Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Professional Relationships

I have come to realize that there is no forgiveness in professional relationships. Get it wrong and its you against the law.....you will be on your own - no mercy, no faith, no compromise, just plain facts. This is where Tupac's 'It's me against the world' version of events stares you in the face. The phrase 'every man for himself, God for us all' could not be any more true at this point in time.

When working with professionals in a work environment, one of them will usually be responsible for showing you the ropes and usually it is this individual's responsibility to ensure that you are up to scratch with organisational and professional requirements and that you are fit to be registered as a competent professional. So, should anything go wrong, especially during your first months of work, the person who recommended you as being competent will be in trouble and could face loosing their job for allegedly falsely declaring you as competent. That's why, if you do not show signs of growth and development in your work, it becomes a case of 'me against the world'. There is no forgiveness in the world of work. You are given a chance to improve yourself, but your reputation will be tarnished big time. That's why, given a choice between money and reputation, I choose my reputation at all times because with a good reputation, money will be flowing in anyway!

So, there is a lot of pressure in becoming a professional - but it does not mean that it is unachieveable. It simply is a case of being under pressure to perform, or else.....

Lord, in our world of work, please give us the grace to work to professional standards and to practice safely so that we do not have to endure the agony of defending ourselves in front of a panel of stern-looking, no-nonsense professionals who want to 'KNOW EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED'.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Strength...

Your strength is measured by how quickly you get up when you fall; how flexible you are to change; how high you hold your head in times of adversity and last but not least, how you use your mind - Pauline Okposi.

Friday, May 6, 2011

More progress

This week has been a particularly challenging one as there were pressing deadlines to be met. I am happy with the progress I have made so far and I am trully thankful because I have beaten the deadline.

I have become better at this and I feel restless if I have not lived up to expectations. However, I have learnt not to be so hard on myself because the Type A personality that I am can be detrimental in some circumstance - just ask the psychologist in you.

I am learning to relax much better and not feeling guilty about this. This weekend is one of reflecting on my journey as a student nurse and beaming at the accomplishments; while at the same time learning from the mistakes made in the past.
We are learning everyday and since nothing in this life is static, dynamism is a new vocabulary I am glad to be associated with.

I am thankful, truly thankful.

Nice weekend to everyone.

A new me

I am a changed person. Since I started my education to become a nurse, I never felt as encouraged as I feel today. I have grown academically, socially, spiritually, psychologically, name it. I feel that my institution of study has given me the opportunity to develop a side of me I did not know existed. However, the journey has not been a smooth sailing one.

I have had to go through various huddles, some very difficult, but courage and confidence has been the name of the game. When I look back at when I was filling in my application form, I never thought the day would come when I would see the finish line. It seemed so far away. But now, it's only a flicker of a distance away and I am so relieved.

Many thanks to my colleagues, lecturers, friends, family and neighbours without whose support and encouragement I would not be writing this post today. I have been fortunate to be able to get through my studies well so far and I am hopeful that, based on my performance todate, I will be an effective nurse.

However, my learning has only just began and I am ready for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.
Again, I say thank you to you all.
Cheers.