Bedpans, surgical gloves and cries of pain take centre stage in a new BBC drama.

Call the Midwife is a series that aims to take the audience into new territory – childbirth 1950s-style. It is about the joys and hardships of a group of midwives working in Londons East End in the 50s.

The drama will be the first to put childbirth, and its place in social history, at the heart of a television serial. Stars include Vanessa Redgrave, Pam Ferris, Jenny Agutter and Miranda Hart.

The creators and stars of the show hope to highlight a neglected area of womens lives. “A womans relationship with her midwife is very important,” said Agutter, who plays Sister Julienne, senior nun at the convent where the midwives live. “We seem to have almost lost track of what is a very critical job and this story is about the beginning of modern midwifery and about the women who supported each other through what was difficult work, but was also a calling.”

She has had personal experience of the benefits of a good midwife. “No one in their right mind would want to go through a surgical procedure like that for no reason. Women want to be supported, whatever they decide,” said Agutter. “I had my baby at 37 and had a long labour, but when a good midwife came on shift and gave me the right advice it really made a difference.”

The timing is impeccable. Childbirth appears to be near the top of the public agenda. Last week a major study into childbirth in Britain revealed that home births carry a higher risk for the babies of first-time mothers, though the British Medical Journal research, which used data from almost 65,000 births across England, pointed out that this risk of harm was less than 1%.

Midwife-led care, it was found, was more likely to lead to a natural birth. Earlier in the week Nice, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence, had advised that all pregnant women be allowed to have a caesarean delivery once they were informed of the risks.

On screen and off, it is a very female production. Screenwriter Heidi Thomas says there are some in the television industry who have asked her whether she thinks men will watch the new drama. Her response is forthright. “They may well watch, but people don’t ask whether enough women will watch Top Gear.”

Would you watch this new series?

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Source and image credit: guardian.co.uk

and some fun Christmas cheer for a Friday – thanks to Nursing Voices for the fantastic poem!

A Nurse’s Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas.., and all thru the floor
Lasix was given, filling the foleys galore.
Stockings were worn to prevent emboli,
they came in two sizes, knee and thigh high.
The patients were nestled half-assed in their beds,
while visions of stool softeners danced in their heads.
We in our scrubs, and they in their gowns,
Fashions created to hide extra pounds.
When down in the ER it became such a zoo,
they called with admissions for me and for you.
They’re coming, they’re going, and they’re all looking the same.
My patience for patients is starting to wane.
Now call lights are ringing, the patient 400 pounds, says-”
Didn’t get my pericare, now send my nurse down.”
And now delegation seems the best plan,
We try to send others, to the needs of this man.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Santa himself and 8 tiny reindeer.
He says he comes from Central Supply.
To bring us LR,NS, & D5.
The doctors then scribbled what no one could read,
Orders on patients, to measure their pee.
We try to decipher illegible words,
orders for patients, to guiac their turds.
The new shift arriving, our day is now through,
How did stool & emesis get in my shoe?
We give them report and pass on the facts,
and tell them of duoderm lining the cracks.
And the nurses exclaim as they limp out of sight,
“Ativan to them all, and to all good night.!!!”

Get creative and add some verses! Use the comments section below.

Image credit: NSWNA

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Scientists in the US are working on a new form of flu shot to encourage more people to get the vaccine.

Up to 20 percent of Americans are infected, and more than 200-thousand will be hospitalised for flu-related illness each year.

Dimitrios Koutsonanos, MD Post-doctoral Research Fellow at Emory University School of Medicine, said people don’t like being stuck with a needle, which is why many avoid getting a flu shot.

Researchers may have found a better way — dozens of microscopic needles coated or filled with vaccine, then placed on a patch like a band-aid.

“They penetrate the skin. You do not feel any pain, and the vaccine is being delivered that way,” Koutsonanos said.

For the vaccine to kick in, you wear the micro-needle patch for less than 10 minutes. In a new study, it was as effective as a shot, providing even better protection.

“They are lasting longer than the intramuscular, the systemic conventional vaccination,” Ioanna Skountzou, PhD Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology Emory University School of Medicine, said.

The micro-needle patches and the vaccination efficacy test are still experimental, but researchers believe they could be available to the public within the next five years.

What do you think, do you think you, or your patients would prefer a patch to a needle?

Do you bother getting a flu shot? If not, why?

Image credit: http://abclocal.go.com

Don’t forget to enter our Nurse Uncut Christmas Contest! You could win an Ipad 2 worth $894!

We’ve had some fantastic entries to our Christmas Contest – check them all out and enter HERE.

See why some of our nurses, through all the trials and tribulations, have stayed with nursing.

“It’s a fulfilling career. Because of the world’s demand for nurses, NURSING maintains to be a secure job in most countries. It allowed me to travel, explore & discover other cultures. And most importantly, as a noble profession, the true fulfillment comes when you know that you’ve rendered love and care selflessly to a complete stranger.”

“Because each day I go home feeling like in some small way I have helped at least one person. Weather it is a clean bed, assistance to walk to the bathroom or a shoulder to cry on. Someone feels better due to the attention they recieve from me. Even the flower in my hair makes someone smile!”

