Positively dyslexic nursing

Apologies for neglecting my blog I’ve been somewhat overwhelm with academic work and life. Today’s blog  is titled “The End is Nigh” reflects on stressors of final year academically and hopes to offer some support to those who are feeling the same .     First semester Went much as I anticipated with the usual anxieties and pressures that you expect from your third year and I was happy with my results. However, entering the second semester things started to deviate from plan. I was unable to access my hub placement due to issues at the hospital and was asked to start my sign off period at one of my past spoke placements. The risk in the first semester is to sit back and think I’ve got loads of time even with both your pad and academic work. But, try to plan ahead, get as much done as possible; as the old saying goes “don’t put off till tomorrow what can be done today“. Being ahead of the game is empowering and therapeutic. Second Semester The Sun...

Studying a Nursing degree can be intimidating at times; juggling both the academic and practical side of placements. There is a need for good scheduling to plan your time. As I mention in my last blog it has been a busy study time of late due to my Viva exam and writing my dissertation. The academic side of uni life can be a bit intimidating at times and dyslexia only exasperates these anxieties. Below are some of my strategies to combat this Firstly 1.  Plan your time  2.  DO NOT procrastinate  If you have a big project or multiple projects on the go and you don't know where to start, here are 6 strategies which can help you to plan your time effectively and reduce your stres s levels. Write a to do list: this will help prevent you from “conveniently” finding  excuses to avoid unpleasant and overwhelming tasks.   Prioritise your to-do list. This will enable you to quickly identify activities you need to be focusing on and t...

Firstly, sorry for not posting recently; life has been so very full on of late with preparation for exams and the dreaded ‘D’ word (dissertation). All this on top of the mind blowing whirlwind of emotions involved in attending the Student Nursing Times Awards, trying to find time to write my poetry and attend placement which leads me nicely on to this blog “ Spoke placements, spoke in the wheel or spoke in the Works ”     What is a spoke placement? For those who have not experienced a spoke placement, The NMC Standards for Pre-registratio n Nurse Education (2010)   argues that a spoke placement allows for a more flexible and innovative approach to practice learning. Spoke placements can last anything from 1 to 4 weeks and works alongside the hub placement. Typically, hub placements last longer, between 4 to 11 weeks, depending on a student’s year of study.   Positives/Negatives For me I find anything less than 3 weeks in a placement a wasted le...

This blog reflects on my being shortlisted for and attending the Student Nursing Times Award 2019 the category I was shortlisted for was for was Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs. Nomination process I first was told that I had been chosen to be nominated for the award by Alison Geeson she had sent me an email asking me to pop in to see her. I must say at first, I did think oh no what’s up? I was taken back and extremely proud just to be nominated and felt immensely proud. For my nomination, Alison had put together a portfolio of my achievements and letters from other staff to support and validate my nomination. The day Alison contacted me to advise I had been shortlisted for the award I can only describe as a Terrific Thursday; earlier that day I had a interview for a band 5 role on the ward I wanted to work at Bloxwich Hospital, Linden ward and had been notified I had been successful. I was feeling on top of the moon, as I was collecting my bag to make my way home...

So, a few weeks ago I was introduced to my hub placement for my final year. Last year my hub was in Psychological Therapy, which I loved. But this year I am on the ward which I had previously worked as HCA on. I was still a little nervy as I had not had much ward experience in my 2 nd year.  On my first day I got to meet my associate mentor, admitted my first patient on to the ward and did some of the usual things like helping deliver medication. Whilst filling in the admission paperwork, I noticed I made some spelling mistakes probably due to me feeling slightly anxious. I ensured I added these words to my trusty notebook. I always carry a small notebook on placement so that when I recognise an issue or mistake regarding my spelling, I note it down so that I can refer to it again if need be. I also, add in words that I hear which may be useful whilst writing my notes or reports.   The first week went well, I enjoyed my time there and I am looking forward to m...