January 19th, 2010
In uniform and ready to work.
I figured it was time for an update as I am settling into life in Cambridge with Jonathan. I’ve been at my new job for about a month now and I think I’ve come to see that this was definitely a good change for me. I love being a part of the nursing profession, especially at Addenbrookes Hospital . I know I’m not a nurse yet, but what I do all day is basically nursing minus the drugs, needles, and paperwork. This works out quite nicely, actually. Health care assistants seem to get more patient contact than another members of hospital staff. I think that this experience with patient care will be so beneficial to my future nurse training and career. My 12 hour shifts involve some rather mundane tasks such as making beds and assisting patients with personal care as necessary. I also spend a lot of time doing ECGs, observations (or vitals , as they say in the states), removing IVs and other invasive devices, transferring frail patients from bed to chair and back, and just trying to support these people in their time of need.
I continue to see that God has given me the gift of compassion and that this is huge part of my love for nursing. I hope and pray that I never lose my compassion over time. I’m sure it’s easy to become hardened to people’s pain and frustrated by the work that it makes for others. Sometimes it’s the mundane tasks like keeping up on fluid or food charts that bring doctors attention to an issue with a patient. And it’s compassion that reminds me to do ordinary tasks with the same detail and attention that I would if I were a surgeon performing a vital procedure.
I’ve also had the sad of experience of discovering that a patient has died on the ward and have performed last offices (prepping a patient to be taken to the mortuary). Some of these patients died unexpectedly which was shocking and others were no surprise and I was only able to give the family privacy and any support they required as they prepared to say goodbye. Considering my shifts are 12 hours, my work days pass fairly quickly. The nurses and health care assistants work together and it’s satisfying to feel a part of a team working toward one goal; the best patient care we can provide. There are times when it’s hard being near the bottom of the status ladder but as I’ve said there are advantages as well. Because I don’t have endless patient notes to write and drugs to dispense, I have the luxury of listening to a patients’ concerns, encouraging family members, or making someone more comfortable with pillows or food or drink. I like this role and for the time being, it suits me. I’m learning more each day and aside from getting up at 5:30 a.m.,I usually look forward to my work.
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December 27th, 2009
Jonathan and I had a lovely Christmas day here in Cambridge together. We slept in and quickly got ready for a morning church service at 10:30 where we sang celebratory carols and chatted with a few folks after the service. We came home and made eggs and toast and coffee and just sat sipping and enjoying the peace and quiet and good company. Later on, we called the Meyer household and opened some presents over Skype, which is always a bit strange but still nice to see people’s reactions and joy at carefully chosen gifts.
After a quick nap (it’s hard work doing almost nothing all day), we put out some cheeses like Wensleydale, Edam, and mature English cheddar along with a lovely semillon wine and tasty savory biscuits. We nibbled and unwrapped some gifts from each other and some from friends and family that had been waiting under our tiny but cheerful tree. Soon, it was back to the computer for a fun video Skype session with the Peelles and also Jonathan’s aunt, uncle and cousin who were visiting them for the holidays. It was our first Skype session with Jonathan’s parents and great success! Even though Skyping is never as good as being in person with those we love, it is nice to see smiles and hear voices and laughter.
SInce it was now nearing 7 p.m. we decided we’d better make a start on our simple but tasty Christmas Dinner. We had steaks with a peppercorn cream sauce, roasted brussels sprouts (no seriously, these are fabulous!), and creamy garlic mashed potatoes that are specialty of Jonathan’s. After dinner, we sat down to the newest Harry Potter movie and enjoyed some black forest trifle.
Then it was off to bed as I had to be up at 6:30 for a 12 hour shift at a local nursing home, where I work sometimes for extra cash. No Boxing Day shopping for me, but that was fine as I have just about everything I need. Jonathan and I really enjoyed our Christmas and thank you Sarah for encouraging us to purchase our little tree and helping us decorate the flat for the holiday!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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November 16th, 2009
A new chapter begins. As of now I am finished with my work as a live-in carer in Maresfield. I am moving back into our Cambridge flat full-time and I’m very excited.
