tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42011610231815614842024-03-13T10:28:11.927-07:00Nothing But The ToothCafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-55662403742908915152013-04-19T11:19:00.000-07:002013-04-19T11:19:13.893-07:00Progress<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
I'm registered for my dental nursing course!<br />
<br />
Hooray!<br />
<br />
It took a bit of time to find one that was workable, but I think it's very similar in structure to when I did an NVQ a few years ago. Essentially, an assessor will come to the dental practice to act as a witness, write a report on what they observe me doing (such as check-ups, mixing materials etc), ask me questions relating to what I'm doing and why, I'll get assignments as we go, and together a portfolio of evidence is made to show that I can do the job.<br />
<br />
It's not clear whether I'll still be required to take a qualifying exam at the end of it, but thus far it's looking good!<br />
<br />
I've got a few small pieces of 'homework' to do before the assessor comes in for the first time so I'll be cracking on with that next week.<br />
<br />
I've also had a blood test today.<br />
<br />
Last year I got my Hepatitis B vaccines done - but my doctors surgery failed to mention that I needed a blood test to check that I actually had full immunity. So off to Occupational Health I go! They're the people that look after people who work in 'dangerous' jobs where they're at risk of infections and things like that.<br />
<br />
Should I ever have a needlestick accident, for example, I'll be off to see them for a blood test to see if I've picked up anything nasty.<br />
<br />
But today was all about taking some blood to primarily check my vaccines have worked but also to test for just about everything else - Hep B and C, HIV, measles, mumps, rubella - you name it, they seem to be testing for it!<br />
<br />
It's not just for my benefit but also for patients and work colleagues - no one wants to find out there's someone in the building who has an infectious disease and is spreading it around with the occasional sneeze!<br />
<br />
Hopefully I'll be given the all-clear in a few weeks time when the report is posted to me.<br />
<br />
Feel like some good progress has been made this week!Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-61159581753311109522013-03-20T15:11:00.001-07:002013-03-20T15:11:34.937-07:00Probation Period is Up!<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
Good lord - where the hell did the last month go!?<br />
<br />
Where do I even start? Oh, right! Of course! My probation period is officially up.<br />
<br />
I'm being kept on - woohoo! They like me, they think I've got great potential and more than happy to keep me on.<br />
<br />
The past three months have just flown by. Being back in full time work has proven both satisfying and exhausting (although my stamina appears to be gradually improving). I've just done three late nights on the trot ... and pick tonight of all nights to throw a blog post together ... yeah, I'm logical that way.<br />
<br />
I've certainly learnt an awful lot - it's almost hard to imagine that I knew sod all on my first day. Now I'm assisting with check-ups, mixing filling materials, helping to make impression molds and lots of other stuff.<br />
<br />
In addition to learning the ropes, I've had a promotion of sorts. I was hired as a 'floating' nurse - someone who primarily works at collecting, cleaning and re-distributing used instruments for the nurses who work in surgery full time with a dentist. About a month ago, one such nurse up and quit. Thanks to her, I have now have a surgery all of my own and have been teamed up with a dentist.<br />
<br />
Thus I now have more responsibility in keeping the surgery stocked, cleaned and prepped, as well as having a lot more practice at chair-side nursing than I could have hoped to gain whilst remaining a 'floating' nurse.<br />
<br />
Now that the probation stint is over, I now have to get myself booked onto a dental nursing course. There are various training centres around the country, but unfortunately for me, none are within a reasonable travelling distance that don't insist on holding the course during work hours - which doesn't help me or (potentially) two other trainees who would need to attend. The dental practice is a business - having two or three members of staff out once a week, every week, for a year, isn't remotely practical.<br />
<br />
So I'm looking into correspondence courses at the moment. Contacted a few providers, and at least one of them looks fairly promising. I just need to locate a functioning printer so I can print off the information pack I've been sent.<br />
<br />
With any luck I'll be starting work on my qualification before too long.Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-29207992211041706112013-02-09T09:46:00.000-08:002013-02-09T09:46:07.521-08:00Time Flies<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
Well, it's hard to believe it, but I've been in my new job for two whole months now!<br />
<br />
It's been quite involved so I've not had much time to really get something written down to post here regarding what I've been up to. Which has been a lot!<br />
