Sometimes your world can feel very small
That’s what night shifts do to you.
A quiet night last night.
A nursing colleague with problems of her own
A very tired support worker
And patients that were stable and who slept.
My world is as small as a gnat’s chuff
In the daytime sleep takes over,
And on warm days, like today it can be difficult.
I was up at 2 pm eating a pot noodle and although they taste wonderfully cheap
They are still a meal of the dammed
Soon I will make a decision to come off nights for good.
This may not be practical or indeed possible but like all management quandaries there’s always a pragmatic way around to an agreeable solution.
I walked the dogs and put Swedish IKEA meatballs in the air fryer to cook and returned to bed with the laptop. I love the way IKEA takes the piss out of itself by selling its own meatballs
They are so clever the way they do things .
I checked the village website out
No real news expect someone had dropped a full crate of expensive beer at the top of Bron Haul
Ever cheerful Gwawr informed everyone that it had been cleared up.
Ten days off after tonight. 🤗😎😍😀
I’m ready to hang my nurses uniform up now I think , and for good
I’m entering my 42 year
Nothing like a decision to make you feel free!
ReplyDeleteCan you afford to give nurse up completely? Good luck you need a break
ReplyDeleteNo not yet
DeleteWouldn't it be wiser to qualify as a counsellor before giving up your job? Even then are you assured of enough paying clients to make a living wage?
ReplyDeleteI’m not giving up my job, who said that, I’m planning not to do nights , and I’m looking forward to leaving the profession
DeleteLeaving the nursing profession? Your post desn't make that clear.
DeleteThat's a long time to be in a job that needs you to be giving...yes, high time you stopped working nights.
ReplyDeleteThis is quite a big decision. I hope that it all works out well for you. 3rd Trick is what it is called here, and it is so hard on a body.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you've done it for so long, especially the night duties. I know finance has a lot to do with it, but if you still need to work whilst qualifying as a counsellor, are there any "easier" nursing jobs going? I'm thinking GP practices, clinics, private hospitals etc. I'm sure there's something out there, if you need it. Maybe Ikea meatball taster!🤣😋 Good luck. xx
ReplyDeleteNo more night shifts and starting a new career. It is all good.
ReplyDeleteI wonder HOW it was cleared up. Did someone pick up all the cans and put them in their fridge? :)
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for wanting to get off nights. It seems your seniority as a nurse would allow you that option.
The villagers and their dogs licked up all the beer LOL
Delete42 years!! That is an amazing accomplishment. I wish you all the best!
ReplyDeleteLinda from Alabama
Yes. You have served your time.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I am counting the moments until I can retire. I work in medical publishing; almost 40 years now. Trying to hold on for 4 more years until I hit 65. I won't make it, I'm sure, although not by choice; publishing has changed so much and even more so now that AI has hit it. I will manage, though; sometimes we just know when it's time to be done.
ReplyDeleteI retired a year ago from a long career in medical journalism! Thought I would go until age 70, but I was done at 67 and a half. I admit to be glad that I'm out of it now that AI has entered the chat....
DeleteThose IKEA meatballs are the best! Much better than any other brand of frozen meatballs. Here's to a smooth transition from nursing to counselling!
ReplyDeleteHere is an idea to ease your way into retirement.
ReplyDeleteI know it's so last century, indeed Victorian and before: Why not offer your services as a companion to some old as yet not totally decrepit and in the money person. They wouldn't be alone, neither would you. You'd be going on cruises though not up Mount Everest. When, every so often, they lose their puff your nursing expertise would keep them alive or at least ease their way to exit. Your dyslexia not withstanding you could, in absence of any other entertainment, read to them. They may even tolerate your dogs. Easy peasy.
Beware the Butler.
U
I think I, at least, live in the 2020s and not the 1930s
DeleteSo, prostitute himself?
DeleteLol
DeleteCompanions are not uncommon...but that would mean leaving the Bwthyn...and the village...and it isn't a 9-5 job...
DeleteGZ, I penned a note to Pixie as I fail to see where prostitution comes into it. Then I deleted it. Waste not.
DeleteAs you say, companions aren't uncommon as anyone who has ever glanced at "The Lady" and its classified adverts will know.
