The End is Nigh
As we enter into the boiling month of June I am firstly struggling with the heat, and secondly, struck that in less than 3 months I will be leaving my first placement. Quite honestly, I don’t want to leave. I’m feeling like I am getting into the swing of things now. I know (most) people’s names, I feel quite credible in the advice that I give and actually have a level of confidence now that I can now feel annoyed that a manager is not LISTENING to me. Obviously, in a productive way – I don’t expect that someone does as I say, however when you have a valid point it is nice to at least be acknowledged (persuasive/influencing skills at the ready). I am getting along great with my team and recently handed out over 720 bottles of Robinson cordial to the staff at my hospital – disappeared like hot cakes within 2 days. Honestly, I don’t remember agreeing to accept that much freebie products but it was worth it and has given a little boost to morale. All in all I feel comfortable here and quite frankly I still have lot more learning operational-wise, whereas my next big placement will be much more strategic. Perhaps there is a little fear of going back down to the novice in the office?
If you would have caught me about 2 weeks ago, my thinking would have been completely different. It was classic Monday, where a million things had filled my inbox, the office was stifling and I had just found out I had failed a draft Work Based Assignment (WBA). These are little pesky 500 reflective pieces you have to do for your Healthcare Leadership diploma and I cannot say that I love them. Fun fact: if you fail a WBA you fail the module. Needless to say, I was in a slump. Big time. I couldn’t think, which meant I couldn’t act, which made me feel even more useless. Yet this is where I saw the wonder of the grad scheme in action. My 2nd year buddy at the hospital immediately organised to meet with me so I could vent and get her help on where I went wrong. My tutor rang me to talk through the issues (I had read the brief I wanted not what was given). And my gorgeous North West grads offered to read my new draft, and offer the feedback they received to help me. Boom – Wednesday hits and I am back on top. Point is that you are not alone in this. If you make the effort from the start to create your network it is a worthwhile investment. A million heads are better than one, and it really helps you get through when you are struggling.
NB: I suppose another point is to actually answer the question given….