Turn over a new leaf

The ex- unit manager had her last day on Friday and the new one started. A senior nurse went on annual leave for 5 weeks, another manager went on long service leave for 3 months, and another manager got pregnant. The department is constantly changing and we all hope for some improvements and less politic issues. 

I can now do things without any hassles and I can change things. It's like creating my own little kingdom, which isn't going to be easy. 

The Flu that everyones had

The epidemic of Swine Flu has caused a concern to everybody. Most of my friends fell ill and others had the flu for the second or third time. 

As part of the medical health sector, Swine Flu isn't a big deal. It is like any other flu but with different virus strands. Depending on your immunity, you can recover quickly or being bedridden for weeks. If you get it, you just have to stay clear from public and remain at home till you are recovered. It's also a great opportunity to get rested. 

As for me, I haven't have it....yet...*touch wood*. Not especially on the month of D's and mine birthdays. 

Why people are so unkind!

I am absolutely bitter about my role at work. All the emotions inside me are too overwhelming and majority of the issues are just been unfair. When it was all too much for me, I had a little talk with my Associate Director of Nursing, who was once used to my Unit Manager. She was certainly on my side. She knew there were enough staff, hence created many problems. I did my best to alternate staff to do every fortnight PM shift on the Friday. I can't make them to do every Friday night otherwise I will loose them. She understood and told me to ignore those who complained. 

I had a very senior part time staff who always picked on me, constantly asked me to change shift with her on the once-a-month weekend, and talked rudely to me. It has been twice during the week that we debated one another with issues. She got me to the point where I had to defend myself and avoided her whenever I could. Even my associate and I knew that because she applied for several positions and declined, she is a different person- an angry, pessimistic person. I didn't want to sit down and discuss with her or to allow my associate to talk to her. I know if I do that, she will annoy the hell out of me. My associate said if I did something wrong, she would instantly say it in my face. But for now, what I did was right. 

Another person who was similar to her was this particular plastic surgeon. Young and think-I-know-it-all attitude, he thinks he owns the hospital. He's just as rude as her, demanding and commanding. You would think these two go well together but since last Friday, they had bad terms with each other. It reminded me how he and I went from good to bad. He would adore you and praise you at the start. As the time goes on, if he knows you well, he becomes demanding. If he can't get what he wants and you don't deliver it, he will treat u like hell. If you become defensive and state the reasons, the relationship that was once pleasant can become like enemies. 

It was Friday when those two worked together, he complained why there are always irregular staff. And then she complained why she was allocated in his theatre and commanded me to find someone to do a PM shift. And that was when she and I had disagreements. So she went to talk to the associate and so did he. I had the sixth sense that this would come, so I talked to my associate before it happened. I guess I was giving her the background of the issue and preparing her for this. True enough, it did happened. 

After the episode of complaining to the associate, I knew I wasn't needed to attend this matter any further. Before I left, I saw the senior nurse was talking to the other manager. Probably venting it out and complained about my role. I was very upset about it and expected her bad-mouthing me to everybody. 

Deep inside, I did everything I can to please everybody. But at certain times, you just can't. I realized this is part of being a manager and I can't avoid it. It has been working on my emotions alot this week. Very drained and exhausted that I had headache for 8 hours and couldn't be relieved by panadol. All I did was to sleep. I went out on Friday night and it was difficult to enjoy. It has hit me hard and I hope I'm strong enough to get over it. If it wasn't for the long service I'm about to get in 1 and half years time and trying to build the managerial experience, I would have move on to another hospital. 

A treat from friends

Few months ago, I recalled that I still have the birthday voucher from last year. So I browsed through redballoondays and found what I wanted- a day spa luxury for face/body/feet at Natskin.  The deal was pretty good with 30mins for each part. With extra $20 more than the one I had in Gold Coast, this was well worth spent. The feet was soft and invigorated, the massage was very firm and relaxed and the face was hydrated with serum and mask. I was very impressed and the place was at South Melbourne, very near to the market AND very close to home. 

Thanks guys for the great 30th bday gift! 

G'bye Gold Coast, home sweet home Melb

On my last day of conference, I was again congested with many presentations. They were beneficial and there was more socializing involved with the medical companies. By lunch, I was quite drained and was ready to leave but taxis doesn't arrive till three hours later. So I remained, trying to stay awake. 

When it was time to depart Gold Coast, I was looking forward returning home. I missed my boyz, my D and the comfort of my place.  