“I love knowing I have made a difference for a patient. . I like knowing I have helped relieve someones pain or some aspect of their ailment and understanding their care. Its definately not for the money! but that also means that we have a workforce committed to people, not the pay at the end of the day!”

“I went into nursing ’cause I admire them so,
The impact they have, I’d like to echo,
And though I know there will be highs and then lows,
I went into nursing ’cause I have something to show!”

“I never thought about becoming a nurse until I wanted a career change, becaming an EEN was the best thing I ever did! Over the years I get to go home knowing that no matter how busy or stressful my day is, it is often far worse for the patient. Helping a patient through the good and bad gives me the greatest job satisfaction. Not many jobs have such diversity and educational opportuinites. There is no other job like it in the world, I love it so much.”

“I’ve stayed with Nursing because it has enabled me to journey deeply and broadly in understanding what it means to live a human life. By encouraging compassion, common sense and communication in all of life’s situations, inside and outside “nursing”, it has given me gratitude, joy and laughter.”

Image credit: NSWNA

Don’t forget to enter our Nurse Uncut Christmas Contest! You could win an Ipad 2 worth $894!

Many nurses find it hard to fit exercise in around shift work, and eating habits during shift work can also contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle.

What exercise do you do while you’re not working? Do you find you are often too tired?

Joanne Colja, a perioperative nurse who works in theatres at Murwillumbah Hospital, enjoys a range of sporting activities. She says they help her to keep her fit and help her to cope with her busy workload.

Being fit helps Joanne cope with her busy workload.

“I love my job, but at times the busy schedule and long hours are tiring. I think what keeps me going is my involvement in sport. It gives me a level of fitness that helps me cope with my workload.

I have been involved in different types of sports for a long time now; some might say I am a fitness fanatic and as I sit here and write about it I realise they could be right. My plan is to be fit for life, but I am not one to just go out and exercise – I need goals to aim for, therefore I will find an event, enter and start a training plan. I am also lucky enough to have a husband who has a degree in sports science, and he helps me with my training plan.

I like to enter local events such as fun runs and triathlons and I am a member of the Twin Towns Triathlon club. The hardest event I have ever competed in was the Anaconda Adventure race on the Gold Coast. This event involved a 2km ocean swim, 16km ocean and creek ski paddle, 14km cross country run, 18km mountain bike ride (the toughest ride I have ever done) and a 2km beach run. The sense of achievement when you complete an event like that stays with you for a long time.

The surf club I am a member of at present is Cudgen Headland and we recently held the NSW State championship at our beach. I was lucky enough to win a gold medal in the 2km beach run 45-49yrs (with a bit of hard training as well) but my efforts seem mediocre compared to my fellow clubmate, Jan Gielis who won numerous gold medals. What makes this so special is that Jan is 64. Last year she competed in the world Surf Life Saving championships in Egypt and won 11 medals. She is a role model and if there were more people like her, our health system would have less business!

Ready...set...go!

Recently I purchased a new bike and have set myself a new goal. On 20 and 21 August I am taking part in a two-day bike ride around the Queensland countryside in the Ride to Conquer Cancer. In the lead up to this ride I have a few smaller goals: the Byron Bay swim, the Byron Bay Triathlon and the Gold Coast 10km run. I am up to run number six and hope to complete 10 runs of 10km in 10 years. With all this activity it’s a wonder I am able to fit work in!”

Is there anything simple nurses can do to fit in more exercise? Like taking the stairs instead of the lift? What tips do you have?

Image credit: NSWNA, sls.com.au

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Mothers Day is just around the corner. This year it falls on Sunday May 8th.

We’re making a list of the best Mothers Day gifts. What did you give your mother last year? What would you love to receive for mothers day? Add to our list below. It doesn’t need to be a material present, maybe a sleep in or breakfast in bed would be your favourite thing to receive. Share your ideas with us!

1. Jewellery – it doesn’t need to be expensive, some great pieces can be found at local markets, or check out online store Etsy, there are some awesome handmade pieces, and even jewelry made from recycled products like the scrabble tile necklace below.
   

   Funky, different, handmade jewelry from Etsy

2. Movie tickets – a lot of mums never have time to go to the movies, why not buy her tickets at a cute little movie theatre, rather than a big commercial one? Last year I bought my mother in law tickets to a new film festival movie at a quirky little theatre (it even included a tea and coffee break in the middle) it wasn’t a movie she would ever think to go to herself, but she absolutely loved it!
   

   The Avoca Beach theatre in NSW, complete red velvet seats and an old-fashioned candy bar.

3. Digital photo frame – who’s mum doesn’t have heaps of family photos put up on every wall of the house? (and probably no space left for new ones) simple solution buy her a digital photo frame that revolves through hundreds of photos, meaning you never get bored of the same photo and it’s a major space saver!
   

   Digital photo frames are the answer to no more wall space!

4. Flowers – who’s mum doesn’t love flowers?
   

   Who doesn't love flowers?

