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Andrea
E-mail me if your still getting grief, I'll ask around to see if they can do this.
Hobbes <JUJUHOBBES@Hotmail.com>
- Friday, August 31, 2001 at 11:32:27 (BST)
Just a thought
Andrea you might want to see your GP, maybe he or she can write to OH. Also ask to see their policies on Mental health and training. I think its utter bullshit and they hav'nt a leg to stand on. Christ I've known student nurses who have been admitted to acute pyschiatric wards and still carried on with their training. Arghh this sort of shit makes me angry!
Hobbes
- Friday, August 31, 2001 at 11:24:41 (BST)
Andrea
Occupational health are talking out of their arses. If you've signed up then your in a contract, threaten to sue them for breach of contract. Go and see a student rep, or quickly join one of the unions and get representation. I know several practicing nurses who have suffered from depression and they hav'nt been struck off or sacked or anything. Its purely discrimination and probably illegal. Citizens advice would also be a good start.
Hobbes
- Friday, August 31, 2001 at 11:17:30 (BST)
Oh dear, somebody's got their boxers in a knot.

- Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 23:00:11 (BST)
who dat?
hey, we haven't heard from matt in a while. Wonder how he's going on???

- Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 15:11:48 (BST)
Arseholes
what a bunch of self centered arseholes on.

- Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 05:39:40 (BST)
Psychologically Unfit?
I'm just about to enter my second year of the 'new curriculum'. I believe that life experiences such as miscarriage and post-natal depression actually help you to develop as a nurse - (I have gone through both). However, if you weren't psychologically unfit before you started the course then you will be by the end of your first year anyway! Only joking (?)... but I still think that it is disgusting that just because somebody is open and able to admit to any problems, that they should be discriminated against. I believe that it shows a great strength of character to ask for help when it is needed-(I didn't, wish I had). Ignore any comments from Occupational Health. Go directly to the school of nursing and explain your circumstances to them. I am sure that they will be more than ready to accept you on the course. Andrea - Post-natal depression is very common and nothing to be ashamed of - Email me if you want someone to chat to. Good luck,
Donna <donna-c@carey-d.freeserve.co.uk>
- Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at 21:44:53 (BST)
andrea
a similar thing happened to a student on our intake when we started. She has suffered a miscarriage and was on anti-depressants. Occupational health told her it may be likely that she wouldn't be able to start because she may be psychologically unfit!! She insisted and they let her start. You are right it is discrimination.
claire
- Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at 18:32:55 (BST)
worried
Medical. I am due to start training in Sept and I had to recently send in an updated medical due to having a baby in Oct. After the birth of my baby and returning to work I suffered a bout of mild postnatal depression, the treatmet being antidepressants. The minimal treatmentbeing six months. I am perfectly fit and well but the OH dept are questioning my ability to train because 1. postnatal depression and 2. I will still be taking antidepressants one month into the course. Can anyone give me any advice or similar stories. And is there a union rep out there as surely this is discrimination. As after all Ive had a baby its not as if Im a raging madwoman.
andrea
- Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 22:39:38 (BST)
Thanks Claire
Yes I think you are right, I know lots about sociology, very little psychology as it is boring, but these subjects don't help us to act appropriately in an emergency situation on the ward do they? I can just about take a canula out and do the obs!!!
Anita
- Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 10:45:30 (BST)
Nursing Grades
Andrew, just remember that each trust links different positions to different grades. For example, onbe trust may have a sister at an F grade while another may class an F as a senior staff nurse. Just something to think about, Ange's summary is the basic structure.
LIZ <liz_white3@hotmail.com>
- Monday, August 27, 2001 at 21:39:49 (BST)
Nursing grades
andrew, the grades are A-auxillary/health care assistant, B-Senior auxilary/healthcare assistant, C-enrolled nurse, D-junior staff nurse, E-senior staff nurse, F-junior sister, G-senior sister and H/I- ward manager/nurse specialist. Hope this answers your question!
ange
- Monday, August 27, 2001 at 20:49:28 (BST)
nurses your attention please!!
hi, could anybody give me a list of nursing grades eg, matron to aux nurse and their responsibilities and duties, or tell me where i can find that info simply? thanks a lot! andrew
andrew <dickapollo11@hotmail.com>
- Monday, August 27, 2001 at 11:12:19 (BST)
school
Hey! Is there anyone out there who is studying pain management in class?
Angel Harris <atharr1179@ngcsu.edu>
- Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 20:20:16 (BST)
anita
I still feel like i don't know anything and I have only 5 months to go. The nature of the course doesn't equip us to feel confident. Instead we spend months in college learning a load of irrelevent rubbish which is of no use on the wards. I 've spent the whole of my course thinking I should know more. I think every student nurse feels like this Anita so don't worry, you are not alone
claire
- Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 18:45:27 (BST)
I am on a lovely placement at the moment, on the Urology ward, but I am still so very stressed, I feel as though I will never learn everything that I need to know about nursing - yes I know you never stop learning, but despite the lovely staff telling me I am doing fine, I don't feel confident. All this combined with having to look after my very difficult daughter who is currently undergoing tests for epilepsy at Alder Hey plus having to work to be able to survive - I don't know If I am going to crack before I finish in 2 years time!! Sorry just needed to sound off!!
Anita
- Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 15:49:49 (BST)
Coping with the course
Don't make it ur whole life. Drink and a boyfriend helps as well. Sorry head hurts.

- Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 19:00:41 (BST)
Girls
Bugger it. I'm waiting to be approached now. I can't be arsed running around any more!!!
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Friday, August 24, 2001 at 17:27:51 (BST)
Hi, Im starting my course in Feb 2002 and although im excited im also very nervous. If anyone can offer me any advise that might help me through i'ld be grateful, it would be nice to know how others have coped. Thanks
Helen <buny21uk@yahoo.co.uk>
- Friday, August 24, 2001 at 13:57:05 (BST)
Irish Students
Hi! My best friend is starting a nursing course in september unfortunatley because she lives in Ireland she can't get a student loan,and this course is a degree so she can't get an NHS bursary I was just wondering if anyone knew any organisations that could help Thanks
Kirstin <Dulcinea@purpleturtle.com>
- Friday, August 24, 2001 at 08:59:17 (BST)
Irish Students
Hi! My best friend is starting a nursing course in september unfortunatley because she lives in Ireland she can't get a student loan,and this course is a degree so she can't get an NHS bursary I was just wondering if anyone knew any organisations that could help Thanks
Kirstin <Dulcinea@purpleturtle.com>
- Friday, August 24, 2001 at 08:57:55 (BST)
anyone help? just finished my last term and assessment board due to sit next week, hav just been informed that uni hav not recieved a caps form! with receipts to prove i hav submitted them, where do i stand and hv they got the right to delay my registration until the next assessment board, whenever that may be!!!!!!
peed off
- Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 19:32:06 (BST)
please help
does anyone have an assignment on communication skills relating to working in a team. please e.mail me or reply i've got all the information but don't know where to put it. Desperate.
debbie <ste_monkeyhanger@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 18:39:16 (BST)
Childcare, finances?
Hi, all. I am starting in Feb 2002 and need advice on where to get funding for childcare and housing. I am a lone parent of 3(8,3,2) and have just discovered that Diploma students do not qualify for the Childcare Grant, etc only the NHS Bursary of £8840 P.A. Is this true? How do you manage? Or am I missing something? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Laura <lariganata@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 18:04:11 (BST)
JUST DO IT!!!
Right, Matt - come on and get your act together. As soon as you return from your holiday just ASK HER OUT!!!!How could she possibly deny someone who has kept us all entertained for the past months! I think I speak for the majority of people in here when I say we want results! The curiosity is getting too much........
Ange
- Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 13:30:04 (BST)
Useful job site
www.HealthJobCentre.co.uk has found me a great job - I think it covers all jobs in health - not just nursing or the NHS. If worth a look if you're jobhunting
Rachel <rachelStk@aol.com>
- Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 13:12:28 (BST)
nursing scissors
I always take the sterile scissors from the clinical room on the ward but you can buy them in any hospital supplies shop. But why buy them when you can get the same sort for free.
syleen <syleen99@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 10:11:27 (BST)
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...............

- Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 20:16:46 (BST)
MATT
The most impressive thing you can do for the ladies is drink so much at the pub that you throw up right all over them, then you pass out, which always gets their mothering instincts going, so they take you back in a taxi to their place, then you come to, apologise pathetically, and then they always let you have your wicked way with them, because most women are a pushover for drunken student nurses...
christine hancock
- Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 20:08:24 (BST)
ho hum (pig's bum)
As I am in Scarborough, and Fiona is God knows where, can anyone give me some tips on impressing the ladies because I'm off to the pub tonight. Cheers!
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 17:16:14 (BST)
WHERE CAN I GET NURSES SCISSORS?CAN ANYONE HELP?

