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Compliance or competence

When preparing to deliver a training session, I found that the room I was allocated did not have the facilities needed. I spoke to another trainer, who suggested I cancel the session. I decided that, if I couldn’t get hold of the resources required, rescheduling the training would be the best thing to do. However, Learning and Development had a different perspective. This presented me with another example where paper is prioritised over practice. If those on the training were rescheduled, they would be marked as being ‘non-compliant’ with training, which obviously has its impact on Learning and Development stats. From my perspective, the environment not being conducive to learning means substandard training. Luckily, the resources I needed were provided and I was able to start the session, albeit half an hour late. The group were very understanding, and it ended up being a really constructive session. It did make me wonder though – how many trainers would feel pressured into ca...
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I am a nurse

Today is International Nurses Day, and all over social media are 'handy selfies'; nurses smiling at the camera with 'I am a nurse' written on their hand. We all have an acquaintance on social media that uploads happy family photos while on the brink of separation. And that is what this campaign makes me think of. That friend, who looks glamorous, content and fulfilled can make onlookers wonder what they're doing wrong, and why they don't have that perfect life, even though we know it's really a falsehood. There's still something that leaves us wondering: will I ever be that happy? Nursing is hard. Since being qualified, I've had to make a choice between looking after my patients, or looking after myself. I can't do both. Of course, I must choose my patients. When I'm on my way to use the toilet, and I hear 'nurse?', I hold it and go to the patient. It's not their fault there isn't enough staff. Then at 4pm, I'll...
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Is it me?

During a discussion with a non-clinical colleague about a member of staff that had been involved in several ‘incidents’ on the ward, and was subsequently signed off with PTSD (along with some physical injuries), the comment came up around why this member of staff was involved in so many incidents.   It was something that I was expecting to be mentioned at some point, and I already had an answer ready – the job role meant that they were most often in communal areas such as the lounge/dining area, where incidents are most likely to happen. My non-clinical colleague briefly acknowledged this, and then went on to say maybe the member of staff needs more training to prevent incidents.  I acknowledge that for those who do not work on an acute mental health ward, predominantly caring for those experiencing an acute episode of psychosis, the nature of the work is not always understood. However, as I’m only human, I felt a rush of frustration, and that I needed to jump to the de...
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