What a week!

Hi people! :)

How are things your end? Any news?

I have not been into university since last week on Thursday as am currently on study leave. A number of students have already had their OSCE assessment on Tuesday just gone with mine coming up next Tuesday. Have managed to write up all of my notes including the order of the assessment, and over the next few days will be swatting up on my drugs knowledge and conditions that may come up in the exam. Arghh!

In other news, I was away in Somerset Monday-Wednesday this week for the recruitment day I had previously mentioned here. I made sure I had my portfolio with me (just in case), and notes around the Trust as potential conversation starters. Despite the advert on NHS Jobs stating it was a recruitment day to meet potential employers etc, I arrived only to find that the day had changed and it was now for those due to qualify who had filled out an application previously and been shortlisted. I don't quite know how I managed it, but I explained the situation and was told that I would be able to join in with the group assessments but the likelihood of an interview that afternoon may not be possible.

I snuck onto a table with around eleven other candidates. At each corner was an assessor making notes on each of us. We were asked to reflect on a variety of photographs a stories of varied individuals who we may come into contact with. Following this, I was able to complete a very speedy application form on the short break, along with ringing my partner who was still sat in the carpark assuming I would only be an hour maximum!

After a question and answer session with various members of the Trust, we broke for lunch and were told interview times were available at the desk. I went over to check just in case they were able to squeeze me in and yes, an interview time was set!

I must mention at this point I was a combination of both anxiety and elation.Happy as I would be able to attend the interview there and then without trying to juggle time out of placement to get down there again for another day, but rather nervous due to the fact I had not prepared as I usually would. If I had known in advance I would be interviewed, I would have run through some previous placement scenarios that I could use in response to interview questions such as, 'name a time when...'. I also would have dressed differently! I was in a tidy dress with heels, but I had set aside money to invest in a good interview outfit, but too late now!

I was interviewed by two members of the Trust. Afterwards I reflected on the interview; I had answered all of the questions and felt that I had built a good rapport with both interviewers. There was no more I could do but wait, but I had this Trust down as my number one choice for location to where I would be living and opportunities.

On the Wednesday I waved goodbye to my partner at the station and started my 4hr train journey home. As I sat myself down on the second train, my phone lit up, ringing with a private number. As I answered, the train conductor pointed to a sign that I was in a quiet cabin and mobile phones were not to be used. Nooo! As the lady on the phone introduced herself, I explained that unfortunately I would be unable to talk due to being on the train and could I call her back. I felt embarrassed for the situation. Instead, she said I could listen and she could do the talking, followed by informing me that they had been very impressed with me and would like to offer me a job!

Sorry, but my reaction (in my head of course) was Arrrghhhh!!!!

I quickly jotted her number down to discuss the offer further when I was home. I messaged my partner who was equally Arrrggghhh (meant our 2 1/2 yrs of counting down to potentially moving in together and life by the seaside could actually happen!) and sat grinning to myself.

I phoned the lady back yesterday morning and due to the Trust recruiting a number of potential candidates was asked to let her know my areas of interest in terms of work and locations I find preferable to commute to. For now though, I am quite content knowing that my offer of employment is in the post, and that in 7months I will be working...somewhere.

In terms of other students in my class-some have started applying for various roles, and some are waiting for the Bedfordshire open day next month to see what is on offer. If it weren't for my partner, I would most likely stay in this area as the hospital I have placements is lovely with various opportunities popping up, it's just a shame it isn't in the right location! I will most likely still attend the careers open day as the university will be holding preparation sessions on what to expect as a newly-qualified nurse and various other talks which I think will be beneficial.

For now though, a weight has been lifted. I now need to keep my head down and get through the next four and a bit months of assessments and placement and get my qualification to release me into the world of nursing!

Very happy me at the moment :) 
 

Why Hello There!

Hello to anyone reading :)

Well this week has been a bit busy, how has it been your end?

I have had a week of university, photoshoot, funeral and am now currently at a Heathrow hotel working at an auction for the day...every penny helps!

We worked out the other day that my class has officially three more days of lectures left...EVER! I find myself living in countdowns! After the lectures we have four weeks of study leave and time for a written exam, and practical assessment (OSCE) and a 20minute presentation. Trying to break it down into chunks to try to avoid panic mode. I also have just over a week until a recruitment day to attend so really need to start doing a bit of research into the trust's visions and expectations.

With any work we submit we receive both feedback and grade. The way it works now is that within 15working days after submission we receive online feedback and then 20working days after submission the grade to try to encourage students to read the feedback thoroughly, digest and learn from both positive and constructive comments. We received our first feedback of year three yesterday for an essay submitted last month and you really do work at a higher level in your final degree year! All I can suggest is that if you are given information at the start of Year three advising how to write at a higher more academic level, read it! I felt quietly confident of this essay and it appears my content is good but my paragraph spacing and overuse of 'direct quotes' needs to be addressed, so at least my writing was on the right track, I just need to up my game with presentation and interpretation of quotes. There did seem to be a bit of tension in the class as other students reflected on their feedback, as you try to work out whether it is positive or negative, trying to estimate what grade you will get the following week. We are also asked to self grade our work before submission, so when a lecturer comments that you have not been generous enough or have over-graded we make a mad panic to refresh our minds of what we awarded ourselves!

A few students in the class have already started attending open days and interviews with one I know being offered a job. I am so used to applying for work a month or two before starting, but here you basically are encouraged to start up to seven or eight months beforehand! We are motivated to get good grades but there is a nice satisfying feeling that the majority of us will be offered a job before the grades have all come back, and are happy to have us as long as we qualify. So make sure you present well at interview as an amazingly caring and compassionate nurse! Personality seems to be a big part of it.

Right, I should get back to bidding, will see you next week (hopefully prepared for the open day!) Am still hoping to pop up a video after the day just to reflect on how it was and what was involved to give you a heads up :)

Em x