<br />
This has been partly down to my still being on my probation period, which is three months in total. Essentially, you've got three months in which to prove yourself. If I'm not showing that I have the right attitude and the capacity to learn the skills required, then they'll let me go.<br />
<br />
Which I'm pleased to say is extremely unlikely!<br />
<br />
I've been getting really good feedback from the dentists I've been working with, the nurses seem happy with my support, and the even the head dentist is pleased with the reports - I even worked with him in the surgery for two days and he's satisfied that I'll make a good dental nurse!<br />
<br />
Couldn't be more chuffed!<br />
<br />
Once February comes to a close, I believe they'll start making arrangements for me to start the official training course.<br />
<br />
I can't wait!Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-82793198519135279262013-01-20T13:40:00.001-08:002013-01-20T13:40:22.610-08:00Dental Nursing: the career for you?<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
It's not always easy for people to decide on a career path. There's endless options, but sometimes the choices are so overwhelming you don't even know where to start!<br />
<br />
Certainly my 'career advice' at school left a lot to be desired! It pretty much consisted of "advisers" (I use that term extremely loosely) asking the same old question of 'What do you want to do?' to which most people answered, 'I don't know' - leaving the advisers at a total loss. Never mind that a few probing questions could have thrown up a few ideas of things to consider.<br />
<br />
Dental nursing was never brought up. Nursing in general wasn't mentioned. Medical careers of any description just fell by the wayside.<br />
<br />
It has taken me best part of a decade to suss out what I wanted to do.<br />
<br />
But perhaps if you are considering a career as a dental nurse - which is a possibility as you are reading my blog! - maybe I can help a little in sharing my experience and observations of what you need to be a dental nurse.<br />
<br />
Now, my observations may not be typical of Career Advisers but hey, I'm not going to shy away from the negatives nor the random elements that may never occur to people to mention.<br />
<br />
So! Without further ado, let me start with the first thing on my list of <strong><span style="color: #741b47;">Is Dental Nursing the Career for Me?</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #741b47;">1. Do You Faint at the Sight of Blood?</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
I hope you raised an eyebrow at that! If you didn't, think about it. I'll wait.<br />
<br />
Are you there yet? Yes? Cool. Yes - the dental surgery is just that - <strong>a<em> surgery</em></strong>. It is a medical environment.<br />
<br />
There. Will. Be. Blood.<br />
<br />
I've been in my job for about a month and already I've had several nurses give me various accounts of more than a few potential new nurses that have come into the surgery, taken one look at the blood that appears during a tooth extraction and they've been flat on the floor in moments, looking pasty and ill.<br />
<br />
They have all walked straight out of the door never to return. <br />
<br />
To me, that's insane! They've taken the trouble to apply, get the interview, succeeded in getting the job ... and it never occurred to them what they might encounter working with a dentist!?<br />
<br />
It makes me think that some people obviously <em>don't</em> think about stuff like this. Hence, it's worth mentioning here! If you can't abide blood, rule out dental nursing as a career right now. There's no getting away from it. As stupid as it sounds, I figure it's a rather important thing to point out.<br />
<br />
Are you OK with blood? Yes? Awesome; consider yourself a step closer to dental nursing!<br />
<br />
<br />
* You know, I'd love to add some images to my recent posts, but Blogger seems to have an issue at the moment and isn't giving me the option. Hopefully at some point I'll be able to add some, brighten up these posts a bit - just looks a tad dull with just text, doesn't it?<br />
<br />
<br />Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-76412716232352653112013-01-10T10:34:00.001-08:002013-01-10T10:34:56.875-08:00Pure Water<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
Water.<br />
<br />
Yep - water is the backbone of the a dental practice! Surprised? Well, perhaps you won't find it that surprising when I phrase it like this:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Purified water is essential for use in the autoclaves - tap water isn't going to cut the mustard here, it <strong><em>has</em></strong> to be purified. Filtered water is not the same thing as purified; it has to be heated to kill off any micro-organisms</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Without purified water in the autoclaves, the machine won't be able to properly sterilise the dental instruments</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Without sterilised instruments, the dentist won't even have a clean mirror to have a nosey around your mouth - let alone do anything else like a scale and polish, a filling or an extraction</li>