Of course, you are right, it's not a 9-5 job. However, it's one that does not always necessitate live-in or nursing care but demands a certain amount of flexibility as to your time - and an ability to entertain, amuse.
On a personal note: My heart sings any time I see you in some blog's comment box. Considered thought is hard to come by.
U
I think you will make an excellent counsellor. Based on my impression of you from reading your blog for 12 plus year you know how to be non judgmental, are empathetic, a good communicator, patient and know how to be respectful. Those qualities, to me, would be what I would want from a counsellor.
ReplyDeleteIf I have this correct your counselling is by phone or computer - So you book the appointments in at an agreed time for you and your client - That seems the way to go to me x 🌻
ReplyDeleteEven better - and with a nice cuppa x ☕
Deleteflis completely missing the point of counseling! it's not a social event you know!
DeleteAnon (1315 hrs). Indeed. Counsellors are not your friend, neither are they therapists. They are a sort of half way house. Some years ago my GP prescribed me bereavement counselling. Not my idea. His.
DeleteAnyway, it was amazing. Basically, the counsellor - calm demeanour - just listened. In any fifty minute session he may have interjected three, max four questions. Essentially I was listening to myself talking. In the company of a total stranger. And what an education that was.
Still, I wouldn't be me if, when we came to the end of it, I hadn't asked him all sorts of questions about himself, what made him go into counselling others, etc.. He wasn't drawn. Total distance. With that I wish John luck because it's oh so easy to get lured in when someone else shows an interest in you [the counsellor].
So, as you say, counselling is not about cups of tea and heart to hearts. Though water to keep your tongue from getting parched whilst talking and tissues to keep the room from flooding will be provided.
U
Interesting, Ursula.
Deleteflis oblviously hasn't a clue what counselling entails.
My counsellor some years ago asked me to say what I was feeling at that time and then fell asleep! I wondered if he was just closing his eyes but no, he was asleep. I stopped talking then cleared my throat loudly and he woke, looked at his watch and said yes carry on. When his eyes closed again I got up, got my bag and left. When paying the receptionist I told her I'm paying for talking to myself, she didn't seem surprised but offered me a place with another counsellor. I declined, mainly for the fact that she wasn't surprised but that counsellor was allowed to carry on at that practice.
Money for nothing for those that let you ramble on without contributing themselves and who obviously don't have a real interest in you. Easy bucks. You might as well talk into a voice recorder in the comfort of your own home.
Yes flis - with a nice cuppa!
To JOHN - I have experience over years - For someone to feel safe with their Counsellor - the person needs to feel comfortable, safe - relaxed - "A cuppa" is how I explain the scene x
DeleteI got what you meant Flis, you are exactly right about feeling comfortable with your therapist and visa versa and Ursula sums up client centred therapy very well. The counsellor is there to walk the journey of self awareness WITH the client.
Deletehaving said this, there are many models of counselling each will suit a particular therapist, client and situation.
John Going Gently ( not at my own computer)
to anon
Deletethat was an unfortunate experience
and I hope a rare one
John Going Gently
Forty two years! You must be exhausted, time to retire again, move on. Other than the awful biological clock issues, are nights ''easier'' to work, most patients sleeping, etc. I know you do some very taxing specific work w medications and end of life. I am imagining the hundreds, maybe thousands of people you have cared for and helped in 42 years. And now a new career awaits. Sending well wishes always,
ReplyDeletelizzy
PS How did someone drop a case of beer--in the road? And why...?
And I'd love to see a little Trl. walking tour, all those titivated [hee hee hee] planters etc, when/if you have time.
Nights are killers but then, so are days, especially as we get older. Nursing is a job for the young. Take care of yourself John.
ReplyDeleteI hear you about it being time to retire. I was glad to retire, but cried for a week when I didn't renew my nursing liscence. I still miss patiend contact and holding the hand of each of my surgical patients as they went to sleep.
ReplyDeleteHope your new specialtity is your dream come true.
10 days off?! JOY!
Hugs!
I speak from experience: It's better to make your exit when you can still walk out the door under your own power; it's even better to walk to a chosen destination than to walk from one you find no longer comfortable. You're checking all the boxes!
