23rd October - Day 1
Today was my first day of work experience in St. Dympna's Ability West Facility. I was introduced to my supervisor, Paula, and the other members of staff as well as the service users I would be working with over the 5 days. For my first, I was working in the RT Group room. In the morning, the service users did a selection of activities of their choice. I helped David with his woolen hurl and sliotar carpet. We then made coffee/tea/hot chocolate/a hot drink for ourselves and shared our news. After this the RT Group learned their phonics and took it in turns to go with Bernard to do their exercises. We then went to the kitchen to have our lunch. After lunch, we learned Lámh which is a simplified form of sign language. We then played games until it was time to go home.
From today I learned a lot about each service user and how they are each different in their own ways. I also learned how to use different Lámh signs which I can put into practice while on my work experience and in the future. I really enjoyed my first day.
24th October - Day 2
Today I was in the high dependency part of the building which specializes in those who need round the clock care. In the morning, I was introduced to my other supervisor, Caitríona and the service users that I would be working with today. The carers and I spoke together about the days activities while the service users watched videos off YouTube. Caitríona showed me how Dónal could be transported to the bathroom without being lifted, by a swing-like harness. This was a handy piece of equipment as it prevented injury to both carer and service user. I was also shown how to use a powdered thickener. This thickener was used throughout St Dympna's in all the rooms for service users who were at risk of choking on liquids. In the afternoon, myself and Nicola played ball with Michael and Dónal. It was very fun and I had a great laugh with them. Caitríona then brought me to the multisensory room with Michael and Nicola. This room is used to give service users a chance to relax and it also gives a space for the wheelchair users to stretch their muscles. This room exercises all human senses in different ways and was a very peaceful and relaxing room. Caitríona and I spoke about what I wanted to do when I left school and about the courses I could take to do nursing. We also spoke about the comparisons between being a social carer and a nurse. After lunch, Róisín Fallon came to sing songs for the service users in St. Dympna's. It was a very enjoyable end to the day. We all danced together and a couple of service users had a chance to sing a couple of songs with Róisín.
From today I learned a lot about how hard and long the days can be in this part of the building. However I really enjoyed the day. I learned more about the paths I can take in college thanks to Caitríona. I also learned how important it is for the service users to have music in the building even if it's once a week. There was an excitement and buzz when Róisín arrived and it was obvious that all enjoyed it.
25th October - Day 3
Today I was in the front room with my two new supervisors Bernard and Aisling. In the morning, I met everyone and told them all a little bit about myself. I knew 2 of the service users already from family friends and so I felt comfortable with people I knew. I then made tea and crackers for Ian, Paul and Geraldine. I then carved pumpkins with Oisín, Ita and Fiona and displayed them on the window sills. I helped get everyone's lunch with Paul and ate my own lunch with Ita. Bernard and I spoke about what I wanted to do after school and about my experience so far. Before I went home, I walked to town with Aisling and Paul to get Paul's RTE Guide. We then walked up to the Restbite to drop off Paul for the night. On the way, Paul linked arms with me as he is often unsure of surfaces which aren't smooth and have grooves. He also got quite excited when we met my mother coming to collect me.
I really enjoyed meeting everyone today and had a good time with Paul and the other service users. I learned how to be firm and assertive with them if I was uncomfortable with something. I also learned about puréed foods and how they can be shaped to look like the whole foods we eat.
26th October - Day 4
Today I was back in the front room with Aisling. In the morning I was sent to one of the one-on-one room where I played a vocab game with Alan. He also showed me some new Lámh signs. I then went back to the front room. Oisín had brought in another pumpkin and the two of us carved it and put it on the table. I helped Paul clean out his bag and did some knitting with Fiona. After lunch, I returned to the RT Group. We painted Halloween decorations and decorated the room for Halloween this weekend. I also helped Marie and Paula put the birthdays of each service user up on the wall. When all this was finished, I played checkers with Colm.
Today I learned about why some service users have one-on-one rooms and what they do in these rooms. From knitting with Fiona, I learned how to do the pearl stitch which was something I hadn't done in a long time. I also learned more about caring as a career.
