Hello again from Westcliff-on-sea???!!!
Before I begin, I would like to thank Terry for the Reference!!!!
Let me reveal to you what has happened this last week and why I am back where I started...
As you know I went for an interview with Active Assistance last week Wednesday, where I was informed I was able to attend the induction week from the 2nd to the 6th of June. If I passed the week, and they found me suitable, they would employ me. I was very worried it was going to be another waste of time. But, I held my head high and filled myself with the last little bit of hope, and began the journey.
On Sunday last week, I went with Bethany and Nick to Nicks mum's home for a BBQ. It was really lovely, and I enjoyed it immensely. After the BBQ Nick took Paige home and me to Carl and Wendy's place. Carl and Wendy were ever so nice to me (once again becoming my hosts). Lindsay and her boyfriend were there, and bought us all dinner. We had an authentic curry (I can hear you now... 'Carissa eating curry?????? they should have taken pictures...') but, as you may have guessed, the curry here is not exactly 'hot'. I had a Chicken Korma, potatoes (which were spicy) some naan bread and popadums with mango chutney. It was REALLY good!!!
Following my overnight at Carl and Wendy's, Carl was nice enough to drop me off in Sevenoaks, bright and early on Monday morning.
I rang the bell of the offices in Sevenoaks and was greeted by a VERY friendly ('hello! how are you? giggle! nice trip? heavy bags? giggle! nice weather?' you get the idea of what I mean by 'friendly') lady named Heather. She buzzed me in and led me to the training room, where a few others greeted me. I was suddenly accosted by another friendly lady named Anne, who in the space of about 15 minutes had explained to me, her circumstances, her life history and her financial status (I ask you, with tears in my eyes...) She managed to cling to me from monday through to friday...
Anyway.
The trainers introduced themselves to us (Amanda [head trainer] and Jodi [assistant trainer]), followed by us introducing ourselves to them (you know the usual - please write your name on the name tag...) They went around the room getting people to talk about themselves (name, country of origin, where they are staying, why this work... blah blah blah). Whilst they did this, I counted all the faces. There were 11 people sitting around the room, two trainers, and me. I listened with half and ear about why, what, where, when and noticed that there were two other South African girls on the course with me (distinguishable, not because of them stating 'hi, i'm from South Africa', but from the: 'hai, eye am vrom suot africa') I had to chuckle to myself. In the room were all sorts of nationalities, such as Russian, Polish, Hungarian, Czech Republic, Slovakian, British, and of course, South African.
Eventually they got around the room and reached me. I felt a little akward, stating who I am, what I studied, what work I have done (I could almost feel their eyes widen). Needless to say, I censored the information to suit what I had heard everyone else discuss (psychology is handy for something!)
Following that strange silence the guy next to me had to say who he was etc. Eventually that came to an end and the course began.
Intially, it was a little bit boring because they had to discuss what the company was about, who runs it etc.
But, we eventually got going.
We were told that we were being broken into groups for private driving lessons throughout the week. We were told about the accommodation in Sevenoaks and who would be staying where. We were told a lot. Then we were issued with a blue folder, notes and pens. We went through what Active Assitance does and the UK Healthcare Industry, then took a break for tea (which was half an hour).
In this time, I grabbed a couple people who looked lost and asked them to join myself and Anne (the look of relief on their faces was priceless). We went to the flats (the one flat was across the hallway, the other upstairs). You can guess which flat I got (bearing in mind i had a very heavy suitcase that did not have wheels...)
In each flat were four people (now, I can hear your mental maths... there are twelve people, two flats, with four in each... what happens to the other four people???) Well, if this is your question, the answer is that they were put into a hotel (even though each flat is equipped with a double and single pull-out sofa in the lounge) and given breakfast. Off to a good start I thought!!!
In the half hour break, I basically chose a bunk, made a cup of coffee (what else???) and went back to the training room.
Back in the training room we covered the role and responsibilities of the PA (Personal Care Assistant) and then had a break for lunch. The group of people I had around me was astounding. I made the suggestion that we pop into Tesco express across the road to buy lunch (they were relieved to find out that someone had an idea of where stuff was!) For lunch I got some pita bread, coleslaw and cheese (yummy).
We then descended on the flat (the four girls downstairs kept to themselves until Thursday - invitations were extended, but they just never seemed interested). Everyone was cooking, it felt a bit like big brother...
After lunch we went back to the training room and covered Spinal cord injuries and activities of living. During this time, we had another break (half an hour). We were finished by four. AND WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT... My driving assessment was first (along with three others - Csaba, Anne and Pavan). We were told to go stand outside Laura Ashley (a clothes shop), look for the car with the big L on it, and then ask the gentleman inside if he was Steve.
