GP Shadowing

On the week of the 20th of August I did work experience up in Newcastle where I got to shadow my uncle who is a Doctor and his colleagues at a GP surgery! It was an amazing opportunity to experience what the job is like. 

I got to sit in on consultations and observe patient conversations and issues, and the solutions to them. I also got to see the 'behind the scenes' of the receptionists (and they have a lot on their plate- constant phone calls and paper work!) as well as shadowing a nurse who performed a lot of immunisations on babies, as well as dressings and swab tests. 

Apart from my uncle, I also got a chance to stay with a junior doctor and the practice's main GP to be able to observe different doctors' approach to patients and their problems. I loved the patient contact part, and how you really form a relationship with them and know they're back story (some doctors know the family from different generations carried on!). I

 was surprised by the amount of paper work though- there is sooo much! My uncle also did home visits which was also different from normal appointments, as some people experience 'white coat syndrome' and the atmosphere in the environment of the patient's own home is a humbling experience- as they're often bed ridden or severely ill but show such appreciation towards doctors (even if sometimes there is little help that can be offered). 

I made notes of everything that happened during that week, as well as taking photos, so I'll post it within a few days!

Care Home Afternoon Tea and Painting

On Tuesday and Wednesday at the care home we did painting with the residents (which unfortunately wasn't very popular) and took them downstairs to the restaurant for afternoon tea and cake which they loved!

Carehome Resident Board

Yesterday I went to the Care home to re-do their monthly activities board. I shall be going in again tomorrow to hopefully do some painting with them!

Moving On Day

On Tuesday the 4th July my college ran 'Moving On Day'- a day where lessons are cancelled and students are given the opportunity to go to talks and exhibitions about their chosen career path; where that be work, apprenticeships or university.  It was fun, useful- but it all depends on what grades I get!

First, I went to the Exhibition in the sports halls were I spoke to different universities such as Southampton and Oxford Brookes about Medicine and Nursing (which I've been looking a lot into lately). I also got a bunch of leaflets on gap year volunteering opportunities in South America, Africa and Asia such as conservation trips and teaching English to students. My friend and I would especially love to g to a Spanish speaking country to develop our Spanish.

I also attended 4  talks..

Adult Nursing: Hearts and minds matter - Talk from nurses at the University of Southampton on the 6 C's and what their university has to
offer. Also got to visit their simulation van with their new technology in learning with a mannequin to treat.

Healthcare: Routes into Healthcare - This talk from the University of Bristol spoke about Nursing, Social Work, Midwifery and Bristol applications.

HE: UCAS Talk - Talk from an admissions member at the University of Surrey on personal statements, types of offers (conditional/unconditional) and advice..etc.

Healthcare: Alternatives to Medicine (Healthcare Sciences) - Talk from Southampton Audiologist about Audiology, Respiratory Therapy, Cardio Physiology and what they consist of.

Biology Olympiad Intermediate

On Tuesday the 27th of June I did the Biology Olympiad but this time it was the intermediate level. It was fun to participate as it was good practice for applying biology knowledge, however again I didn't gain enough marks to be awarded with a score of 41/75

Parity Disco

On the 30th June I helped supervise Parity's charity disco for the disabled. I manned the food stall. As more and more people came in with their carers, the crisp bowls began to empty which kept me busy refilling!😃 There was also a tombola stand and an information stall for newcomers to advertise Parity's day care and other services. It was a lovely disco, it was lovely to see even those in wheelchairs busting out their moves on the dance floor. The disco lasted from 6:30-10pm where we then cleared away the balloons and food and anything else needing tidied. It was very sweet that I was given a box of chocolates as a thank you for helping! Parity's website click here

Donating Blood

On the 21st of June it was my first day giving blood, 4 days after turning 17 after waiting for years to be old enough. The nurses were so kind and they made me eat food beforehand to make sure my sugar levels were good. They also had to prick my finger and see if it floated or sunk in water to test for iron levels. If the blood sinks to the bottom within 15 seconds, hemoglobin levels are good enough to carry on with the donating procedure. It was a long waiting period, but I didn't mind as it was a good sign that so many people were giving blood. When it was my turn, I was told to use my right arm as my vein was bigger on that side (and the nurse  had trouble finding my small veins). It only took 8 minutes for me (max 90 minutes so I'm so thankful my blood is fast😋) I have to admit- it did hurt. It felt like a nettle sting but the only problem was that it wouldn't fade away as you have to constantly squeeze/contract your muscles to mechanically push the blood out. However, I feel the more I donate, it will eventually feel painless! I was the only young person there as well which made me feel a little bit proud. 

On the 8th of July, I also got a text saying which hospital my blood was sent to. I like the idea of these texts, it makes me feel really happy it's in use and more "real" DONATE: https://www.blood.co.uk