Hello all, me again.

It’s been a while since my last blog which is due to how busy I have been on my first clinical placement, in the day surgery unit in Birmingham. I am really enjoying the experience, and have seen a few surgical procedures now which have been amazing. The precision and technique of the surgeons really leaves your mouth hanging open in awe! The nurses I’m working with are brilliant; they have all been so helpful and given me as many opportunities as possible to learn and get involved. For example I gave my first injection this week to a young woman who was feeling unwell. It was an intramuscular one, which can be quite painful for the patient. I apparently gave it correctly, but felt awful when she cried from the discomfort.

It doesn’t seem so long ago that I was practicing on oranges – but time, confidence and training have made a big difference.

I’ve also spent a day in the plaster room where I saw some staple rings removed from a healing wound and a little 4 year old getting a plaster put on. He was adorable and so brave; I played a silly face pulling battle with him to keep him distracted which he definitely won.

Away from placement, I had tickets to the Paralympics on Sunday 2nd September for the cycling and it was such an amazing experience! The velodrome is huge and there are so many people all excited, chatting and friendly. The military personnel were out in strength, which was great to see- I think their presence and work there has been really good for the military reputation. The athletes, cyclists with only one arm or one leg are so very inspiring. I really enjoyed my time there – I wish I had had more tickets.

Another thing, less exciting, was the wake up call we all got on Monday morning. I was already up getting ready for work, when a warrant officer came storming through our accommodation block knocking on all the doors telling us to be in the main hall for a compulsory drug test. The military do these randomly every so often, but it was a bit of a shock so early. It was all done quickly and efficiently, but it did mean that I was late for duty at my placement.

The whole cohort are starting to get training for the Birmingham half marathon that were taking part in. It’s in October and we’re raising money for the Royal Star & Garter Homes. I’m not much of a runner, but everyday I have off duty, I’m out running. I can’t say I enjoy it all that much, but it’s getting me fit, and it’s all for a good cause.

Anyway, I hope you’re still enjoying reading about what I’m getting up to.

LAC Doyle