So, we all went down to the car park and waited for the driving school E.C.P.C (funny) to collect us. We all piled in, and then popped the question: 'You are Steve hey?' (It would have been awfully funny if he had said no)
So on with the driving. Steve informed us that we were the first group because we had all driven in the UK before and were used to driving. He stopped in a safer area and let the first person drive.
First was Csaba (a Hungarian guy with an American accent). He had the task of driving in peak hour traffic with roadworks (we got stuck in a queue on a hill). He stalled the car repeatedly on the uphill... But I felt okay whilst he was driving.
Next came Anne. Now, Csaba had driven around for 30 minutes and stopped in a quiet country road in Sevenoaks to change places with her. Anne had previously admitted, in her cockney accent, that she had not driven for 12 years (so she may be a little rusty) as she had had no need to whilst in Spain. So, they went ahead and swapped places.
Anne buckled her seatbelt confidently and then turned to the driving instructor. He asked her to ready herself by adjusting her mirrors, her seat and all that. Then, he said to her to start the engine. She did so. He then instructed her to continue on. It was at this point that we noticed something was slightly unusual.
Anne looked at the instructor and casually asked 'which one is the clutch?', followed very quickly by 'this is the brake hey?' - pointing to the accelerator... Needless to say, we were all in fear for our lives. We played kangaroo for a while (I was sitting in the middle in the back, desperately trying not to laugh, the other two were looking out of the windows, white knuckles, clenched jaw, and all). We found ourselves being propelled forward when the driving instructor said she must step on the gas and having to grip any available surface when she braked (apparently she is not used to assisted braking). I would like to say that driving is like riding a bicycle... but clearly, this is not the case.
We would approach a T-junction hopping. Then once she was far enough out (enough to cause an accident if there was an oncoming car) she would push the accelerator, let the clutch out, and we would fly around the corner at Mach 3 (oh, did I forget to mention that she did not look for traffic??? must have missed that bit...) Next the instructor took her for a hillstart. She got started all right... Only problem was that he said to her to look over her right shoulder before she pulled out. She dually turned round to face me and pulled out (incase you are not too observant... she repeatedly looked over her left shoulder - I'm not sure what she thought she might see???)
FINALLY the instructor let her stop.
There was a huge sigh of relief. She got out, quite chuffed with her driving abilities and climbed into the back. It was my turn to drive.
The instructor lead me around Sevenoaks and then said: 'you are quite confident, lets go onto the motorway'. He made me pull over. I did so, he got out and removed the Learner driver signs from his car. He sat and chatted to the others, whilst I drove to the motorway and on it. He realised how far we had gone and quickly stated, 'oh dear, lets get off here' (by this stage we were at the orpington exit). So I then drove us back through the town roads to sevenoaks, whilst he continued to chat. I stopped nearer to sevenoaks, so that the last girl could drive us back home (which she did well).
All I can say is that I was really glad to get back on solid ground.
Once we got back I ate, showered and went to bed.
Tuesday came and we covered Management of Spasms, Pressure Area Care and Safer People Handling. It was a lot of fun. We got to use hoists and all sorts of equipment. We were allowed to take some wheelchairs out and use them for 30 minutes per person (it was strange to see things from that angle, the looks people gave me, the fact that I could not reach anything on the shelves... awful!). They handed out continuous assessments throughout the course (after each section), which saved us from having to write one big test. After the long day, we all went upstairs and watched a dvd called the diving bell and the butterfly (which was in french, but subtitled in English). The movie was EXCELLENT!!!!!!!! Following this, I ate dinner and went to bed.
You may be wondering why I was going to bed so early??? Well, I was still feeling poorly and tired... with LOADS of coughing...
Wednesday came along. We were all excited because we were going to have the client lunch. We went to the training room and did Bowel Management (I will not tell you exactly what we did, but I will tell you it was very practical [there were manaquins involved] and I can now identify stool according to its consistency) and infection control. Following this we went to the lunch at a place called 'The Slug and Lettuce' (really nice to follow bowel management with food!!!). We met two disabled people and their PA's [I thoroughly enjoyed watching the PA's interaction with the clients]. It was a nice and insightful experience. Following this, we covered the topics of consent, bladder management and food hygiene. By the end of the day, people were either excited about the job, or scared sh%$less (no, really... no pun intended!!!!).