</ul>
<br />
You probably don't think twice about that little mirror, whether it's clean or not - you just assume that it is - and of course it has to be before it goes anywhere near you! It's a clinical environment and the human mouth is a fabulous place for bacteria to hang out in; anything that gets used inside your mouth is either single-use (and gets thrown away immediately after use) or made to withstand the sterilisation process.<br />
<br />
But without purified water - <em>nothing</em> is getting sterilised.<br />
<br />
Without being able to sterilise things, instruments get used up pretty darn fast and before you know it, the whole practice could grind to a halt because there's no water for the autoclaves!<br />
<br />
I don't know how I feel about being primarily responsible for all that. Yes - I'm primarily responsible for ensuring that the water purifier is filled regularly, any purified water decanted into appropriate containers so we have a constant stock of water. We have several autoclaves and they're working most of the day - that's a lot of water we go through.<br />
<br />
I imagine no one really thinks about it - certainly not the patients and maybe not the dentists themselves (since they don't have to keep tabs on it) - but like I said, without it, the practice would come to stop rather rapidly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-4565966081211911032012-12-07T12:39:00.000-08:002012-12-07T12:39:04.444-08:00First Week Round Up<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
I have survived completed my first week as a trainee dental nurse!<br />
<br />
Boy, am I knackered!!<br />
<br />
It's hard enough going back to full time hours after two years of sporadic hours/days, but there's also the early starts (never been easy) and wrapping your head about something brand new.<br />
<br />
On the up side, the days are going by fairly quickly and I'm not sat around being bored - there's no time to be bored!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">Early Start</span></strong><br />
<br />
I knew exactly what was going to happen. I'd go to bed early with the best of intentions, but be too excited (or nervous, sometimes it's hard to tell!) to fall asleep. I'd eventually nod off around 11 or 12 only to jolt awake in the early hours, slightly panicked and mumbling "Do I have to get up now!?" only to grab the alarm clock and curse at the single digit of 3 or 4 in the early hours. Roll over, bury self in the bed covers and try to get a few more hours of snooze. 7am will roll round, yet somehow I'll still stagger out of bed 'late', throw some tea and toast down my neck, scramble for clothes in spite of laying them out neatly the night before, they'll have moved during the night. Hurry out the house, scrolling through a mental checklist of keys, shoes, textbook etc.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, this has got easier as the week has progressed. I may be out of practise with getting up before 8am, but once I'm in a routine it's not so hard.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">Journey</span></strong><br />
<br />
Lucky for me, my new employer is not a million miles nor a dreadful journey away. It should take, on a good day, about 15-20 minutes to drive there.<br />
<br />
On a bad morning, you can hit every red light there is on route. Or at least it'll feel like every red light on route!<br />
<br />
Seems like the only hitches at the moment are the inclement weather. I did invest in a windscreen cover; quite inexpensive but I felt it worth a try. Turns out it works very well at keeping frost off my screen so that's one less window to scrape and it makes a big difference! A little bit of de-icer on the rest of the car works wonders. Doesn't stop my fingers freezing though.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong>Working Day</strong></span><br />
<br />
Hectic. That sums up my first day. Didn't get much less hectic as the week went by but at least I'm more familiar with the daily routine and helping out with tasks such as cleaning the surgery between patients, setting up at the start of the day and shutting it all down at the end. Essentially all the basic cleaning duties. The more complex work will come later as I build on the basic knowledge.<br />
<br />
<br />
I will go into a bit more detail on things in my coming posts, hopefully give you more of an insight as to what a dental nurse gets up to on a daily basis and what they need to learn.<br />
<br />
Which means I have to start with the absolute backbone of the dental surgery ...<br />
Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-39180673682280576232012-12-03T13:17:00.002-08:002012-12-03T13:19:11.998-08:00First Day<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
Wow.<br />
<br />
I am knackered!<br />
<br />
First day wasn't physically taxing or anything, but going from doing a few hours each day to a full 12 hours (starting from when I left the house at 7.30am and returning home at 7.30pm) is somewhat draining.<br />
<br />
I've had so much happen over the past couple of weeks that I've not had much time to devote to the blog to even cover my interview. Apologises for that!<br />
<br />
