Acting Nursing Unit Manager

So The Thursday before our snowboarding weekend we eventually made it to Braza Brazialian Barberque. As soon as we arrived at darling harbour met the enormous floating turtle which has moved into Sydney Harbour at Darling Harbour for short time like the duck we had last year. Alpha Turtle (affectionately known as Alphie) is a giant, fifteen metre long art installation here to delight Sydney-siders as he floats majestically above the water. If you’re by the harbour he should be impossible to miss: Alphie is decorated in a pattern inspired by coral reef structures, and his distinctive black and white markings will make him easy to spot. Artist BJ Price hopes that his thought provoking creation will spark conversation and debate about the health and longevity of our reefs. Alphie’s arrival marks the beginning of the Undersea Art Exhibition held at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. It was then to Braza Brazialian Barbarque inspired by one of the most popular places in Rio de Janeiro (Lapa), if you are a meat lover this is the place to be. Excellent bbq keeps coming as much as you can eat. These guys know how to bbq everything is perfectly cooked and delicious. Now about food I am not a big meat eater myself but I find it great that I actually can see the food before I decide whether I'm going to eat it or not. I highly recommend Braza to everybody and no doubt we will be back many more times, once had enough change the table to red for stop not green to keep coming. After snowboarding trip had a day at work on an early and luckily wasn't as tired as what I thought I would be after a long weekend. Then got handover for been Acting Nursing Unit Manager (NUM) whilst manager away for 4 weeks and 4 days. The handover wasn't too bad and if I get struck is always other people to ask like my old NUM on 5 east or ward 11's NUM. One good  thing about been been the Acting NUM is no weekends for 4 weeks won't know what to do with myself. So officially started been the Acting NUM from 10th September so made sure I was there abit early on my first day. Also wanted to make sure the ward was nice and clean today as got Equip on Thursday. Equip National is a four-year accreditation program for health services that will ensure a continuing focus on quality across the whole organisation. We achieved excellent results receiving a rating of Met with Merit and the surveyors were generous in their praise of the service we provide. Luckily I didn't have do the Equip by myself as the NUM didn't think it would off been fair for me to do it since my first week and first time as Acting NUM. Dr Aggarwal the consultant who helped to make the Palliative Care Centre happen came and did most of the talking. The surveyors seemed very happy and on a Thursday have careers day so have coffee and cake which there got to have. So at least it wasn't as bad as I expected which was good probably as I didn't have to do that much talking. For the first week didn't finish on time supposed to finish at 3.30 but left at least 4.30 if not later. Also the first weekend bought home the roster to look to see if I had anymore ideas off what shifts to give everyone. On the first weekend off Saturday 13th September had a pedicure as off out tonight a nice dark blue colour. So on Saturday going out with Nat and Lou  into the city was going to go to Ivy but there had an event so cost $40 to get. Ended up going to Lobo Plantation on Clarence Street to meet some of Lou's friends was first time been to this bar. Lobo Plantation captures the thought off been in the Caribbean had a nice cocktail will definitely cone again. Only had one drink then went to PJ Gallagher an Irish pub which was very quiet then headed to Glenmore hotel in the a Rocks. Was also the first time been to the Glenmore which when you walk in doesn't look that exciting but then get to the rooftop bar. Which gives you a 180 degree view of Sydney and the CBD definitely takes your breath away. Had a few drinks here as got talking to some people then decided to get taxi to Kings Cross which was abit unsure about. Decided to go toHugos as the girls been before and said was good but must off been in queue for nearly 30minutes so then went back to city. Went to bungalow 8 which had a dance but then I need up leaving 1ish and thought best to get taxi back not bus. On Sunday had lazy day as still felt abit delicate so didn't make it to church. Second week as been Acting NUM didn't seem as bad obvisiously starting to get the hang of it. On the second week I also had to do sign off to make sure everyone gets paid which is abit never wrecking so had the CSO sat next to me whilst I did it. Also ended up buying a blanket box as decided didn't have enough room for all my stuff at Tiagos place but took me nearly 2 weeks to fill it. On. The second weekend off didn't really do much and then on the third went to watch the 2014 Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final with Lou at the a orient pub on 27th September. It is an Australian rules football match that was contested by the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Football Club. Hawthorn defeated Sydney by 63 points to claim the club's second consecutive premiership and its twelfth premiership overall. The match was played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with the game's first bounce at 2:30 pm. Overall Hawthorn dominated the match from start to finish, applying pressure on the Swans that at times was brutal. Was a good game I think but I still don't really understand the rules off AFL also good to catch up with Lou. As Lou is also been Acting NUM at the moment so was nice to voice our concerns off how it is been so far. Then after the match I went to meet Tiago for dinner at Braza Brazilian Barberque and trust