Nursing Experiences from a London PICU

Having never had to give my notice before, this was a very stressful thing I had decided not to get concerned with. It's actually very important, and I had no idea what the steps were. Did I give my notice in immediately? Did I give my manager a warning I was leaving? Does it have to be in writing?  So, for future reference and anyone who wants to know: you give your official notice in writing when your DBS has cleared. Any outstanding things for the next job can be sorted out in the notice period, but the DBS is the only thing that will stop you starting  you can let your manager know unofficially. it's seen as a polite thing to do, but it's not essential. But as I learnt they prefer to have an idea you're thinking about leaving before they receive an email from your new trust asking for a reference. Flaw in my grand plan was timing. But my manager wasn't too cross - she likes me so we just had a chat about it.  It has gotten a little bit awkward, to ...

So I'll be starting my new post as a band 5 around the end of November/December time, depending on clearance times etc. But I thought I'd write down some thoughts about how I actually got the job (may be slightly useful interview prep in the future) and how it all came about.  STEP ONE - the application form Applying for the PICU job was a little spur of the moment. I mean, technically I spent weeks preparing what I was going to write in my statement, looking at the best things to say and thinking up cool buzzword-filled ways of saying it. But actually starting the application went like this: "oh, they're advertising. I need to apply." It hadn't been a particularly bad day at work. It'd just had the same shit, different day vibe. I'd been thinking I wasn't being challenged enough for a while, and when I saw the job being advertising on the way home it felt like a sign. I emailed for an informal visit without a moment's hesitation. I ...

Right, so welcome to my new blog that I'm hoping to start with my new job in December. It's to document my learning and experiences mostly, as I've been told it's the most stressful and emotional path of nursing you could choose to do so I want to have somewhere to vent.  I can't decide whether or not I want to write it as a blog, or a journal, or not bother at all. But I'm going to try, cause I'd like to look back and see some professional progress in a couple years. Plus reflection-wise it will help me easily find things for my re-validation (see, real nursing priorities).  So I'm going to just briefly introduce myself to you guys then. My name is Rachel, I'm in my twenties and I am two years qualified. I came to England for university, went to a London university, and have since remained here cause I actually give a shit about my progression in this field so can't go home to a place with few jobs and promotions only happening when senior ...