Better days to come

I know I always say to myself that I’m used to being told off because of what I have experienced as a kid and as a nurse back in my country, but, there are some events that I couldn’t get out of my head. Just like what happened today.

If my manager hadn’t e-mailed a “learning curve” reminding staff of what one miss could do and affect a domino of misses, the scenario which happened in my shift would not have crossed my mind.

What I have gone through (in my head) today proves that having a decade of experience means that I should not be overconfident on being dependant on my clinical eye and assessment. I mean sure, it’s a bonus given the years I spent working in a hospital, however; I should keep in mind that I’m not practicing in my own country anymore.

These are one of those moments where I’ll categorise as – learning it the hard way. Ouch 😣

Good thing about my managers is that they make a point on the “no blame“ emphasis when they sent out the reminders.

I, on the other hand, as a person of conscience, replied and apologise for the mistakes I’ve done. They replied back emphasizing the content of the e-mail which was “working as a team” which somehow lifted some of my spirit (back in the country, my bosses would mostly blame and point people who made errors – which is not healthy and totally opposite of what is here). My mind immediately highlighted the words “there were other team members who could have helped with things that were missed” – as the one handling the bay, I should be the one accountable but my managers thought so otherwise.

I am a bit down now but I know that better days are coming.

Always be thankful for the days to come.

Registering to a local GP and using the NHS app

Hi UKRNs, OFWs and fellow readers,

Its another wonderful spring day. 👌🇬🇧🌷

REGISTERING with a GP

One of the most important things when coming to the UK is to register yourselves with your local GP (doctor).

As you all know, getting treatment and prescriptions in the UK is different from what we were used to back in our countries. In the Philippines, those of us who have worked in medical institutions found it easy to have apppointments since we can just tap or message our doctor colleagues to gain treatment advises and prescriptions. Phone calls and reservations are also options if you want advises from specialists/ consultants which are done in their clinics.

Since I lived in a province which is situated in the far southwest of the Philippines (Maguindanao), we have limited medical resources including specialists doctors and consultants unlike that of Metro Manila. Though we have Davao City which is a 4-6hr drive, there are only a number of residents who could afford travel and lodging.

In contrast, here in the UK, they have strict rules wherein people should register with their local GP. Local for the reason that there are only certain areas in your cities which GPs can cover. Fret not though because most of them are very accessible in terms of parking and commute.

Click the links below to get to the gov.uk website or read the leaflet for further instructions or questions.

👉🏼How to Register with a GP 👈🏼 (gov.uk site)

👉🏼How to Register with a GP leaflet👈🏼

Leaflet on how to register with a GP

Using the NHS app

You can download the NHS app by simply searching it in your engine or mobile app/ playstore. It is available in apple and adroid.
This is the first and login page of the app. You can also register using this app.

To register with the app, you must have your NHS number and IDs ready. If you have no NHS number, there is an option in the app which you just have to click.

In my case, I already registered with my local GP before registering with the app. I provided proper identification and after finishing up the application, my NHS number flashed on the main page.

The main page contain your details including the name you registered, date of birth and NHS number.

The app contains various functions such as:

  • Seeking advice from GP – can be thru e-mails and phone calls
  • GP surgery appointments, services such as getting sick notes, letters, inquiring about recent tests and hospital and referral appointments
  • Ordering repeat prescriptions and nominating a pharmacy – usually the GP will call you regarding the medicine they prescribed, ask you some questions regarding assessment and medicine effects
  • Accessing your health record (the best feature for me)
The health record shows the list of medicines which was prescribed.

Going digital in these times really is convenient. Imagine the time and money you can save just by going through your phone.

KUDOS to first world perks!

KUDOS to the NHS! 👍👍👍

Bit by bit…

So, I’ve decided to change the content of this blog. Instead of doing posts on seminars and trainings in the Philippines, I will be having contents which will help aspiring and current OFW nurses here in UK.

These will be random things which some Filipinos might find useful.

The page will already give useful details on the benefits of a NMC online account.

Just the other day, my cohort asked me if I have registered myself on NMC online – which I haven’t. He then told me of his girlfriend’s situation which was she hasn’t paid the annual registration fee for the NMC – which then resulted to an unrenewed registration.

** Take note that an unrenewed registration means one cannot practice one’s profession.

Long story short, he said her matron temporarily put her back on a Band 4 status – meaning she is back to limited responsibilities as the professional body need an active PIN and registration when practicing nursing in England.