Not that I'll be back on track any day soon - first week in the new job on full time hours for the first time in two years, plus sorting things out for a holiday I booked shortly before the interview came along ... well, the blog shall remain fruitless for the time being whilst I try to keep up with everything else that's going on at the moment.<br />
<br />
But it goes without saying that I'm now quite pleased that this blog will now move into its second, long-awaited phase - of being the blog of a trainee dental nurse instead of someone job hunting for the position :)<br />
<br />
<br />Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-35495132138812644012012-11-22T09:30:00.000-08:002012-11-22T09:31:22.639-08:00SUCCESS<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
As of Monday 3rd December ... I will be employed as a Trainee Dental Nurse.<br />
<br />
:)Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-9140344934367302002012-11-19T11:57:00.000-08:002012-11-19T12:15:02.797-08:00Interview<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
I've got an interview set up for tomorrow.<br />
<br />
I found a voice mail on my phone after finishing my shift at work asking me to call them back about setting up an interview. Hooray!<br />
<br />
Went home, checked that it was Monday's they are open late, and called.<br />
<br />
Then I nearly lost out on the usual circus of trying to fit an interview into their schedule and mine. The dentist is doing 'lunchtime' interviews - the only days I'm available are Wednesday all day and Friday morning of this week. All other days I'm in work. Not an easy thing to swap shifts at such short notice!<br />
<br />
It didn't help matters that the woman I spoke sounded quite put out when she explained that they wanted to wrap up the interviews this week. Gee, thanks, that's helpful! Tuesday next week would have worked if that wasn't the case!<br />
<br />
I asked what the latest time they could do was - quarter to 2. Right, I finish work at 12.30 tomorrow. I can run home, get changed, throw a mouthful of food down my throat as a substitute for lunch, jump in the car and zoom across town to make it on time.<br />
<br />
No problem.<br />
<br />
I hope.<br />
<br />
Potential employers really don't give much leeway on interview days/times do they? It would be fine if they specified in the job advert that interviews will be held during x week or on x day - then applicants can make arrangements in advance!<br />
<br />
Us 'shift-workers' who can't get a day off at a moments notice ... well, that's less than conducive to finding better jobs if we can't be available at the drop of a hat.<br />
<br />
Really makes me wonder how many people have to turn down interviews because of their current job. How many pull a sickie so that they can go? Of course, you can't ask for a day off and then 'mysteriously' fall ill that morning - that just looks suspicious to the boss!<br />
<br />
Oh, and wanting to wrap up the interviews by the end of the week, you'd think they'd ask for the job advert to be removed from the website I found them on. Someone seeing the advert and applying for it today or tomorrow doesn't have a hope!<br />
<br />
I wish I could feel more positive about this right now, but that kind of "well, if you aren't available ..." attitude really annoys me.<br />
<br />
I once had a call very late in the evening, inviting me to an interview the very next morning - how is that any good for the applicant? There's no time to prepare. No time to make childcare arrangements (if applicable) and certainly no time to get the day off work to attend! I certainly couldn't attend for that very reason! The response was essentially, 'Oh, well, if you're not available you're going to miss out.' Fine. Good luck phoning people at 10pm for a 7am interview tomorrow morning! (I didn't really want to work there to be frank - it was a 'desperate-I-need-something-anything-application)<br />
<br />
It's a catch-22 really.<br />
<br />
<strong>In employment</strong> - I can't attend interviews at such short notice. But being in a job looks good to the potential new employer; recent reference, skills kept current etc<br />
<strong>Not in employment</strong> - I'm available for whenever the potential employer wants to see me, but I have much less chance of being invited to interviews in the first place because I'm currently unemployed!<br />
<br />
*sigh*<br />
<br />
Right, outfit set out on wardrobe door ready for when I get home. Bag and car keys ready. Folder with certificates and stuff always ready.<br />
<br />
Not much I can do now except re-read the textbook for a refresher.<br />
<br />
Let's see how tomorrow plays out.Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-26873870820800762322012-11-12T11:29:00.001-08:002012-11-12T11:29:50.622-08:00Application<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
I wrote to a dental practice about three months ago; it was a general application, just to enquire whether they had any vacancies for a trainee dental nurse.<br />
<br />
The reply: sorry, no vacancies, 'but I will keep your cv for future reference.'<br />
<br />
Three months later (i.e. now) they are advertising for a ... lo and behold ... trainee dental nurse! Applications to be sent to the very same person I wrote to last time and who replied.<br />
