Well, it’s been a long time in procrastination and contemplation but I’m finally sat in front of a laptop. Having spent the last month or so contemplating my next subject and working out where I was going to go with it, I spent a lot of time contemplating and all of a sudden I was presented with a blog that had been written by @johnwalsh88 and @sarah_searz which hit a chord, I sat a while longer and contemplated some more whilst having to complete a full five-day training session updating my skills for the one part of my job that I don’t like and do my best to avoid where possible, restraint. That’s not to say that I avoid the training, don’t like avoiding training as anyone will tell you that knows me. I’m a big believer in constantly growing my knowledge and skills base which is what’s brought me to blogging and fully embracing our #caremakerfamily.
I still remember the fear when asked last year if I’d considered blogging about an event I’d planned to celebrate the birthday of our NHS, it filled me dread and I decided against it. As my journey as a Care Maker has progressed I’ve had my struggles but with a little courage I’ve come through them and January has really proved that to me, I’ve come along way but there is still room for me to grow. Because we care we always forget to consider how much courage it takes to be a nurse everyday, walking on a ward not knowing what that day would bring especially when you consider the distress that can be experienced by someone who is living with mental health. It may be scary, it may be frustrating, it may be violent or hostile but we have to remember at all time that it is people we support. I have attended situations where staff were considering the use of restraint and I am very proud that with a conversation to identify the source of distress you can avoid the use of restraint and this was the message over all five days. That’s not to say it doesn’t have it’s place but I was overjoyed to see that the emphasis was last resort and least restrictive, let’s face it when we’re angry we all feel like unleashing a primal scream on occasion so why should we not allow a person to do the same who is unwell. It was constant throughout the whole five days, I will always do my best to avoid and reduce the use of restraint in any situation that I am called to support as I would rather be spat at, wear a cup of squash or called every bunch of your mother than see the therapeutic relationship that I have with people be broken down.
Courage comes in many forms, working on a busy maternity ward, holding the hand of a dying patient or carrying out brain surgery. The most courageous thing I’ve done recently is raise my head above the parapet and start looking around, this has led to all kinds of doors opening to me, and the funny thing is the more I stick out my neck the more I feel like I’m preparing for take off on my first flight on an aeroplane. That feeling of nervous excitement, the knots in the stomach and the restless pacing of the expectant father or concerned family waiting for an update on a loved one, which brings me nicely back to the second blog I’ve read which acts a little more like a mantra for me at the moment as I’m stood on the edge of a cliff with my #shiny wings getting ready to jump. Thanks to @johnwalsh88 and @Caroll_Read that’s not fear that I feel but the exhilaration of already being in mid-flight, the funny thing is I think I’ve known this for a little while but not wanted to accept it after all who am I to be in this privileged position and how on earth did I get here. Some like to think that it’s down to him upstairs, some may say that it’s because I am a good nurse but me I’m always going to question it because all I do is support people the way I’d like me or any member of my family to be supported (friends to of course) and work with a person not a diagnosis.
I’ve also thrown down the gauntlet to staff within the trust and offered to work with any member of staff who would like to celebrate some of the quality work they do, there are so many positive stories that need to be heard about the work done within our NHS it’s time to make sure that our service shines as bright as the beacon of hope that it is for us lucky people.
I started preparing for take back in 2013 without realising it when I first donned my Super Hero Cape and I’ve been climbing to the the dizzy heights that I currently find myself flying at. Who know’s when this flight will end or where it will land, but I have to say that’s not something I’ve got any time to think or worry about. This flight is far to #inspirational and exciting to allow me time to even consider anything as menial as it’s coming into land. Fasten your seat belts, prepare for take off and enjoy flying with me.
https://yestolifeblog.wordpress.com/2015/01/08/why-being-shiny-matters/ – Blog written by John Walsh and Sarah O’Donnell
https://yestolifeblog.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/from-fear-to-flying/ – Blog written by John Walsh and Caroll Read