Student Nurse Messages - October 2001

February 2002	Click Here
January 2002	Click Here	December 2000	Click Here
December 2001	Click Here	November 2000	Click Here
November 2001	Click Here	October 2000	Click Here
October 2001	This Page	September 2000	Click Here
September 2001	Click Here	August 2000	Click Here
August 2001	Click Here	July 2000	Click Here
July 2001	Click Here	June 2000	Click Here
June 2001	Click Here	May 2000	Click Here
May 2001	Click Here	April 2000	Click Here
April 2001	Click Here	March 2000	Click Here
March 2001	Click Here	February 2000	Click Here
February 2001	Click Here
January 2001	Click Here

LATEST MESSAGES

Click Here

student bursary
overseas students should not have their bursary taken away from them
hard worker
- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 23:00:41 (GMT)

ps
In fact patients get treated like that by members of the 'old school' too!!!

- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 22:43:21 (GMT)

Old School!
It is such a shame that certain members of the 'old school' don't possess those qualities that you describe!!! Hence students being treated like shit most of the time!

- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 22:42:32 (GMT)

No he didn't!
In reply to Amanda, I didn't get a date and I'm more scared of women than ever before now! But if anyone's interested, it's my 21st birthday on Friday and I'm off to the dogs in Sheffield to celebrate!
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 21:58:39 (GMT)

I think we are all entitled to an opinion. Did whatshisname ever(I think it was Matt) get a date, or even gather up enough courage to talk to a female anywhere?? Hobbes, do you have armour, ride a white horse?
Amanda
- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 21:09:26 (GMT)

Anon who replies to Ange
Sort yourself out.
Hobbes
- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 17:04:30 (GMT)

Old school-Brilliant!
Thanks old school you made my day! I can't even be bothered to pick holes in your post, but I loved it, such empathy and compassion! please more! I'll be "subordiante" to you anyday!
Hobbes
- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 17:03:04 (GMT)

Ange, read between the lines - WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM???

- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 06:34:52 (GMT)

Huh?
Dear god, tell me you are joking? All we have to do it "obs and stuff"? Are you still or were you ever in the NHS? Yes, things were different in the old days when a second or third year student was the most senior person on the ward at times and expected to know what to do in an emergency - yes, it happened - do you really want things to return to that? I personally do not "just" have to take 'obs', infact, I don't feel I have to justify my role to you, suffice to say, even first year students have more responsibility than that! No, we do not have professional accountability, but when you are not on the register, should you really? You still have obligations which must be made and it is still possible (as in the 'old days') for your college to exclude you for negligence. Enough said.
Claire
- Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at 03:19:44 (GMT)

astounded
I am astounded that future nurses can be so unprofessional as to put forth such purile rubbish into the public domain. Students are supernumuary, not like they used to be so STOP WINGEING all you are expected to do is turn up and do a few obs, wait until you have to take responsibilty for your actions and professional conduct. At least in the "bad old days" unsuitable candidates were lost by natural wasteage within a few weeks of starting their first medical ward and no hard feelings...they left, they had the aptitude but they were lacking in some way that they couldnt do the job. It is evident that the project 2000 training does not work in so much as an academic degree is not adequate preparation for a career in which personal qualities (which can be developed but not taught) of empathy, sympathy and compassion are ESSENTIAL. These qualities are as important in caring for your patients as they are in your management of staff subordinate to you. You may have a degree, so what, so do some of the porters, it is thanks to the attitudes hear expressed that morale is so low in the NHS. DRY UP and get some work done.
OldSchool <neveryoumind@all.com>
- Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at 23:57:37 (GMT)

to the person who asked what my problem is...........
the answer is:- I have plenty as I'm sure many other financially deprived, emotionally battered and over worked student nurses do......now can i ask what your problem is?!!!
ange
- Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at 22:14:22 (GMT)

Last post
Well why don't you get the ball rolling?
Hobbes
- Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at 18:29:22 (GMT)

The debate on this site was very passionate and interesring in the past. Where have all the interesting people gone?? Qualified I suppose. Has all the passion gone out of student nurses. Come on lets see some contoversial discussion again.

- Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at 14:08:42 (GMT)

Weekends
I'm fairly sure that each college has its own policy about working weekends, so I'm not much help. I never expect any of the students on my unit to work weekends, its not on. Childcare is one reason but also many students have weekend work to supplement their pitiful bursaries. Also bursaries are paid a flat-rate, no enhancements so why the hell should students work them? Weekends are quieter particularly on general wards, basically your not going to see as much or learn as much. I only had to work weekends on one of my placements, guess which one? Right my adult placement. I negoatiated an extra study day as compensation. It never ceases to amaze me how spiteful and vindictive the staff are in adult nursing particularly F grades. Switch to Mental Health we're so much cooler and don't have to wear silly uniforms. (Sorry, got abit off track there), All I can suggest is that you approach the subject of weekends from a learning standpoint. Basically your friend suggests that less things go on and so she ain't going to learn as much. Then bring up her bursary. Alot of trained just don't have a clue about how much a bursary is, mention childcare, weekend work, the fact she'll starve, etc.. Then ask Sister Starchy-Pants to provide a rationale for working weekends. If you lay it down in black and white I can't see how this Sister, (crappy old nursing terminology that makes us psyche nurses laugh out loud), can argue. Tell your friend to stay calm, she may want to find another member of staff to discuss the issue with this Sister, somebody who's sympathetic. If that fails the find clarification from the college, although don't expect much help there either. You can bet that this Sister did her training supported by Mum and Dad and never had to run a household. Christ if there's any trained staff reading this WE ARE HERE TO MAKE PLACEMENTS AS MANAGABLE AS POSSIBLE! TRAINING IS GOD-AWFUL AS IT IS! HELP PEOPLE FOR GODSAKES! THATS WHY YOU CAME INTO THE JOB REMEMBER?
Hobbes
- Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at 12:19:17 (GMT)

Weekends
Hmm, well, so far I have not worked weekends, infact my current ward has a policy of no students at weekends unless we request it. I'm on my third last placement and have been informed that this is likely to be the case till the end. Most colleges have a policy of 1 in 4 weekends or something like that, with ours that is the maximum. It's bound to be somewhere in the bumph you were given when you first started, have a look... if not, call the placement coordinator, they're bound to know ;-)
Claire
- Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at 00:28:44 (GMT)

Ange, what is your problem?

- Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at 00:07:25 (GMT)

oh by the way, excuse the punctuation in my last note, I've just finished a late shift, but I'm not dyslexic.
ange
- Monday, October 29, 2001 at 21:40:02 (GMT)

weekends!
at the uni of central lancs, we are advised to do no more than one w/e in 4 and no more than 1 late a week, throughout the entire course. So far, I've been lucky as most staff know we dont get paid anymore for w/e's/lates. I've only had to do 3 w/e's in my entire training and i finish in march. If i was your mate, Dawn, I'd politley show the inconsiderate member of staff the uni guidelines to working such hours as 4/5 we's in one placement is appalling, especially when it means paying more for childcare. I think your mate should agree to the uni policy but decline to work more weekends than that. It is frequently known for sisters/charge nurses to roster students for w/e;s in a bid to save the ward budget costly agency/bank charges.
ange
- Monday, October 29, 2001 at 21:38:15 (GMT)

sorry, i meant to say that you need to find out the policy for working weekends on your particular course

- Monday, October 29, 2001 at 21:22:10 (GMT)

the deal with our college was 1 weekend in 4 whilst on the common foundation. On the adult branch it is 2 weekends in 4. I must say that most wards appreciate students nurses either have weekend jobs or children so give a bit of flexibility. Sometimes you get awkward staff who will insist on making you work weekends which is a pain in the arse. You need to find out the policy for working weekends on your particular ward

- Monday, October 29, 2001 at 21:20:29 (GMT)