- Monday, August 20, 2001 at 22:20:39 (BST)
well thats what i thought, but a nurse i worked with said that they cause gastric irritation because they increase acid secretion in the gut whether taken orally or not. Personally i'm dubious, time to do some reading
claire
- Monday, August 20, 2001 at 18:41:53 (BST)
NSAID's
is it possible to give NSAID's by any other route other than orally??
Dreamgirl <dreamgirl@su.ac.uk>
- Monday, August 20, 2001 at 09:44:42 (BST)
Hate to sound dense, but how COULD rectal or intramuscular admin of NSAIDS cause gastric irritation? They have to be IN the stomach to irritate it.

- Monday, August 20, 2001 at 02:56:46 (BST)
questions
I have a couple of questions for you all 1) what is the best union to join and why? 2) do non steroidal anti inflammatories cause gastric irritation when given any other route than orally many thanks
claire
- Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 18:02:39 (BST)
Oh Matt, you will both be past it by the time you ask her out!!! What are you like!
Anita
- Friday, August 17, 2001 at 16:53:34 (BST)
RCN ANS Annual Conference 1-2 September
Is anyone going to this years Conference?? I've never been before and I don't know waht to expect. can any one help me Thanks
Conference Virgin
- Friday, August 17, 2001 at 13:39:36 (BST)
The Boro
I missed my chance asking out Fiona unfortunately, because we finished for three weeks on Friday. I am now in Scarborough at my sister's house, and I don't have a clue where Fiona is!
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Thursday, August 16, 2001 at 22:16:54 (BST)
Matt
Come on Matty, liven us all up and let us know whether you asked the gorgeous fiona out then!!
Louise <loubylou@btinternet.com>
- Thursday, August 16, 2001 at 16:59:11 (BST)
MMMMMMMMMM....................

- Thursday, August 16, 2001 at 09:11:39 (BST)
Komfyscrubs
Your message was a real conversation-stopper then, Steven.......

- Thursday, August 16, 2001 at 08:03:06 (BST)
Excellent extra income for students and nurses!
Hello......We are Komfy Scrubs, a Canadian supplier of nursing uniforms and related medical accessories. We can be found on the web at www.komfyscrubs.com. If you are interested in exploring the excellent financial rewards of distributing our products to your colleagues, we'd love to hear from you. Our products are top quality, and an excellent value. You are sure to get repeat satisfied customers. Regards, Komfy Scrubs t 905-824-3572 f 905-824-3574
Steven Brunton <info@komfyscrubs.com>
- Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 20:07:31 (BST)
Irish Students
We can't keep poaching students from Ireland all the time. There shortage is just as bad as ours. I think we need to spread our minds to the global shortage of nurses. Liz
Liz
- Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 02:56:22 (BST)
Is it Irish students that are training in England though????

- Monday, August 13, 2001 at 20:54:14 (BST)
Fiona
Thanks I had a good time, fab tan, quickly fading though. I had a good day today on my first day in the Urology surgical ward the staff were lovely and the sister also teaches students and she handed me a work pack that she had put together explaining all about Urology and what goes on in the department. She has also arranged teaching sessions including 3 days in the day unit. I was not used as a care assistant and the nursing auxillary was fab, very helpful. Yes I feel good about this placement and hopefully will enjoy my next 6 weeks.
Anita
- Monday, August 13, 2001 at 20:52:51 (BST)
Irish Student Nurses
I have just read in one of the nursing mags that the Government are scrapping the bursary for Irish Nursing Students from November of this year. I think this is disgusting and wondered if anyone knew if this was going to be replaced by anything? I also wonder if they are still going to give the rest of us students the extra £10 a week they promised us just before the election, or are they going to scrap our bursary too and make us pay for our nursing tuition and placements?
Catherine <catherine1jod31@hotmail.com>
- Monday, August 13, 2001 at 18:22:05 (BST)
hi from newcomer
hi everyone I am new to this site and just wanted to say a quick hello Im just back from hols in the Canarias and I have begun my second week of my second year @uni. Hi Aine see u in lecture at2. bye all e mails are welcome from new budding nurses.
syleen <syleen99@yahoo.com>
- Monday, August 13, 2001 at 12:46:38 (BST)
Hi!
New to the web site and wanted to say hi!Just back from my hols and starting my 2nd year. Really love the course but find it lacking in certain aspects.
Aine
- Monday, August 13, 2001 at 12:07:40 (BST)
How was Greece, Anita. I know its hard getting the little ones up early. Just imagine how a 10 and 7 year old feel like being dropped off at daycamp at 6 am, so I can be there for my 0645 start. I hate leaving them there with their breakfast in their hands. Their father thinks it will build character! I only think of it as another block added to my reasons for divorcing him next year once my final exams are sat! Trying to see the positives in a really rough day. Fiona (not the Fiona of what's his name's lust)