my shoe to break onroute. I still enjoyed but didn't eat as much as last as was probably abit tipsy aswell. Fourth week got praise from the Mavis the person who managers the staffing office. She thought I was doing a good job and would put be forward for future upcoming NUM's so I must not be doing too bad a job. Also this week there kept trying to deliver my shoes I made with shoes of prey but unfortuantely think missed them 3 times. Then eventually thought I best phone them up and could deliver to post office which picked up then could wear when away for the night. Week 5 was public holiday on the Monday so wasn't sure if I would have to do an extra shift. As when your NUM you accommatically get public holidays off but since am only acting am not entitled to them. But luckily I didn't have to pick up an extra as in the fortnight I was doing my allocated hours off 80 hours. Had planned to go away for both but couldn't so on the Saturday had my hair cut but unfortuantely afterwards it felt too short even though probably wasn't really. Was good that didn't have to do an extra shift as had planned to go away for public holiday since Tiagos gets them so went to bowral on the Sunday 5th October then came back the Monday. Read in another blog about bowral. So week 5 and only 5 more shifts to work and this week was very busy had patients daughter complain about physiotherapist. Was abit unsure about speaking to her on my own so took the clinical nurse consultant Cathy with me for support. Luckily it wasn't as bad as I expected and the daughter was actually not to bad just unhappy with physiotherapist as thought lied about distance her mother walked. At first she declined to still have physiotherapist but explained is our only one so accepted if someone with her aswell. We also had an incident with out TV's which are fastened onto the wall panel which nearly fell on a relative. Luckily the relative caught it before it hit him so had to get contractors out to sort out had to put bigger screws in. On the friday arranged to meet Vanessa my old flat mate for the first day off the noodle market in hyde park see in another blog. My last weekend off didn't really do much just nice to chill and have off to spend with Tiago. Then on Monday 13th October my last shift as Acting NUM and so glad as one relative not happy with a member off our staff. So the father had made a complaint to our patient representative so me and the patient representative had meeting with father in morning. He just seemed so angry had some slid concerns and some not, as think his daughter who was in her 30's had come to us too soon. So most off the morning was taken up with this as also the staff member didn't want to work in these conditions. Got in contact with the manager who came to have a word and decided best if he works mornings where more staff on then afternoons. I also had compliments from the social worker, clinical nurse consultant saying had done a good job. So on the Tuesday went to work abit early as thought Cate might be early but was just on time and so happy to hand over keys after yesterday's shift. But apart from that I actually quite enjoyed been acting NUM but can't believe how many times get interrupted for silly things. Actually making sure everyone gets paid wasn't too bad as just check shifts are correct and sign off annoying bit was the roster which I expected. At least when been the Acting NUM went to the gym more, spent more time with Tiago and actually got paid better. So maybe in a few years might think off been one and at least everyone seemed happy that I did a good job. The week after Cate back she rewarded me with a certificate for being an outstanding Acting NUM and couldn't do it without me! Which was nice to know it was appreciated all my hard work

Snowboarding weekend

So finally made it snowboarding as was supposed to go in July but was no accommodation so didn't happen. Only thing I was worried about was if the snow still would be ok since its now spring not winter as now going September 6th & 7th. So we were leaving on the Friday evening but unsure off time if  would 10pm or 2am in the morning. It all depended what time Diego finish work think we feel asleep 8ish for hour and half. When woke up rushed to Coles to get a few things for the trip as could do breakfast in morning. Then got back and Tiago had to finish packing luckily I was all sorted ready to go. Diego arrived at ours after work about 2ish and luckily we got everything down in one go but Tiego misplaced his mobile so had to go back for it. It was then straight to Diego and Gabrielle's place to get Gabrielle who think just woke up and their stuff by the end the car boot was very full. So didn't ended up leaving for Jindabyne til 2.30 and Diego driving with Tiago in passenger so meant Me and Gabrielle got the back. I tried to stay awake as long as possible but I know both me and Gabrielle fell asleep for abit, as so comfy in back. But I know we did stop onroute at petrol station to get some petrol and for Diego and Tiago to have Red Bull. Arrived at Jindabyne about 7ish first stop monster sport to get our ski equipment, I was the only one who needed everything as the others all had their own snowboard. But then the difficult decision to decide whether to ski or snowboard as been about 5 years for both of them. In the end I decided to do snowboarding since the rest are snowboarding and prefer it to skiing, but not sure how I will go. Only thing is I couldn't remember when getting the board my feet were goofy or regular for some reason thought I was goofy, so that's how I got it. Also the others recommended I get a helmet as supposed to wear one now, but never worn one before. It was then to find our accommodation Adventist Alpine Village which was about a 10 minute drive away. Adventist Alpine