It's a 'weekend thing'
We ARE supernumary - that means, not being counted as staff. If the charge/sister is used to puting her students on nearly every weekend, then he/she will naturally buck at finding they have a student who respectfully asks to be excused from them. Our Uni suggests we do no more than 2 weekends in one placement - and that's even for rostered service, and even then, only if your Mentor is on with you (so that he/she can actually teach you something) This clause is written in our placement books for us to actually point out to whoever does the rosters (whilst they lick their lips and rub their hands together at the thought of all the weekends they can put their students on). I would point out however, that your friend will eventually have to do some weekends, during some placement eventually. Comes to us all. Sad but true.
Sassy
- Monday, October 29, 2001 at 20:01:26 (GMT)

Don't know if anyone can help but here goes. My group are about to go onto their 3rd placement. One of the girls has gone onto her prospective ward to obtain her off-duty and to find out whether or not she can have week-ends off. She knows that she can be made to work them but unfortunately she has a 3 year old and can't get moderately cheap child care for the weekend. Consequently she's been given 4-5 weekends to work out of 6. When she told the ward sister about the family probs (she's on her own, completely) she was advised, "get child care". Now we all know that we have to work normal shifts etc., but as I thought we were supernumery I didn't think that as long as she worked her required hours that it wouldn't matter if she had more weekends off that normal. I am hoping that Hobbes(please) might shed some light on this as she's a bit worried if she goes to the college to discuss this that it may make the placement a tad bit unbearable. Anyone help? thanks.
Dawn
- Monday, October 29, 2001 at 19:24:16 (GMT)

Cheers for all your supportive feedback, I am feeling much better than I was, having realised that it is my mentors problem and not mine, especially when a problem about our assessment booklet came up and her answer was "well thay can stuff their students". I'm just gritting my teeth and am determined that this bad experience will not grind me down, after all this is my future career thay are messing with and I will not stand for it!!!!
Maria
- Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 23:30:43 (GMT)

and so is Unison's head of nursing Karen Jennings...

- Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 23:21:32 (GMT)

has anyone ever heard of dyslexia? Please don't be so quick to judge people just because they can't spell. By the way, chief nursing officer Sarah Mullally is dyslexic...

- Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 18:40:38 (GMT)

Aryan p.s. Try - http://educare.intnet.mu/finuni.html#proc

- Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 16:59:06 (GMT)

Thank you! I know we are all tired, but if you can't spell here what does your charting look like???
Amanda
- Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 16:50:24 (GMT)

Aryan - why on earth should the British Government be funding you to do your nurse training here? - there are quality government funded opportunities for training as a nurse in Mauritius, Mauritius is not a war or famine stricken country with no infrastructure - I understand that alot of young middle class Mauritiuns don't see any future for themselves stuck on a small island but be gratefull that you at least have a comfortable existence with enough money to have a better lifestyle than many British people (student nurses included)

- Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 13:22:17 (GMT)

Beth
For goodness sake learn to spell!!!!!

- Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 11:53:34 (GMT)

Aryan - this is a difficult one. As far as I am aware there are no loans available for nursing students and no grants, only the bursary system. You will not only have to provide the fee for the course but also your own living expenses etc. One solution would be to work on top of the course, either bank nursing or something like bar or restaurant work but this would obviously mean less study time and would be very tiring for you. It seems very strange that the government has brought in this bursary change when we need more nurses in the UK, maybe it was done partly to address the fact that we are poaching students from countries that need nurses of their own perhaps. Could you not do training in Mauritius?

- Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 09:50:58 (GMT)

please advice me coz i really feel lost
hi everybody,my name is Aryan,i'm nearly 20yrs old,i'm a mauritian and i've got a big problem.I would very much appreciate if one of u could advise me.I am actually finishing my A-levels(biology,chemistry,maths,french and gp)and I had always wanted to do nursing in the United Kingdom but the recent news have discouraged me to proceed further.I recently learned that BURSARIES would not be allocated to overseas students as September 2002 onwards.This means that the fact that I come from a very modest family,i therefore can't afford to pay the 1000pounds per annum for the diploma.If you could advise me what to do and on other means and ways to get loans or anything to help me?Thanks a lots,I really count on you.
<catyan1819@yahoo.com>
- Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 09:24:00 (GMT)

Good luck on getting a placement in the States. There aren't enough placement spots here in Canada for those of us training here.
Amanda
- Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 01:39:12 (BST)

Hi everyone! Can anyone tell me whether it is easy to set up an elective for 8 weeks in America and how long does it take to sort out? The accomodation isn't a problem as i have relatives there. I am in my first year at the moment but i don't really know what i'll want to specialise in as i've only done 2 placements.

- Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 20:09:08 (BST)

Beth
Sorry i still can't make sense of your message. What was your problem?

- Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 20:01:57 (BST)

Sorry it was a strange mesage basicly all the students on this ward complained about the atatued of the staff to the students when we meet up with our link teacher because we were all having problems and eather nothing we done or what was done dident do any good because the next lot of students to the ward had the same problems with the same staff.

- Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 18:49:29 (BST)

HELP!!!!
Just starting my second year and I'm trying oh so very hard to write my integrated essay on the concept of touch but not alternative therapies. Can anyone suggest any decent internet sources to find anything? I would be eternally grateful!!!! Thanks a lot!
Heather <Leheluja@aol.com>
- Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 18:43:15 (BST)

???????
Didn't quite get that Beth - sorry it didn't make much sense, please explain what did happen then!

- Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 18:26:42 (BST)

Sorry forgot to put my name on the last post
Beth
- Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 17:58:11 (BST)

Sorry forgot to put my name on the last post
Beth
- Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 17:57:33 (BST)

YEA RIGHT we complained in mass to our link teacher about one of our placements there was six of us on the ward and we were all having the same problems. The staff on the ward delighted in making you feel about two and we were not being aloud to do anything other than changing beds. Only for me to talk to a student in the intake behind us who had been placent on the same ward and had the same problems with the same members of staff (one of them being the ward sister).

- Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 17:54:23 (BST)

The cat
He's been beaten up by next doors beast again. A chomp on the right paw and his tail, which as the vet pointed out was probably gained as he ran away. £75 the lighter but the insurance should help.
Hobbes
- Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 17:41:54 (BST)

Maria
Hi Maria. I read your post with interest, although it is, unfortunately, quite a common problem - sometimes I wonder if everyone in the NHS is anti-studentnurse and I often wonder why. Anyway, at the end of your placements do you have to fill in an evaluation form saying what was good or bad, what you learned or didn't learn, how they could improve things for students? We do at York. Its a good way of putting down how what you think and how you feel but you must be totally honest with what you write. If every student who did a placement on that ward wrote something similar to you, then they would have to do something about it (the university most certainly would have to act on it) as it would certainly not give the placement a good reputation. I just hope they dont treat their patients as badly as they seem to be treating you. But keep your chin up and don't let them grind you down, they are just not worth it! Anyway, good luck and best wishes!
Catherine <catherine1jod31@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 13:47:39 (BST)

????? not listen

- Friday, October 26, 2001 at 23:05:55 (BST)

Poorly cat?
what's up with your cat, Hobbes?
ange
- Friday, October 26, 2001 at 22:51:57 (BST)

i am in the process of writing my last ever essay in nurse training. I won't know what to do with myself in the evenings!!
kate
- Friday, October 26, 2001 at 21:10:07 (BST)

Maria
Totally agree with Anita & Sassy. Let your link tutor know asap. He or she may even move you to another placement if your that unhappy. I like the idea of confronting this nightmare of a sister. I'd approach the ward manager if you think they'll give you a listen. Make me wonder why people want to be mentors. Also keep a record of everything she does which is dodgy. Right I'm off to take the cat to the vets!
Hobbes
- Friday, October 26, 2001 at 16:13:43 (BST)

Casualty
Am I right in thinking that Casualty, the ever realistic hospital drama, was filmed in and aroud Bristol?
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Friday, October 26, 2001 at 16:11:50 (BST)