- Sunday, August 12, 2001 at 20:28:56 (BST)
RE: ORTHOPAEDIC UNIT
i start an orthopaedic/traumaunit in 1 week and i was wondering which websites would be good in relation to this. which are the best books or journals when dealing with fractures etc
sharon <s.macdonald>
- Sunday, August 12, 2001 at 18:48:21 (BST)
Oh I start a new placement tomorrow on the Urology ward and I am a bit nervous. I think it is like starting a new job every few weeks and I hate the first week when you don't know where things are and what the routine is like. I am working in the pub tonight too then my early starts at 7 - lovely! My 6 year old will really appreciate getting out of bed to go to her godmother's house at 6.30 won't she? Oh well the joy of nursing hey!!
Anita
- Sunday, August 12, 2001 at 17:01:17 (BST)
Tracey, it's a pity you had that negative experience. Never mind people who think that a uniform makes them superior to you. Be proud of what you are venturing into. It's now my second year and I didn't think I was going to make it. Well, here I am and still enjoying it. Lesson today: "Don't let the few bugs get to you!" I think there will a drastic change in the services when we get to the top. Don't stop climbing!!! Peace!
jimmi
- Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 01:21:22 (BST)
Overseas Placement
Hi, I am a second year nursing student. Has anyone got contact details for overseas placement and possible funding info for Developing Countries or those in the Third World?
jimmi <jimmi_ja@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 01:16:42 (BST)
new nurse/child branch
hi everyone just a line 2 talk about my first 6 months of the diploma course. It's been hell at times i dont know if i'm coming or going.I have just finished my maternity placement which was just useless. If you want 2 see any births you have 2 change your nurses uniform 2 the midwifery uniform this is 4 real, cause they dont want 2 know nursing students. So why do the universities still place nurse's in these placements.
Tracy
- Friday, August 10, 2001 at 23:28:21 (BST)
Male Pill
I took part in the latest clinical trials. It's a big thing - 2cm across and 3mm thick. You have to put it under your heel and it makes you limp :-)
DaveRGN <DaveRGN@hotmail.com>
- Friday, August 10, 2001 at 19:31:23 (BST)
New Impotent drug on the market.
It's called "mycocksaflopping"
jane
- Friday, August 10, 2001 at 19:25:56 (BST)
But I'm not qualified yet...
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Friday, August 10, 2001 at 16:49:39 (BST)
its the law
Matt, according to the UKCC scope for professional practice sec 9.2; "the nurse, midwife or health visitor must endeavour always to achieve". So you see you have to ask her out or you would not be endevouring to achieve. sorry mate its the LAW!

- Friday, August 10, 2001 at 15:09:39 (BST)
there's only one way to find out - ASK HER - DO IT NOW

- Friday, August 10, 2001 at 10:15:27 (BST)
MATT
COME ON LAD ASK HER OUT AND PUT YOURSELF OUT OF MISERY. JUST GET ON WITH IT. ARE YOU A MAN OR A MOUSE?

- Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 22:49:02 (BST)
AAARRRGGGHHH! I can't believe I spelt my own name wrong. From what one of my classmates told me she may already have a boyfriend anyhow.
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 20:19:40 (BST)
But I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby...
Mat <renton@breathe.com>
- Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 20:18:21 (BST)
sort it out
matt- have you got e mail at your university - if so look up her e mail address in your global address book and ask her out via e mail. that way if she's not interested you won't feel embarrassed. now come on, ask her to the prom - she may be an iron maiden fan.
anne-marie
- Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 16:24:45 (BST)
its all a load of b****cks
ive been qualified now for 6 mths and i can honestly say that nurse trainig means absolutely nothing. It doesnt prepare you at all for your career. as a staff nurse you leave it all at the door when you qualify. Dont stress yourselves like i did trying to achieve top marks for every essay/exam, because they dont count for jack shit once you've qualified. people used to tell me you dont begin to learn until youre qualified- they were right...enjoy your time as a student...believe me its soon over!
sue
- Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 02:36:21 (BST)
adult branch
i start branch in september any tips? how do i finally prepare myself to be more advanced it seems daunting as cfp was so basic please send tips sharon
sharon <s.macdonald@talk21.com>
- Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 23:37:15 (BST)
I say I say I say
Did you hear the one about the med student who was a complete wanker??? I did. Hmmm. Still ain't asked Fiona out yet and she looked particularly gorge yesterday.
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 20:04:08 (BST)
student nurses on tour
Heeyyy! out there just thought I'd mention I'm on count down to a brill weekend away with 9 other student nurses, doing the training to get me fit for the man pulling,beer swilling,knickers on the head competitions.Got the clobber found it a bit difficult to find matching white shoes and bag but the boob tube and the 3 sizes too short and too small skirt is already packed! Any suggestions on exercises to improve the calf muscles for when you home in on the only decent male in the place comes thru the door,it's just with the heels I will find it alittle difficult to move with agility and grace, got the chat up lines ready and the answers to all the questions you get asked when you let slip that your a student nurse. Well must dash the girls are coming round for a pouting practice well you never know when it will come in handy!!!! And they say lads have all the fun !x

- Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 15:38:39 (BST)
re;babies
It's a tough decision for anyone when this kind of incident arises, at the end of the day it's purely your decision about the course, remember when the baby arrives ( which will be a great event )that the situation can be has hard or easy as you make it! Make sure you have the support around you both with the baby and your studies remember "holistic care" this can apply to you too in this circumstance.I came into this profession late in comparison with the rest of my group, I can't think about babies and things for about another two yrs,I keep being reminded that my clocks ticking and not to leave it too late!To be honest I'm enjoying life at the moment doing what I want when I want so hey why fix it when it's not broken!!!Nobody said life was easy so what the hell make the most of it and in the end you will make the the right decision for you in the end. good luck xxx.

- Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 15:22:22 (BST)
babies
Concerning baby, tell your friend definitely not to defer if she can finish her course before she had the baby. Although being pregnant and doing studies can be hard going its definitely easier to get done now than after baby is born - speaking from personal experience! Many women carry on working/studying while pregnant and find everything fine as long as they just do what needs doing and make sure they look after themselves generally. Its much easier to return to working than studying, as a student nurse she'll only get a small dependants allowance that does'nt nearly cover childcare and none of the help she could get if she were working. Basically after paying nursery fee's what she'd have left would make people on benefits look like millionaires, anyway she'll be able to enjoy baby more if she's got the course out the way and even then she doesn't have to return work staight away, even if she does want to she can go part time and will get generous top ups as long as she's working over 16 hours a week. Anyway good luck to her

- Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 13:05:56 (BST)
babies
Concerning baby, tell your friend definitely not to defer if she can finish her course before she had the baby. Although being pregnant and doing studies can be hard going its definitely easier to get done now than after baby is born - speaking from personal experience! Many women carry on working/studying while pregnant and find everything fine as long as they just do what needs doing and make sure they look after themselves generally. Its much easier to return to working than studying, as a student nurse she'll only get a small dependants allowance that does'nt nearly cover childcare and none of the help she could get if she were working. Basically after paying nursery fee's what she'd have left would make people on benefits look like millionaires, anyway she'll be able to enjoy baby more if she's got the course out the way and even then she doesn't have to return work staight away, even if she does want to she can go part time and will get generous top ups as long as she's working over 16 hours a week. Anyway good luck to her

- Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 13:05:51 (BST)
at university we have to do a lot of presentations and weve got an hour long teaching session to do on our own. I have a lisp and am frightened of this has anyone any advice

- Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 17:20:49 (BST)
Do it yourself mental health training
Hi Polly,

Hobbes certainly makes some interesting points. It seems rather dire if staff won't teach you hands on because they feel it will quickly be out of date??!! Sounds like some defence mechanisms in play there!! During my training we spent two weeks focussing on interpersonal communication and counselling techniques. We had the use of a video camera and role-played then dissected our own and each other's performances to identify what we needed to learn etc. That was brilliant and what I learned there has stayed with me for over ten years (not out of date last time I used it!!)

We also set up a peer group, which met for a couple of hours every two weeks. This was a combination of tutors trained staff and students who were keen to expand their skills base. Again stuff I learned here far exceeded the stuff I would have been exposed to on the ward.

Good Luck!

