After a brief discussion with the hospice sister I changed today's 12 hour shift to Sunday.
As a ward manager I would not have given a memeber of staff three long day shifts together and so have asked if that could be the case for me .
Ive cleaned the cottage in operation dog shot removal in readiness for its valuation on Monday. The valuation is part of my application for the new mortgage.
I found an escapee cocktail sausage under the kitchen door and a mummified mouse underneath the spare bed.
I caught up with affable despot Jason who has just had a family holiday along the beaches of Anglesey. His hand has improved thanks primarily to the salt water and sunny days , and now looks healed.
He has been left with residual local neurological damage I think
But was as cheerful and irreverent as always.
Mary and I walked around the village this morning.
Nurse Hattie must be on nights as there is a big DO NOT KNOCK on her front door and as we passed her landlady's garden ( Jenny the old post mistress) I noticed a mass of orange/ yellow daisy flowers covering her borders.
The mobile butcher was sawing into what looked like a leg of lamb in Bron Haul . He works from the back of a small white van and always wears a long white doctors' coat rather than an apron.
He stops in the village every Friday morning.
He's very polite and very Welsh, and tips his head in greeting like my grandfather used to do when he wore a trilby hat.
Mrs Trellis was practicing her piano in her living room window as we passed.
She was telling me she had procured a tea urn for the Church refreshment table.
Her greyhound Blue danced when he saw Mary, who only yapped at him.
Greyhounds irritate her somewhat.
As a ward manager I would not have given a memeber of staff three long day shifts together and so have asked if that could be the case for me .
Ive cleaned the cottage in operation dog shot removal in readiness for its valuation on Monday. The valuation is part of my application for the new mortgage.
I found an escapee cocktail sausage under the kitchen door and a mummified mouse underneath the spare bed.
I caught up with affable despot Jason who has just had a family holiday along the beaches of Anglesey. His hand has improved thanks primarily to the salt water and sunny days , and now looks healed.
He has been left with residual local neurological damage I think
But was as cheerful and irreverent as always.
Mary and I walked around the village this morning.
Nurse Hattie must be on nights as there is a big DO NOT KNOCK on her front door and as we passed her landlady's garden ( Jenny the old post mistress) I noticed a mass of orange/ yellow daisy flowers covering her borders.
The mobile butcher was sawing into what looked like a leg of lamb in Bron Haul . He works from the back of a small white van and always wears a long white doctors' coat rather than an apron.
He stops in the village every Friday morning.
He's very polite and very Welsh, and tips his head in greeting like my grandfather used to do when he wore a trilby hat.
Mrs Trellis was practicing her piano in her living room window as we passed.
She was telling me she had procured a tea urn for the Church refreshment table.
Her greyhound Blue danced when he saw Mary, who only yapped at him.
Greyhounds irritate her somewhat.
Rather than tidying the cottage up for valuation you should have been trashing it...to bring the estimated price down!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Nice image of Mrs Trellis at her piano! I bet she was playing something seductive.
The valuation has to at least match the mortgage.
DeleteI may Bar anonymous comments unless they at least put a first name to their words
DeleteThat was done to me when I split with my ex. We had one valuation done to put the house on the market, then three weeks later ... after he had moved his girlfriend in ... he decided he wanted to buy me out, so it was valued again. Her stacks of boxes, general clutter and a kitchen full of crap lowered the new valuation by £3,000. I was seething.
DeleteBetter to be fair, or at the very least neutral about things. Good for you John!
If I may say so, Smaller Life, and I have bought and sold a few places, "stacks of boxes, general clutter and a kitchen full of crap" may detract a potential buyer but will not influence a surveyor/estate agent as to the actual value of a property one bit. And do remember that if you get in three different valuers you'll get three different figures.
DeleteAnyway, hope all is good now. No more "seething".
U
Oh it definitely did Ursula ... and she proved it a couple of years later when she kicked out my ex, trashed the place some more and devalued it completely.