Holby City
Sandy really is a remarkable young Woman, only just turned 20 and already a year's (or is it more?)experience as a qualified nurse, how on earth did she qualify at an age when the rest of us have only just finished our A levels?
2nd year student london
- Thursday, October 25, 2001 at 23:38:52 (BST)

Holby City
Ange, holby City is based at Elstree Studios were Eastenders is filmed. Its not a real hospital, just a tall building with lots of blinds up the windows.
tracy
- Thursday, October 25, 2001 at 21:43:42 (BST)

Re bad placement
Hey Maria (pointing to shoulder to cry on) Got to agree with Anita, if you can find the courage, try to confront your mentor about her behaviour. I had an SN like that - on the outside, appeared so grateful to have students 'to help out' but as that old clock ticked around to shift end, she'd be frantic trying to find some paperwork for me to do, or moving and handling task that would take me well over my shift time. I fell for that twice before I eventually said, 'No'. Not nastily, nor timidly, just a simple no. She didn't like it. But she didn't (and couldn't) do anything about it either. In discussing the problem with another SN, she suggested the threat that we young, whippersnapper, student nurses might pose to such people (I'm a mature student) For instance, you may have portrayed yourself as being quite able and confident when you met her, (as I did with mine) and she feels she has to bring you down a peg or two. Furthermore, she suggested this person had her own problems with self esteem and self worth, and so pushing the power buttons with you gives her the little kick she might otherwise lack in her sad life. Alot of phycho-babble I know, but sometimes it helps to consider how other people tick - and to know that it's possibly not just you she does it too. And definately, inform your Uni/College...just keep them in the know...just in case, kinda thing. Good luck!
Sassy
- Thursday, October 25, 2001 at 19:31:49 (BST)

Maria
You poor thing, don't you stand for it - you must toughen up-I haven't really had trouble like this on my placements but I am always expecting it and when it happens I will give it them back. I would ask your mentor if you can take your break at the same time as the others, if she is awkward then ask her why she is intimidating you. I know it is easier said than done when you are new but people don't like to be confronted about bad behaviour and she will probably take pleasure in giving you a crap report too, no matter, one of our girls got one for her first placement but the tutors didn't do anything, they know what staff can be like on the wards. I would go and complain to a tutor too but ask that they don't do anything until your placement finishes, at least they are then aware of what the staff are like, you will probably find that you are not the only student to have had this problem on that ward.
Anita
- Thursday, October 25, 2001 at 17:57:58 (BST)

10 minute breaks?!!
Maria, sounds like its a bad placement, you've only got 10 minute breaks? Were I work me don't take breaks as such but its our choice. As a student you should be entitled to 20 minutes, if your doing a 7 1/2 hour shift. Its the law thats sadly forgotten in most places. Sleepy at the moment but I'll re-read when I've some time off. Hang in there!
Hobbes
- Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 23:00:59 (BST)

Placement hell!
After much dread of my first placement I am now on my 2nd week.After a fairly pleasant start with the RNs breaking us in gently I must say that I am now experiencing much hostility and bitching from NAs and RNs. Unfortunately one of the bitches in question is my mentor, she has took a dislike to me but I do not know why. Why she continues to treat me like a complete idiot and a child I do not know especially when I am older than she is and have 2 children myself. I am feeling completely miserable and disbelief that somebody who should be understanding at once being a student herself could treat me so crap! For an example she goes out of her way not to let me go for my valued 10 minute break with anybody else on the ward yet everybody else does and when she does eventually perimit me to go I end up having my break alone. I feel totally isolated and am unaware of my rights, I thought we are supposed to be supernumary but she always finds some bed that needs making or comode that needs emptying before she lets me go! Personally I think she is on a power trip because she is the f grade sister but for god sake give me a break! I just needed you guys to have a moan to cos I`m sure you will understand what I am going through! I`m trying to keep my chin up and hold on to the fact that I am not here forever, thank f***!
Maria <www.madhazysco.uk>
- Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 22:23:10 (BST)

Casualty
Hi! Wasn't Casualty filmed at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol too at one time? My sister in law who was a student nurse there in the late 1980s said they filmed some of it there. It definitely isnt filmed at York lol!
Catherine <catherine1jod31@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 20:29:41 (BST)

BRISTOL STARS IN YOUR EYES
They're filmed in Bristol, originally based on the Bristol Royal Infirmary. Even Charlie was based on a real-life character at the BRI. Nowadays the BRI's got zero stars and the chairman and chief executive have been given 12 months by Mr Milburn to shape up or ship out. This will make a dramatic story-line.......
Agency Nurse, BRI A&E
- Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 07:05:07 (BST)

Casualty TV Series
Talking of student nurses appearing on TV, is girl on Casualty who was a student in the last series now a staff nurse because she seems to be having a pretty long placement - the maximum length of placement I've ever had was 8 weeks.
Chris Chamberlain <chris@chamberlain.karoo.co.uk>
- Tuesday, October 23, 2001 at 23:08:42 (BST)

Holby City
Does anyone watch Holby City? Don't you think its strange that Danny is a student nurse, yet he's been doing paediatrics for the last two series? Doesn't look like they have much variety in their training wherever it is! I said it's filmed in London, but my fella reckons its in York. Can anyone settle this argument?!!!
ange
- Tuesday, October 23, 2001 at 22:39:16 (BST)

The last thing I wanted to do...
Dear Debbie, the last thing I wanted to do was upset you, as I said, UNLESS you were doing your management placement its not up to students to tell nursing assistants what to do. You were on your management placement, your there to delegate. I'm sad that the ward sister has been aware of the problem but hasn't resolved it. Your posts strike me as being honest and assertive, you communicate well, (unlike me who rambles alot). A good way of showing assertiveness is expressing what you see as your weaknesses, showing your not afraid to show it, this will invaluable when you qualify. We all have had shitty placements, staff that should have belonged in zoos rather than wards, (thats no disservice to the poor tigers and chimps who are caged up), who's sole aim in life is to spread bitterness around by the truck load no matter what grade they are. You'll get into the delagation bit no probs, once you've qualified you'll grow into it. A big problem is that many people don't take students seriously and even when you qualify you'll still get "old school" nurses giving you that look, "who the hell do they think they are". Delegation becomes so natural because your to busy to worry about pissing people off. Thats why your exeperiences of the placement is no reflection on your abilities but rather a reflection of that ward. Its obvious management failure in not splitting up these horrible staff. E-mail me if you want to discuss further or write another post.
Hobbes <JUJUHOBBES@Hotmail.com>
- Monday, October 22, 2001 at 22:56:20 (BST)

I was really upset by your comments Hobbes. I have had big problems in the past not being assertive and have consequently had people walk all over me. On my management placement I was given 8 patients to look after on a busy busy ward and tried to do everything myself and didn't feel brave enough to ask for help. In the end I ended up extremely stressed. I was given advice by two staff nurses that I should master the art of delegation! This does not come naturally. I have been an HCA and community auxillary for several years and have been used to being delegated to. I never had a problem with that. Unfortunately the auxillaries involved were unhelpful and awkward. My friend is now on the same ward and has had to go to the ward sister with the same problem. The ward sister was sympathetic and said this isn't the first time this has happened. I respect all staff whatever grade, but again state that we shouldn't have to put up with this kind of unprofessional attitude whether qualified or not. If it appeared I was bad mouthing all auxillaries that was certainly not my intention.
debbie
- Monday, October 22, 2001 at 21:57:09 (BST)

I have to agree, I wouldn't tell NA's what to do either, they probably know more than me anyway!! I am 18 months down the line and still feel like a novice! Seriously though I have met some fantastic HCA's/NA's in my training so far, I only met one who irritated the hell out of me and she lives round the corner from me too - pain in the arse she is. Anyway when I was on my very first placement in rehab, a couple of times she tried to humiliate me over something stupid, I let it ride, came home and ranted on this site a bit and forgot about it. A few months later she came knocking on my door for advice as her daughter had started her training and had been given double shifts on her first placement in a nursing home!! Ha ha, she went there kicking up a stink - I just basically said, "Oh well, that is a shame", she ended up humiliating her daughter from what I was told. Funny little life isn't it?
Anita
- Monday, October 22, 2001 at 21:25:31 (BST)