Nigel <webmaster@thornbury-nursing-services.co.uk>
- Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 12:18:54 (BST)
Getting through the Mental health course.
Dear Polly, Yep the mental health course, both diploma and degree is rubbish and you will learn nothing of value in class. One Lecturer stated that they did'nt want to teach you "hands-on" stuff as they felt it would become obsolete in a couple of years, utter bullshit. How do you get through then and still feel vaguely up to doing the job when you quailfy? Firstly you have to approach the course as a "do it yourself exercise". Try and get a job at your local psychiatric hospital on the bank, extra cash and thats where you'll learn how things are done. Secondly-do lots of reading, not just the crap that they ask you to read in college but everything you can lay your hands on. Don't bother with books like Dexter and Wash, (no depth) or Lyttle (out of date). Read the journals instead, but don't bother with the nursing times as its wishy-washy and never tells you anything. Pick yourself up a decent, (American) care-planning book, Paquette and Rodemich (1993) is a good one there are others. Mental Health matters: a reader is a good collection of essays is also a must. Teach yourself about Cognitive behavioural therapy, Mind over mood is a good book. CBT is used all the time at the moment and will be around for a few years as it works. Get to know your medication there's usually a old copy of the BNF lying around the ward so ask if you can have it. There is no better place for mental health and related law than Markwalton.net it is the bussiness, there is also Nigel Turner's hyperguide to the mental health act on the net. Join this E-group Psychiatric-nursing@JISCMAIL.AC.UK, this has been the best resource I've ever found. Pick your placements well If you can, on the mental health course you lose a few people as it progresses making it easier where you want to go. If you've got a rough idea where you want to work, try and steer your placements to that area, but make sure you get a selection, if you can get a placement which involves group therapy work or some counselling stuff get on it, it improves your one to one skills. However counselling itself in my opinion is pretty over-rated. When on placement just keep asking questions, we don't mind. Don't just sit in the lounge doing bugger all as many students do. Many hospitals have workshops and one-day courses, get on them, these are usually clinical in nature, so useful. Don't worry about nursing models as nobody uses them, Maslow and maybe, (just glance at it), Phil Barker's tidal model is all you need. Don't be fooled by college telling you the importance of models, its a lie. You've really got to make the most of your placements, if a case conference is going on ask to attend, ward rounds or even if its just a nurse having a chat with a social worker, you will pick up loads of stuff. Even if your placements are abit vague tell the ward manager or your mentor, we like to know where we are going wrong when we've students, don't just sit there and take it and moan about it when you get back to college. the whole system of training is set out so the college provides as little input as possible so its up to you to sink or swim. About the case studies if you want to give me more info I might be able to help you out. Hope this helps.
Hobbes
- Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 11:30:15 (BST)
Claire, your're not at Sheffield Uni are you because that's the sort of thing that happens to us every day aswell!
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 10:30:30 (BST)
polly
Yup, get used to the sheer vagueness of everything from now on! I don't know about Mental Heath, but with our essays we often get a ten word guideline - leaving everyone wondering if they are doing it right! Room changes with no notice (or notices!) are a regular occurance at my uni... infact everything generally is vague, sometimes I wonder if they do it just to get you used to the whole 'up in the air-ness' of newly qualified life :-)
claire <clairemacl@aol.com>
- Monday, August 06, 2001 at 23:42:45 (BST)
drugs errors
There is no way in the world I could agree more with what you just said! Wikkid!

- Monday, August 06, 2001 at 22:07:19 (BST)
drugs error
I too made a drugs error, I was on a cardiac unit when a guy was rushed in with a heart attack. We strepped him straight away and with being a student nurse I was sent off to do other important things like rinsing out the bed pans!When I came back on to the unit I was asked to give the gentleman who just came in clexaine, this I did explained why we give it and what it does.Back at the nurses station the sister who gave me the drug asked me who I had given it to,when told the name, infront of everyone she bellowed out that it was the wrong patient.While of the unit another guy was admitted! I went thru sheer hell for 24hrs Iwent to my tutor in floods of tears dreading that I would be thrown off the course and so forth, but as my tutor explained everyones human and use it as a learning curve and reflect on it.We all make mistakes and it does feel that you are the only one on earth who's done this but you're not.So hold your head high and don't dwell tomorrow is another day and I can tell you, you wont make the same mistake!
m
- Monday, August 06, 2001 at 20:07:41 (BST)
BEWILDERED
HI. I STARTED TRAINING (MENTAL HEALTH) MARCH THIS YEAR. IS IT ME OR IS VAGUENESS PART AND PARCEL OF THIS COURSE. I FEEL THERE'S LITTLE DIRECTION IN UNIVERSITY AS WELL AS ON PLACEMENT, WORRYING THOUGHT AS WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE GETTING THE BEST BALANCE OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE TO DATE. CAN ANYONE SUGGEST RELEVANT INFO REGARDING CASE STUDIES - NEXT ASSIGNMENT
POLLY
- Monday, August 06, 2001 at 18:56:11 (BST)
Ah, the idealism and selfishness of youth. Putting my first child up for adoption was a decision I have never regretted. You think you can do it all, have the career, the child, the supportive absent father. Once the novelty wears off, she's in for 18 years of hard work and worrying if the supportive father will continue with support payments. I love my children that live with me and their father and know that I did the right thing 15 years ago by giving the first one to home that could provide for and love her. Youth, its for the young. Childhood is for children, let the baby go to a home that has the time for it

