Categories: phd
Tags: research, Loch Lomond, PhD, nursing
Date: 21 January 2006 13:17:42
So yesterday was the Department's Research Away Day, which was originally intended (as I understand it) to be an informal social type of thing where we all chatted about our research over tea and biscuits, but gradually metamorphosed into something much more formal, including guest presenters from overseas and UK universities with whom our department has links. I was part of the Postgraduate Panel, and talking to the others on the same panel it was pretty clear that the Away Day was turning into an ominous black cloud of foreboding. It eventually transpired that it went really well, and despite all our misgivings most of us really rather enjoyed it.
It took place at Ross Priory on the banks of Loch Lomond, and we had a lovely view of the loch and the mountains on the far side from our conference room. At least, we had a lovely view of the loch and the mountains when the fog didn't descend and when the heavens occasionally decided to stop opening. There were some great rainbows to be gazed at when your concentration wavered though, and I must say it would make a brilliant wedding reception venue. In fact in the afternoon there was a 50th wedding anniversary party in the next room, and although it wasn't noisy it was slightly surreal when we were standing round in the lobby having our tea break, most of us in jeans and trainers etc, to be rubbing shoulders with a few of the party guests who were dressed up to the nines!
I think I can say that our session provoked lots of interesting debates. I and another student who has just finished her fieldwork did a presentation on ethical issues in social science research - mine with the added slant of having a dual role as a nurse as well as a researcher, and some of the implications of working to the NMC Code of Conduct as well as the ethical guidelines binding me as a researcher. We got lots of good feedback and it stimulated more chat and discussion over lunch and during the breaks, so I'm feeling good about it. My supervisor and some of the other students reassured me that it didn't actually sound like I'd written it at 1 that morning, so that was good. I'm glad I did it, though I must say I'm also glad that I ended up doing the topic I did, as it was a lot less dry and academic than some of the others and it was easier to make it interesting.