N/A's - again!
Your opinion, Hobbes, are pearls of wisdom on a golden leaf of knowledge and experience... As a 3rd year student, I'd never dream of telling an NA what to do or when to do it -unless of course they asked me. However, while hastily sussing out a new ward and it's N/A's (after I've sussed out my mentors worth first of course) I sometimes find the odd NA who harbours some kind of resentment towards students in general. These NA's are the ones who see the student as the individual that'll make their daily working lives lighter - they actually grudge you being called away to learn something 'nursey'. And btw, despite recognising these people immediately, unless a patient was at risk, I'd never say a damn word to anyone about it - in my opinion, it's just not worth the hassle. You get your head down and you do your placement - and you make a mental note to remember these same characters when it's your turn to hire and fire (OK, so I'm thinking ahead) There have been wards where the majority of the work is only done by NA's, and they know their patients, their likes and dislikes, their medications etc. One ward I was on, the SN couldn't remember what one particular patient looked like, despite the fact that this patient been in the same bay for 4 weeks!!
Sassy
- Monday, October 22, 2001 at 16:52:23 (BST)

Breach of duty of care
I am a student who has just started my first year nursing. I need information on the above.
Shingayi Peter <shingayi @hotmail.com>
- Monday, October 22, 2001 at 13:01:10 (BST)

Breach of duty of care
I am a student who has lust started my first year nursing. I need information on the above.
Shingayi Peter <shingayi @hotmail.com>
- Monday, October 22, 2001 at 13:00:27 (BST)

Them N/A's - A WARNING!
First of all I must point out that I work in Mental Health, we don't do the physical stuff that adult nurses do, drips, I.V.'s ect. In my environment much of it is dealing with empowerment, copying-stategies, finding solutions, giving comfort, being non-judemental and dealing with challanaging behaviour. The N/A's I work with do 1-1 sessions, and provide much of the above, and are motivated and willing to learn new approaches. As the trained on a busy acute/admissions ward I'm stuck in the office, liasing with other agencies and doing the much hated paperwork, so its up to the N/A's to provide much of the direct client contact. Like I say I work in a different environment to the task-orientated world of general. Debbie you don't say what stage your at in training, hopefully your at the latter stages, so your in charge of a small case-load, doing your management placement. Otherwise I don't really think its up to students, unless in their final year to be telling N/A's what to do. We had a student recently just about to enter branch, no experience of acute, precious little experience of mental health who started ordering the N/A's about. These N/A's some of whom had twenty years experience, rightly told him where to go. This is not uncommon, I think self-awarness is a key here. I think students should ask themselves are they in the position TO Tell N/A's what to do, do they themselves have the sufficient knowledge and skills? Is it part of their learning outcomes to be allocating tasks to non-trained? Leadership is an important part of being a nurse, but its also important to respect experience. Thats why I like mental health, its not so much your grade, or if you've got a floppy card from the UKCC, its about, knowledge, experience and attitude. Debbie I may be talking out of my arse here, and this has no bearing on your situation, but to others think before dishing out the orders. Also I wish students would get rid of this attitude that N/A's are failed nurses, or to stupid to do the job. Most were sensible enough to realise that earning a couple of grand more, was'nt worth the hassle and the responsibility of being trained. There have been many occassions when I'd wished I'd stayed as an N/A. Many just could'nt do it for one reason or another. So don't look down on them, they may be smarter than you. I've only ever seen these attitudes in general nursing, we don't have this shit in Mental Health.
Hobbes
- Monday, October 22, 2001 at 11:35:58 (BST)

bussiness viewpoint and customer viewpoint
convising proposal report to management with all positive facts on promoting goods and services using website as media
chen chee siong <cs806chen_82>
- Monday, October 22, 2001 at 05:16:24 (BST)

I know what you all mean about auxillaries, having said that I haven't really had any problems with them yet, I can see why some people do though. I tend to humour the difficult ones, y'know, praising their skills and asking them to teach me little things, this works. Yes I know it is sad but having worked in pubs for 16 years I pride myself on knowing how to handle difficult people.
Anita
- Sunday, October 21, 2001 at 17:44:21 (BST)

NURSES V. AUXILIARIES---------NOT REALLY!
This sort of thing is a feature in all walks of life. It arises I think, because we're all social animals and human beings. Management v staff, seniors v juniors, old hands v new starters, children v parents.......it's all around us. Not pleasant of course, especially if you can't walk away because you have to earn a living in the job you've got>>>>>>>

- Saturday, October 20, 2001 at 21:46:30 (BST)

i had a problem with auxillaries on my last placement. I am concious of being respectful and if i had to ask them to do something tried to be friendly and not bossy, using phrases like 'would you mind' and thanking them all the time. This didn't work and they deliberately ignored me and were very unfriendly and uncooperative. I never had such a problem on my other wards. I worked with some lovely auxillaries and they used to invite me out in the evenings. We all worked as a team and respected each other. The working atmosphere was fine. I think some of these auxillaries have an attitude. I don't know why. Perhaps they are jealous we are getting on and completing our training. But we shouldn't have to put up with that kind of behaviour. Trouble is if we complain it would be seen as we having the problem. When in fact it is them with a chip on their shoulders. At the end of the day we are all equals who aspire to achieve the same end result and that's looking after patients.
debbie
- Saturday, October 20, 2001 at 21:16:29 (BST)

Speaking as an LPN (roughly your auxillary) who is uprgrading to RN status, we don't hate students. I know that, I've trained a few in my time. What we dislike are ones who come to the unit with the attitude that I'm a "real" nurse and the auxillaries are scum. I admit 4 semesters isn't a great deal of education, but it works out that half that training is spent in hospitals working. When I was a student LPN, I had student RN's asking me how to monitor the IV flow rate, how to insert a catheter, oh and the favourite question: why aren't you doing RN. Well, consider it time, money, and life circumstances. I'm lucky where I live I got a year's credit towards my RN in some areas of Canada you get none. Let me some it up, as a student LPN I had to hit the unit running and work that first day, (surgical dressing change that made my preceptor blanche) but I did it. The student RN that was on the unit with me spent her first day doing bed baths. Not an ideal world, but walk a few miles in their shoes first. And after you've trained at least six RN's who in theory will be my supervisors then comment. My favourite comment was in Psych class, when a student RN told me cleaning up blood and vomit isn't part of their job, they provide health care. That same lucky individual was vomited upon on her first shift in pristine Simon Chang uniform because the LPN and the Nursing Assistant failed to step up and catch the puke!!
Amanda
- Saturday, October 20, 2001 at 20:44:18 (BST)

i have just spent the past 3 weks thinking i would rather be doing anything except this nursing course but i cheared up some now i got my exam results yestereday and found i'd passed an exam i was convenced i'd failed and hopfully the problems i've been having with placement are sorted as well. Besides i've spent 2 years at this already i'll be damed if i'm going to give up now.
beth
- Saturday, October 20, 2001 at 16:29:02 (BST)

Auxillaries!!!
Why do auxillary nurses have such a problem with us students? im just about sick of them and would like to speak my mind!! Why do SOME auggies go out of their way to be nasty and unhelpful to students? are they trying to exert some authority over us, before we become qualified and will be higher in rank than them? in that case why don't they do their nurse training, its their problem not ours! I'd just like to say to all the nasty auggies out there BOLLOCKS!!!
Mel
- Saturday, October 20, 2001 at 15:59:11 (BST)

Have a Laugh
Hi all - in an attempt to bring a smile to you all, please click on this url http://www.madblast.com/oska/bin.cfm as I thought it was hilarious and it certainly appealed to my wharped sense of humour lol.
Catherine <catherine1jod31@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, October 20, 2001 at 13:46:03 (BST)

