I'm from Northern Ireland

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Hi All,

I'm Martina from NI. I'm 18 years old. I am currently doing an NVQ in Retail, which I hate! I am very interested in Ophthalmology. Last year I had my left eye removed due to high IOP. After the Evisceration I realised that maybe I could be a nurse. I'm an eye-freak! Some people may think, but I find it amazing how blind folk have so much independance and confidence. I was on the adult ward in the Royal Victoria hospital and this wee eldery woman was on the phone in tears as the Ophthalmologist told her she might not regain her vision. Since then I've been hooked. I know it's not much, but for me it was an inspiration! I'm just not such if the Nursing path is the right way to go? I don't think I could become an Ophthalmologist because of my visual impairtment, I'm short-sighted in my remaining eye. I though if I did Nursing then I could work in an Outpatient Ophthalmology dept as an Ophthalmic nurse. I did try working in a nursing home, but it didn't go to well as the stuff weren't nice at all. I have no GCSE's as I left school early due to bullying. I've been through a few rough patches I'll admit, but who hasn't? I'm determined to find a profession in Healthcare helping others! I've recently appiled for voluntary work at a Orthopaedic hospital for some experience. Although I won't be involved in the clinic side of things, it'll give me some insight into what nurses do. Sorry this is so long. Is there anyone here specialised in Ophthalmology? Also what exactly is med/surg? Is it a ward dealing with pts with different illnesses?

Thanks.

Martina

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hi All,

I'm Martina from NI. I'm 18 years old. I am currently doing an NVQ in Retail, which I hate! I am very interested in Ophthalmology. Last year I had my left eye removed due to high IOP. After the Evisceration I realised that maybe I could be a nurse. I'm an eye-freak! Some people may think, but I find it amazing how blind folk have so much independance and confidence. I was on the adult ward in the Royal Victoria hospital and this wee eldery woman was on the phone in tears as the Ophthalmologist told her she might not regain her vision. Since then I've been hooked. I know it's not much, but for me it was an inspiration! I'm just not such if the Nursing path is the right way to go? I don't think I could become an Ophthalmologist because of my visual impairtment, I'm short-sighted in my remaining eye. I though if I did Nursing then I could work in an Outpatient Ophthalmology dept as an Ophthalmic nurse. I did try working in a nursing home, but it didn't go to well as the stuff weren't nice at all. I have no GCSE's as I left school early due to bullying. I've been through a few rough patches I'll admit, but who hasn't? I'm determined to find a profession in Healthcare helping others! I've recently appiled for voluntary work at a Orthopaedic hospital for some experience. Although I won't be involved in the clinic side of things, it'll give me some insight into what nurses do. Sorry this is so long. Is there anyone here specialised in Ophthalmology? Also what exactly is med/surg? Is it a ward dealing with pts with different illnesses?

Thanks.

Martina

hi and welcome to the site

Good for you to volunteer in the hospital, will certainly give you some insight but don't forget nursing will be slightly different. outpatients can be hard to get into but you may find if you do your training that you find another speciality that you like. Have you tried your local university or college as they usually do access courses for people who do not have relevant qualifications to get onto the nursing course.

med/surg in the UK are usually 2 seperate wards medical and surgical, medical is usually patients who do not need on operation where as surgical are usually patients who require an operation or support in that area. Although this is the case there are always exceptions.

Good luck

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

I second what SD says. I was 12 when I got bitten by the nursing bug a love affair that has lasted a few yesrs now lol (20) Good luck with your endevours and dont give in at first base.

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