- Monday, August 06, 2001 at 17:02:07 (BST)
desperate times.
Could anyone help me please? I am writing an essay on holistic care from a behavioural science viewpoint. I am relating this to pregnancy, if any of you lovely people out there in student nurse land could help a fallen comrade it would be a great help. Suggested sites or books would be great.(or if any body has not got enough work of their own to do they could just write it for me.) If you can help, thanks. If you cannot, thanks anyway.

- Monday, August 06, 2001 at 11:14:12 (BST)
Thanks for the reply's, she is 6-7 weeks pregnant which +7months till february will make her 8 1/2 months preg when she sits her finals. She split up with her long term boyfriend a month ago, they have discussed the situation and have agreed to remain seperate but he will support her financially, she has decided to keep the baby. Her family live 3 hours awayand she has been told she can't transfer closer to them due to student ratio places, and as she lives in nursing accom, and has a bursary she will have very little money and will have to find alternative accomodation. Her university have told her she can defer her final year for 12 months, but she feels that once she has the baby and all the expenses that go with it, studying will be even more difficult. And she would like to qualify so that after the birth she is able to get employment to support herself and her child. I'm sure she isn't the first person to go through this, I wondered if anyone here had been or knew of anyone who has been there, done that, come out the other side, and whether you knew of any advice services which could help her. Thanks again

- Sunday, August 05, 2001 at 20:31:53 (BST)
How pregnant is she? In a secure relationship or an accident? Terminating or placing for adoption? She needs to figure this out before she worries about exams

- Sunday, August 05, 2001 at 05:33:04 (BST)
Pregnancy isnt a disease, its more self inflicted. Avoid heavy lifting (so avoid geriatrics); if due date is around exam date, they can be pretty accomodating.

- Sunday, August 05, 2001 at 05:31:19 (BST)
surely she'll only be six months cheggers in February if she's just discovered she's pregnant??? That's not too pregnant to sit behind a desk and do an exam is it?

