Opportunities: 

I felt keen to learn more, but also anxious to complete something for CPP. Beforehand I felt like I just wanted to do something for CPP, afterwards I was glad I’d done it, it has made me feel more confident. Also has increased my passion that everyone should have care tailored to their individual needs. I spoke to my manager about what I was doing and feeling, and she was pleased, informed me if I want further training, she can speak to the office about what can be offered. While I was completing the course, I was worried about not passing, or not learning enough to help my confidence. Now I’ve completed the course I feel much more competent in my care for those with diabetes. 

I feel the overall experience was positive although I would have liked to have done a more comprehensive course, there was a six week one which I would have been able to do had I investigated earlier. The course went well, and I was pleased with it, it was very thorough, especially considering it was a free course. The thing that didn’t go well however was my time management which then prevented me from doing a more in-depth course. This led my contribution to the learning to be somewhat lacking, had I have been more organised I would have been able to do more. 

Sadly, however the lady I was helping to care for passed away and her husband moved into nursing care, personally this was a challenge for me to deal with but it also presented a threat to this module, for a while I wasn’t sure what I was going to do until I decided that an area of weakness for me was management of diabetes. 

Changing focus hallway through as well as other ongoing commitments really presented a challenge to me, I normally thrive under pressure but I didn’t feel as though I was thriving, more floundering. 

As it says at the start of my logbook, I felt anxious from the start of this module, and that anxiety only increased as pressure, academically and personally increased. I don’t usually consider myself an anxious person, but I felt (and still feel) that events that have happened in the last few months have had a profound impact not just on me but also my academic and professional abilities. The intensity that I feel stress has increased and effects more than I realised. It also affected my motivation, both in CPP and other aspects of my course. Looking back, I’m proud that I haven’t given up, although I have come close many times and thought about deferring my course. As I reflect on the experience I’m astounded at how much stress has affected my motivation, especially considering the professional situations I have dealt with over the years, for me personally this is the first time that I’ve really had to stop and take stock of why my motivation is at such a low point and how I will overcome it. 

The positive side of this is experience is that it has taught me to be more aware of my stress levels and acknowledge when things become too much, nonetheless the negative side of the experience has been overwhelming at times. I’m pleased with what I’ve learnt from my course, looking back I think that went well. What I didn’t feel went well though was the time management throughout, having to change my focus halfway through and starting again. I was glad of support from those around me as I look to take steps to deal with stress and my emotions.