I second that. Nurse training should carry a health warning. The amount of times i said i would jack it in!! One minute i think great..this is the job for me, the next minute I absolutely hate it. From one extreme to the next. Don't give up, Hobbes is speaking sense
kate
- Saturday, October 20, 2001 at 00:11:26 (BST)

Donna-Strange Days
Donna- you've realised by now that the course is shit, the job you going to do is also shit. BUT-don't do it, don't stop it now! Getting through the course is a major test of character. O.K? You've gone this far you can do the rest. Fuck I thought I'd jack it in a million times when I was training. But strangely enough I'm proud that I managed it. I'm proud that I'm a nurse with the heavey responsability I have. I'm proud that I go in every day, (even with the odd sickie thrown in), to face the music, the crap, the everyday rubbish we have to put up with. We are a top bunch of people! Your part of it, part of the the big family! You know you can do it, don't stop now! You'll live to regret it big time if you do jack it in. Honestly don't stop now. I'm not normally this crap, but you'll be fine, just stick with it.
Hobbes
- Friday, October 19, 2001 at 23:47:02 (BST)

Donna, DON'T !
Stick to it, don't jack it in........and by the way, I believe there's a webmaster to keep this site up and running.......but there is NO moderator to cramp our style.......so you can probably let off as much steam as you like here!

- Friday, October 19, 2001 at 22:57:08 (BST)

I apologise
I'm sorry. I shouldn't have written like that. I've been under a lot of stress recently with this course and am now thinking of jacking it in. I probably deserve a good spanking!
Donna
- Friday, October 19, 2001 at 22:15:01 (BST)

there is a moderator on this site!!

- Friday, October 19, 2001 at 18:29:01 (BST)

Major Rex whatshisname
LOL, this bloke is funny! My hubby is in the army and I know how stuffy officers are, (my hubby isnt an officer though - he actually works for his money lol lol) but can't help but find them so amusing!!! Sounds like someone off the Fast Show and I love a good laugh!
Catherine <catherine1jod31@hotmail.com>
- Friday, October 19, 2001 at 17:54:56 (BST)

Cannulation
Hi everyone. I'm a third year student nurse (thank God! LOL) and have just completed a cannulation workshop, which is new to our curriculum. According to the uni we should now be allowed to go out into practice and do this under supervision, although, I have my doubts. I was wondering if anyone else has done this as part of their training, and if so, were you allowed to cannulate or take blood out on the wards (under supervision of course)?
Catherine <catherine1jod31@hotmail.com>
- Friday, October 19, 2001 at 17:43:16 (BST)

Ahh captain corelli, play your mandolin one more time.............

- Friday, October 19, 2001 at 12:05:48 (BST)

PROBLEM FOR DONNA
Donna, there's no moderator on this site, everybody is free to post whatever they want.......
Captain Corelli
- Friday, October 19, 2001 at 12:00:49 (BST)

No 'annonymous', major rex is not a student nurse. He is just somebody who appears on as many message boards as he possible can, with the hope of turning all attention towards himself. Trust me on this. And this is the last time I will mention 'him'. I'm not some miserable old cow you know! Of course having a laugh is ok. How else to you expect to get through three years of loads of reading, writing, placements and drinking? Ah well, only two more years to go - it doesn't sound that long if you say it quick enough!
Donna
- Friday, October 19, 2001 at 09:32:33 (BST)

Donna, chill out, don't take life so seriously. Clearly Major Rex et al are all student nurses dressed up as army people, just having a laugh. This is allowed isn't it???

- Friday, October 19, 2001 at 06:26:02 (BST)

Major Rex Alert!
I am just into my second year of training. What a year! To all of those just starting - welcome and good luck. To all those who are in the final 6 months - Eek! Not long to go! Please ignore the 'major'. He is an annoying being who thinks that he has some talent in the humour area. Unfortunately, not only is he very unfunny, he is also a pest of message boards everywhere. To: Major Rex Cosgrove, is there anywhere that you can't be found? I gave this message board address (on another message board) for the benefit of somebody who was applying to become a student nurse. I have, in the past, made myself unpopular with some of my views on this forum. I am, however, at least a student nurse. You seem to find it necessary to infiltrate any available medium to meet your egotistical needs. I should also point out that you eventually get excluded by most website moderators. I wish to convey to everybody on this site that it is imperative that no further response is given to the 'major', as it feeds his ego in some perverted manner. I can't really say much more than this - and I realise that this message may seem a little odd - but honestly this person is a pest and I'll be passing on my concerns to the moderator of this site.
Donna
- Friday, October 19, 2001 at 02:24:53 (BST)

Well at least I know Im not the only crazy fucker out there who chose this life for the next three years! Anyone here doing paeds nursing except me? Me in brief: second yr student in west london,aquarian,loves going on the piss,going to gigs(u2,rhcp,reading every year)and reading douglas coupland. bye chickens xxx
Yvie <yv_kiedis@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, October 18, 2001 at 00:11:55 (BST)

Ange
You want to look into that bursary thing - I got my rise thank god. I am on my community placement at the moment and have 2 essays to hand in in 2 weeks, one I have done the other I want to start but our library doesn't open weekends and closes at 4.30 at night - no good when I am miles away on my placement until that time is it? The tutors don't really give a toss about the library hours even though we all complain. We are based in a little school joined to a hospital in Crewe, but our main college is in Chester, their opening hours are brilliant - what is this about supposedly having the same facilities at all sites?
Anita
- Wednesday, October 17, 2001 at 20:55:57 (BST)

this is how it is!
Thanx for asking hobbes - I'm on placement at the moment in ophthalmology - and i never realised I was so squeamish! I'm spending a week in the theatre dpt. next week and I'm dreading it. I'm fed up of having no money and i still havent found out why I didnt get my bursary raise, still, only another 5 months left!
ange
- Wednesday, October 17, 2001 at 17:17:05 (BST)

Titles
Not a Major or a Marshall, but I've recently been given the title of "Red Team Leader" - sounds like something out of the army. Anyhow how is student life for everyone?
Hobbes
- Wednesday, October 17, 2001 at 13:11:02 (BST)

the Major
The reason I post late is that I've been doing a fair amount of lates recently, also I never make it out work on time, so by the time I've had a few beers to calm my nerves, watched a bit of telly, talked to the wife, (or usually the wife talks to me and I grunt back, psyche nurses' are usually to knackered and wired to hold meaningful conversations after work), and then play with the cat, its usually late before I check the mail, etc... I guess this wierd pseudo-militristic world the Major inhabits has funny working hours too. God knows what he's on about though.
Hobbes
- Wednesday, October 17, 2001 at 13:07:25 (BST)

A bad show!
I wish to advise that the message below was not sent by me. I am never awake at that hour, and had I written such a message, would have placed a question mark after accommodation. I am, quite frankly, appalled at this attempt to impersonate me. I shall send no more dispatches to this board, and you may therefore assume that all further messages bearing my name are from an imposter. Major Rex Cosgrove (rtd)
Major Rex Cosgrove <majorrexcosgrove@altavista.co.uk>
- Wednesday, October 17, 2001 at 06:48:53 (BST)

Billet The Troops
Splendid! Her Majesty is grateful. We also require stabling for 120 cavalrymen and their mounts. Does your property include such accommodation. Also fine cellar of wines for officers' mess would clinch the arrangements. I have ordered official requisition documents to be raised immediately.
Major Rex Cosgrove (Rtd)
- Wednesday, October 17, 2001 at 04:34:27 (BST)

need somewhere to stay?
I own a large house on the Wirral (close to Liverpool UK). I have several room vacant and would be delighted to offer some space to student nurses who are perhaps working in hospitals in this area of England. Pass this info to your friends. I am genuine. John
John <jon0@pgen.net>
- Tuesday, October 16, 2001 at 14:27:55 (BST)

oooopps......
did I really send that three times or is this website playing up?
ange
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 22:05:13 (BST)