DeleteNo definitely no more seething, it was many years ago ... and a lesson well-learned!
Really? We often do 4 long days in a row!. No set pattern but can be1 day off and 3 nightshifts. Never heard of anyone full time only doing 2 days in a row. Hope you don,t make yourself unpopular with the reast of the staff having requested choir nights off too. Jacq
ReplyDeleteJust because you've never heard of it doesn't mean it isn't happening. I work two 12 hrs shifts then have a day off. Johns already said he has choir night off, discussed before he started the job so no unpopularity with the staff!!!
DeleteI,m sure the person who was encouraged to accomodate the new boy after 2 days is delighted about changing shift at short notice. They will lose £120 from their salary for a start and Johm will get an extra £120 due to Sunday payments. Bearing in mind this is only after being in the job 2 days. Where John works they obviously do work 3 days as he was on the rota to work it. Sure it will be noted by other staff !. New lad choosing shifts then not working what was scheduled in week 1. There may be trouble ahead sadly. Jacq
DeleteI'm sorry to say this Jacq but you seem to be someone that is out to cause trouble and unpleasantness.Just the sort of person that I hope John doesn't encounter x
DeleteFlis. I live in the real world. Nothing i said was unpleasant. Sorry that was your perception. Although you decided to go on the verbal attack on behalf of John who i,m sure can speak for himself. I bid you a pleasant evening. Jacq
DeleteFlis, have to disagree with you on this one.
DeleteI wouldn't call Anon Jacq (and some other commentators who made same or similar comments) "unpleasant" or causing "trouble". The points raised are valid ones - to be considered. Dare I say it, no one, not even Mother Theresa (particularly not Mother Theresa), is above being challenged.
U
Point taken Ursula x
DeleteLate to the party
DeleteIt is not good practice to put any nurse on three consecutive day shifts and not one of the other nurses work that pattern, nor should they. It just so happened that the previous sister ( who is now on mat leave) put me down for them
I am responsible for my own learning and have good insight into what I need and as I am supernumerary this week I thought it appropriate that I be moved to Sunday where yes I shall be paid more but where I will be awake enough to take in more information ...nursing is 24/7
I don't think any of my fellow nurses minded when I explained my thoughts about it. Perhaps they are more charitable than you jacq?
I agree that nothing you said was nasty
But your words had an edge.....which is a shame
Perhaps you should have known all of the facts
Ps sheri
DeleteI'm working every choir night for the first month ! Lol an oversight!
And it isn't a problem
Oh bummer but I'm sure your choir understands and will have your spot ready and waiting!!
DeleteGood for you John Gray, there has to be a balance work/life !! I agree I think 3 shifts is too much, I know there are those who would choose to do 3 or more, I, would not.xx
ReplyDeleteYou are not suppose to do three consecutive 12.5 shifts on days
DeleteHope your valuation goes well and you get your mortgage. 3, 12hr shifts is a knackerer, im not sure i could do it. Xx
ReplyDeleteThree consecutive night shifts are fine , the pace generally is different
DeleteA lovely stroll around the village! Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice and relaxing
DeleteCatching up on a few days worth of posts and just wanted to say that you have put a smile on my face with you noticing that you have gotten through the past years and are eagerly looking forward to what may come in the future. Cheers John, and I hope your weekend is fabulous. x
ReplyDeleteThe great Waldo pepper
DeleteThank you
a simple stroll around your village sounds like the beginning of a wonderful novel.
ReplyDeleteYou put us there on that walk with you, seeing and greeting people we have begun to know just a little. It was a lovely start to my day, too. I'm glad you were able to postpone your third 12-hour day. Have a lovely time on your date this weekend.
ReplyDeleteLovely village catch-up. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteHope the re-scheduling works to your advantage John - your health matters as well, and sleep is so important.
