Freda π
@RN_Freda
NQN π©ββοΈ Mum to 3 π Cyclist π΄ββοΈ @150leaders 23-24 π€ Pt. confidentiality upheld π€ Passionate about health equality π My views π She/Her π±
When treating patients, we need to look beyond "bad" lifestyle choices, which often mask deeper issues. We must do better in acknowledging and addressing the underlying causes. (Source: van der Kolk, B. (2014). πβπ π΅πππ¦ πΎππππ πβπ πππππ)
Today is my official graduation day. I didnβt attend for a mix of personal reasons and a busy schedule. I have the certificate, Iβm working as an RN. What matters most is that I was fortunate to have found work 4 months after qualifying. Not everyoneβs been as lucky. ππ§ββοΈ
Look what just arrived! A huge milestone after 3 years (4 with the Access Course) of blood, sweat and tears. As a mature student who didnβt do well in school, balancing this with Mum and life responsibilities hasn't been easy. If only there were a job waiting at the end...
That feeling when you get the notification that your work roster is live.
After 3 months of working as an RN, I hit a new milestone, I took the dreaded CD keys home with me. Thankfully clocked it before getting into my house β¦ still cost me an extra 40 mins π¬
Iβve written a reflective piece I'd like to submit to Nursing Times. Does anyone have experience publishing with them and have advice on how to go about it? Also, do I need to go through my Trust or can I submit directly?
Happy International Nurses Day! π Celebrating my first as an RN whilst enjoying my annual leave in this beautiful weather. π Taking breaks is essential for a healthy work-life balance and preventing burnout. π #NursesDay2025 #SelfCare
Just had my triennial cervical screening. The appointment takes under 5 minutes and saves lives. This is your friendly reminder to book yours if you're due. π #CervicalScreening #HPVAwareness #NurseLife #PublicHealth #WomensHealth #GetScreened #PreventCancer
Low nursing staff levels donβt just impact nurses, doctors are often forced to step in to do tasks like cannulations or even act as escorts when wards are short. Safe staffing is essential for the whole team, and ultimately, for patient care.
I graduated in Sept '24 and was lucky to land an NQN post by Jan. Many from my cohort are still banking as support workers, and some have left nursing altogether. With more graduates, competition grows. The issue isn't a surplus of nurses, but a system strained by budget cuts.
The term βbed blockersβ unfairly blames patients failed by a system with no suitable alternatives. They deserve compassion and appropriate solutions. Fixing this benefits everyone, freeing up beds for those in urgent medical need.
Itβs been almost 3 months as an NQN, which has been full of many firsts. Just like a baby develops in their first year, the growth in such a short time has been huge. This week was another milestone: I moved wards mid-shift and Iβm so proud of how I managed it!
The 24hr care model and necessary tools like Datix unintentionally fuel a blame-and-shame culture, where mistakes outshine effort and accomplishment. How do we tackle this systemically, and prevent nurses burning out over their minor errors that overlook all they've done well?
First day off after three back-to-back shifts, recovering in peaceful nature. Just me, my bike, birdsong and a ladybird for company. Now off to spend the rest of the holidays enjoying quality time with my children and family.
To the 99% of patients who are so supportive and grateful, you inspire me daily. Itβs a privilege to care for you. To the 1%, I see the pain behind the frustration. You all deserve more than the system offers. I canβt fix that alone, but Iβll always try the best I humanly can.