Wake up Maggie, I think I've got something to say to you.....

Evening All.

I had my interview to work in The Community Aged Day Centre this morning. Bright and early, I was. And it went well. It certainly could have gone a lot worse. The only sticking point was when the panel could contact my manager for a reference if they needed to. They are aware that I had not informed her of this possible change of department (I'm a scaredy cat), but are aware that my boss is a bit of a hard nut. It was agreed that I would let her know by Friday, and that would be the day that they would phone her if it is necessary. I have no idea what her response will be. As I said before, she and I just haven't gelled over the last 20 months. I told her this afternoon, and her response was very controlled. And cool. But I am pretty sure that she was seething inside.

"If that's what you have to do...." was her response. And we went on to discuss other things.

She has the ability top make me feel terribly inadequate and less than successful at my job. Why do I want to work somewhere else, you ask..........

She gave me the (Unfortunately) necessary written work reference for the Enrolled Nursing Traineeship today, as she promised. Here is an abridged version of her responses to the questions;

• The quality and quantity of my work is.... AVERAGE +

• My major achievement/contributions are;

ORGANISATION OF FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
ENCOURAGES SOCIAL INTERACTION BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND STAFF
ALWAYS WILLING TO ASSIST IF STAFFING ISSUES

• What areas require improvement?........... DISCUSSION OF PROGRAMMING WITH SUPERVISOR

• Attendance?........ GOOD

• Further comments?..... WITH GUIDANCE WILL BECOME GOOD "TEAM" MEMBER

Hmmmmm..........

I don't sound like much of a catch, do I??????????

I think she needs to read my job description. And actually hold the meetings that she keeps on saying that we must have; if she has specific ideas, then she only has to ask/suggest. I will gratefully accept and try to implement all ideas.
And realise that diversional therapy in a high care nursing home is not about the volume of craft works that can be produced....... It's often more about a friendly and timely ear, and hand to hold...... And to know that, more often than not, I am providing nursing care for my lovely residents, rather than playing games with them, as this is the more immediate need. I cover for the nursing staff for usually 3-4 hours of my 6 hour day.... and my breaks are dependent upon whether or not there will be a nurse on the floor.... And I actually spend more time with the families/carers of our residents than any other person at work. These people confide in me and information is passed onto the nursing team if it will improve the level of care and outcome for our residents.

No other Activity Co-Ordinator that I know does this.

And the "Team" member comment........ Phish!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I find this a little insulting....... Her comment in regard to staffing, which is actually quite positive, is in direct opposition to this statement.........


It won't do me any favours with the selection panel, will it????????????

But I have to lodge it. Unless I can get a new manager in the next week.

Oh well.........................................

All will become clear..........

Have a good one!



"Cos I'm movin' in on up; Time to break free"