Optimist.

I promise that my apparent laziness was completely intended. I like so totally meant to not write for two weeks. Honestly.

And this is because I have had some fantastic news!

So, my last blog post was a sarcastic little dig at the whiney exam students and I had my Psychology exam left to go. Psychology was fine; it's a bizarre subject where you can kind of 'make it up as you go along'. I'm awful at remembering exam content after I leave the hall, but I do know that most of my (extremely effective ;) revision consisted of YouTube

I can't remember quite how much complaining I've done in these blogs RE: gap year jobs but if you ask Jordan you'll realise I've been pretty stressed about the whole thing.

The cliché medical gap year job tends to involve lots of cleaning out bed pans, sick and dribble - namely Nursing Auxiliary work. But this doesn't have to be the case- lots of roles within the NHS require little more than good GCSE's and enthusiasm, and can provide diverse work, from roles on the wards as Nursing Auxiliaries/Assitants to admin/HR and technician work 'behind the scenes' in a hospital. In addition, Health Care Assistants and Phlebotomists work both in hospitals and general practices and again, require little more than a good standard of education.

If this is the type of thing you're looking for, a good place to start is reading the job descriptions on the NHS careers website before searching for jobs on the NHS job site. They can also set you up a daily email with relevant jobs in your area (this was perfect as it narrowed down roles quickly and efficiently).

Sounds fantastic right? I was thinking I could swan into a job easily, get myself sorted for the year, learn a few clinical skills, brilliant. The main piece of advice I would offer is prepare for some intense competition. Although all jobs are listed with a closing date, they will close as soon as sufficient applications are received - this can be as little as 24 hours. Most roles will specify desirable and essential characteristics. 'Desirable' tends to include healthcare type qualifications and experience in the NHS - without these (like me) I think it can be difficult to secure a job.

But don't let that put you off - Friday I received a letter inviting me for an interview at Cirencester hospital as a Health Care Assistant. Unfortunately, I've had to decline due to other job offers...



NB. This isn't standard NHS uniform.

However, when I spoke to Cardiff University they made it clear that they do not necessarily expect prospective students to take doctor-in-training jobs for their gap year. I.e. a job working in the NHS, whilst showing commitment, is not necessary; many, many different jobs, if written about carefully, can demonstrate a multitude of skills including communication, empathy, understanding and teamwork. 

The way in which you choose to interpret Cardiff's opinion is up to you - personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable working in a shop or office for a year and then claiming it's made me a better clinician. Conversely, I wouldn't want to take a NHS job just to look like the model student. If you are really stuck about what to do, just apply for everything. Your local council website (Swindon's is here) should list job vacancies in your area. Although you'll probably also want to look at more generic job searches, council positions tend to be more focused on health and social care services and may offer some inspiration.

The route I've decided to go down is work involving disabled children, mostly inspired by my voluntary work with The Chalet School. The week before last I was offered a position with the council, working with disabled children and young adults through the holidays as a 'sessional worker' - basically my purpose is to help stimulate and occupy these children through means of play sessions and day visits. And then last week I was lucky enough to be offered a role at a Swindon school as a SEN (Special Needs) Teaching Assistant, with added responsibility of working with autistic children.

I'm extremely excited and hopeful for the new roles; I know they will be challenging, particularly working as a TA in a school with a sixth form- where some students are as old as I am- but I am aware of just how lucky I am to be given this opportunity and anyway, I love a challenge.


*PLUS, I get to wear 'teacher' clothes- like little blouses and cute court shoes and I'm genuinely equally as excited for my new wardrobe; there almost definately will be a 'workwear' blog coming soon!