Up The Farway Tree

First day over!

I was too tired to blog last night - all the excitement of changing jobs, the build up etc - I was totally shattered! I did survive though - always a good start.

I arrived nice and prompt, although the journey is rather horrible. It should take 20mins by car but actually takes 40 mins in the morning due to rush hour traffic. It's that start stop traffic that I really hate. Anyway, my consultants secretary (Debbie) was there and was very welcoming. I also knew one of other secretaries as she worked in my old work place before. Debbie showed me round and gave me all the codes for doors etc - I am hopeless with these so have them all written on the back of my name badge! It was a bit chaotic and nothing had really been arranged for me and there was no plan for the coming week. Kind of what I expected. I sat in on my consultants clinics all day and in between I was sorting out a timetable of clinics with Debbie and liaising with the other staff grade (Jamie) about use of rooms. There is basically a distinct lack of rooms so I am sharing with Jamie - but the problem is we both need the room for clinics and crisis team work at the same time! I was running around sorting out when other rooms were free and I think we have it more or less sorted now. I can at least leave my books and some bits and pieces in the shared room which makes by bag a bit lighter. He seems really nice so I am sure we will get on well. I also knew most of the crisis team nurses as I have worked in that area before, so it was so good to see some friendly faces. I am sure I will get to know everyone soon enough and it's my goal to actually remember all the names.

I am back in for a full day tomorrow so Debbie is going to book a clinic for the morning (might as well just get started) and I have some crisis team work in the afternoon. The crisis team basically see people who are heading for hospital admission but this might be prevented by some intervention and support, and they also help people who have recently been discharged from the ward. They don't have a doctor on the team, so the staff grades are going to have sessions they can book for medical review. This is just a new thing starting now so we have to see how it works out.

I am glad I have the first day over and have a better idea of what I am supposed to be doing - and more importantly I know where the kettle is and already have my secret stash of sugar ;-)

I am of course nervous about my first clinic - it is very very different from what I have been doing. I am sure all will be fine!

I will leave you with some amusing photos of Seb - since we moved all the soil he has decided this bench (just moved to that part of garden where soil bag was) is now his...