My new post as health care assistant at Addenbrookes Hospital on the cardiology ward officially begins December 7. Until then I am working with a care agency that places health care assistants as needed in local nursing homes. Since being home, I have already done three night-shifts which generally run 12 hours, although I pulled one 15 hour shift. I’m quite encouraged because despite the fact that nursing home care is not what I’m hoping to do in the long run, I find that I do enjoy it. The first night was a challenge as I had a bit to learn about some specific protocols and I didn’t feel as useful to the night crew as I could have been. But, by the third night I felt really independent and able to help lots of residents on my own. It feels so good to be there for someone and care for their small or great needs and also to try to do it with love. It’s so gratifying. I think this job and my upcoming hospital job will be a great introductions to nursing I’m also thrilled to feel that this is a place where I belong and will hopefully thrive.
In just a few days, we leave for home to visit friends and family in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York. I wish we could see more people but it seems that these 4 states is all we can manage on this visit. When I’m not working, I’m busy Christmas shopping and doing some of the cooking for a change. It’s been nice to be able to do life on my terms for a little while. I know that once I get more plugged in here in Cambridge and at my new position it will be busy but for now I’m enjoying a fairly simple existence.
The only other news for me is that I finally got my UK licence. This was quite an ordeal so I’m very relieved that the process is over. Jonathan and I are looking forward to future road trips throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Who wants to join us?
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October 23rd, 2009
Well, I’m sure many of us have had that experience of realizing you’re the target of a surprise party. Honestly, this is not one of my favorite feelings. The realization creeps over you as you notice things like extra coats in the hallway, lots of lights on but no one around, doors closed that are usually open, or an entire counter covered with beverages and cups in the kitchen. I was thinking “oh no. not for me. oh no. Did I brush my hair today? Do my clothes match?” “SURPRISE!!” Yeah. A strange emotional conglomeration of dread, flattery,embarrassment, and appreciation overwhelmed me.
I gave my notice to my current agency and will be finishing up my time here in Maresfield on November 10th. This village has become a sort of family for me. Especially given that when I’m working here I’m not only away from the states and my family there, but I’m also three hours from Jonathan and Cambridge. Anne apparently planned this party weeks ago and had many people from the village and church in on it. For those not from England, this is known as a “leaving do” or a “leaving party” and mine was a proper do at that. There was so much food! Lots of English cheeses and pastries, and of course three different sponge cakes (basically regular layer cakes to us Americans) with the standard fondant frosting. There were kids playing, dogs running around, good friends and lots of laughs. I know it sounds cheesy but it all felt so right. As much as I hate being the center of attention in this sort of situation, I was so grateful to Anne for doing it. I think it really made me realize God’s provision for me in coming to this place. Jonathan and I living apart was never a plan we had when coming to England. It was a hard decision but we agreed it was the best option at the time. It’s been a hard year but also a year of growth and learning. I think despite the hardships of being away from Jonathan, I’ll always treasure the time I had this year in this special little village whilst experiencing life with an amazing woman who has also become a lifelong friend.
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October 14th, 2009
It was an earlier start today since we were hiking and knew it would only get hotter as the day wore on. We caught the bus to the first village (the name escapes me) and began our hike there. First it was on roads through the village, the we reached the trailhead and followed trails through forest areas, olive groves, stone steps and back roads. Most of the time the view was spectacular. We could see Florence way off in the distance and in the foreground endless olive groves, a castle, and beautiful Italian villas dotting the green countryside. Finally we reached our destination, a village way up in the hills called Fiesole. We had our lunch just outside it and then enjoyed the panoramic views as we traveled the hillside road to reach the town center. Here we wandered through their outdoor market and then too hot and tired to do much else, caugt the bus back to Florence.
A lovely 2 hour nap followed and then I insisted we go out for pizza. It was such a lovely clear night and impossible to believe it wasn’t July or August. We sat outside at the restaurant and enjoyed the art of a perfect Italian pizza. Perfetto! After that, Sarah took my to her favorite gelaterie (there are hundreds of these). She got pear and lemon and I had stracchiatella (chocolate chip) and cafe. All the flavors were delightful. There is nothing like rich, tangy lemon gelato. We sat on the steps of the duomo watching little children running around the piazza and this guy playing familar songs on his guitar. So many languages and stories, no doubt. What a rich country, full of life and heart! I hope to revisit it soon but thanks to Sarah I do feel that in three short days I was properly reaquainted with the lovely Florence. Ciao bella!
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