<br />
No email. No phone call.<br />
<br />
Thanks for keeping my cv for future reference.<br />
<br />
I'm applying regardless, but seriously, you don't keep a cv for even three months?<br />
<br />
Hopefully I'll get this in the post for tomorrow.<br />
<br />
No indication of a closing date, but the advert has only been up since Friday.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, it's on a prominent job website - there could be a lot of competition. Still, my Hepatitis B vaccinations are done and dusted - that ought to help.<br />
<br />
Here we go again.Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-84299718116098890072012-11-12T05:55:00.000-08:002012-11-12T05:55:34.455-08:00Downtime Report<span style="color: white;">..</span><br />
<br />
Things have been a little quiet on the blogging front.<br />
<br />
That's not to say I haven't been up to anything offline. I've finished my Christmas shopping for instance!<br />
<br />
Yes. Yes, I apologise. I'm using that awful 'C' word prior to December. My most sincere apologies.<br />
<br />
Simply put, I didn't want to be messing around with last minute shopping this year. Last year I stuck to a budget and it worked out well. This year, well, I had to cut that budget down a smidge. What I also did was buy some gift bags and buy everyone some small, affordable bits and bobs instead of one big present.<br />
<br />
That's all worked out well and I finished it all last Friday. Now I don't have to worry about getting anything else! I just have the cards to write out.<br />
<br />
My Japanese lessons are going fairly well. I repeated the first unit over which took some time but I think it was for the best - I wasn't 100% confident with everything and I wanted to go back over the kana (that's the written language in their characters, not our Latin letters). I'm quite pleased with my progress so far! I'm now onto learning home and family terminology ... proving to be both interesting and tongue-tying.<br />
<br />
Work on the other hand ...<br />
<br />
Getting busier as we nearer Christmas. Adverts for the seasonal temps went up (rather discreetly I felt) and they'll be starting on the 26th, which is a good two weeks later than I did. As of yesterday, I've been working there for a year.<br />
<br />
Presumably we've had enough applicants since the sign went down last week.<br />
<br />
We've had people leave over the past year, including some supervisors. At some point over the past two weeks, most members of staff were asked if they interested in training up as assistant supervisors. I was not one of them. I was not happy to learn of this after the event. I may have only been there a year but some of the people doing the training haven't been there much longer than I.<br />
<br />
However, I felt a lot less disgruntled when I discovered that assistant supervisors, in spite of the extra responsibility, do NOT get any additional pay! I was quite shocked at that! It's extra hours, yes, but I'd have thought that the extra responsibility alone would entail a higher hourly rate. But no, the company doesn't pay extra for the next step up their career ladder. No wonder the majority of staff said no thank you! Why do more work for the same money? Especially when the hours are more unsociable?<br />
<br />
So disappointment but also relief and disbelief at that discovery. It's just as well I wasn't planning to stay with this company forever more!<br />
<br />
I'm also on my first full weeks holiday in over a year. I've needed a proper break from work so I could catch up on some things at home. I spent the weekend with friends but the rest of week has consisted of present wrapping, cleaning, mending and a little clothes shopping to replace some of my threadbare wardrobe.<br />
<br />
I'm also fighting off a cold.<br />
<br />
Typical. I'm sure I'm not the only person this happens to but I have a tendency to fall ill just as I take time off work. No doubt I'll feel perfectly fine come Wednesday morning when I go back in.<br />
<br />
Just typical!<br />
<br />
Ah well, live goes on. Hopefully I'll also be back to blogging properly before too long. Feel a little more on top of things now, getting organised etcCafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-91971503293208491562012-11-01T08:07:00.002-07:002012-11-01T08:08:09.713-07:00My Milk Toof - Halloween-pants<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
I've been waiting months for this!!<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://mymilktoof.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/halloween-pants.html" target="_blank">My Milk Toof</a></span></strong> has been updated with another adorable Halloween themed strip!<br />
<br />
I strongly recommend checking it out. :)<br />
<br />Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-72544506772768064932012-10-29T14:20:00.000-07:002012-10-29T14:20:49.140-07:00Building Skills<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
I've had the Rosetta Stone program for about a month now.<br />
<br />
I do believe I've learnt more usable Japanese in that time than I ever did in over six years of French lessons at school.<br />
<br />