27th October - Day 5
Today I was back with the RT Group. In the morning, I helped David with his new wool mat and watched tractor videos with Colm on his tablet. We had our tea and a chat like every morning. We also sang happy birthday to Colm. It was Colm's birthday and for lunch we went to Bethlehem. As it was my last day and Paul's treat day, Aisling and Paula asked me to bring him with us. At lunchtime, the RT Group, Paul, Marie, Paula and I got into pairs and walked to Bethlehem and had a lovely lunch and cake. We also had a bit of craic together. When we arrived back at St. Dympna's, we played games together and then it was time to go home. I gave a box of chocolates and a card to the staff and service users. I also gave Colm a birthday card.
Overall I really enjoyed my time in St. Dympna's. I learned so much during my time there and made many fond memories.
Review
I believe this is potentially the right career for me based on my week because I really enjoyed working in St. Dympna’s and with the service users. They all made me smile and laugh every day and I couldn’t wait to come to work every morning. I did all tasks given to me to the best of my ability and tried my best with everything I did. Things were definitely way different to what I thought they would be. I didn’t think I would be able to interact with the service users as I did or have as much fun as I did. It was definitely a worthwhile and enjoyable work experience for me. I believe I learned some things about myself such as how high my tolerance levels are. I have developed my people skills, teaching skills and listening skills since working in St. Dympna’s.
26th February - Day 1
Today was my first day of work experience in Hayes&Hayes Totalhealth Pharmacy in Portumna. I was introduced to my supervisors Laura and Tina and the other staff members. First I was asked to sign a confidentiality clause. This was procedure due to medicines and other things being bought and I legally not allowed to talk about this to anyone. I was then asked to drop some important documents to one of the local doctor surgeries and to ask if any prescriptions were ready to be written up and brought back to the pharmacy. On my return I helped Tina carry and, open and empty boxes of orders that had just been brought in. I then had to rip these boxes and discard of them out the back of the pharmacy. When all this was done, I cleaned shelves and did a stocktake of all vitamins and creams in the pharmacy. I also had to check expiry dates and do a stock rotation which is where all the closer dates go to the front and the later dates go to the back of the shelves.
Today I learned a lot about the importance of stock rotation and about confidentiality. I learned how to do a stocktake and how important it is in the life of a business. I also improved my people skills as I had to help customers find different products.
27th February - Day 2
Today was my second day of work experience. I was welcomed by Noelle and Tina. I helped hoover the floors and clean down any shelves that I didn't finish yesterday. I helped Tina make cups of tea and coffee for anyone who had come into work this morning to warm us all up as the day was very cold and snowy. I finished my stocktake and began replacing the old yellow price stickers with new white Totalhealth stickers. Tina taught me to use the pricing gun which was very relaxing to do. I quite enjoyed this job. Bríd asked me to drop off some more documents to both of the local doctor surgeries in town and to check if any prescriptions were needed today. On my return I continued with my price gun and then arranged some Mother's Day pages with offers.
Today I further learned about people skills. I also had to be creative today while putting up the Mother's Day offer pages. I also believe I improved my listening skills as I had a lot of different things to do today.
28th February - Day 3 (last day due to heavy snow)
Today was my third day of work experience. However it was also my last day as the snow was too treacherous to travel in. Today I made more tea with Tina and Dawn. I continued replacing my price stickers with the pricing gun and cleaned any shelves that were looked like they needed it. Tina taught me to use the till and how to use invoices to order new stock. I found the invoices hard to get my head around as the process was fairly complicated. However after 3 or 4 goes on my own, it became easier to understand. Tina let me serve 2 customers today on the till. It was a good way to further improve my people skills. At the end of the day I helped Linda empty 2 big boxes of stock and helped her cut the boxes with scissors as they were too thick to rip. We then discarded them out the back.
Today was one of the more interesting days as I feel I learned a lot about working in a pharmacy. I also learned a lot about teamwork today as we often had to work as a team to find products around the pharmacy. I also improved my people skills more today as I had to work closer with the public while on the till and helping Tina with the invoices.
Overall I really enjoyed my time in Hayes&Hayes Totalhealth Pharmacy. I learned a lot about the working world here and some good life skills too.
Review
I believe this is another potentially good job for me to go for when I leave school. I believe this because everyday was different and many people who came in and out were friendly and made me smile if they stopped for a chat. My people skills dramatically improved over the course of the 3 days. I also found that my confidence increased due to being around people in a public environment. Every task that was given to me I enjoyed doing and did to the best of my ability. I learned a lot during the three days and found the experience very enjoyable.