ReplyDeleteLoved the trot around the village with you and Mary - does a mobile fishmonger comes too? I don't eat meat/poultry but love a piece of fresh fish. Tonight salmon baked on freshly picked fig leaves and served on a bed of Yukon Gold potatoes with fig salsa - my last picking as the figs are just about over, but plenty remaining on the very top of the now 15 foot tall tree, so the birds and squirrels are enjoying daily feasts too!
It did help, everything including paperwork ,referrals drug dosages and use, is different to what I'm used to
DeleteNot a complaint... justban observation
DeleteI love it when I walk around and hear people (adults!) practicing an instrument. I get that a lot in Hampstead, and sometimes even in our back garden.
ReplyDeleteA butcher in a medical coat? Hasn't he seen "Sweeney Todd"?!
I hate 12 hour shifts, even when I was young I hated them. Nowadays I'm tired after 6 hours!
ReplyDeleteI like that your workplace was able to accommodate you. Happy workers are productive workers. Glad to hear Jason’s hand is almost healed. I hope the owner of the dog that attacked Jason now knows to never let it roam free. As always, love to hear tales of village life. Enjoy your day.
ReplyDeleteCali G
The police never found the culprit
DeleteWhat happened to the dog? Did it get taken to a shelter ... or did the owner grab it and leave in the turmoil following Jason’s attack? Just curious as that is a dangerous dog.
DeleteCali G
12 hours is a very long work day. I don't think they had those of us a little more advanced in years in mind when someone came up with that idea. Well done self advocating.
ReplyDeleteStart as you mean to go on. Don't let people take advantage of your generous nature.x
ReplyDeleteHow wise of you to request split runs of 12 hour shifts and how nice the hospice sister agreed to the change. Those long shifts are wearying.
ReplyDeleteTa for the charming commentary on your morning walk around Trelawnyd (I can spell it from memory!). How delightful.
Hugs!
I am so glad you were able to change the shift.
ReplyDeleteCan't see the sense in these long work days, people can't possibly be at their best towards the last bit.
I remember back in the day working 7 day or night shifts (8 hrs.) 2 days off and then back for 8 shifts. Really sharp and alert by the end of the 8 stretch, NOT. Then we changed to 12 hour shifts and always worked 3 or 4 shifts in a row. I much preferred the 12 hour shifts as in a 56 day rotation we got 28 days off! I doubt I could do that now, back then I was in my 20's, but there were lots of older nurses who had to do it as well. So glad it is much more flexible now and your well being is taken into consideration. Unheard of back in my day!
ReplyDeleteGood plan if the dogwalker will work weekends.
ReplyDeleteHe does
DeleteAs I commented yesterday, the 12 hour shifts may be all right for younger people but when a person hits 35 or 40 (and more) they really don't do a body any good - neither the nurse nor the patient. I'm glad you were able to have the third one postponed.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they are right for anyone , but nurses prefer them as they have more time at home
DeleteThere IS an issue with continuity of care, especially on areas with longer stay patients
The mobile butcher sounds like a character from Midsommer Murders.I myself would give him a wide berth x
ReplyDeleteI admire you for setting the ground rules for shifts, not an easy thing to do when you are new. Living out in the sticks I would love a mobile butcher to call, a baker too.
ReplyDeleteNo rules, just a nice chat and mutual agreement without any problems at all.
DeleteFuck me so many people here have jumped to so many conclusions
I couldn't agree more John ... it seems like you're running a forum rather than a blog!!
DeleteShort notice for the person who has to find someone to cover your shift?
ReplyDeleteShort notice cancelling the dog walker too? Perhaps he'd arranged other work around yours.
Obviously you know your own limitations but didn't you know what was involved when you applied/accepted the job?
No one covered my shift I was supernumerary
DeleteThe hospice was also quiet
DeleteI knew the shift numbers but generally it is accepted practice in the UK not to have three long DAY shifts in a row
DeleteI have worked in 9 hospitals in 36 years
So I know
12 hour shifts are one of those things that look great on paper, but in real life, they're miserable. (I've often wondered if I could have stayed in the work force longer if my last job hadn't had so many of those long days.) They have gotten very popular in hospitals in the US, and as a frequent patient, I hate it. I know how fried I was at the end of a long shift. I don't feel safe in the hands of people I know are tired.
