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Becoming a Mental Health Nurse

Last tick box … PAD/OAR submitted … Quo vadis?…

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Well it’s finally come!  My placement ended on Friday and funnily the last few shifts have been the calmest since I’ve been on the Ward!  Final sign-off was a bit of an exercise as I needed to get my document counter-signed as my mentor was out of date.  But it was all completed on Thursday and this morning I submitted my PAD/OAR to the SHS Helpdesk.  So now I wait to find out for confirmation that my placement hours and work are acceptable.  If I’m unlucky, I’ll be repeating the process in a few weeks.  But lets not think about that!  Killing time now as we have some closure lectures and activities at the University which begin in half an hour!

So what does it feel like that I’m finished?  In the last few weeks this theme was explored at PPD and in conversations but until last Sunday, as I went into my final week, I hadn’t really thought too much or felt anything at all.  As I dosed off last Sunday though, the thought that crept through my mind was, “Wow, three more shifts and you’re eligible for registration with the NMC!” , or thoughts to that effect!  I think sometimes, I just plow ahead and do things or become fixated on completion – I had forgotten about GOT, which shows how focused I’ve been!  With my PAD/OAR handed in I’m more forward looking and beginning to do some background work on the care of the elderly which is where my first acute rotation will take place.

Reflecting on the last 4 years … It’s been generally good.  Hated my second year at University, a lot of things unravelled in my personal life which reflected in my grades!  Placementwise it was brilliant as I got my first taste of Psych Liaison but also saw in a private hospital what would could be classed as the Dickinsonian treatment of women with mental health issues.  We are the sum of our parts the experiences that we live and the latter point helped fuel my Dissertation.  This final year has seen me at my most wishy-washy, not feeling the love with older adults than really enjoying it later on, to the point that this is where my first job will be based!  This last placement has been brilliant as it helped hone my ward based skills, so I’m feeling pretty confident going into my new job.

Quo vadis? … I’m going to be spending much of August working with my dissertation supervisor exploring whether we can convert my dissertation into a published article in an academic journal.  In parallel with this will be paid shifts across ELFT as I try to get my finances in order for holidays in September.  As mentioned, September is the celebratory holiday – booked a few days out in Budapest with the other half, and in the planning for a walk in the woods by myself.  Than its my first day at CNWL on the 2 October!  I may be back here to talk about my first year of work but if I don’t, its been a pleasure and I hope I have helped tipped the scale and I’ll see you on the Wards!

 

About Raymond

I'm one of those "mature" students who is giving this education "thing" another go through the medium of Mental Health Nursing. It's been a roller-coaster ride but well worth it! Read and enjoy ... View all posts by Raymond →

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City, University of London is an independent member institution of the University of London. Established by Royal Charter in 1836, the University of London consists of 18 independent member institutions with outstanding global reputations and several prestigious central academic bodies and activities.

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