REGISTRATION and LOGGING IN

To register and log in, just go to https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/nmc-online/

Application will be a breeze if you enter the e-mail address you used during the Overseas Applicant Registration (http://www.ireg.nmc-uk.org)

Everything went smooth. I love this country. ❤️☺️🇬🇧

Once your done, complete and finalize your details. In my case, I opted for the convenient direct debit so that I couldn’t forget to pay on time.

There are 2 options for direct debit: annual and quarterly. I chose quarterly as I am on a tight monthly budget :))

For a more detailed guide on registering for NMC Online. Use this PDF guide from NMC Online (https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/registration/nmc-online-user-guide.pdf)

Next time I’ll try writing and posting experiences and useful topics which Filipino OFWs might find useful here.

Cheers!

-robertjt

11th National Nursing Conference

11th National Nursing Conference

To be held in the Hotel Supreme in Baguio City, Feb 27 (pre-con), Feb 28-March (main Conference).

Please visit our website for details: www.pnrsi.com

Theme: “Translational Research: Improving Quality of Health Sciences, Informing Policy”

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Keynote Speaker: Feb 28, 2019

DAIWAI OLSON, PhD, RN
Neurocritical Care Nurse Specialist, Researcher and Academician
University of Texas Southwestern
Texas, USA

“Nursing is the Solution to the Translational Research Conundrum”

=============================================
Keynote Speaker: March 1, 2019

LOURDES TEJERO, PhD, RN
(Former Dean, University of the Philippines College of Nursing
Pedro Gil, Manila
(Currently at the UCLA-Berkley, winding up her MA in Translational Research)

“Nurses’ Role in Translational Medicine”

===========================================

PLENARY SPEAKERS:

ANNABELLE BORROMEO, PHD, RN
Governor, NCR-Zone 3, Philippine Nurses Association
Consultant, HRH 2030 Philippines, Department of Health

SIGRID LADORES, PhD, RN, PNP, CNE
Co-Director of Honors Program
Associate Professor
School of Nursing
The University of Alabama at Birmingham

ADRIAN M. LAWSIN, DNM, RN
Manager, Department of Quality and Innovation
Quality Management Group
Asian Hospital and Medical Center

FELY MARILYN LORENZO, PhD, RN
Former Professor, UP Manila College of Public Health
Consultant, HRH 2030 Philippines, Department of Health

PATRICK MCNEE, PhD, FAAN
Professor
Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Partnerships and Enterprise Development
School of Health Professions
The University of Alabama at Birmingham

MARLON GARZO SARIA, PhD, RN, AOCNS, FAAN
Advance Nurse Practitioner
John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center
Arizona, USA

MICHAEL SUSS MBA, MEDP&A, Med (IntEd)
La Trobe University
Melbourne, Australia

===============================================

PRE-CONFRENCE SEMINAR WORKSHOP SPEAKERS/FACILITATORS

Dr. Cora Anonuevo, with Dr. Pearl Cuevas:
Researching with the vulnerable population groups: women and older persons

Dr. Sheila Bonito and Dr. Tita I. Barcelo
Analysis and Interpretation of Data in Mixed Method Design

Dr. Cindy Leigh and Dr. Irma Bustamante
Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing

Dr. DaiWai Olson with Dennis Amando
Help! I need a Theory to Support my Practice

Dr. Erlinda Castro-Palaganas, with Prof. Joel Estacio:
Qualitative Data Analysis
Photo Voice as an Empowering Qualitative Data Collection Method

Dr. Celso Pagatpatan, with Prof. Janelle Castro and Dr. Mark Bascos
Intro to evidence synthesis

Dr. Lourdes Marie Tejero
Grants and Grant Writing

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1st Philippine Health & Climate Action Summit

1st phil hx summit

 

The Chevening Alumni Foundation in the Philippines, in partnership with the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public HealthASMPH External Affairs Council, and the Innovation Management & Business Association – IMBA, shall host the 1st Philippine Health & Climate Action Summit.

Venue: Ateneo School of Medicine & Public Health
Date: November 11, 2017
Time: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

This pioneer event seeks to raise awareness about repercussions of climate change to the health of communities and provide an avenue for collaborative discussion for both health and climate action.

This exclusive event for professionals, NGO workers & civil society advocates is free of charge and shall be inclusive of a buffet lunch, learning kits, and a certificate of participation. Attire is strictly business casual.

If you are interested in being part of this pioneering endeavor, please apply using our online form until November 3, 2017. Due to the limited number of slots available, only accepted applicants will be notified by November 5, 2017.

Register here: 
bit.ly/1stPHCAS

For any inquiries, please contact Mr. Dex Galban at (+63) 9175727398 or Ms. Via Roderos at (+63) 9176344401.