Beg your pardon?
just who were your comments regarding the person who needs 'to get a life'intended for, Amanda?
ange
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 22:03:05 (BST)

Beg your pardon?
just who were your comments regarding the person who needs 'to get a life'intended for, Amanda?
ange
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 22:02:58 (BST)

Beg your pardon?
just who were your comments regarding the person who needs 'to get a life'intended for, Amanda?
amge
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 22:02:46 (BST)

Sorry Hobbes!!!
My sincere apologies Hobbes. I checked his website and trust me I don't think your old enough to be him!! Now for the person who thinks we're getting a bit too military. GET A LIFE!!!! My husband is in the military not me. There are a lot of really good nurses and some gawdawful ones in the forces. You know what, they are all human and trained once. Forget the uniforms and look at the person.
Amanda
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 21:23:43 (BST)

Confirmation
I am delighted to see that you do not doubt me, madam. My credentials may be viewed at: www.geocities.com/majorrexcosgrove/TheCosgrovePage.html Major Rex Cosgrove (rtd)
Major Rex Cosgrove <majorrexcosgrove@altavista.co.uk>
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 19:45:38 (BST)

and............
It's certaintly amusing though........
ange
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 19:23:20 (BST)

food for thought
....you're maybe not the major but certaintly a marshall........
ange
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 19:22:03 (BST)

I've got you sussed, Hobbes!
Hobbes, i'm sorry but i think the military posts are yours! Dont you think its convenient how you both seem to be the only one's to post a note at around midnight? Very suspicious......
ange
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 19:19:57 (BST)

Finals
Kate, in a nutshell the finals incorporate CFP but are mainly (here anyway) 4 papers on: surgery, medicine, community and tierary care. Giving you a situation and you explain the care...EASY???!!!! anyway good luck with your final few months!
kerry
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 15:33:07 (BST)

market research
I need a male degree student age 18-25 who has not bought a study guide but is intending to buy one for a research this Thurs 18th/fri 19th oct. The research will take place in a book shop in central London and the student will be paid a fee. It will last around one hour.
monica <monica.g@btinternet.com>
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 09:50:00 (BST)

JINGOISTIC
This right-wing militarist nonsense does the nursing profession a grave disservice. There are much more important policy issues of toileting and handwashing to be addressed. Do you think our boys in the SAS have time to spare for the luxury of ablutions and idle chat?
Sergeant Suren
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 06:48:16 (BST)

MAJOR REX: STAND BY YOUR BED
This is no time to sound the retreat, man. Please send three and fourpence, we're going to a dance.
Mainwaring
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 06:37:36 (BST)

Cobblers
Rah rah rah, what's all this military talk? I would never have allowed this in my regiment. But then again, I'm afraid I was very, very drunk.
Field Marshall Singleton St.John Boothby-Smythe
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 00:20:06 (BST)

I ain't the Major
Its not me, but I like the posts, keep them coming. Roger is it you?
Hobbes
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 00:08:33 (BST)

As you were
Please accept my apologies, Corporal Jones. Harris was a chap who served under me many years ago, and he has recently been in my thoughts. Major Rex Cosgrove (rtd)
Major Rex Cosgrove
- Sunday, October 14, 2001 at 22:54:32 (BST)

Heartfelt thanks
I am again indebted to you, Corporal Harris, for your kind words of support. Although I have not yet resolved the aforementioned situation, it is I fear, time for me to take my leave. It would be most inappropriate for me to continue contributing to a message board which is for the exclusive use of the nursing profession. I must say, however, that I am surprised at the number of military personnel here. It is my sincere hope that you and the bombardier will visit www.geocities.com/majorrexcosgrove/TheCosgrovePage.html and its related page, TheCosgroveForum which I shall be re-opening within the next few days. Major Rex Cosgrove (rtd)
Major Rex Cosgrove
- Sunday, October 14, 2001 at 22:47:19 (BST)

SERIOUS ABOUT DEFENCE
It is clear from the style of his despatches that the Major is an educated man, an officer and a gentleman. The despatches are a model of their kind - clear, to the point, and unfailingly courteous. It would be quite beyond Bombardier Hobbes (useful soldier though he is) to camouflage his true identity under the disguise of subterfuge communications. Make no mistake - Major Rex is a true military man.
Corporal Jones
- Sunday, October 14, 2001 at 22:13:26 (BST)

Not a joke
I assure you, madam, that there is in my messages no levity whatsoever. One finds so little to laugh about nowadays. As to your reference to 'matron', I never found the time for that sort of thing: I was too busy defending my country. Yes, I did wear a cap when on duty. Major Rex Cosgrove (rtd)
Major Rex Cosgrove <majorrexcosgrove@altavista.co.uk>
- Sunday, October 14, 2001 at 21:23:06 (BST)

Admit it. Major Rex is really Hobbes have a joke???? Or does he just have a hankering for the days of caps and matron
Amanda
- Sunday, October 14, 2001 at 20:25:00 (BST)

Nothing against HCA's but i've just realised that I've accidently signed up for the HCA course, 'cos all I ever seem to have done on nights lately is clean the sluice!!! Last night done and dusted and now off for 2 weeks yipppppppe!!!!!!!

- Sunday, October 14, 2001 at 08:48:33 (BST)

Comrades unite!
Thank you, Corporal Jones, for your splendid message. You are just the sort of chap who could remedy the situation. This would merely entail the sending of a dispatch on my behalf. Please reply to my e-mail address if you can be of assistance. Major Rex Cosgrove (rtd)
Major Rex Cosgrove <majorrexcosgrove@altavista.co.uk>
- Sunday, October 14, 2001 at 08:25:30 (BST)

ATTENTION, MAJOR REX
Don't panic! Don't panic! You will find that most of the readers on this board all go AWOL on Saturday nights, clubbing, drinking and fornicating in the ranks. These deserters usually return to report for duty late on Monday evenings. Put them on a fizzer, and a spell in the sluice-room.
Jones the Butcher (Corporal)
- Sunday, October 14, 2001 at 02:16:19 (BST)

Explanation
Please accept my profound apologies, madam, for causing confusion. Were the matter not one of the most critical urgency, I would not have sent my previous dispatch to this board. I would be most grateful for any assistance in resolving this intolerable state of affairs. Major Rex Cosgrove (rtd)
Major Rex Cosgrove <majorrexcosgrove@altavista.co.uk>
- Sunday, October 14, 2001 at 01:14:23 (BST)

Who is Alison and what is the campsite message board???? God forbid somebody upset a retired officer! Speaking as the spouse of an enlisted.
Amanda
- Saturday, October 13, 2001 at 20:27:30 (BST)

good luck kerry, what is the exam on? We don't have finals at our school. Got one more essay to do and then that's it with the theory!!! Training goes so quick, seems like yesterday we started!! I qualify in January!!!!!
kate
- Saturday, October 13, 2001 at 19:38:56 (BST)

FINALS AGAIN...
By the way 03/99 Homerton School of Health Studies, Cambridge.
kerry
- Saturday, October 13, 2001 at 17:15:58 (BST)

FINALS!!!
Wish us luck, who is left of 03/99 (Started with 50ish now 17!)have our finals this thursday, oh well it's all grown up stuff now! At least the end is in sight! Good luck to all those starting/ mid-way through..it does come eventually!
kerry
- Saturday, October 13, 2001 at 17:14:45 (BST)

Camper Alison
Thank you, Alison, for the splendid message of the 10th. inst. that you placed on the campsite message board. Unfortunately the moderator does not agree with you, and will not allow any further dispatches from me to reach the board. As you will almost certainly be aware, several contributors have sought to ridicule, through me, the British soldier and I am now stripped of the right of reply. I would be delighted to hear from you. Major Rex Cosgrove (rtd)
Major Rex Cosgrove (rtd)
- Saturday, October 13, 2001 at 16:01:29 (BST)

Oh Hobbes! What are you like?
Anita
- Saturday, October 13, 2001 at 16:01:27 (BST)

OK nights-survival
Even if you don't like it, eat some chocolate at around 3:00-4:30 in the morning something to do with blood sugar. It works though. Then drink alcohol in the morning with a fry-up, after you get home. You'll sleep like a baby.
Hobbes
- Friday, October 12, 2001 at 23:48:28 (BST)

god bless america???Just what is that supposed to mean?
ange
- Friday, October 12, 2001 at 23:15:10 (BST)

God bless America!? and god bless the Hallamshire!

