JanisM

OMG- I just had the most hilarious mental picture over that one- thanks for the laugh, zeppzepp!

Hi hopeful, I'd have to say that in my experience that sort of thing is the exception rather than the norm. I've never had anyone ask to copy my work, but I'm happy to help those who ask, because it's a two-way thing- those same people have been able to help me out as well. Having said that, there are some that REALLY drive you nuts, but it's pretty rare to be with the same class members throughout all of your studies. I wish you well with your studies, and don't be too worried- I've found the majority of my fellow students to be wonderful people and great friends.

To the girl who sits across from me in labs: Would you PLEASE wear some pants that cover more than half of your ample butt crack or find longer shirts to wear. I can't handle the sight of it for another 2 hours straight!

Yes, I definitely have to agree with your last point- unfortunate but true.

Thanks Skandy - that's hilarious! I always have trouble remembering the cranial nerves- but not for much longer!

Hi sassy, I'm a 2nd year student & have looked into this as I want to work in palliative care, too. There is a 6 month course available (not sure of the official title, sorry) for RNs. Unfortunately they don't offer it at my uni, but I know the major ones do. Hope this helps, and good luck with your studies!

I feel for her. I don't know whether she's guilty or not but there aren't many people in this world that I would wish that punishment on. Maybe I'm just a softie but that's my opinion. Stupid girl-stupid mistake? Probably, but what a price to pay.

Hahaha- I just love the name of THAT one!

Have you done a course to get in, such as TPP (at USQ) or a similar program? I'm so glad I did that, as I learnt about academic writing and other skills required for uni. I call it my 'Uni preschool'! It had to do it, as I never completed high school but I would recommend it for anyone returning to studies. Having said that, there are plenty who manage quite well without it, but for me it was a lifesaver!

Thanks! I did my placement in an aged care facility- coincidentally the same facility I did my aged care placement in! I work for blue care as a domestic while I study, which suits me as it's daytime hours only. Hope you enjoy uni- where are you going to be studying?

I'll be honest - I was petrified, especially because I'm a single mum of 3 boys. However, I've found it to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I also eased myself into study by gaining my aged care cert III. You won't be alone age-wise, and there's always support from tutors & fellow students. I've only done 1 clinical so far, and that was aged care for 2 weeks. I have one coming up this semester but I'm not sure whether it's in a block or spread over a few weeks. Good luck with your studies, I'm sure you'll love it and do well!

Hi everyone, I've just reached the halfway mark in my studies (2 out of 4 yrs) and have been enjoying my first break from study & work since I started. I have my 2nd lot of clinicals coming up this semester and I'm really looking forward to it, though I have no idea where it'll be! I haven't been to allnurses for a while but I'll be popping in more often now I've found this thread. Nice to meet you all & I look forward to reading more aussie posts. :-)

Ok I won't complain about the heat anymore!

I'm with you guys- it's a stinker alright! I spend the day getting in & out of a hot car, and when I get home it's straight into the paddling pool!

Thanks for that info, Braggy. I'm seriously considering rural nursing & hadn't thought of the things you mentioned. Thanks again!

I have noticed similar situations during my placements in aged care. I try to ignore them, but it's a bit hard when you're working under them. As for calling people 'sweetie' to get on their good side- how ridiculous is that?????? People should do their job professionally & courteously because they are paid to, not because their superiors decide to suck up to them. Sorry if I sound angry but I really feel for you & have been in similar situations with immature & jaded co-workers. Best of luck with our career, Sunny.

I'm a huge fan of the body shop's hemp oil cream- it's great and it feels nice to use.

That's one of the best things I have heard this xmas- what a wonderful end to your year. I'm so happy for the both of you & wish you nothing but happiness & love.

Hey, that's a great idea- you can use it on your nose and then rub it on your poor, tired muscles at night!

This one has probably been said before but it's REALLY annoying me lately- "Can you please SHUT UP while the instructor is talking, or anyone else for that matter. Do you really think we paid good money to hear the details of your latest shopping trip?" Oh, and "Will you stop trying to drag ****** comments about our classmates out of me? I like most of these people, and if I don't I'm sure as hell not going to discuss it with you!"

I haven't had much contact with RNs as my only placement so far has been at an aged care facility where we worked under PCs & ENs most of the time. However, the RNs I did meet were always helpful & supportive. I just wish there were more opportunities to be in a clinical setting. I was talking to my Aunt recently- she went through the old way, about 40 years ago- and she said that although they had alot of practical experience and were pretty much thrown in at the deep end, she wished she'd had the opportunity to learn what we do now, with so much more knowledge available to us. That kind of put it into perspective for me, and I'll try to remember that when I'm complaining about the lack of clinical time! Mind you, she also said she wouldn't have swapped her experiences for the world :-)

LOL Maybe because i didn't grow up in a nursing household- I haven't been scared off yet! It's just something I've always wanted to do but kind of put it off for 20 years. Those areas you mentioned are of particular interest to me, , and there are so many areas to work in besides the hospital setting. I have yet to decide but I have a couple of years to work that out. I definitely want to stick with rural areas, though.

Hi Alex, Good on you! I did exactly the same a few years ago and it was worth every minute. I've now gone on to uni to be an RN but that's a whole other story! Aged care is so fulfilling and important, and many people don't realise this, unfortunately. Good luck with your studies :yeah:Janis

I guess it all depends where you live. Obviously we don't have a lot of choice here on the Fraser Coast. For example, I think the nearest psychiatric facility is at Toowoomba, which meant that for mental health clinicals students had to do a second 'tour' at an aged care facility in the dementia ward. This was also partly because some local facilitators had pulled out, so once again it comes down to staffing and locale! BTW thanks for all your input, everyone. I'm really enjoying reading about everyone's experiences, and it's making me even keener to get out there! :-)

Why is it that at exam time the same few people ask what we should be studying for the exam? EVERYTHING! That's why we were taught it!