Welcome to Episode 100!!! As you’ve probably noticed, it’s been a few weeks now since I’ve published my last episode of the NGR Podcast. That’s because the last few weeks I’ve been working hard, preparing for my final 12 month CPAT. In today’s episode, I’ll reveal how I went on the day, and talk about the progress I’ve made in the lead up to the big event.

As you’ve probably seen, today’s episode is quite lengthy. Why is this? Well, I go into detail of HOW I do things day to day regarding writing notes and delivering Handovers. These were some of the things I really struggled with when I first started, and I made this episode to hopefully ease the process for new nurses starting into ICU.

As I mention, it took me almost 11 takes to produce this episode. That’s because there is just so much that could be said about mechanical ventilation, and the concepts behind its use, that it made it hard to concisely produce an episode on the topic. So, in today’s episode, I break down my own personal experiences using the ventilator; I explain a few concepts behind it’s use; and in general, share my thoughts on how I’ve progressed over the last 12 months.

In the second episode of the End of Year Reflections, I reflect on my experience of starting as a Graduate Nurse starting in ICU, and the challenges that it had brought. As you’ll hear, it has been the things that I did not expect to be a challenge, that have been the most challenging. In this episode, I really tried to let down my guard, to bring you an episode that is as transparent, and as true of how I’ve felt as possible. I hope you enjoy.

Now that I’m coming into the final few weeks of my graduate program, I thought I’d take this opportunity to update a few of my older episodes, and reflect on some of my biggest learning opportunities, and where I am now in comparison. This small series is called End of Year Reflections. To start with, here is an episode all about my experiences with Inotropes and Vasopressors. If you have any questions at all from what I discuss in this episode, please don’t hesitate to contact me via the NGR Facebook page.

After recently receiving the news that I have passed my final transition assignment; today’s episode is all about one thing that you could do right now, that could help you to prepare for post-graduate level study.

One of the most common questions that I have received this year, by far, is about my experience of receiving the Defence University Sponsorship Scheme by the Australian Army, to be a Nursing Officer. In this episode, I outline: What is the DUSS, What it involves, The Application process; along with my own personal experiences through university, my graduate year, and what will happen from here. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to send me a message via the New Grad Radio Podcast Facebook page. Have a great day, and I hope you enjoy.

Sometimes on a night shift you have a bit of time to re-organise equipment, and set up for the next nurse. As you’ll hear, there are a few things you could do that will help out the morning shift big time.

I’ve probably painted the picture that my time in ICU has been non-stop every shift; with rapidly commencing interventions and patients in a constant state of deterioration. Yes, sometimes that is the case, but for the vast majority of the time, whilst I’m still keeping a VERY close eye on my patients condition, some shifts are a lot more ‘regimented’. Some of my favourite memories from my Graduate Program have been my sit-downs and chats with family members. Whether it be making them a cup of tea, or simply sitting beside them next to their loved one; I truly feel as if I’m making a difference during this uncertain period. In today’s episode, I reflect upon a few examples of times I’ve sat down with family.

After signing on to my morning shift, I saw it written down that I was to perform my 9-month CPAT. Whilst it was a little nerve-wracking, I was also excited. In today’s episode, I recount some of the biggest lessons I learned about myself, and what I’ll focus on now to prepare for my final 12 month assessment.