- Friday, October 12, 2001 at 19:00:13 (BST)

matt/nat
I was on I1/2, the head and neck centre and I absolutley loved it!The staff were so helpful and took time to teach you. The hospital is modern and as you say nat, had modern equipment. With NGH it was like walking into a time warp.I was on V11, and although the staff were friendly and helpful, I couldnt be doing with the 'nightingale' type ward. And it was cold!If i ever came back to sheffield RHH would be my number one choice anyday!
ange
- Friday, October 12, 2001 at 15:17:39 (BST)

and my god do some of those wards smell....

- Friday, October 12, 2001 at 13:54:35 (BST)

The Northern smells
The Royal Hallamshire is a good hospital, not only is it in a good part of sheffield, as apposed to the Northern, it also seems to focus much more on student nurses than the Northern does. The Hallamshire always seems much more organised than the Northern aswell as the simple things like having decent, WORKING equiptment on the wards. Shame about the ugly tower block tho'. Sorry is this turning in a Sheffield discussion?..........!
Nat Mills <natwm@btopenworld.com>
- Friday, October 12, 2001 at 13:53:08 (BST)

Hobbes
Hobbes, chill out mate I was having a laugh, where's your sense of homour??? Ange, I've only done nights at the longley centre at the NGH, which was OK, but I've had two placements on general wards at NGH which weren't fantastic. I'm currently on Q2 at the RHH, which is my fourth ward there. I am yet to have a bad placement at the RHH. By the way, NGH 1*, RHH 3*.
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Friday, October 12, 2001 at 12:06:33 (BST)

Thanks guys. I think I'll ask the college to confirm how many nights I have to do. I have to say though that in a way I prefer them, there are no meals to give out and no visitors to see (I know I sound mean!) and it's more psychologically demanding on the patient which can only help me. Also the fact that it has been just me and 3 others has given me more experience in dealing with basic nursey skills! Anyway I am so sad I'm on the computer straight after doing a night and I'm now going to bed. Have a good day folks!!
Dawn
- Friday, October 12, 2001 at 08:39:56 (BST)

Nightshift
3-4 hours a day, not 3-4 hours in the entire three months.
Hobbes
- Friday, October 12, 2001 at 01:06:45 (BST)

Matt mate just stop it
Yep, we've all done nights, But on qualifying, it gets worse, recently I was asked to do a night, I'd done the early, but because of problems on the ward did'nt finish till about 17:00. managed to grab a hours sleep, do a night shift, and then did a late the next day starting at 14:30. This is not uncommon, although probably illegal. When I was a N/A and worked nights there was road works directly outside my place for three months, no sleep, I probably got about 3-4 hours sleep max during all this time I worked on the night shift. So Matt get a grip, you've only done a couple of weeks for godsake!
Hobbes
- Friday, October 12, 2001 at 01:04:00 (BST)

night duty
at the uni of central lancs we have to do one week of nights during our training. I was meant to do them on my current placement, but my assessor said i would not benefit from doing them and so i dont have to! I have been really lucky with my shifts. I qualify in march and have only ever worked 3 weekends and have never worked nights!which hospital are you doing your nights at Matt? When i was at sheffield i loved the hallamshire but hated northern general!
ange
- Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 22:12:19 (BST)

i think we should go back to the old way of shift systems. There were people that were happy to work nights because they either liked them better or they fitted in with their family's. Swapping from nights to days isn't good for health, research has proved that. A lot of people suffer with bad guts because of it. How can you have a social and personal life? Also the people on internal rotation that have children have a nightmare trying to arrange childcare for their kids when they are on day shifts. It may be good for the continuity of patient's but as usual our health doesn't matter!!
kate
- Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 19:04:31 (BST)

we have to do 2 weeks of nights in the 3 years of training.
kate
- Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 18:57:35 (BST)

Nightmare
CLINICAL AUDIT!!!!
Simon
- Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 15:52:55 (BST)

night duty
At last, someone wants to talk about night duty! I don't know if there are any national guidelines for night duty, but at the Uni of Sheffield we have to do between three and four weeks worth of nights. Apparently it takes three months to recover from a stint of nights, so perhaps that's why I feel so buggered?
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 13:47:55 (BST)

Night Shifts
I'm doing the diploma course and have been on it for 8 months. I am on my second placement at an acute ward (which is great) but, I just finishing 2 weeks of nights shifts. Someone has told me that you only have to do so many during the whole of the course and if so would anyone know how many?
Dawn
- Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 12:28:22 (BST)

Can't remember what I was going to say now!
Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Wednesday, October 10, 2001 at 15:15:31 (BST)

Diploma bursary
If you do the diploma, the bursary is paid into your bank every month, but you are not entitled to student loans or bank loans either.
Anita
- Wednesday, October 10, 2001 at 13:17:06 (BST)

OOoops
It's not a Giro cheque btw, wish it was! I'd be breaking the sound barrier hot footing it down to that Post Office.
Sassy
- Tuesday, October 09, 2001 at 20:56:36 (BST)

Moneywise
Single Mum asking about bursaries etc - I've got 3 kids all at school, and I get £823 per month. Needless to say I couldn't work as well - it's OK when you're in Uni, but when your on placement, oi, it's a killer. Despite my Uni asking and getting our bank details, they insist on dishing out pissy little giro cheques every three months - which you have to go and collect even if you're on placement, and then you have to wait a further 3 days for it to clear in the bank! This just prolongs the average students poverty stricken existence and enhances ones learning experience, of course. As a mature student tho' - with only one year to go - I'd say 'why the hell didn't I do it sooner?' It's a dawdle...and with your previous SRN experience, you'll walk it kid. Good luck!
Sassy
- Tuesday, October 09, 2001 at 20:51:42 (BST)

This site is playing up again - press submit and it won't do it

- Tuesday, October 09, 2001 at 18:02:50 (BST)

Rainbow
You will not get WFTC unless you also work 16 hours as well as do your training - believe me it is bloody hard, as for the bursary, you will get extra if your child is not earning and still at home, I lose some of mine when my son leaves college next year, I have a 6 yr old as well and get £695 a month as my bursary. hope this helps.
Anita
- Tuesday, October 09, 2001 at 18:01:50 (BST)

Supervised Adaptation
Could you arrange a Suotable place to undergo My Supervised adaptation as required by UKCC? I have registered only awaiting a suitable place for y adaptation. I am currently resident in Nigeria. Avail me of all necessary details. Regards, ADESINA Y. O.
ADESINA, Yetunde Adesina <koyejo_adesina@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, October 09, 2001 at 13:45:39 (BST)

About to start training need info please
Hi there, I am a single Mum, about to start training again (did nearly all of SRN 20 years ago). I would like to know how it has been for anyone out there in a similar position. Also, does anyone know what the bursary is for a mature student outside London, and how it is paid.Son may be on an apprenticeship by then. Do you get taxed on working income as well? I have a flexible p/t job and currently get WFTC. Will I still get WFTC with my bursary? Love to hear your experiences please. I am nervous now that the time for starting the course approaches. Hugs 'n' rainbows to you all.
Rainbow <Rainbow_dweller@yahoo.co.uk>
- Tuesday, October 09, 2001 at 12:08:40 (BST)

