Sunday, October 14, 2007
Wow! Been in
Only 4weeks left from 10 week praksis. An amazing journey and what an experience!
Read more!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
An intense two weeks ! Weekdays at the hospital learning and refering to Australia. Weekdays at the hospital learning and referring to Australia. I have a basic grasp of their ward system but due to language can only contribute partially to the process.
Learning at a rapid rate with full support and some marginal gain in my Norwegian language ability. The second half of the fortnight saw me work with Elise my other contact nurse, who is equally as supportive.
A couple of meetings with lecturers as mid-prac assessment approaches and still things to do!
On the relaxation side RWC 2007 marches on and the quarter finals were decided this weekend. Christine Martin from SCU (International Office) passed through Stavanger and managed to check in on me after completing necessary University business.
Read more!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Life, RWC 2007 and Praksis
I am in Norway! Learning a new language and experiencing a different culture and on Praksis in a Norwegian hospital(pinch myself). It still seems surreal sometimes. Yes there is a little time for enjoyment still! RWC 2007 helps! . I watched the humiliation of England by the South Africans over the weekend. Limited access to games without going and being in a bar. Norway is not real big on Rugby.
So in my down time I booked an October trip with a few other students to the Artic Circle, Tromsø – Gateway to the Arctic - well you probably only do these things once!.
Read more!
Uke To
The first week over and I have submitted my Turnus(Roster) to my clinical Supervisor and Contact Nurse; and now in Week 2 I am being encouraged and supported by the staff to learn more.I am seeing and experiencing new things every day. It is an intense process enjoyable but also demanding both intellectually and emotionally. I have to revaluate what will be possible as some of the targets suprisingly, have already been reached. I am already communicating, albeit with a limited set of words and phrases(not always correct) with patients(pasienter). Kan du spiser litt frokost? (Can you eat a litlle breakfast?)
Well you get the idea!.
I am touched and encouraged by the willingness to trust shown by patients towards me (as a student) and respect for nurses in general.
I know I will not always have happy and delightful experiences in Nursing but somehow I think I am exactly where I am supposed to be!
Read more!
Uke En i Praksis (Week 1 on Praticum)
First day basic orientation.
Second day in uniform a steep learning curve with a substitute contact nurse Gerd..very good and patient
This is a pic of me and Brianna a fellow international student in the hospital canteen.Learning curve is steep but necessary.
I am needing to learn words and phrases very quickly but the staff at hospital and university are very supportive.
I first work with my contact nurse Mette on a Thursday evening shift. I feel this experience will be very worthwhile.
Read more!
Aug/Sept The changes
28/8 Started Norwegian course every Tuesday 1700-2000 with our teacher Barboro (pictured)
Learning basic phrases and putting sentences and questions together.30/8 Aug Presentation along with Canadian exchange students to Nursing students in regard to Study Abroad
Brianna and I tried a Stavanger speciality(Komla)
31/8 Praksis meeting full on but manageable
1/9 Student housing welcome event but essentially preparation weekend for Praksis.
2/9
Weekend spinning class is always good value after a night out.
Read more!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
SATURDAY 25/8/2007
A 'vorspiel' a pre-party before going out.this one was at the ladies house Gulaksveien.
The King of Tuborg and Party guests
Read more!
FRI 24/8/2007
The day started well with my need to get music ready for my DJ guest spot.
The rest of the day was pretty much me in my room assembling and burning music from my computer. It was the student newspaper (Hugin) party.
Some were pleased and jovial and others made me work to entertain them and the smallish crowd. It is never a picnic to DJ especially with a ten year gap.
Read more!
WED/ THURS 22 & 23/8/2007
The beginning for me was the International food day for which I cooked rice and peas and forgot to take pics; and then the go-cart races and evening festivities.
The rest is as they say history. Even the Rektor(Chancellor) of the University Aslaug Mikkelsen (below) was in on the action.
The night involved a pub crawl which I opted out of but did join the revellers for the after party.
Thursday involved a day beach trip which I opted out of, and an evening beach party. No one dressed up for!!!
Read more!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Tuesday 21/8/2007
Tuesday saw a more relaxed approach with a poker and backgammon afternoon with prizes; the rest of the evening consisting of a Karaoke night. I managed an awful rendition of Madonna's 'Like a Virgin' before being asked to be in the Spice Girls reunion as Scary Spice for a Spanish duo as a backing dancer.......pics to follow..
Read more!
Mon 20/8/2007
We (Exchange students) were introduced to the third year students and met our buddy student for Praksis. 
We went for lunch in one of the many SiS Kafe's on campus with two students off to Canada(above).
The'Safe sex' message is very evident around campus.
The evening hosted a concert at Folken(Student Pub) with Janove Ottesen, which unfortunately I missed. I did have a chat with him and hope to see him next time round.
Read more!
