Good times

So I'm sitting here wondering what to write about.....

• a job that I enjoy, that's busy, balancing learning all the new stuff with getting on with taking things forward, that already has hugely increased my contact with patients, that is receiving really positive responses from lots of places, stress that I'm thriving on rather than stress that was crippling me
• an amazing baptism and confirmation service, truly awesome worship, and, as ever, the humbling experience of hearing how their faith has grown and grown
• Paul being away for 12 days with a horrible time difference which means that we don't get to talk that much, and I miss sharing my days with him
• Enjoying watching (literally and figuratively) S, PJ and H thriving in what they are doing
• decorating the dining room and getting new furniture so that it looks all lovely
• days with a hint of spring, sunshine, bulbs, not dark quite so early

Basically I am very blessed and I am very grateful for the little things and the big things.

Studying!

I've just begun the first module of what will hopefully become a Masters in Palliative Care. I've studied at this level before, mainly on leadership, but never found a course that 'fitted' me (I couldn't justify this one before) so I'm starting from the beginning. This module is Advanced History taking (to be shortly followed by Non Medical Prescribing - as in prescribing for anyone who isn't a doctor) as these are the ones work want me to be able to do for the job. And I'm enjoying it but its 'challenging'. Its detailed science, anatomy and physiology, which I haven't done for years -for example today I was learning how to examine the Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose and throat, including learning the names and numbers of the 12 cranial nerves as well as how to test for them and what an abnormality might mean. My extra challenge (as the one children's nurse) is that I have to know the adult stuff (which is taught) and the children's too! My brain hurts!!!!! But its going to be good, and really useful to children and families - which makes it all worthwhile :)

And I am enjoying my job. Sooooo much less stress, challenging establishing the role in house and out in the community, trying to both value the expertise of everyone I'm working with whilst at the same time help them to realise they need this new role! Every day is different :) Nice mix of clinical and service development stuff which I enjoy. Of course there is some politics, mainly around personalities but its all fine.

Better go learn those nerves......