Thoroughly enjoying it so far. I'm hoping that over the next two months I'll learn enough to 'show off' a little at interviews .. if I'm asked of course! ;)Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-49185488509502274342012-10-29T09:14:00.003-07:002012-10-29T09:14:54.316-07:00First Pay Slip<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
I've rediscovered my very first pay slip.<br />
<br />
Wow ... £3.96 per hour - I thought I was rich!<br />
<br />
I used to work weekends and school holidays at a local hotel, cleaning the rooms. I remember loading up these massive trolleys that were nearly as tall as I was!<br />
<br />
Hard work but having that first job and earning your very own money - that was such a nice 'grown-up' feeling of accomplishment.<br />
Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-80087206508299992642012-10-17T08:34:00.000-07:002012-10-17T08:35:31.516-07:00Right Time? Wrong Time?<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
The last few months of the year are upon us. It got me thinking, is there a 'right' time of year to apply for work? Or at least a good or better time?<br />
<br />
Oh, sure, there's job advertised all year round, but certainly at this time of year you tend to get mostly seasonal / Christmas temporary jobs.<br />
<br />
Around this time last year, when I was still stuck in a horrible two/three day-a-week job, I reached the end of my tether and pounded the streets of my home town, looking for work.<br />
<br />
Only Christmas temp work was around, and I was too late to apply for most of them! I consider myself very lucky to have got the job I did and then be kept on after the Christmas period.<br />
<br />
So if retail is what you're after, this time of year is certainly a good one to apply. There's always going to be the risk that it is just temporary, but a few get lucky and are kept on.<br />
<br />
But what about non-retail companies?<br />
<br />
This time of year is busy for most, if not for the product or service you provide but also people booking time off, people fall ill, Christmas events are organised, paperwork needs to be wrapped up for the up-coming end of the financial year etc.<br />
<br />
Wherever you are, it's sure to be busier than normal.<br />
<br />
Which probably doesn't make it an optimal time to think 'Oh, hey, maybe we need to hire someone for that post.' The people with the power to hire and fire may consider it a lower priority.<br />
<br />
Possibly companies will wait until the new financial year - see what the budget is and then consider whether hiring is a viable option.<br />
<br />
I've also been pondering whether it's even worth bothering writing or emailing potential employers at this time of year. If you're busy and there's no vacancies, you're probably not going to pay too much attention to a CV that's just turned up. It'll be filed away and forgotten about.<br />
<br />
Personally, if I ran a company, if it wasn't an urgent situation requiring the hire of a new person, then I'd say forget it! Busy time of year, not looking to hire at the moment, caught me at a bad time.<br />
<br />
I can imagine the odds are even worse if it's a training position you're looking for. Which certainly applies to me!<br />
<br />
Who wants to start training a new person at this time of year?<br />
<br />
I can't help but think that it's a hassle that people could do without.<br />
<br />
So with this in mind, I've reached a decision.<br />
<br />
I'm going to continue to check websites, newspapers etc for specific job adverts - if I spot one that's suitable, I'll apply. But I won't be contacting individual companies for the time-being. It just seems rather inconsiderate, doesn't it? 'Hi! I know you're busy and all, but wanna hire me?!' No - not happening.<br />
<br />
But I shan't be slacking during the 'break' however - my time spent learning a new language is paying off and I've got my head firmly back in the textbook!<br />
<br />
My intention is that by the new year, my language skills will be proficient enough to effectively 'show off' in an interview if questioned about them, and that my basic dentistry knowledge will be more sound.<br />
<br />
Keep busy. Keep improving!<br />
<br />
Perhaps 2013 will prove to be a more successful year!Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-52836489457067335792012-10-08T09:43:00.001-07:002012-10-08T09:44:02.392-07:00Firebox: Novelty Flavoured Toothpaste<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
On a mission to locate some Christmas presents, I stopped by Firebox.com for inspiration. <br />
<br />
Whilst there I came across these!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUURZ1nNKw43XFzqTcOIrKqgAhpA65f8pL-Ifjj1PkxXTWSRXUqjJXYmwIm0t3mcs2V4nsCjwhViNDpeXDLBQNLuqhYyVh5lLYaeo8mg0t-imOOQYJ1ZDKKtQYEpRDUf2_xT0sspec68Z/s1600/firebox_bacon_flavoured_toothpaste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUURZ1nNKw43XFzqTcOIrKqgAhpA65f8pL-Ifjj1PkxXTWSRXUqjJXYmwIm0t3mcs2V4nsCjwhViNDpeXDLBQNLuqhYyVh5lLYaeo8mg0t-imOOQYJ1ZDKKtQYEpRDUf2_xT0sspec68Z/s1600/firebox_bacon_flavoured_toothpaste.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_iQ6N3VH884nUbEY0OMOsTuu2Snq8-Hx1NQV1Y_GnxjaXgv6csOSWS2bbl7NylVqiQceMlmf5StObcMMshI5G10c7kNgZCiK-duoCC0w2Y5QqUZls268u849mcOWDoSbgLfZxdOBT4ox/s1600/firebox_cupcake_flavour_toothpaste.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_iQ6N3VH884nUbEY0OMOsTuu2Snq8-Hx1NQV1Y_GnxjaXgv6csOSWS2bbl7NylVqiQceMlmf5StObcMMshI5G10c7kNgZCiK-duoCC0w2Y5QqUZls268u849mcOWDoSbgLfZxdOBT4ox/s1600/firebox_cupcake_flavour_toothpaste.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yep. You've read that correctly. Bacon-flavoured and cupcake-flavoured toothpaste!<br />