Today was my first day of work experience in St. Dympna's Ability West Facility. I was introduced to my supervisor, Paula, and the other members of staff as well as the service users I would be working with over the 5 days. For my first, I was working in the RT Group room. In the morning, the service users did a selection of activities of their choice. I helped David with his woolen hurl and sliotar carpet. We then made coffee/tea/hot chocolate/a hot drink for ourselves and shared our news. After this the RT Group learned their phonics and took it in turns to go with Bernard to do their exercises. We then went to the kitchen to have our lunch. After lunch, we learned Lámh which is a simplified form of sign language. We then played games until it was time to go home.
From today I learned a lot about each service user and how they are each different in their own ways. I also learned how to use different Lámh signs which I can put into practice while on my work experience and in the future. I really enjoyed my first day.
24th October - Day 2
Today I was in the high dependency part of the building which specializes in those who need round the clock care. In the morning, I was introduced to my other supervisor, Caitríona and the service users that I would be working with today. The carers and I spoke together about the days activities while the service users watched videos off YouTube. Caitríona showed me how Dónal could be transported to the bathroom without being lifted, by a swing-like harness. This was a handy piece of equipment as it prevented injury to both carer and service user. I was also shown how to use a powdered thickener. This thickener was used throughout St Dympna's in all the rooms for service users who were at risk of choking on liquids. In the afternoon, myself and Nicola played ball with Michael and Dónal. It was very fun and I had a great laugh with them. Caitríona then brought me to the multisensory room with Michael and Nicola. This room is used to give service users a chance to relax and it also gives a space for the wheelchair users to stretch their muscles. This room exercises all human senses in different ways and was a very peaceful and relaxing room. Caitríona and I spoke about what I wanted to do when I left school and about the courses I could take to do nursing. We also spoke about the comparisons between being a social carer and a nurse. After lunch, Róisín Fallon came to sing songs for the service users in St. Dympna's. It was a very enjoyable end to the day. We all danced together and a couple of service users had a chance to sing a couple of songs with Róisín.
From today I learned a lot about how hard and long the days can be in this part of the building. However I really enjoyed the day. I learned more about the paths I can take in college thanks to Caitríona. I also learned how important it is for the service users to have music in the building even if it's once a week. There was an excitement and buzz when Róisín arrived and it was obvious that all enjoyed it.
25th October - Day 3
Today I was in the front room with my two new supervisors Bernard and Aisling. In the morning, I met everyone and told them all a little bit about myself. I knew 2 of the service users already from family friends and so I felt comfortable with people I knew. I then made tea and crackers for Ian, Paul and Geraldine. I then carved pumpkins with Oisín, Ita and Fiona and displayed them on the window sills. I helped get everyone's lunch with Paul and ate my own lunch with Ita. Bernard and I spoke about what I wanted to do after school and about my experience so far. Before I went home, I walked to town with Aisling and Paul to get Paul's RTE Guide. We then walked up to the Restbite to drop off Paul for the night. On the way, Paul linked arms with me as he is often unsure of surfaces which aren't smooth and have grooves. He also got quite excited when we met my mother coming to collect me.
I really enjoyed meeting everyone today and had a good time with Paul and the other service users. I learned how to be firm and assertive with them if I was uncomfortable with something. I also learned about puréed foods and how they can be shaped to look like the whole foods we eat.
26th October - Day 4
Today I was back in the front room with Aisling. In the morning I was sent to one of the one-on-one room where I played a vocab game with Alan. He also showed me some new Lámh signs. I then went back to the front room. Oisín had brought in another pumpkin and the two of us carved it and put it on the table. I helped Paul clean out his bag and did some knitting with Fiona. After lunch, I returned to the RT Group. We painted Halloween decorations and decorated the room for Halloween this weekend. I also helped Marie and Paula put the birthdays of each service user up on the wall. When all this was finished, I played checkers with Colm.
Today I learned about why some service users have one-on-one rooms and what they do in these rooms. From knitting with Fiona, I learned how to do the pearl stitch which was something I hadn't done in a long time. I also learned more about caring as a career.