After the long day's training, we decided we needed a stiff drink. So, we went and bought some beer, wine and food and trotted off to the park. As we entered the park, there were multitudes of deer and green green land. It was lovely. We walked around and eventually found a place where all our needs were met (semi-shade, nice grass, hardly any deer faeces...). We set up camp (figuratively speaking of course!). It was so nice, we sat around until around 21h00, when we decided to pack up and head home. As we left the park, we found ourselves discussing what type of stool the deer had left on the grass (that is the consistency). We reached the exit and instead of turning right, we turned left and ended up at the hotel having a few drinks. We left there rather late and eventually 8 of us ended up at the apartments. We all fell into bed, ready for Thursday.
Thursday came around, we greeted each other politely and each of us grabbed a cup of coffee...
We all went to the training room where the trainers asked us how our outing had gone. We were glad to tell her. She then asked if we had found the stately home in Knole park. We said yes (she said in all the walks she had done there, she had not found it, so we gave her directions...) We covered First Aid, Medication and Documentation and Record Keeping (with all the breaks and lunch in between).
After the session, we were tested with a fake scene, where we were required to use First Aid. This was really interesting, scary and fun. We got to do CPR, place people in the recovery position, deal with shock and bandage wounds... it was great!!!!!
After the session, I went back to the park with another girl and took some photos (which I can't download because bright-spark here left her card reader in her other bags...) Then, we went b
ack to the apartment and got ready for our night out. Around 8, everyone met at the apartment and we went out for a curry evening at the local pub called Wetherspoons (which is a lot like the KEG). Again I hear you say: 'Carissa eating curry...' We wondered around the town looking for a better place to go and grab drinks, but were unsuccessful. We were forced to turn in for the night/morning.
Before I begin, I would like to thank Terry for the Reference!!!!
Let me reveal to you what has happened this last week and why I am back where I started...
As you know I went for an interview with Active Assistance last week Wednesday, where I was informed I was able to attend the induction week from the 2nd to the 6th of June. If I passed the week, and they found me suitable, they would employ me. I was very worried it was going to be another waste of time. But, I held my head high and filled myself with the last little bit of hope, and began the journey.
On Sunday last week, I went with Bethany and Nick to Nicks mum's home for a BBQ. It was really lovely, and I enjoyed it immensely. After the BBQ Nick took Paige home and me to Carl and Wendy's place. Carl and Wendy were ever so nice to me (once again becoming my hosts). Lindsay and her boyfriend were there, and bought us all dinner. We had an authentic curry (I can hear you now... 'Carissa eating curry?????? they should have taken pictures...') but, as you may have guessed, the curry here is not exactly 'hot'. I had a Chicken Korma, potatoes (which were spicy) some naan bread and popadums with mango chutney. It was REALLY good!!!
Following my overnight at Carl and Wendy's, Carl was nice enough to drop me off in Sevenoaks, bright and early on Monday morning.
I rang the bell of the offices in Sevenoaks and was greeted by a VERY friendly ('hello! how are you? giggle! nice trip? heavy bags? giggle! nice weather?' you get the idea of what I mean by 'friendly') lady named Heather. She buzzed me in and led me to the training room, where a few others greeted me. I was suddenly accosted by another friendly lady named Anne, who in the space of about 15 minutes had explained to me, her circumstances, her life history and her financial status (I ask you, with tears in my eyes...) She managed to cling to me from monday through to friday...
Anyway.
The trainers introduced themselves to us (Amanda [head trainer] and Jodi [assistant trainer]), followed by us introducing ourselves to them (you know the usual - please write your name on the name tag...) They went around the room getting people to talk about themselves (name, country of origin, where they are staying, why this work... blah blah blah). Whilst they did this, I counted all the faces. There were 11 people sitting around the room, two trainers, and me. I listened with half and ear about why, what, where, when and noticed that there were two other South African girls on the course with me (distinguishable, not because of them stating 'hi, i'm from South Africa', but from the: 'hai, eye am vrom suot africa') I had to chuckle to myself. In the room were all sorts of nationalities, such as Russian, Polish, Hungarian, Czech Republic, Slovakian, British, and of course, South African.
Eventually they got around the room and reached me. I felt a little akward, stating who I am, what I studied, what work I have done (I could almost feel their eyes widen). Needless to say, I censored the information to suit what I had heard everyone else discuss (psychology is handy for something!)
Following that strange silence the guy next to me had to say who he was etc. Eventually that came to an end and the course began.
Intially, it was a little bit boring because they had to discuss what the company was about, who runs it etc.
But, we eventually got going.