ReplyDeleteI loved the mention of Mrs. Trellis. It reminded me of one of our neighbors in Indiana. She played piano. It was so lovely of a summer evening to sit on the back porch and hear her music drift out of the windows. I hadn't thought of that in years. Thanks!
Don't think I could cope with twelve hours either John.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the mummified sausage - hope you removed it before the valuation. Hope it all went to your liking.
good luck with the evaluation.
ReplyDeleteAt same age as you 8 hours floor me. And that's in general practice. Gibbering by the end of shift.
ReplyDeleteGlad you have had a day off (of sorts). You'll need the energy for tomorrow's shenanigans x
ReplyDeleteIt's off, he's not well
DeleteAll that wasted soap!
DeleteAs for all the hateful cunts that have reared their ugly heads on today's blog I would like to say on your behalf a massive FUCK OFF. Keyboard warriors with little insight and glasshouse bollocks.
PS Stop defending yourself. There's no need, for it's nobody else's business x
DeleteI'm not defending just explaining they are wrong mavis
DeleteWrong with an hateful undertone. They can still FUCK OFF!
DeleteX
I adore your loyalty xx
DeleteFor once I agree with Moaning Mavis 😀
DeleteYou seem to have the patience of a much less tired man, answering all these comments ... especially the Anonymous ones!
Changing to not working back to back long shifts, sounds like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI actually prefer all my weekly shifts together! I hate them being split up, it chops up my week too much. Besides, I'd sooner have more days off!
ReplyDeleteFunnily Betty hates greyhounds too, I have never understood why.I do know why she hates Weimaraners.
My daughter is a nurse here in the US. She is normally scheduled for three days of 12 hour shifts (some days end up being closer to 14 hours). She likes having the 4 days in a row of not working, though. I honestly don't know how she can do it. That seems to be the way of nursing jobs now in the Midwest USA.
ReplyDeleteI was in the hospital for a few days recently. As a patient, I could really notice how worn out and tired the nurses became by the end of their shifts. I, personally, don't think it is very safe for the patients. When people are dead tired on their feet after such a long shift, it seems to me that more mistakes could happen. Most of my nurses all seemed to be in their late 20's, and as young and vibrant as they were at the beginning of their shifts, they were still exhausted by the end of the shift.
I enjoyed reading about your stroll through your neighborhood. It sounds like such a nice place.
There is much research to support the fact that long dayworking can be detrimental to patient care and nurse effectiveness
DeleteShort shifts of 7 hours early are more effective but as what do often happened when I was a junior nurse , I could be working ten days without a break !
Nurses like long days as they have more days off
It's morale vrs effectiveness
Young nurses like the 12 hour shifts. Myself and my "mature" coworkers prefer the 8 hour shift. We just don't get the long off stretches anymore.
DeleteMy mind had boggled at those consecutive shifts, but I presumed you had chosen them. I’m glad they could be changed.
ReplyDeleteI hope the valuation goes well... now it’s agreed you’re taking over the mortgage, it is in your interest for it to be high, isn’t it? Valuers aren’t influenced by the tricks used to sell... fresh flowers and the smell of coffee perking. Neither will they decrease the value after finding the odd cocktail sausage, so you don’t have to go All Out ! May it turn out just the way you need it to.
No I had not changed them and the pattern is now sorted
DeleteThat book is coming on nicely. I am serious. One of your 2000 followers must be/know an agent.
ReplyDeleteWell today there are enough critics here to pull it to pieces lol
DeleteFuck 'em. Under Milk Wood in Daylight is what I would call it.
DeleteAll the commenters saying good for you changing your shift pattern haven't given a thought to the fact that you presumably knew what the shift pattern was when you applied for the job, that by saying you don't wish to work a shift means another nurse has their shift pattern changed to accommodate you, that by asking to do the Sunday shift means extra pay for you but the original shift worker loses the weekend wage enhancement.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're not going to be known as the snowflake diva!