5. Pamper her – does she ever take time out to get a manicure or facial? Why not buy her a voucher and pencil in an appointment, and take her out for coffee or ‘high tea’ before or after to make sure she uses it! Lots of cafes are offering English ‘high teas’ now. It’s a fun and novel thing to do and a bit different to just going out for coffee!


High tea anyone?

Our top five non-material gifts.

1. Sleeping in with no interruptions!
2. Breakfast in bed complete with smiling kids, flowers and a clean napkin would be nice.
3. The day off – no cooking, no stress, or cleaning. Or coupons to take care of housework.
4. A gift from the heart – Handmade cards, artwork.
5. A letter, write to your mum telling her how much she means to you.

What did you give your mother last year? What would you love to receive for mothers day? Share your ideas with us!

Don’t forget to enter our latest contest – nominate your favourite nurse in celebration of International Nurses Day!

Image credits: Etsy, The Tea Room, The Avoca Beach Theatre, Product Category.com

Royal Wedding fever is griping the Commonwealth.

In just a few hours Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton will tie the knot at Westminster Abbey with billions watching from around the world.

Royal wedding fever is everywhere you look, people are hosting high tea ‘tea parties’, dress-like-a-royal parties, and British themed dinner parties in their living rooms while waiting for the much-anticipated arrival of the princess-to-be at 11am today (London time).

Hundreds of fans are have been camped out alongside the procession route for days waiting for a glimpse of the wedding procession. Hawkers are selling everything from coins, cups, tea trays, ashtrays, shot glasses, flags, thimbles, key rings, even ‘kiss me Kate’ beer and even royal wedding sick bags.

Souvenir purchases will add to the expected $1 billion tourism and retail boost.

For the first time ever, The British Monarchy is embracing the internet and social media, with the wedding to be streamed live on its own YouTube channel, and covered through its Facebook page, Twitter, Flickr album, and official website.

The official Royal Wedding website

Will you watch the Royal Wedding? What are you most looking forward to seeing?

Don’t forget to enter our latest contest – nominate your favourite nurse in celebration of International Nurses Day!

Image credit: anglotopia.net

Slender Australian model Miranda Kerr gave birth to her 4.42-kilogram son Flynn drug-free; and actress Kelly Preston gave a drug-free, silent, birth to son Benjamin.

The Australian model and American actress are two of a number of high profile women who have spoken out about their natural birthing experiences in the past 12 months, challenging the stereotype that celebrities are NOT “too posh to push”.

Spokeswoman for the Australian College of Midwives, and a practicing midwife for the past 21 years, Hannah Dahlen was in the media recently saying the perception that celebrities favoured caesarean sections stemmed from the media attention given to stars such as Victoria Beckham, whose three sons were delivered that way.

Miranda Kerr has been praised for giving a realistic description of her birthing experience on her website saying “I gave birth to him naturally; without any pain medication and it was a long, arduous and difficult labour.”

In Australia, the surgical birth rate is about 30 per cent, but the NSW government has pledged to reduce the number of caesareans to 20 per cent by 2015.

“Some women need to have caesarean sections, but let’s make sure the women who have them really do need them,” Dahlen said.

She stressed that mothers shouldn’t “feel they are any less of a woman or mother as a result”.

Dahlen said managing fear was an important part of child birth.

Techniques learnt at calm birth, hypnobirthing and meditation classes could be useful to focus the mind. To aid the physical symptoms, she has seen good results from warm showers, massage and the use of bean bags and exercise balls to help the mother get into different positions.

“People have tried to get away from calling it painful; they’ve called it waves and surges, but its pain and its intense pain. However, it is normal pain, its pain with a purpose.”

Do you think it is right that NSW are aiming to reduce caesarean births? Or do you think the right thing is to let mothers choose for themselves how they want to deliver their baby?

In the end, is the most important thing the delivery of a healthy baby? Or are their other aspects that need to be investigated?

Image credit:  Amanda Sprogis

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I just noticed a post in the ‘Talk‘ section, referring to numbers. I made a response about the number 23.

But I then started thinking a bit more about it, and decided to Google the number

23.

Wow! I never realised just how much there is written on this subject. The number 23 is everywhere, and throughout the history of the mankind.

If you’ve got some time to spare, have a look at some of the material available on this unusual topic. It’s on par with the date of 21st. December 2012 – the end of the Mayan calender.

I love ‘conspiracy’ theories. But why have NASA not publicly announced, they are tracking a large astoroid heading for Earth – due to closely pass us on 21st. December 2012?  (How closely?)

GORDO

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Well it’s almost the end of another year.

What a year it’s been.

We’ve had some fantastic blogs, comments, and forum discussions on Nurse Uncut and we’d like to thank each and every one of you for contributing to making Nurse Uncut one of the best online community sites for Australian nurses.

We hope you’ve enjoyed being a member and sharing the tips and advice, good news stories and opinions on topics close to your hearts.

A big thank you to our guest bloggers that have contributed some wonderful stories and we hope to read many more.

We hope all our readers and members have a fun, safe, and relaxing holiday period and we look forward to hearing from you all again in the New Year!

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