Nights
I haven't got any tips on surviving zombied days... but I've just come off of my first night shift ever (awe!) and the minute I got home (a) the world seemed 10 times louder and (b) I am wide awake and due back at 8pm... any tips for me? ;-) Less than a year till qualification, thank feck, money at last!
Claire <ClaireMacL@aol.com>
- Tuesday, October 09, 2001 at 10:11:43 (BST)

sorry, but...
I am really sorry to have to say this, but I'm going to anyway. I just passed my final exam, and I've only got two assignments left (ever) before I hopefully qualify in Sept 2002. However, we have had shedloads of presentations and general messing about of the timetable. I'm just relieved that some of the pressure's off. PS, I'm back on days now and I'm walking about like a zombie. Any tips?
a little less tired Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Tuesday, October 09, 2001 at 00:08:33 (BST)

this sounds a familiar scenario Anita, when i have to do an essay I miraculously spring clean my whole house. It seems that anything is more appealing than sitting in front of a desk!!! We have 2 essays due in at the end of the week. Some of the students have barely started the first one. I have just started the 2nd one!!! Again been avoiding it at all costs thinking it might go away, no such luck!!!
kate
- Monday, October 08, 2001 at 19:25:02 (BST)

Why do I do it?
I have 3 study days this week and 2 essays due in in 4 weeks - so why did I take my daughter to school then go food shopping with the intention of typing up the first essay but in the end have just sat here watching the news and sorting out car insurance instead? It is time to pick up my daughter now and still no work done!!!! Oh well, one of my mates hasn't even started any of the work yet!! PANIC TIME!!
Anita
- Monday, October 08, 2001 at 14:13:20 (BST)

I am writing an application for a job on a new ward. I need to sell myself but need some guidance. What are they looking for in an application? Any idea's would be gratefully appreciated
KATE
- Sunday, October 07, 2001 at 11:55:58 (BST)

I do!!!!
Anita
- Saturday, October 06, 2001 at 15:08:44 (BST)

We're just hanging on your every word Matt........

- Saturday, October 06, 2001 at 11:54:34 (BST)

Knackered
Does no-one else ever type anything anymore? Bleedin' hell.
Tired Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Saturday, October 06, 2001 at 02:21:29 (BST)

still tired...
my bloody landlord decided to come round today, armed with his petrol driven strimmer, to cut the grass outside my bedroom window. So now I am even more tired.
Tired Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Friday, October 05, 2001 at 02:17:33 (BST)

night duty
Hmmm. I am so verrrrry tired. I'm on my second night and I've got two more left to do. If/When I qualify, I'm going to make sure I work on a ward with lots of people who actually like doing nights. I can't stand them personally.
Tired Matt <renton@breathe.com>
- Thursday, October 04, 2001 at 02:49:53 (BST)

Handovers
Thanks Nigel, I'll try the link :)
Sarah
- Wednesday, October 03, 2001 at 14:46:20 (BST)

overseas student
i have recently been taken off my nursing course just when i was to branch in October and i cant describe how that feels to me .i want to restart again but dont know where to go or who to ask for advice because all my tutor tells me is " i dont know " so i am stuck in this country buit i still want to train as a nurse .please help everyone !!!!
junior <jiggawha23@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, October 03, 2001 at 12:38:26 (BST)

i think i must be lucky. An extra 42 quid in my pay packet...wow!!!
claire
- Tuesday, October 02, 2001 at 21:12:23 (BST)

pps
And I am also sick of having to 'play the game', that is what we are told, play the game, keep your head down and get on with it until you qualify!

- Tuesday, October 02, 2001 at 18:53:49 (BST)

ps
I think I had my 10% rise but not too sure will have to check statement

- Tuesday, October 02, 2001 at 18:52:29 (BST)

Hobbes is right-nurse training is a disappointment from the college course point of view-poor teaching, crap marking, inconsitencies in the marking of assignments, crap workbooks for maternity and paediatrics with just 2 day placements in these areas, waste of time the lot of it!!!
Anita
- Tuesday, October 02, 2001 at 18:51:38 (BST)

B***er
hey, does anyone know why we havent received our 10% pay rise this month?
sarah
- Tuesday, October 02, 2001 at 16:13:08 (BST)

Just a plain ol' staff nurse
Glen, good to here that you've sorted this thing out, I'm neither in welfare or a rep, but one thing I've found out in nursing is that there's alot of people, even people who you think are alright, who are out to pull a fast one and who don't give a damn if you end up looking stupid or in trouble. Cynical I know but true. Just been given a student to mentor, even though I ain't done my 998 yet, he's just doing his mini-branch in mental health, (start of year 2), and they have cut his placement from four to two weeks and given him a "distance learning package" to do instead of the two weeks he's missing. Now I understand our local college can't get the placements, but this is a disgusting, its piss-poor, medical-model orientated and will do nothing to enlighten this student about acute mental health nursing in modern day Britain. Is this "distance learning thing common?" I'm recently qualified, and we never had it. I'm gonna be on the phone to the tutor who set it, It would have taken me about 5 minutes to write it, the content is shocking, and another half an hour to do the cheesey graphics. I thought nurse education was improving? Also because of the 5 other assigments he's got to finish this joke, whilst on the two week placement. I said I'd give him a hand and we should have it done in a day or two. This is just re-enforcing what "old school training was better" critics have been saying all the time not enough hands on, this approach plays into their hands. I'm gonna have words with the guy who set this. Sorry I'm angry.
Hobbes, (thats my name), I was tired when I typed Hoobes
- Monday, October 01, 2001 at 19:35:02 (BST)

yep, got it
Thanks, Lorna - I think we get the point!
ange
- Monday, October 01, 2001 at 16:46:23 (BST)

As frustrated here in Canada!
Hello, I'm a 4th year nursing student at Ottawa U in Candada's capital. I've been reading a lot of your messages and it seems that you have the same frustrations as the nursing students here. Unfortunatly, if things are the same way in Europe, it will only get worst!!! Overcrouded hospitals, not enough staff or beds for the patients and way too many med. errors! I'm doing a project for one of my classes trying to compare nursing worldwide. By reading some of your messages, I see that most of you are as frustrated as we are and would love to get some of your imput! My teacher is pretty cool (one of very few) and doesn't mind us being as honnest as we possibly can. I've included my email adress so please write back to tell me your oppinion... and why the hell we got into it in the first place!? Thanks!!!
Emily <nursing_project@hotmail.com>
- Monday, October 01, 2001 at 13:29:52 (BST)

update on placement
Guess what i'm i uni when i should be on placment cause i found out on thursday that i dont have a placement for the next two weeks cause of some mess up sopmewere and next week they are considering sending use out of the region for a placement god knows how much that is going to cost me and i'll be lucky if i every see it again!!
LORNA
- Monday, October 01, 2001 at 13:02:30 (BST)

great topic
With reference to jackie's question "is nursing a proffession"? i would just like to add what a great debate this could be for us on the notice board. Should HCA's become the new "old style" nurses and are nurses now becoming more like doctors. The lines are all blurring. If we have roles more like doctors then what are doctors jobs apart from research and diagnostics? By the way Hoobes are you a student or a welfare adviser, you sound very knowledgeable about matters. matter with unison has gone awry. Man contacted me again so i took hoobes advice and asked what "Things" he was referring to to give me money. He outlined access to our halls, newsletter and some other areas and i asked who the money would go to. He told me it would go to me to put in a kitty. I have told the welfare office here at the university and this man may be in trouble for contacting me like this. The welfare office have a good working relationship with RCN and UNISON they told me and that this man does not come from the Teeside bit of unison. They have contacted teeside unison who are in turn angry with this man. -phew the mind boggles. i'm glad i didn't go along with his idea, hoobes was right, the welfare adviser did indeed say i could have got in to a lot of trouble, although the elected lady at the students' union did say that she had heard of this happening a lot from other friends at a national level, sos beware out there. Glen vxxxx
baker.g <gbaker34@hotmail.com>
- Monday, October 01, 2001 at 12:53:31 (BST)

			TOP OF PAGE

Nursing Portal \| British Nursing News Online

Pages updated and maintained by Nigel Freeney RMN, RGN. UK Nursing Web Sites Limited. Copyright, design and content © 2000-2008. All rights reserved