D picked me up when I arrived on schedule and I was already hunger for dinner. We went to Hu Tong, which was popularly recommended by my colleague and D's parents. The famous "siu long bao" was ordered, along with the noodles and fried dumplings. The baos were awesome, soft, juicy and tasty. So good that it was ordered again. I was tempted with the sichuan spicy soup but I was quite full. Perhaps next visit. 

The following day continued with another seminar on nursing in Plastics surgery. It was located at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and I was lucky enough to find a carpark which was $9 flat rate, all day. The day ventured to an early start till 5pm. I was glad that two of my colleagues came. At least I had companions to help me get through the day. It was indeed an informative day and I was glad that I cut short the conference. 

The three days were pretty intense, however I have learnt a great depth in my speciality. New discovery of new methods and new products that I didn't know they existed have been purchased by other public hospitals. I felt quite embarrassed and outdated as my hospital is well known for their prestigious equipments, medical and nursing staff.  I am relief that my study leaves were used, enabling me to step out from my routine tasks and updating my knowledge. Alot of improvements need to be made but it's going to be a real challenge with several restrictions. The new unit manager is starting in June and I hope she will remain longer than the previous ones. 

Reflecting on my role, I have been on this job for seven and half months. How time flies. Another two more years to go will be ten years, my main benefit of receiving long service leave, which is like three months of holiday leave, excluding annual leave, family leave and sick leave. 

It was sunny and I was stuck inside all day

How unfortunate to be at the conference all day when the storm went away and the sun was shining.
The day started 8am and I was enthusiastic but was quickly faded away with their numerous qualitative researches. I just wanted to know the conclusions, not with their numbers. When morning tea came, I was again energetic with the medical expos, hoping to find new equipments/instruments. However, as I walked one round, I was disappointed to find limited stalls and the stuff I would like to see were not promoting. Recession does affect the medical industry after all.
The rest of the afternoon were presentations for the nurses. Some were good and humorous, however others were boring with their research findings. I felt like going but the conference was paid 100% by me so I stayed till the end.
When I headed out, it was dark and cooler, I had the urge of something soupy and spicy for dinner. I thought of room service again but I was over with western food. So I ventured to the small town and it was buzzling with bars, cafes and restaurants. I didn't know how busy it was on a Sunday night! I then managed to find a Vietnamese cafe and thought why not and gave it a go. I had the Spicy Beef noodles soup and prawn/pork paper rolls. They were okay, quite bland and mild, hence I asked for fresh cut chilli. The chilli was the highlight. It was extremely tiny that I consumed quite a few that it burnt my tongue. It was darn hot. I had to put extras into the rolls to give it more "umph" to the flavour. Conclusively, Melb has the best Vietnamese food. Tastier and more ingriedents added.
So this is my last night in Gold Coast. I love the hotel room and the slightly warm weather. It was short and sweet. If it wasn't for another workshop in Melb, I would have remain right till the end. Well workshop doesn't come by so often but annual conference is.
Another early night for me as the day begins at 8am again and I will cut short till 330pm to catch the 510pm flight. Most likely will be crashing onto the bed as I arrive home and having to wake up at 7am to arrive safely for the workshop at the Royal Melb Hospital.
It is a tiring event, travelling back and forth but at least it is not as bad as being stress at work.

