caz

The Training Co-ordinator and I recently carried out an in-hospital survey with the qualified nurses at the hospital where we work to assess their knowledge in respect of pain assessment. Surprisingly, we go a 98% response. Every nurse stated that they had no problem doing pain assessments on their patients and intervening accordingly. (This information was gathered in order that we could identify any particular weaknesses, and incorporate solutions to them in the pain study day we carry out). All the nurses stated that they were carrying out pain assessments on a regular basis. There was obviously nothing we needed to implement on the study day. When I, the Pain Sister, carry out rounds on the ward, looking at pain charts, medication charts and evaluation sheets, nothing appears to be completed. The nurses tell me that the patients appear comfortable, or, that their pain seems bearable. What is bearable? Does this not mean that the patient has pain for goodness sake? The patients tell me that they have pain, so I must assume that they are not being asked about their pain by the ward nurses. Consequently, more time is being spent on Pain Assessment and legal implications at the study days, but any suggestions as to how I can get the point of appropriate pain assessment and intervention across to nurses who think they do such a wonderful job would be greatly appreciated, and I MEAN GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

Your husband would need to read his contract of employment very thoroughly. The majority of hospitals do not encourage their nurses to have agency jobs. Discretion is the key. In this current climate, overtime is available, especially in the private sector. Caz

It's a very long time since I trained, so I'm not sure what the criteria is for admission into training. However, to answer some of your questions: 1. Male nurses are not looked down upon in the british nursing culture (at least not where I work, or have worked). All qualified nurses, regardless of gender are currently being welcomed with 'open arms'. 2. House/flat prices are on the increase. The south is generally more expensive than the north. Renting is very expensive, wherever you are in the UK 3. Scotland is a lovely place to live, having once lived their myself, I know I speak from experience, but be warned, the further up into Scotland you go, the colder it gets! 4. With debts to pay, and a family to look after, I think you will struggle on one income, unless you can supplement it with agency work or overtime. 5. Gas and electricity is not cheap, but monthly payment plans are available, as with telephone bills, television licence etc. Hope this helps.

Milly, Stop torturing yourself, it wont do you or your patients any good. Time management comes with practice and experience, learn from your mistakes on a daily basis, sit down and talk to your clinical supervisor, that is what he/she is their for. If you can't talk to your clinical supervisor, then talk to the sister/charge nurse about your fears and worries. I am sure that you are not nearly as bad as YOU think you are. Being newly qualified is a daunting experience, especially in a very busy clinical area - if you need assistance, then ask for it. Unfortunately, in this busy day and age, if you don't ask, your colleagues will automatically assume that you do not require it. Good luck, and let me know how you get on.

To MagicCookie, Give it a go, what have you got to loose? As my mother has always told me (a retired nursing sister herself), don't regret the things you have done in life, regret the things you have not done. Wise words I think. If you start nursing, and decide that it is not for you, you will have lost nothing, infact, you can walk away being richer in knowledge and confidence. Take a deep breath and go for it - you know you want to. All the best.