27th October - Day 5
Today I was back with the RT Group. In the morning, I helped David with his new wool mat and watched tractor videos with Colm on his tablet. We had our tea and a chat like every morning. We also sang happy birthday to Colm. It was Colm's birthday and for lunch we went to Bethlehem. As it was my last day and Paul's treat day, Aisling and Paula asked me to bring him with us. At lunchtime, the RT Group, Paul, Marie, Paula and I got into pairs and walked to Bethlehem and had a lovely lunch and cake. We also had a bit of craic together. When we arrived back at St. Dympna's, we played games together and then it was time to go home. I gave a box of chocolates and a card to the staff and service users. I also gave Colm a birthday card.
Overall I really enjoyed my time in St. Dympna's. I learned so much during my time there and made many fond memories.
Review
I believe this is potentially the right career for me based on my week because I really enjoyed working in St. Dympna’s and with the service users. They all made me smile and laugh every day and I couldn’t wait to come to work every morning. I did all tasks given to me to the best of my ability and tried my best with everything I did. Things were definitely way different to what I thought they would be. I didn’t think I would be able to interact with the service users as I did or have as much fun as I did. It was definitely a worthwhile and enjoyable work experience for me. I believe I learned some things about myself such as how high my tolerance levels are. I have developed my people skills, teaching skills and listening skills since working in St. Dympna’s.
26th February - Day 1
Today was my first day of work experience in Hayes&Hayes Totalhealth Pharmacy in Portumna. I was introduced to my supervisors Laura and Tina and the other staff members. First I was asked to sign a confidentiality clause. This was procedure due to medicines and other things being bought and I legally not allowed to talk about this to anyone. I was then asked to drop some important documents to one of the local doctor surgeries and to ask if any prescriptions were ready to be written up and brought back to the pharmacy. On my return I helped Tina carry and, open and empty boxes of orders that had just been brought in. I then had to rip these boxes and discard of them out the back of the pharmacy. When all this was done, I cleaned shelves and did a stocktake of all vitamins and creams in the pharmacy. I also had to check expiry dates and do a stock rotation which is where all the closer dates go to the front and the later dates go to the back of the shelves.
Today I learned a lot about the importance of stock rotation and about confidentiality. I learned how to do a stocktake and how important it is in the life of a business. I also improved my people skills as I had to help customers find different products.
27th February - Day 2
Today was my second day of work experience. I was welcomed by Noelle and Tina. I helped hoover the floors and clean down any shelves that I didn't finish yesterday. I helped Tina make cups of tea and coffee for anyone who had come into work this morning to warm us all up as the day was very cold and snowy. I finished my stocktake and began replacing the old yellow price stickers with new white Totalhealth stickers. Tina taught me to use the pricing gun which was very relaxing to do. I quite enjoyed this job. Bríd asked me to drop off some more documents to both of the local doctor surgeries in town and to check if any prescriptions were needed today. On my return I continued with my price gun and then arranged some Mother's Day pages with offers.
Today I further learned about people skills. I also had to be creative today while putting up the Mother's Day offer pages. I also believe I improved my listening skills as I had a lot of different things to do today.
28th February - Day 3 (last day due to heavy snow)
Today was my third day of work experience. However it was also my last day as the snow was too treacherous to travel in. Today I made more tea with Tina and Dawn. I continued replacing my price stickers with the pricing gun and cleaned any shelves that were looked like they needed it. Tina taught me to use the till and how to use invoices to order new stock. I found the invoices hard to get my head around as the process was fairly complicated. However after 3 or 4 goes on my own, it became easier to understand. Tina let me serve 2 customers today on the till. It was a good way to further improve my people skills. At the end of the day I helped Linda empty 2 big boxes of stock and helped her cut the boxes with scissors as they were too thick to rip. We then discarded them out the back.
Today was one of the more interesting days as I feel I learned a lot about working in a pharmacy. I also learned a lot about teamwork today as we often had to work as a team to find products around the pharmacy. I also improved my people skills more today as I had to work closer with the public while on the till and helping Tina with the invoices.
Overall I really enjoyed my time in Hayes&Hayes Totalhealth Pharmacy. I learned a lot about the working world here and some good life skills too.
Review
I believe this is another potentially good job for me to go for when I leave school. I believe this because everyday was different and many people who came in and out were friendly and made me smile if they stopped for a chat. My people skills dramatically improved over the course of the 3 days. I also found that my confidence increased due to being around people in a public environment. Every task that was given to me I enjoyed doing and did to the best of my ability. I learned a lot during the three days and found the experience very enjoyable.