We were told that we were being broken into groups for private driving lessons throughout the week. We were told about the accommodation in Sevenoaks and who would be staying where. We were told a lot. Then we were issued with a blue folder, notes and pens. We went through what Active Assitance does and the UK Healthcare Industry, then took a break for tea (which was half an hour).
In this time, I grabbed a couple people who looked lost and asked them to join myself and Anne (the look of relief on their faces was priceless). We went to the flats (the one flat was across the hallway, the other upstairs). You can guess which flat I got (bearing in mind i had a very heavy suitcase that did not have wheels...)
In each flat were four people (now, I can hear your mental maths... there are twelve people, two flats, with four in each... what happens to the other four people???) Well, if this is your question, the answer is that they were put into a hotel (even though each flat is equipped with a double and single pull-out sofa in the lounge) and given breakfast. Off to a good start I thought!!!
In the half hour break, I basically chose a bunk, made a cup of coffee (what else???) and went back to the training room.
Back in the training room we covered the role and responsibilities of the PA (Personal Care Assistant) and then had a break for lunch. The group of people I had around me was astounding. I made the suggestion that we pop into Tesco express across the road to buy lunch (they were relieved to find out that someone had an idea of where stuff was!) For lunch I got some pita bread, coleslaw and cheese (yummy).
We then descended on the flat (the four girls downstairs kept to themselves until Thursday - invitations were extended, but they just never seemed interested). Everyone was cooking, it felt a bit like big brother...
After lunch we went back to the training room and covered Spinal cord injuries and activities of living. During this time, we had another break (half an hour). We were finished by four. AND WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT... My driving assessment was first (along with three others - Csaba, Anne and Pavan). We were told to go stand outside Laura Ashley (a clothes shop), look for the car with the big L on it, and then ask the gentleman inside if he was Steve.
So, we all went down to the car park and waited for the driving school E.C.P.C (funny) to collect us. We all piled in, and then popped the question: 'You are Steve hey?' (It would have been awfully funny if he had said no)
So on with the driving. Steve informed us that we were the first group because we had all driven in the UK before and were used to driving. He stopped in a safer area and let the first person drive.
First was Csaba (a Hungarian guy with an American accent). He had the task of driving in peak hour traffic with roadworks (we got stuck in a queue on a hill). He stalled the car repeatedly on the uphill... But I felt okay whilst he was driving.
Next came Anne. Now, Csaba had driven around for 30 minutes and stopped in a quiet country road in Sevenoaks to change places with her. Anne had previously admitted, in her cockney accent, that she had not driven for 12 years (so she may be a little rusty) as she had had no need to whilst in Spain. So, they went ahead and swapped places.
Anne buckled her seatbelt confidently and then turned to the driving instructor. He asked her to ready herself by adjusting her mirrors, her seat and all that. Then, he said to her to start the engine. She did so. He then instructed her to continue on. It was at this point that we noticed something was slightly unusual.
Anne looked at the instructor and casually asked 'which one is the clutch?', followed very quickly by 'this is the brake hey?' - pointing to the accelerator... Needless to say, we were all in fear for our lives. We played kangaroo for a while (I was sitting in the middle in the back, desperately trying not to laugh, the other two were looking out of the windows, white knuckles, clenched jaw, and all). We found ourselves being propelled forward when the driving instructor said she must step on the gas and having to grip any available surface when she braked (apparently she is not used to assisted braking). I would like to say that driving is like riding a bicycle... but clearly, this is not the case.
We would approach a T-junction hopping. Then once she was far enough out (enough to cause an accident if there was an oncoming car) she would push the accelerator, let the clutch out, and we would fly around the corner at Mach 3 (oh, did I forget to mention that she did not look for traffic??? must have missed that bit...) Next the instructor took her for a hillstart. She got started all right... Only problem was that he said to her to look over her right shoulder before she pulled out. She dually turned round to face me and pulled out (incase you are not too observant... she repeatedly looked over her left shoulder - I'm not sure what she thought she might see???)
FINALLY the instructor let her stop.
There was a huge sigh of relief. She got out, quite chuffed with her driving abilities and climbed into the back. It was my turn to drive.
The instructor lead me around Sevenoaks and then said: 'you are quite confident, lets go onto the motorway'. He made me pull over. I did so, he got out and removed the Learner driver signs from his car. He sat and chatted to the others, whilst I drove to the motorway and on it. He realised how far we had gone and quickly stated, 'oh dear, lets get off here' (by this stage we were at the orpington exit). So I then drove us back through the town roads to sevenoaks, whilst he continued to chat. I stopped nearer to sevenoaks, so that the last girl could drive us back home (which she did well).