- Sunday, August 05, 2001 at 00:19:39 (BST)
Advice needed
Hia all, I hope you don't mind I would like to pick your brains on behalf of a friend of mine. She is due to take her nursing finals in February and has just discovered she is pregnant. Although she would like to continue her studies, she is worried about how she will cope and how she will manage finacially - does anyone have any useful advice or know of any support groups which could help her. I appreciate your help Cathi
Cathi <cathi@joyce0269.freeserve.co.uk>
- Saturday, August 04, 2001 at 23:38:10 (BST)
student nurse
I am a Malaysian housewife with 3 schoolgoing children. I would enterested in being a student nurse in your country. Please let me know about the basic requirements.Thank you.
Suguna Krishnasamy <markthevar8@hotmail.com>
- Friday, August 03, 2001 at 11:23:59 (BST)
student nurse
I am a Malaysian housewife with 3 schoolgoing children. I would enterested in being a student nurse in your country. Please let me know about the basic requirements.Thank you.
Suguna Krishnasamy <markthevar8@hotmail.com>
- Friday, August 03, 2001 at 11:23:58 (BST)
Urban Myths
The other famous urban myth is of the gentleman who is admitted to A&E with a hoover/milk bottle/small dog attached to his most intimate parts! The best version of this story is of the gent who came into A&E with a washer around his penis. Apparently he had got the idea of using a washer to help maintain his erection, only he had decided to use a tungsten carbide washer. To those of you who know your mettalurgy tungsten carbide is the thing that they make drill bits out of (its very hard to cut!) Anyway this gentleman had had said washer in place for a number of hours and was in a large amount of pain!! In the end despite much lubrication they had to get the fire brigade in to cut the washer off!! The other one ir read as part of the Darwin Awards (presented every year to those who do evoloution a favour and remove themselves from the gene pool in the most stupid yet amusing way possible, for example the guy who shot and killed himself whilst playing russian roulette with an automatic pistol instead of a revolver!) This gentleman had hit upon the idea of using an injection of cocaine into his penis to help him maintain an erection. After maintaining an erection for FOUR DAYS!!! He arrived into an american E.R in huge amounts of pain, he later developed a blood clot which intially caused him to lose one leg, four toes, and a testicle. He later developed septiceamia and died!!!
Kris Nicol <nippernicol@Hotmail.com>
- Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 19:19:36 (BST)
Hmmm
It's more a case of a confidence crisis at the moment. I still havent spoken to Fiona, and I doubt if I will now.
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 16:01:19 (BST)
Matt, what happened? Did you ask her? Did she say no? Has the course of true love not run smoothly? Tell us we need to know (Well I want to know anyway)!
Sarah
- Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 15:15:29 (BST)
Ball Arcs
Is it so impossible for women to like me in any sort of way? Am I a monster? I wonder.
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 02:05:31 (BST)
whats this book called, Katie?
ange
- Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 22:29:19 (BST)
Debbie
As shift leader and only qualified less than a year, I had to deal today with several, discharges, numerous incidents, often agggresive, involving different clients, sorting out leave for detained clients, I had to detain someone on a nurses holding power, and fight off doctors who wanted to admit people. As well as meds, prn etc, and the usual communicating with other agencies. Not sure how it works in adult, I'm mental health, but you soon learn very quickly to delegate to others, making sure that you've got a rough idea on whats going on. Its not easy, but part of the job is learning who to trust to handle certain jobs and who is'nt up to it and telling people what to do! Some people use a little notebook a jot things down, others can just remember stuff. I just take myself off to the loo for 5 minutes a few times a day just to sort out in my own head what needs to be done. All you have to do is remember the important things that you need to know when in charge and let others deal with the nitty-gritty. IT GETS EASIER!!! So don't stress. You've said yourself, you've only been on the ward for 3 days, give yourself a break! It takes time to get to know how different wards work. When you qualify and get your job, you'll settle into it, get to know routines, people, and you won't find it so difficult. If you really think you have a problem, identify your weak point and work on it. I think you've just got yourself really worked up and this leads to forgetting things, because when your stressed you end up spending the whole time thinking your doing a crap job and worrying instead of getting on with it. I know I've done it myself. Your in your third year, qualification looming and thinking Shit I don't think I can do this-you can! Sorry if I'm rambling, its been a tough double shift.
Hobbes
- Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 22:15:09 (BST)
Help I am in my third year and am on my surgical placement. I feel like i will never be able to cope with co-ordinating myself as a trained member of staff. I had a bay of patients today and i kept forgetting things. Trying to remember discharges, getting patients ready for surgery, washing them, obs, sorting doctors, writing notes, etc etc etc. I know its my 3rd day on the ward but i feel that i should know more and i feel if i make mistakes I am a failure
debbie
- Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 20:42:26 (BST)
Code
For thise of you that don't know how to interpret ISBN go to Amazon.co.uk and put the code into their search box. Details of the book Katie is after can be found here.
Nigel <webmaster@thornbury-nursing-services.co.uk>
- Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 10:26:09 (BST)
This book is a medical surgical nursing book
katie
- Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 05:42:21 (BST)
Looking for a used book
Hello, My name is Katie and I am a nursing student looking for a used book with ISBN# 080538121x. Does anyone know where a good source is to find this??
katie <jkdenison@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 05:39:46 (BST)
That heading seemed less apt after the message was posted, I guess you all know it only covers the hamster story!
Claire <ClaireMacL@aol.com>
- Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 00:54:02 (BST)
Hee hee
I read that hamster story in the NME years ago about the Pet Shop Boys, oh how I love the spreading of urban myths :-) To the Claire with the drug error, I have been in a situation where a junior sister I was working with gave an IV to the wrong patient with me counter-signing (no, she didn't report it, I should have, but this was when I was a scared 1st year), the thing you have to remember from drug errors is a) to learn from it and b) never do them on your own and remember the qualified nurse is always resonsible for your actions. I know I learned loads from watching that sister, treat it as a lesson and move on! Oh and don't learn from a needlestick the way I did, that one is best avoided. Claire
Claire <ClaireMacL@aol.com>
- Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 00:51:59 (BST)

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