The modules I've done this year are as follows, along with results:
Nursing Practice 4 (exam) - 87%
Policy, Politics and Nursing (assignment) - 65%
Transition to Qualified Practitioner (Presentation) - 52%
Academic and Practice Enquiry (Dissertation) - a/w
My strengths are definitely exams and as you can see I managed to improve my academic writing to a 2:1 standard which I'm extremely proud of (since this was and always has been my downfall). I got my presentation mark back last week, I'm happy with 52% because it got me my 1st overall, but the module itself wasn't explained very well and resulted in many of my colleagues failing :(.
Even more exciting news...I've got a job!
I got a job on my management placement ward, and then I got a job back home which I've accepted and will be starting at the end of March (so long as I pass my dissertation). I'm really pleased and so happy that I get to move home. The job is on a gastroenterology and dermatoloy ward with respiratory outliers. It is quite acute and I'm looking forward to learning a lot.
I think I'll make a separate post on my interview experiences and advise for others? Hopefully it will be helpful to you all.
Well I'm back with a super long post but I hope you all enjoy reading!
Take care,
Alex x
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