Village is a peaceful, safe haven, set in natural bushland and as soon as you drive up my first thought was what a beautiful place. When we got to the accommodation our keys was the only one left hanging outside sounds about right as we had aimed to be there earlier. It looks to be a ideal summer & snow holiday accommodation in Jindabyne, near Thredbo, Perisher & Lake Jindabyne. We were staying in a self contained chalet which is equipped to sleep a maximum off nine guests with an internal ensuite. The chalet has two bedrooms with two sets of bunk beds with only one double bed which me and Tiago got. We thought we might get to have a little rest before the rest off our party arrived but wasn't long as then their arrived. Was the first time to meet rest the other was two other couples one from South Africa (Doug and Marisa) and one from New Zealand with a one year old daughter. What made us laugh was that we had only just arrived from Sydney a 4-5hour journey and we were expected to do breakfast. All there bought for breakfast was muesli whilst Gabrielle had made cake, a sausage mixture, I did poached eggs and toast. The couple from South Africa at least offered to help and bought homemade South African biscuit to go with coffee. Whilst the other couple only washed their own plates and then left a mess there babies food package. It was then time to get ready to go to the slopes but first their had to get their boards ready by attaching the bindings. Once in the car I remembered where my goggles were in my ski bag as couldn't remember so had to borrow Sharon's ones. Must not off got to the slopes til 10ish as from our accommodation to the slopes was about half an hour. Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere an amalgamation of four villages (Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow). It was lovely when coming round the mountain to see the snow for the first time had to park on side off road and get bus to Perisher centre. We did the Perisher Quad Express Chairlift first but felt abit strange walking with the board. Wasn't sure if it was because I hadn't snowboarded for a while or maybe because I had got the feet the wrong way round. The Perisher Quad Express Chairlift Ride gives an incredible view across the snowy mountains from a good height. We only rode it to the mid section as thought since 1st time best not got all way to top and trust me to fall when getting off the chairlift. Coming down the run felt ok even though felt like I was riding more regular than goofy also not that fast but Tiago waited for me. Once at bottom off slope went to one off the ski hire shops with Gabrielle to see if would alter my board to regular. At first there weren't very helpful said couldn't do then another person said would do and even was free. So after getting board sorted felt alot better to walk with and did the same run we had just done which felt a lot better but still fell off chairlift. Decided to try the Strut T bar next as thought be easier than chairlift since kept falling off once at top when getting off. But this was no better eventhough had Tiago with me still managed to loose my balance and had to let go off the T bar. We then decided to all go to Blue Cow resort which you can ski to from where was but thought it might be a bit far for me on my 1st day. Luckily you can catch the ski tube instead a convenient and innovative train ride from Perisher valley. But unfortuantely we had to wait about 20 minutes for the train so the others Doug, Marisa and Cam didn't wait. Was expecting a long train ride but actually only took 7 minutes and when have a valid lift ticket train ride is free. When got to Blue Cow resort looked beautiful nice and sunny with so much snow the eye could see (see 1st picture). The Blue Cow is a great place to ski with plenty of easy runs and some challenges if your up to so the boys had chance to practice their jumps. I definitely preferred been at the blue cow as the slopes seemed wider than the Perisher valley so gave more chance to turn. But I still felt abit apprehensive about going on my heels as didn't like the feeling off going backwards so stayed on my toes. After a while Gabrielle and Diego decided to go off to do their thing and ski back to Perisher valley. So me and Tiago stayed at Blue Cow to play on the slopes abit more then got ski tube back to Perisher Valley. Once back at Perisher Valley went to Aldo's Cafe and Pizzeria located in upper level of ski tube terminal for coffee. I stayed and enjoyed the scenery whilst Tiago went to do more snowboarding, two men came to join me who were on a stag do. On Saturday managed to ride 1,866 vertical metres but only did 8 chairlifts with most off them been at the Blue. Cow. Think left the ski slopes about 5ish once back was shower but we had forgotten towel so Gabrielle lent one off theirs which me and Tiago shared. It was then to Lake Jindabyne hotel for food where Tiago, Diego and Gabrielle came last time and recommended the Chicken Schnitzel. Decided to have the Surf and Bird which was chicken breast topped with prawns and a creamy sweet chilli & garlic sauce on a bed of mash with vegetable. Was looking forward to it but unfortuantely had run out off mash so came with chips instead. Even though it wasn't quite the same with the chips it still tasted amazing and would definitely recommended this dish. Think in the summer would be a lovely place to go as would offer beautiful views off the lake Jindabyne from the balcony. When we left the South African couple decide to stay to watch the rugby match which was South Africa (Springboks) and Australia (Wallabies) and wallabies won 24-23. I think as soon as we got home we must off fallen asleep s had been a long day but no lie in for us in morning another early start. Luckily everyone bought food for