Well, here I am after my first week in my new job. I am now officially back in work. My new title is Clinical Governance Administrator, at a small GP Practice here on the Isle of Wight. What a ridiculous title that is. It's too long to put as occupation on any form I fill in and I dread to think how they will fit it all on my name badge when I get one - my boobs are not that big!
So how did it go for my first 3 shifts? Not too bad to be honest. I am trying to get to grips with an unfamiliar computer system called Vision. This is a clinical software system used by some GP Practices including those here on the Island. I'm familiar with the rival system called EMIS and was very adept at doing searches and audits using that, this system though is very different and it has taken me my 15 hours this week to get to grips with the basis of it.
Despite being like a startled rabbit in headlights on my first day, I did manage to chase up some QOF (Quality Outcomes Framework) points for the Practice. Every year smokers are supposed to be given advice on how to give up the habit, so rather than call them in I sent them all a letter informing them that help is available and to contact the Surgery if they want help to stop. Just by doing that we are now at 100% for that indicator. I am now trying to get people to come in for blood pressure checks and blood tests. Getting them in and getting results for the cut off day in April is somewhat unrealistic but at least I'm trying. Some of these Government targets are ridiculous, for example patients with chronic illnesses should have blood pressures of under 140/90 - many of them are at levels of just 2-3 points above this, but even so it means we are failing on this category. Cholesterols are even worse - we are aiming for levels of under 5mmols, several patients are just 5.01 - 5.2mmols but again, we are still outside targets so lose out on funding.
Whilst I'm talking about this could I make a plea to anyone who gets a call up letter to go for a blood test or blood pressure check - please go. It makes life for the little CGA in the office a bit easier and helps your GP get additional funding by reaching their targets. This means they can improve the services they offer to you, the patient.
Something that came to light this week at my first Practice meeting on Thursday is, that, although it's not heard about now, Swine flu (H1N1) is still out there and it's anticipated it will return with a vengeance in the autumn. Therefore, if you, or anyone you know is in an at risk group and hasn't had the vaccination yet, then please get it whilst there are currently still stocks available. Contact your surgery and they will be happy to help.
Something else that is in the pipeline is health checks for the over 40's - Grrrr I would have loved for this to have come in before I took on this job as it involves health promotion and advice which I could give as a Nurse even with my MS. This current job means I get no contact with patients aside of sending letters and making appointments. Oh well such is life.
Regarding my MS and this current job, my employers seem to be very supportive. I got there on Tuesday afternoon to find the office full of chairs. The whole place is getting new office chairs and we could try them to find the most comfortable one for our individual needs. I have chosen one with a high back which tilts backwards allowing me to stretch. At the moment it doesn't have arms but I am assured they will be fitted when the order is confirmed. My monitor was a little low which led to me having neck ache at the end of day one but this was resolved on Wednesday when a monitor shelf was found which raised it to eye level. Wonderful. The only problem I need resolved now is a rail or frame around the staff loo - unless of course they are planning on installing a hoist if I can't get up. I will tactfully raise the subject (so to speak) with my office manager on Tuesday. I had contacted Access to Work about problems that I might encounter prior to starting the job but as I have a phone phobia they seem a little reluctant to contact me via email (despite it stating in their paperwork that they use the means of communication that the customer prefers!) Anyway they want me to get back to them now I've been there a week so I'll tell them my experiences so far - Of course I could just link them to this site and they will then know as much as you lot do!
Other news is that I went to the Hospice which is a lovely place. Bright and airy and full of some lovely volunteers. I was "interviewed" by the senior Nurses and although I would have loved to be able to offer some hours as a sitter or reader, it was mutually decided that at the moment the new job has to come first.
The Open University Course is progressing quite well and I have at last got my credit transfer through. I have been awarded the full 120 points at level 1 for my SRN training, 20 points at level 2 for the Return to Nursing Course I did in 1999, and 30 level 2 points for the Heartsave Course I did in 2003. This means I only need another 70 points at level 2 before commencing level 3 of my Open Degree. I am under no illusions that it will be a hard slog but it does give me a bit more faith in my abilities as a student.
It was Mothering Sunday last week - this is always full of mixed emotions for me. Firstly I appreciate and love my own mother who I sadly don't get to see more than once or twice a year now, but it is also tinged with sadness. Regular readers will know that I was unable to have children and this is probably the greatest cause of my depression over the years - I would have loved children and never have taken them for granted the way many people do. I also miss my wonderful Auntie who died in 2006 - she couldn't have children either and we always sent each other cards on Mothers Day to show that we still had caring and maternal natures. I know Peggy is still with me and it was she that enabled us to move to the Island when she left us enough money to pay off the mortgage when she died.
Right, that is all the news from my little corner of the world for now.
Speak soon
Jen -x-x-