ReplyDeleteI was a Mental Health Nurse with the godawful job of assessing for Continuing Health Care Funding. The whole system was corrupt and hell bent on saving money. Regardless of your professional experience and recommendations a group of people who had never met the patient or their family made the decision
ReplyDeleteI finally had enough one day and walked away. I was owed so much annual leave that I never went back.I was 58 and then had a career change as a cleaner and loved it ,,
Retirement had never entered my head until one day when I was 55 I got a call from my insurance company "checking" to see if I had made any financial retirement plans due to only having 10 left of official working years!
ReplyDeleteTo say I was gob smacked was an understatement. Now 3 years to go I still can't imagine being retired; who can afford to retire in this day and age?? The pension is a joke and some of us never had the opportunity or means to add to any retirement income in any largess. Fortunately we have a "Kiwisaver" retirement option here in NZ which I thankfully opted for at about that time. Apparently if I live till 90 it gives me an extra $20.00 a week top up of my official pension (hahahaha).
Nights are extra difficult when you don't keep on that schedule all of the time. Throws off your sleep habits I would think. Do what's best for you, John. xxoo
ReplyDeleteIntoxicated goats making merry on the Great Orme?
ReplyDeleteA bottle of 12 year old single malt got smashed on the Nightingale Cardiac ward. Sixteen old men were in tears.
What the fuck ?
DeleteLee
It is called humour...and I for one thought it was funny !
DeleteYes humour, something that you seem to be lacking Lee. You do seem to like replying to other commenters though which says a great deal about your character.
DeleteJesus lighten up !!!!
DeleteLee
42yrs! Well done. You deserve to ease up a bit.
ReplyDeleteJohn if you can manage a way to work only days I hope you do! I worked a combination of days and nights for years and know first hand that it can make
ReplyDeletefor unhealthy sleep patterns and wreck ones
nerves. Good luck with finding a way to make your life easier,Mary
Shift work, especially night shift, is so bad for your health. You would do well to stop if you can.
ReplyDeleteYael, I know you sometimes comment here,I hope you or someone that can reach you sees this .I just noticed your blog is gone and dearly hope you are okay,Mary
ReplyDeleteI echo your comment mary x
DeleteYael, I too miss your blog and hope everything is ok with you.
DeleteHilde in Germany
Her blog isn’t gone , it’s just accessible by invited readers
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DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
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DeleteAs others have said, 42 years is a long time indeed! My oldest brother initially got stuck on the idea of hitting the 45-year mark as a teacher/coach (most of it at the same school) and then wised up--and he was out after year 42!
ReplyDeleteForty-two years is a long time indeed and yet I have been working in the auto industry for almost the same.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your 10 days off! - Jackie
ReplyDeleteIkea were rumoured to be opening a big store to replace the now defunct Debenhams in central Brighton. If they will open; they're taking their time over it. I may not live to see it open!
ReplyDeleteI think night work, or regular but different shifts, are really bad for the biorhythms and also the nature of your work can be so draining emotionally, while having your own counselling must also be so at times. I really hope you can make a change which will fit in with your financial commitments at the moment. It's so hard sometimes.
ReplyDeleteIt would be so good if you could get off nights.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to you for your work caring for people all of these years. My man's brother is in a care facility. Like my guy said to the nurse this weekend, "You folks are doing God's work." I felt emotionally exhausted after being there for a short time. I can only imagine the toll it takes after years.
ReplyDeleteCan you change to all day shifts, cover weekends and holidays? The overnights would grind me into the ground. The need is there for counseling, hopefully in a few months that will provide needed income. A friend in London is counseling and has commented that he can do it, as long as he can stay awake.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked in the NHS I never could handle night shifts and admire those who can.......hope you do negotiate a change to day shifts only John, you've more than done your bit x
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
Wow, 42 years, you deserve a rest after all that time. It's one of the hardest professions, both mentally and physically and it's amazing you have lasted that long. My son was a Police emergency call handler for just over 12 years, after a few years on the beat, and it left him drained, especially the long night shifts.
ReplyDelete