Categories: uncategorized
Date: 05 May 2006 23:31:13
I've just come back from my first week away. And I survived! And not only that, it wasn't as bad as I thought it could have been. I'm staying in a family run guest house, which is absolutely huge! I'm there with another girl from my course and we've been getting on well. Completely unexpectedly, I get a main meal provided for me there every day, as well as breakfast and snacks which I can help myself to! The family is made up of two parents, a 16 year old daughter and a giant poodle, all of which are friendly, and the family bantering which goes on during dinner is very homely. The house is very nicely situated - I was rather excited yesterday when I followed a public footpath sign next to it, and 10 minutes later I was surrounded by fields. I was just like: 'wow. green. cows. mud. fields. yay.'
The placements going well too. I haven't met my mentor yet, which is slightly annoying, but its because shes been on nights. I'm with her 4 days next week, so it should be ok. The other nurses I've been working along side are all nice. Today I was working with a nurse who has a habit of asking students loads of questions. I was dreading this slightly, because I was sure I wouldn't be able to answer them. But, I impressed myself with the number that I was able to answer correctly and he praised me several times on various things. At the beginning of the week it was quite hard because I didn't know the layout of the ward, and where everything was kept. I still don't know where everything is, but I am feeling more confident about working there now.
My friends have been fantastic too. As you've probably gathered, I didn't have any access there (only through a wireless card which I don't have, and decided it would do me good to live without regular internet for 7 weeks - I might regret this..... but never mind!). But, I don't think there was a single shift where I didn't come 'home' and find at least 1 text message from a friend, checking that I was settling in ok. Thank you guys. I've got a few days off now, so have come back to Swansea and am desperately juggling friends! Not literally. Hmm. Honestly.