Ohtheroses - I agree I have certainly come across hca's (mainly bloody consultants!) who take the "what are they complaining for they're not paying for it!" Shitty attitude!
On the calibre issue... I was among the very first to train when it became a requirement to get a degree, I'd actually applied when it was the old rgn system and think I would have preferred training that way, my training was seriously lacking in some ways because (as is always the case with these things) the govt had rushed in the new training without properly informing or preparing the people doing the training! It was my placements that were the most useful! I was fortunate to have mentors who were "old school" and took no shit nonsense!
One in particular I was last lot to be put on that ward and by the week before had heard no end of horror stories of how tough and demanding she was! And as a result I was kinda dreading it!
As it turned out I LOVED that placement largely because of her!
Perhaps a kindred spirit thing, she was a "traditional" Irish nurse who'd gone into nursing at a time when it was either be a nurse, a nun or a bride where she was from (she was also gay though didn't hugely advertise the fact, so I think that was possibly a factor in her decision too). She reminded me a lot of my gran (of Irish descent - first of her family born in Scotland, albeit much younger) and was brisk, professional and extremely skilled and very well respected by the other qualified staff.
Around this time other things in the medical profession were changing, most notably to me less strict visiting hours, less strict on things like how beds were made, when obs were done, whether they were done for all patients etc - she was a bit of a maverick bucking against this trend Iirc her introduction was something like
"I don't care how other wards operate on THIS ward we do things the RIGHT way.
That means
regulated visiting, no visitors on the beds or in patient loos
beds WILL be made properly
DAILY
proper hygiene practice will be performed and I do spot checks
obs are 4 hourly minimum for all patients
clear handwriting at all times, print if your penmanship is poor but endeavour to improve it (admittedly I probably remember this one cos my handwriting is shit!)
Uniform is clean & pressed & worn ONLY on ward not on the filthy bus you're travelling in on - get in on time to change and BE ON WARD for start of shift and be properly prepared - I am not a stationery cupboard administrator so at least 2 working pens at the beginning of shift and keep your notebook tidy.
You are here to learn so if you don't know something ASK even if you're just a little unsure eg if an obs doesn't seem quite right don't ignore it check with someone.
There is NO task for which you are "too good" if I tell you to mop up a pool of vomit mop it up you will."
She had the best stats in the very large teaching hospital regarding length of admission & outcomes (her patients recovered quickly and fully), hospital acquired infection (I think at that point she'd had a good few years since she'd even HAD a case on her ward), pressure sore prevention and treatment (geriatric care so many were admitted from shit care homes with awful sores that were quickly and effectively treated - her treatment approach even at the time was considered old fashioned even aggressive - but it bloody worked! And she would have considered it shamefully poor if a patient developed a sore while on her ward)... Anyway you get the idea.
She and I got on well, having similar humour and approach to life, I was raised to be a "grafter" and no task beneath me and I love when an employer is very clear on expectations, she was also the only mentor I had that didn't prejudge me based on my being (at that time - I wish it were true now!!) a blonde, slim, fairly pretty and chatty/outgoing girl - I had one mentor actually admit they assumed I was an "airhead" based on my looks and my chatty/relaxed personality and that I'd surprised them by proving I was also an effective observer and listener.
I was asked by her to take on responsibilities other students hadn't been and at the end of the placement she said she'd happily have me back once qualified. It influenced me to work in that specialism though sadly not with her (thanks to stupid love 😂 married ex at end of training he was army and he got posted). I often wonder what would have happened if I'd ditched the (now ex) fella and gone to work with her, I think I'd more likely still be nursing, rather than have been put off by shit bosses elsewhere.
Sorry bit of a combination of rant & reminiscing there.
I agree that recruitment criteria need SERIOUS review but as per good ol' Noam that's not in current govts interest agenda to destroy the Nhs
"Now bursaries have gone its only going to get worse" absolutely! But as per above paragraph there's a clear intention there.
hey you! Not seen you for yonks!