Right when I feel like I've completely got my shit together, something else has to go wrong. Basically, my university admission package has to consist of the following:
Proof of Grade 12-->Not only complete, but far exceeded
Proof of Hep B Vaccination--> Did the bloodwork already to prove I have the antigen
Typing speed and accuracy assessment----> Already paid for and set up w/local uni
Criminal Record Check---> Forms sent in/already paid for
Clinical Practicum site---> FUCKING IMPOSSIBLE
I can't work dayshift because R works dayshift and somebody has to look after the little one. Also, I'm apparently the first person in Manitoba to take this program so the university (located in British Columbia) doesn't have any local affiliations with labs or hospitals. Meaning, I have to get my own foot in the door. In my head, that sounded simple. There's two teaching hospitals plus six other regular hospitals in this city, which is awesome because I'm limited to doing my practicum on a nightshift or weekend dayshift. All I need is somebody who's cool with me tagging along for a month and then write me a performance evaluation so I can get my diploma and get into my sub-specialty. I really don't expect a steep learning curve for drawing blood and taking vaginal swabs. I mean, really. Not hard. Doesn't require the constant supervision of a college instructor. Do you think I can find a placement on my own? HELL NO.
For example.
I phoned the Health Sciences Centre (biggest teaching hospital in the province) and talked to the HR assistant. Told her what I wanted, explained patiently that 'no, the university doesn't set up the placement for me', and ended up being transferred to volunteer services. I suppose she equated 'unpaid' to volunteer. Volunteer co-ordinator is blown away that I was transferred to them and feels bad for me, so she compiles a list of phone numbers and asks the opinions of everyone around her. Very nice.
One of the numbers she gives me is for Canadian Blood Services, which is across the street from them. Sounds pretty good. Transfusion experience is better then no experience. So, CBS secretary transfers me to the college co-ordinator (keep in mind, I'm taking a SIMILAR program to the one offered locally but not so similar that I can make use of their pre-existing placement spots). College co-ordinator says they don't train students but they'll give me a job when I'm done. Lovely.
THEN she says, call so-and-so at the college, explain what you're taking and see if the Lab Technology program has any open spots. Totally NOT taking Lab Technology, but whatever. It's worth a shot, right? Wrong! I call this new co-ordinator at the college, explain what I'm taking and does she 'know how I could find a practicum placement because I'm about to tear my hair out'? She gives me the phone number of yet another person at Diagnostic Services of Manitoba. Apparently, this newest lady does placements for the local private program that's totally identical to the one I'm taking, just that mine is from a university and way the hell cheaper. Of course, by the time I get her number, it's 5 pm and too late to call her. Boo.
And this is just one hospital, folks. I still have seven more to try if this doesn't pan out. Honestly, why the hell is it so hard? Why isn't there a direct line for the practicum co-ordinaters at all these places? Every last one of them takes students and I can't be the first person in the world that has to get my own foot in the door.
I got so desperate today that I emailed my ex. His mom has been a charge nurse and the head of the nurses union at HSC for thirty years and knows EVERYBODY. She's going to put her feelers out for me to see if she can find me a mentor and then get me in on a good-character reference. Let's all hope that her "Kitty is a good guy, you guys should train her, she rocks the cat" has enough pull to get me a practicum.
Fucking...ugh. I'm so frustrated right now. I knew it would probably not be that easy to get a placement as a free agent, but FUCK.



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i don't really have any advice other than to hang in there and keep doing your best, but i can understand how bat-shit crazy that would make a person.

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