Another result, another assessment

Why hello again!

As you will know from last week's post, I was anxiously awaiting my OSCE results as I had a gut feeling that I had failed. I hadn't felt that way throughout any of the course and on Monday somebody told me that the results were available at university. I jumped in the car and tried to have 'optimistic' songs in the car (don't laugh!)...something upbeat just to distract me from thinking about the result. I went to reception and handed over my ID to collect my results and the wait felt like forever. Even though I had told my mum that I wanted the results asap just to know, I was convinced I would be retaking in the summer. Then the result was handed to me...

An A? An A! How??? I was prepared to be over the moon for a D just to pass, I had written off any hopes of a 2:1 or even the possibility of a 1st but an A? I looked at the feedback and it was good! As none of us were sure of exactly which areas we were being assessed on, it was very early to assume the worse as things had been missed and we weren't sure whether these things were detrimental in terms of marking. I really was such a happy bunny...as was my partner who laughed at the fact I had been in such a state about it. I deserved that!

So, it was onto the next. Yesterday I had my 20minute presentation to introduce my degree project (service improvement). I think it went smoothly so should hopefully be finding out in the next week or so. I now have next week to study for my written exam but have spent the day out in the sunshine. After hours and days of sitting in front of my laptop I was getting cabin fever so needed to get out and stretch my legs and generally just switch off study. I also have only around 8 or 9 weeks left until my 26mile charity walk so thought it best I start training!

Well that's me for the week...pretty dull. I have three weeks until I see my other half but my thought is that if I keep my head down and focus on my study I will get the reward of spending a week off with him over spring leave. Well...he gets the reward as I'll be taking him away for a birthday getaway and putting my hand to a Chinese buffet...maybe the two years at catering college could come in handy for once!

Anyway, I shall leave you to your evenings, but please feel free to say hey and let me know what is happening in your worlds, as mine is rather dull and repetitive at the moment! Has anyone else been watching the Student Nurses program on ITV (bedpans and bandages)? Let me know what you reckon! 


Chat next week!

Em x

(P.S. received my written offer of employment in the post today and very keenly signed and returned it! I will still be attending the careers fair next Thursday and will let you know how it goes. Will also try to give you a few comments from other students on how they found the meeting potential employers as I do not have to worry about that bit but the majority of students will be)

Juggling student

Hello again!

I've titled this post 'juggling student' as you will find over time during your study that for any course which requires part work experience you will be required to multitask.

I have always been very much a give one thing 100% at any one time, but I have found (especially during year three) that you are expected to work on a number of things at once. As previously mentioned I am currently on my first placement of my final year, and am working three 12.5hr shifts each week-including night shifts. I previously worked full time prior to this course and shift work was not a new thing to me, but back then I had the luxury of being able to fill my days off with social life, duvet days and other activities; none of which included study.

This week for example, I got back on Monday from a long weekend away catching up with my partner and to watch a gig. On the Tuesday I had planned to sleep all day in preparation for a night shift...this did not happen (wide awake by 11am). Following my night shift I got home yesterday morning, had some food then attended a two hour lecture at uni before getting home and collapsing into bed after 27hrs conscious. I am on two long shifts over the weekend and am catching up on a bit of study today. Naturally I am drawn to sleeping through the whole of today, but as I have a degree project to work on and an essay due in January, I must convince myself to use any days off wisely, despite my body's attempts of rebelling.


Admittedly I only need to attend three short lectures throughout this 10week placement, and this taking place following a night shift is a rarity for me. Part of me has been tempted to write off a few days off to do absolutely nothing and catch up over Christmas leave, but then throughout January-March I will be having an exam, an OSCE and giving a presentation, so I will need to start prep for that also!

My motivation to keep going is that this time next year I will be graduating. In around six months time I will be applying for jobs ready for a September start. Everyone has their own motivations. But you also need to find your own ways of coping and own rewards. For some it is a holiday to Ibiza. Others a concert. For some students they are also mums and dads, and I cannot begin to understand how hard working they are...although from observation I feel they have adapted and are more able to multitask, but they deserve so much credit in my opinion. I have bite size rewards in place. I am not seeing my partner for another month, but instead he is my reward at the end of placement when Christmas begins. No matter how manic things get, remember to take time out and switch off! It will help keep you going!

Thanks for reading, will say hello next week for a catch up and hopefully post a video in the next few weeks if I can figure out how to use my webcam!

Emma x