14 hour shift today. Taking things at my own pace, sorting patients out properly but not trying to see more than I'm comfortable with. Spent some quality time with some relatives of two of the really ill patients on the unit, explaining that their relative was very ill and likely to get worse. I think they appreciated what I had to say and the way in which I said it. That in turn led me to appreciate my role as a doctor a little bit more. It can be a rewarding job as well as a challenging one.
I have somehow ended up with three presentations to do in the next three weeks. So much for a relaxing break after the exam! Am also working for 2 of the next three weekends. Not all bad, as the weekend in the middle I get to see the Chili's in London. Already making holiday plans for August/September.
First, I would like to sort my career out. The clock is definitely ticking. Or perhaps it is a time-bomb I hear, which is about to explode and shatter the structure of the NHS. Fingers crossed...
I have somehow ended up with three presentations to do in the next three weeks. So much for a relaxing break after the exam! Am also working for 2 of the next three weekends. Not all bad, as the weekend in the middle I get to see the Chili's in London. Already making holiday plans for August/September.
First, I would like to sort my career out. The clock is definitely ticking. Or perhaps it is a time-bomb I hear, which is about to explode and shatter the structure of the NHS. Fingers crossed...
6 comments:
1) Keep making the holiday plans - always look six weeks ahead, as when you get there it'll be too late ;-)
2) Look on the bright side, the presentations may help your career!
3) The bomb is ticking! http://doctorthis.blogspot.com
Lord, days that long are exhausting... At least when I used to work days that long at the Park I got to switch jobs part way through - 8 hours as an interp and then another 5-8 hours as a function host... Strangely enough I didn't mind... but I liked both jobs, and my bosses, and the infrastructure where I worked. I feel for ya.
Geez...would you like some cheese to go with that whine?
My family didn't have the resources to send me to university, so after spending some time working as a secretary I decided that I would qualify as a lawyer whilst working. My days (and those of my colleagues) between work and learning regularly tot up to around 16 hours and I also work about 6 hours a day on the weekends.
I'm now a qualified lawyer, earning about one-sixth of the average income of a doctor, but I'm still doing course-work to improve my qualifications so that I can become a solicitor.
I have no job security, no union (BMA) looking out for my interests and if I complain, I too may lose my job, but there is unlikely to be a review process in place or anyone to complain to.
Oh, and for anyone who is tempted to say "well don't read the blog then", I have no intention of reading it in future. It just makes me angry that doctors feel that they are the only "martyrs" (a word taken from one of your postings). There are other people much, much worse off.
Nicki (in case you do read this):
As I said, being a doctor is a rewarding job. Defending criminals for money is probably a bit different. I sleep well at night.
There is no longer any job security in the NHS (see doctorthis.blogspot.com).
The BMA is a pile of crap, and that is why I cancelled my membership three years ago.
If you earn one-sixth of what a doctor does then you must be doing well to manage on a salary of 9k a year.
Going to uni is not dependent on 'family resources'. Anyone can go to uni if they want to and if their exam results are good enough. In answer to your point, I had a part-time job for 3 years before I went to uni, used student loans to fund my drinking whilst at uni and worked hard so I could get a good job which would enable me to pay my loans back. I'm sure that when you were deciding whether or not to apply to uni you could have applied for student grants which have now been phased out. People are responsible for their own lives. Blaming your parents is not fair.
Don't listen to Nicki, Vegas - I think she must have an essay to hand in, hence grumpiness.
You've got MY sympathy - I can appreciate that 14 hours in one job will make you more tired than 14 hours in another, different job.
If I'm blaming anyone for what I laughingly call my career, it's anyone who said I was good at the arts, so that I took all arts A levels and an arts degree the first time round. Chocolate teapot BA (hons).
Have now got science degree (a first), too, for the NHS job I've wanted for over a decade, after trying to get funding and failing, getting new job and retraining in job I didn't want so that I could pay for my own training in job I DID want, and the buggers seem to be shutting the NHS down. So no job for me, unless I'm luckier than I've been so far. Nicki - if you're reading this, try that for making you bitter.
Shut it Nikki, your mum is ace!
SC
Post a Comment