Orientation to Mental Health:
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
Emerson
Today was an 'okay' day.
But then again, it was only orientation.
So, we virtually did nothing.
And I was with Arianne. Talk about AWKWARD.
I thought I was safe.
I got to the Unit at 8.30AM, we started at 9AM but I wanted to get there earlier because I didn't know where to go.
So as soon as the people started rocking up, I was like coooool!
And then we walked to the main reception area, and there were other Vic Uni students (3rd year).. and Arianne & Kavita.
BUT- we had fun. It was AWKWARD, but we slowly got over it. Not fully-- but good enough for the once a week we'll be seeing each other at debrief.
HAAAAAAAAAYSZ.
Though, I have to say-- placement as a Div1 is different to placement as a Div2.
And here I was thinking that I could handle all this. tsk tsk.
Differences:
1. Div2: Same facility (or there are at least two of you).
- Div1: Separation. (though, some are lucky to have ONE with them-- I, am not.)
2: Div2: two weeks.
- Div1: four weeks.
3: Div2: we usually get to finish early (our teacher takes us off the ward for debrief everyday)
- Div1: We have to stay on ward for as long as we are needed there. (and only meet up for debrief on thursdays)
4: Div2: no days off.
- Div1: ONE day off every two weeks. So, 2 days throughout the placement. Coz we're only supposed to be doing 140hrs, and four weeks is apparently 180 or something.
5: Div2: clinical teacher assesses us.
- Div1: Preceptor (buddy nurse) assesses us.
6: Div2: no medication round (+assessment for medication competency)
- Div1: medication round (+assessment for medication competency)
We found out that we were gonna be working together for the four weeks,
that only TWO of us will actually be working in Werribee Mercy Hospital, while the rest are else where.
OPTIONS:
1. Mercy Psych Unit.
2. CAT team (Crisis Assessment & Treatment team)
3. Working with HOMELESS PEOPLE
4. CCU (Community Care Unit)
5. Mother & Baby Unit.
So where did I get shoved into? (not really, I chose it haha)
CAT TEAM.
Don't ask me why, it was an impulsive response to "who wants to work with CAT team?"
What does the CAT team do?
We (note that I already consider myself apart of the team haha) are first line contact for people who need mental assessments, or for families or other people who know of someone that would need to be assessed.
So, where there is a first sign of trouble-- we will be there! wooohooot.
We consist of psychologists, social workers, nurses, psychiatrists and what not.
Also, should the patient be aggressive and refuse to comply, we come prepared with Police and Ambulance services.
So, I'm just that bit excited ! lol
And the place I'm going to is even CLOSER than Mercy Hosp!
I'll be in the Clinic just behind Di Caprios! =)
Though, having said that-- every Thursday I have to drive all the way to Mercy at 1pm for debrief.. GAAAYY.
Oh well, I'm exciteddd. I'm pumped. I'm ready to ROCK & ROLL!
Now, all I'm afraid of is how 1: I'm gonna study for exams which are from June 9-12 for me. and 2: how I'm gonna get my assignments in the day they're due when my roster is 0800-1600hrs. hrmsss. STRESSSSSS!
__________________
RANDOM & AWKWARD FACT FROM TODAY:
While getting toured around Mercy Hosp & the Psych Unit,
we got intro-ed to the Nursing Unit Manager of the Psych Unit...
Can anyone guess who it was?
Well, if you guessed "NOEL MOLLOY" (i don't even remember how to spell their last name LOL) then YOU ARE CORRECT. hahahaha
And for those of you who don't know who he is,
think SEAN MOLLOY.
Still nothing?
Think, "MY HOLDEN BOY".. At St. Andrew's. That collects the money (when they're actually there!)
haaayzz.. AWKWARD.
Teacher: This is Noel, he's the unit manager.
Noel: "remember to wear your name badge, if I find you without it- I will send you home" (very serious mind you...)
I was looking at him like *I KNOW HIM FROM SOMEWHERE.....*
Later on, we started talking about how he scared us and I asked;
Cam: "What's Noel's last name? He looks familliar"
Teacher: "Molloy".
Cam: "I knew it !!"
Classmates: "how do you know him?"
Cam: "oh nothing, I know his sons"
LOL.. Thank GOD I didn't put my name down for that unit! =)
<3