All I can say is that I was really glad to get back on solid ground.
Once we got back I ate, showered and went to bed.
Tuesday came and we covered Management of Spasms, Pressure Area Care and Safer People Handling. It was a lot of fun. We got to use hoists and all sorts of equipment. We were allowed to take some wheelchairs out and use them for 30 minutes per person (it was strange to see things from that angle, the looks people gave me, the fact that I could not reach anything on the shelves... awful!). They handed out continuous assessments throughout the course (after each section), which saved us from having to write one big test. After the long day, we all went upstairs and watched a dvd called the diving bell and the butterfly (which was in french, but subtitled in English). The movie was EXCELLENT!!!!!!!! Following this, I ate dinner and went to bed.
You may be wondering why I was going to bed so early??? Well, I was still feeling poorly and tired... with LOADS of coughing...
Wednesday came along. We were all excited because we were going to have the client lunch. We went to the training room and did Bowel Management (I will not tell you exactly what we did, but I will tell you it was very practical [there were manaquins involved] and I can now identify stool according to its consistency) and infection control. Following this we went to the lunch at a place called 'The Slug and Lettuce' (really nice to follow bowel management with food!!!). We met two disabled people and their PA's [I thoroughly enjoyed watching the PA's interaction with the clients]. It was a nice and insightful experience. Following this, we covered the topics of consent, bladder management and food hygiene. By the end of the day, people were either excited about the job, or scared sh%$less (no, really... no pun intended!!!!).
After the long day's training, we decided we needed a stiff drink. So, we went and bought some beer, wine and food and trotted off to the park. As we entered the park, there were multitudes of deer and green green land. It was lovely. We walked around and eventually found a place where all our needs were met (semi-shade, nice grass, hardly any deer faeces...). We set up camp (figuratively speaking of course!). It was so nice, we sat around until around 21h00, when we decided to pack up and head home. As we left the park, we found ourselves discussing what type of stool the deer had left on the grass (that is the consistency). We reached the exit and instead of turning right, we turned left and ended up at the hotel having a few drinks. We left there rather late and eventually 8 of us ended up at the apartments. We all fell into bed, ready for Thursday.
Thursday came around, we greeted each other politely and each of us grabbed a cup of coffee...
We all went to the training room where the trainers asked us how our outing had gone. We were glad to tell her. She then asked if we had found the stately home in Knole park. We said yes (she said in all the walks she had done there, she had not found it, so we gave her directions...) We covered First Aid, Medication and Documentation and Record Keeping (with all the breaks and lunch in between).
After the session, we were tested with a fake scene, where we were required to use First Aid. This was really interesting, scary and fun. We got to do CPR, place people in the recovery position, deal with shock and bandage wounds... it was great!!!!!
After the session, I went back to the park with another girl and took some photos (which I can't download because bright-spark here left her card reader in her other bags...) Then, we went b
ack to the apartment and got ready for our night out. Around 8, everyone met at the apartment and we went out for a curry evening at the local pub called Wetherspoons (which is a lot like the KEG). Again I hear you say: 'Carissa eating curry...' We wondered around the town looking for a better place to go and grab drinks, but were unsuccessful. We were forced to turn in for the night/morning.Friday, the last day of the course arrived.
We covered various topics, such as lone working, assignment handovers, forms, bereavement. Next, we were all assigned someone to see for our evaluation.I was assigned Jodi. I was last to be evaluated, which sucked a little, because everyone around me had heard if they had a job, or not.
When my turn came, I went downstairs to see her. We discussed my concerns and then she told me what everyone had though of my performance throughout the course. Apparently they all thought I was very intelligent and caring (which is supposed to be a good combination for this job??!!) and was told that I will be allowed to go out on assignments alone (unlike the others...). I was rather chuffed with this. I will also be offered a place to do an NVQ with them once my probation period has passed... So, it turns out that I have been accepted to start work with them within the next two weeks (once all the paperwork is settled). Later in the afternoon, we were all told to come to the training room to sign our contracts. It is really weird, I am now employed, so I can start paying tax.
SO, IT'S TRUE... Life sucks, you pay taxes and then you die... (if I've done the first two???? ;0D )
Once all the paperwork was done, I went to pack and wait for Bethany to collect me.
I am now back in Westcliff-on-sea in my old position, more excited and raring to go...
NOW FOR SOME PICTURES...
From left to right:
Back: Csaba, Steven
Middle: Silvia, Nadine, Larisa, Anne, Me, Dominika
Front: Maria, Eslia, Vendula, Pavan
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