<br />
They are 70g and fluoride-free.<br />
<br />
According to one of Firebox's comments, they are novelty products and a bit of fun - they are not intended as substitutes for 'real' toothpaste. (If you're interested in either of them, but have any concerns you can always run it past your dentist to get an opinion on it.)<br />
<br />
And just to clarify, the bacon-flavour is not suitable for vegetarians but there is a very happy comment on the cupcake-flavour from someone with diabetes who is pleased as punch as it is sugar-free but is still something sweet that she can enjoy.<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="http://www.firebox.com/"><strong><span style="color: purple;">www.firebox.com</span></strong></a> if you're interested!Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-14213441431149928732012-10-03T12:56:00.001-07:002012-10-03T13:33:32.090-07:00Lush: Toothy Tabs<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
I have returned from my long weekend away - much refreshed and feeling so much better for the break!<br />
<br />
I now have a week off work to look forward to in November. If vague plans become a little more concise, I may be flying off Europe over the Remembrance Sunday weekend. May not happen but it's something to look forward to!<br />
<br />
Anyhoo - back to blogging of dental related topics.<br />
<br />
Upon my return I found the Lush Times Christmas issue waiting for me. Naturally, I had a flip through the pages, wishing there was a Lush branch nearer home. The closest one requires either a specific trip to the area or else I order online which is what I did for my shampoo some time ago.<br />
<br />
Then, lo and behold ...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejWZBDXEGOBYjWRrC5Sxal0BaZcrTZvATqFWBQkdfbqkPQtdR-vQPHXfyYHLozt3skaY8tmGKytShY8UvpjomNou23vgnB_YIrI1xbkv4qlHzbfuALNPwtx-zq80urYmuS0HnBfRUbLOo/s1600/lush+toothy+tabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejWZBDXEGOBYjWRrC5Sxal0BaZcrTZvATqFWBQkdfbqkPQtdR-vQPHXfyYHLozt3skaY8tmGKytShY8UvpjomNou23vgnB_YIrI1xbkv4qlHzbfuALNPwtx-zq80urYmuS0HnBfRUbLOo/s1600/lush+toothy+tabs.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #741b47;">Toothy Tabs!</span></strong><br />
<br />
I have no idea how long these have been about but it's the first time I've come across them and it's only right that I share! :)<br />
<br />
Toothy Tabs are solid toothpaste tablets - you pop one in your mouth, suggested between your front teeth, you nibble at it and it produces a foam much like a typical toothpaste. Wet your toothbrush and proceed as normal!<br />
<br />
Sounds like a cool idea to me. There's also no <span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>"chemicals, preservatives and unnecessary packaging</strong>".</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>The packaging is made from recycled cardboard</strong></span> and of course you can recycle it yourself once you're done with the pack. No more left over toothpaste stuck in the tube that you can't squeeze out, not to mention the non-recyclable tube that gets sent to landfill!<br />
<br />
BIG thumbs up from me as far as that's concerned!<br />
<br />
Lush have also included Fairtrade ingredients in the "Atomic" flavour and all of the Tab varieties are suitable for Vegans.<br />
<br />
Eco-friendly aspects aside - do they really work?<br />
<br />
Lush dutifully performed trials using the different varieties of Toothy Tabs (they come in many different flavours) with regular trips to the dentist over a three month period. You can check out the video <a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/content/view/1234" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a> or else drop by the <a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/" target="_blank"><strong>Lush website</strong></a> and search 'toothy tabs' should that link go AWOL at any point. <br />
<br />
The tabs performed well in the trial so that's very encouraging.<br />
<br />
AND if you happen to be at all concerned about your fluoride intake - either from your current toothpaste or other sources - this should help alleviate your worry ... <span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Toothy Tabs are fluoride free</strong></span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
So. What lovely flavours are there? Here's a quick rundown.<br />
<br />
<strong>Ultrablast</strong> - peppermint, spearmint and lavender<br />
<strong>Sparkle</strong> - vanilla, lemon and grapefruit<br />
<strong>Breath of God</strong> - fennel, vanilla and sandalwood<br />
<strong>Chou Chou, I Love You</strong> - rose and lemon (I hope I've got that right, the blurb isn't 100% clear)<br />
<strong>Aquatic</strong> - Earl Grey, lime and jasmine<br />
<strong>Dirty</strong> - spearmint (the classic minty fresh flavour had to be here somewhere)<br />