Broadbeach, Gold Coast conference Day 1

It was 540am today that Jetstar announced passengers to board. Yes, it was damn early and I was prepared with the packing and checking in online one day prior. I was especially early and on schedule. As soon as the plane took off, I snoozed all the way to Gold Coast.
Arriving early morning with a bit of humidity and sun were blissful. I missed the warmth and forgot how good it felt after spending winter in Japan trip. As the cab driver took me to Sofitel, I remember bits and pieces of the place. The last time I went was like 5 years ago. Things have changed- more serviced and luxury apartments are built. The biggest and the main shopping mall, Pacific Fair still exists.
I was lucky when arrival that a spare room was available and I didn't have to find something to do to kill time till check in. At the start, I thought I should be resting but since I love hotel breaky buffets, I took the chance to dine in within the one and half hour.
The breakfast was a delightful and fulfilling with everything you could imagine. There was the pancake industrial machine that caught my eye. There were more like pikletts. Nevertheles, I wasn't too fuss and ate them even though I was almost full.
To digest my full stomach, I decided to venture Pacific Fair, which only took me ten minutes walk. The shopping mall was huge with shops held outside and few of childrens' ride, which it looked like a fair. I thought I would never buy anything but I did, mainly clothes. I couldn't believe how cheap they were. More varities and practical for Melb's winter....surpringsly.
About noon, the storm hit Broadbeach and I was prepared with my umbrella. The wind was so fierce that my umbrella flipped twice. At that moment, it was rainy and windy, I couldn't be bother to use it anymore. It was too difficult. The day changed quickly with my balcony viewed of beach of high waves and grey sky. It wasn't a good looking view anymore. I brought my bathers and it was a pity that the pool was outdoor only.
As I bummed in the hotel room, I waited for my massage and facial I've booked. I was so bored and handicapped without the internet that I decided to pay the wireless with the cost of $26 for the two days. With an instant, it made me happier and assisted me to kill some time.
As time flies, I walked to the massage resort which was just down the road. I booked the package of massage and facial, hoping they would relaxed me. The masseur/beauty therapist was a young lad and she had the most gentle touch ever. So gentle that I only felt her firm massage on my neck/shoulder. Prior to the massage, I did mentioned VERY FIRM, but I guess that was all she could exert. The facial was a disappointment. She didn't assessed my skin integrity or to even ask questions, she simply put the applicators onto my skin which I HOPED that I do not react harshly to them.
When I got out, the weather continuely to be grim and windy. I quickly walked into the liquer shop and bought a bottle of Wirra Wirra, as well as to Safeway to buy some snacks. I decided my dinner would be room service. I didn't wan to dine alone nor to be blown away. The menu sounded alright and I ordered the salmon fillet and oysters. The food standards were excellent, just like the breakfast. Although the servings were small, I was completed with a full stomach.
So whilst I'm writing the blog, I'm lying on the softest, fluffiest pillows and blankets with a glass of red's. I think I"m about to call it for the night. I don't mind sleeping really since I had four hours sleep the night before and my conference starts at 8am, stretching to 5pm.
It has been a relaxing day, despite the horrendous weather. I've spent quite a few during my shopping spree and chilled in my room. I think I'm ready for the long day tomorrow. It will be like the Uni days of sitting down and listening to lectures all day. Fun......ah hem.

Way overdue

Yes and I apologise to the regular bloggers whom read my blog several times and it hadn't been updated.
Since my managerial role, I've been swamped with heavy workloads and the stress I had from endless politic issues. The period when I had five weeks off, I was in Japan snowboarding and travelled around the country. The days I had off were spent with my friends, loved one and family. I hardly have any time to sit down to update my blog. Many special occassions and outings were attended. Yet many sleepless nights during the weedays had overwhelmed me due to work stress. Fortuntely, with the recent short weekend trip from Barossa Valley, I was well, however I was easily lethargic and took many opportunities of sleeping early and skipping dinner.
I am and still is so over with work as management roles are in a great transisiton. Many resigned and others retired. Last week was the International Nurses' Day and the main theme was "Nurses Leading Care Innovations". A time for change and the need to adapt to change in a modernised, technological environment. I thought that was great but there are still numerous of senior staff who were hospital trained find changing is difficult. How can we innovate and to change where there are too many ageing nurses, yet there aren't enough young people interested in the nursing career. The old ones are becoming tired and exhausted and the young ones prefers to have good hours and high pay. It is a pity how we nurses are paid so inadequately and received less incentives.
On the lighter note, recession times are hard and the nurses are lucky to retain their job and I guess the majority will agree that it's better to stick with the job and hold our tongue.
I've learnt to de-stress myself is to take many short breaks and that's the only that I can last and maintain my health. Since I drained myself at work last week, I managed to sleep more at Barossa. Even though it may sound not a holiday, but it was to me. The peacfulness, the environment and good companies helped me to recuperate. Once more, this weekend I'm going away to Broadbeach, Gold Coast for conference and returning on Mon evening, following to attend another conference at Royal Melb Hospital on Tues early morning. Sounds busy but I rather be in a study environment than work. Besides, the last time I been to a conference was two years ago. About time I should further my knowledge and opening up my horizon.
More trips coming up are Christchurch, New Zealand snowboarding and my cousin's wedding in Singapore. I am excited to both and they can surely will help me to get through till end of the year.
Ok..writing mood is over and I'm enjoying my first purchased wine arrived this morning, Nashwuk, Shiraz 2007, McLaren Vale and to try the dumpling place that my colleague recommended, "HuTong Dumpling" at Market Lane, city for din din.