Work

[Snow White.]

Thanks for the update Sarah :)

[Cacoethes]

Thanks everyone and thanks Sarah for updating :)
I'm not coming on RYL much at the moment but still kind of around.

It went very well. Very tiring but a good tiring! I did my fire training and then just shadowed a senior member of staff who's acting as my mentor for the moment. She's lovely, as are the rest of the staff.
It's a huge place and there are over 60 residents, so it's going to take a while for me to be able to find my way around and get to know people.

The thing I found most difficult was being in the office. I think because I've been in hospital so much the office is very much a 'forbidden' place in my mind and I felt quite uncomfortable going into the residents rooms, my mentor kept having to tell me to come in, and being shown the notes and being told I could read their notes and stuff. And on my first full day on Saturday I am going to be there for handover which I'm really nervous about because it just feels wrong that I'll be in a handover.
I didn't anticipate this as a problem because it's a nursing home and not a hospital, I didn't think I would relate to things in this way, but I'm just going to have to get used to it I suppose!
It's 12 hour shifts so that will be interesting!

But yeah, I became less nervous throughout the day and talking to people wasn't as difficult as I thought. Was nervous about putting the uniform on because you have to wear short sleeves but only one person mentioned it and that was at the end of the day and it was my mentor. I just told her I used to suffer from depression and she gave me a hug! People glanced but didn't seem to give it a second thought.

Looking forward to my first full day!

[Serendipity.]

I'm glad to hear it went so well :)

I know what you mean about it reminding you of hospital in some ways. I felt like that at times, especially when there was... erm, 'interesting' behaviour going on and all the residents decided to act up at once ;) I generally found it quite amusing though, and I'm sure you will end up with lots of stories!

[Cacoethes]

Thanks Hannah :)

I've been told that some residents have their 'moments' so that will be interesting!

[ennae]

Cacoethes it sounds like you have made a great start to your new job - congratulations! I can see how it is difficult when things remind you of hospital a lot of the time. I also have issues with entering offices etc without an invitation but it has got better with time - I am sure the same will happen with you. It takes a while to get used to the routines and acceptable behaviour in all jobs and especially when privacy issues are involved. I think it is good that you are being cautious rather than over stepping the mark.

[Cacoethes]

Thanks ennae :)

Got to leave the house at 7am tomorrow to get there for 8. For the last couple of weeks I've been sleeping until about midday so it's going to be a bit of a shock to the system!

Really nervous. Not sure how I'll do with a 12 hour shift.
I know I keep moaning about it but I've only ever had one paid job and that was 7 years ago (man I feel old!) and that was only like, 6 hour shifts in a shop.

Is it normal to be this nervous about going to work?
When will I stop being nervous?!

[Aubergine]

I've been in my job over 18 months and still get nervous. It does ease up though, and yes, I think it is pretty normal to get nervous about a new job. It's a big change. Good luck and I'll be thinking of you. :)

[Cacoethes]

Thank you :)

I'm hoping once I get to know the residents and staff and the routine (which hopefully won't take too long!) then I'll start feeling more confident.

[Aubergine]

I think that you will, yes. Going into a new environment with lots to learn is bound to be nerve wracking to start with. Once you get to grips with the place, you'll naturally feel more able to deal with it. It sounds like you've got supportive staff around you, which is a real positive. Keep your chin up.

[Cacoethes]

Thanks :)

I'm most nervous of handover tomorrow. Like what if I'm the first one there and I have to sit there awkwardly, or stand most likely because there are like, 2 chairs.
It's so ridiculous because I won't be there that early and I can probably deal with it but what if I forget where the office is or I'm late or I go to the wrong place?!
I know how stupid this all sounds btw but gah! Anxiety!

[havealittlefaith]

Just breathe and count to 10 your be fine .

[Patent Pending]

It's normal to feel nervous, I've just started a new job and I still feel nervous. Don't worry about getting there early, if you're too early is there a staff room etc? If you get lost or you're late just call them and let the know. As Chrissy said, if anything feels overwhelming take ten seconds to breathe and relax.

Good luck tomorrow.

x x x

[ennae]

It is normal to feel nervous. I have been working the same job for several years now and I still get nervous after returning from holidays! The good thing is that the other staff who work there would have felt the same thing when they started so they should be understanding. I know that's what happens at my work place when someone first starts - everyone is supportive and understanding. Keep updating for us!

[Aubergine]

Hope you're getting on ok. :)

[Patent Pending]

I hope today has gone okay :)

x x x

[Cacoethes]

Thanks guys!
Today went pretty well thanks, I was more involved and think I actually helped rather than just get in the way this time :P
Was a little stressful because we were understaffed but everything turned out ok.
I was allowed to do more things on my own like feeding and writing notes (eep!)

And I got to know some of the residents better as well which is good :)

I am exhausted!

[Wonderland.]

Sounds like you are starting to settle in :)

[MissAnonymous]

Well done Beckie, try and get plenty of sleep now, look after yourself you have done so well. :)

[Cacoethes]

I think I am settling in :)

Thank you :)
I will definitely sleep well tonight!

[Patent Pending]

Well done lovely :)

I'm glad to hear you're settling in well. I hope you sleep well.

x x x