Sue you are as wrong as jacq is
DeleteNot one nurse on the unit does three long days in a row
I changed this shift as this week I am supernumerary and no one other nurse was affected or had to change their shifts
I did see myself on three shifts together before I started but didn't quite realise just how the initial learning would affect me
As for being a snowflake
I have already put myself down for a long day on Christmas Day in the request book.
I think you forget that at one time I used to run a ward with a staff of over fifty .
I bet you wish you had never mentioned the bloody shift change.
DeleteA misplaced cocktail sausage? A mummified mouse? Surely what the estate agent would pass off as "quaintly dishevelled bijou cottage"?
ReplyDeleteAs long as it doesn't affect my mortgage he can value it how he likes
DeleteGlad to hear the hospice sister was able to change your shift, you will work much better when you are fully awake. Also pleased to hear Jason's hand is better. The part about the butcher made me smile and remember MY grandad, who used to wear a trilby and tip it in greeting...
ReplyDeleteI like the thought of tipping my hat in a greeting
DeleteA trilby would suit your image when your book is published!
DeleteI detest 12 hour shifts. I will only work 8 hours. I'd rather be there 5 days a week than live like a zombie.
ReplyDeleteOur rotations on 12s have changed. Usually a combination of days then flipping onto nights. We used to get long stretches off on the full time lines. But the government has changed them and it's terrible. Along the lines of 3 on 3 off. One unfortunate I know had a line that became horrific. It involved a 12 week work pattern and there were a few times that she worked FIVE 12s and then a long stretch off and a random 12 hour night tossed in.
The theory is that the employer saves money by paying less in benefits and the patients benefit from continuity of care.
I say it just leads to early burn out of nurses.
I like this way of telling of your day. I wish I could do it too.
ReplyDeleteI like your writing style and enjoyed your description of your village, the people and your gorgeous Mary.
ReplyDeleteLovely walk through the village John it paints a pretty picture I love the fact that the butcher truck comes through your village I remember a time when so many merchants came through and the women would chat while buying fresh vegetables and the like I was just a child then. I don't know what's wrong with the people who have their knickers in a twist today time to move on and just trust your judgement no need to explain.
ReplyDeleteThe value by the [whoever] must be sufficient to cover the mortgage requested, or the bank will not make the loan. In other words, if John's cottage were valued at 100,000 dollars [pounds], the bank won't give him a mortgage for 200,00 dollars [or pounds etc]. A low valuation is not good unless it is the tax assessor, for tax purposes.
ReplyDeletelizzy
lizzy
Oh no not 12 hour shifts. When I worked on a ward 3 of those in a row, a day off and then back again the following day meant I asked for a reduction in hours. Plantar fascitis and metatarsalgia are no fun. That and the hour's drive there and the hour's drive home = burn out. Hopefully you get to sit down occasionally John...
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry. I have nothing nasty to say. Can I still comment?
ReplyDeleteAmazing how many people think they are experts on someone else's life, profession and specific workplace. And fall over themselves to say so.But fortunately there are more people with brains and empathy, so you are still ahead, John!
ReplyDeleteRemember the thought of Andre Gide:"I always allow other people to be right: it consoles them for not being anything else."
Or even in the words of the great Pam Ayres:
My mother said: 'Say nothing
If you can't say something nice."
So from my poem you can see
I'm taking her advice."
Ursula I'm old enough to be your mother judging by your photo, when your photo appears 7 times on John's blog posting, good manners tell me that is 6 times to many and you should recognize the fact that this is not your blog, you like to stir the pot and turn people against each other your obsessive compulsive behaviour needs to be kept in check please try dear I'm sure you can do it as your starting to come across as a bully.
ReplyDeleteComox
DeleteA good and appropriate comment ....I am happy Ursula comments but only occassionally xx
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