breakfast this time but was still at out place and we couldn't manage all the food. Got to the slopes on Sunday about 9ish and was going to go straight to Blue Cow but had to wait for ski tube so went to do the Perisher Quad Express Chairlift. After doing the run went back to ski tube and still had to wait for train but no point doing another run as probably miss again. So instead we went for coffee were we went yesterday and just kept an eye on the time so not to miss the train which we got this time. Was another beautiful day at Blue Cow again was meeting Diego and Gabrielle here as there had snowboarded over from Perisher Valley. Instead off waiting for them at the a Blue Cow Terminal and wasting more time now been on the snow decided to do a in and meet at Ridge Quad Chairlift. Me and Tiago got there but didn't have to wait to long til the others arrived before we went up the Chairlift. Gabrielle wanted to do a pray to thank god for the beautiful weather conditions for snowboarding and getting to know me more, which was nice. It was then to do more snowboarding did the Ridge Quad Chairlift then we spilt off halfway down near the Summit Quad Chairlift. So the boys could have a play in the Playstation Blue Cow Park doing their jumps and we had to wait us gave us chance to take some pictures. We then decided we would go to Guthega another ski resort part of the Perisher Blue ski resort which has a chair lift and two T-bars. As well as downhill skiing, Guthega serves as a base for alpine and cross country skiers and boarders seeking access to relatively sheltered aspects and wilderness experiences. To get there we had to do the Ridge Quad Chairlift and snowboard down to the Terminal Quad Chairlift. It was then on the run to Guthega Way which was a little flat in place which am not keen on but I managed. Ended up taking us just under 30 minutes til we got to the freedom chairlift in Guthega. Perisher opened the brand new Freedom Chairlift in 2014 which unlocked terrific groomed runs and top off-piste at Guthega. The new chairlift makes it quicker and easier to get around and explore amazing terrain, whilst enjoying incredible views of the main range. Was two runs to come down under the Freedom Chairlift the Karl's and Schnaxl which were both wide opened runs. We did each run and even had our pictures taken by the photo people which was good as not taken any off all 4 of us, which just gets uploaded onto our lift pass. You can then supposedly do a longer run to a different chairlift which was good but then realised chairlift closed. So that meant we had to use the the Blue Calf T-bar which was abit apprehensive about as last time fell off T-bar. Diego and Gabrielle went up first together then me and Tiago was a lot better this time just tried to keep board straight and got to top without falling off. We then snowboarded back to the Freedom Chairlift to make our back to the Perisher Valley via Blue Cow. Which took 4 chairlifts and about 2 hours but that wasn't all snowboarding as we did stop on route at a little ski cafe. This was after we had come down one slope where I feel on my bottom quite hard but just got up and kept going. So by the time we got to the cafe I was ready for my amazing hot chocolate which there had told me about which had cream and flake. It did taste very good and was definitely worth the wait, also it was nice to sit down as was very warm (see bottom picture). It was then to go through the forest which was abit unsure about as expecting quite a few flat parts. Unfortuantely there was a few flat parts and at one point I sat on the snow and didn't want to go any further as just frustrated. So Tiago came back to me and had to help me as just annoyed as struck and didn't know how to get out of it. But once we had done was a only a few minutes to the chairlift which we had to get to soon as chairlift shutting at 4.30pm and already 4.16pm. Once up the last chairlift the Pretty Valley Double Chairlift it took us straight to the Perisher Valley our fist run on Saturday. The boys wanted to go play in the Yabby Flat Mini Park to practice their jumps and Gabrielle went with them to record it. So I just made my own way down the Valley which was nice and as soon as back down went for some water. Whilst I just chilled and admired the views the others continued to snowboard but the only chairlift left open was the Village 8 Express. Think their must of done 2 more runs and by time finished must off been nearly 5pm have drink then time to get sorted to leave. Had to take the bindings off the boards whilst we did this Diego went to move the car abit nearer. By the time we had taken the bindings off all 3 boards Diego was in the car park waiting for us. It was then to head to the ski shop to return our stuff but first go freshen me and change out off our ski stuff. After returning our stuff was nearly 6 was going to go for fish and chips but when got to restaurant not keen so drove abit further until got to McDonalds. By the time got home was nearly midnight and Gabrielle drove at first so me and Tiago which was nice but didn't sleep. But then once Gabrielle had enough off driving Tiago went back in the passenger seat at the front and not sure if I fell asleep for abit. Ended up getting home about midnight so just got our stuff couldn't be bothered sorting just straight to bed as work early tomorrow. Our biggest day was Sunday, 7th September 2014 riding 2,337 vertical metres and most used ride was the ridge quad chair which went on 5 times. Had a fabulous weekend snowboarding, great amenities is a beautiful part of the worlds and so nice to see plenty of snow again. The lift pass technology gives the ability to track where you are, how long and far you rode made for a fun afternoon comparing one another's day can check out the perisher app on the phone.