<strong>Atomic</strong> - clove and cinnamon<br />
<br />
You may want to check out Lush's website - they may come out with new flavours in the meantime and you can check out reviews and current prices. At the time of writing the tabs are priced between £2 and £3.50 depending on the variety (Dirty and Aquatic respectively.)<br />
<br />
Each pack contains 40 tabs, so for £2 to try a pack out, it's not much is it? Sounds like they're worth a go!<br />
<br />
As much as I'd love to rush out and get a pack, remember I mentioned earlier about my lack of local Lush branch? Yeah, I'm not spending that much on petrol and parking just for a pack of Toothy Tabs alone. Just being realistic here. If my shampoo was running low, I'd take the opportunity to order it online and throw in a pack of Sparkle or Breath of God. But my massive bottle is nowhere near being empty - over 20 washes out of it and the contents isn't even down to the top of the label. Not going to run out for months yet!<br />
<br />
Hmmm, pondering ...<br />
<br />
It occurs to me that maybe I could order one of each and give them to people at Christmas - I'm making up little gift bags for everyone this year, each with lots of little gifts inside rather than one big gift which I've done in the past. Might not be a bad idea to consider these as little extras.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBi09SLmH0Sy7u3eTkopZvsXBq1ocnOCABHlUFPRrYWBj0CwMAMns_aqBlalybFuzI15pdQX1Xll69o8OE2rioLXlGqfRT_KDP2_8yUzQ5FWBuGq94Eu_385urs8bIGPu4pols8DK7YrCG/s1600/toothy+tabs+lush.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBi09SLmH0Sy7u3eTkopZvsXBq1ocnOCABHlUFPRrYWBj0CwMAMns_aqBlalybFuzI15pdQX1Xll69o8OE2rioLXlGqfRT_KDP2_8yUzQ5FWBuGq94Eu_385urs8bIGPu4pols8DK7YrCG/s1600/toothy+tabs+lush.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of unusual and intriguing flavours to try out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Anybody reading this tried Toothy Tabs before? I've clearly been slow on the uptake as according the comments on Lush's website, they've been around for months already!<br />
<br />
Have you tried them yourself? Any preference as to the variety you'd recommend or not? Please share! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-22773052116898079222012-09-26T14:51:00.000-07:002012-10-03T12:58:24.518-07:00Whoops!<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
My current job and my desired job collided unexpectedly the other day.<br />
<br />
I'm sat at my till, serving an elderly man. I turn away for a moment to look at my till screen.<br />
<br />
I hear a clattering sound.<br />
<br />
I immediately look round to see a set of false bottom teeth bouncing down my till!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVaJlPe_CA8u1nGyAIAkcBHKD2_P4ELAsxE7wpN3KZFOnRuLkjZpdPCNg_tQbjyRXrcKJ0Y28pK4WvZu8o7Segf70hrgFVYN2eaMFv3lHdBm4OIdmmE-y1aF5-qi3B8kQHjcchB1RY3Lh/s1600/false_teeth.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVaJlPe_CA8u1nGyAIAkcBHKD2_P4ELAsxE7wpN3KZFOnRuLkjZpdPCNg_tQbjyRXrcKJ0Y28pK4WvZu8o7Segf70hrgFVYN2eaMFv3lHdBm4OIdmmE-y1aF5-qi3B8kQHjcchB1RY3Lh/s1600/false_teeth.png" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know if the poor man had opened his mouth to say something or what, but his teeth were making a break for it and his shirt was rather damp.<br />
<br />
He apologised immediately, then grabbed his teeth and shoved straight back into his mouth.<br />
<br />
Both rather gross and unfortunate. <br />
<br />
It was only after he left that it occurred to me that perhaps I should have recommended he visit his dentist. Perhaps it's not my place to do so, bearing in mind I am employed as a cashier, not a dental nurse at this moment in time. But to be frank, if your teeth can fall out of your mouth that easily, they obviously do not fit properly!<br />
<br />
False teeth should fit reasonably snugly - just tight enough that they don't fall out when you open your mouth, but loose enough that you can remove them when necessary without difficulty. It's a fine line and worth getting a set that fit perfectly.<br />
<br />
Otherwise the teeth could land somewhere less pleasant.<br />
<br />
Yes, I did have the till cleaned shortly after. I hope he thought to clean his teeth when he got home!<br />
<br />Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-14392955117443016442012-09-24T09:16:00.000-07:002012-10-03T12:59:14.760-07:00So much for that!<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
I told myself I was going to have a short break from job hunting.<br />
<br />
I was going to have a week or so where I didn't stress over looking for job adverts or tweaking my CV. Everyone needs a break now and then, otherwise your brain just goes into meltdown and it's impossible to concentrate and so on and so forth.<br />
<br />
So why do I find myself re-writing my CV again?<br />
<br />
I haven't even had my weekend away and I'm back to revising it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeIR27uybzgZSOJJ25gGB13-495CPWAmORjTSecrZqUX0yreGAVnNif92_iNNmMm9myOXQ3IUYrEcqxoR1XcZabW59o7YtnAoeYtDhs_4Sbwc0lMpWgPxFV1rwd2eDnu3LZzQXa7B8v8X/s1600/Facepalm_girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeIR27uybzgZSOJJ25gGB13-495CPWAmORjTSecrZqUX0yreGAVnNif92_iNNmMm9myOXQ3IUYrEcqxoR1XcZabW59o7YtnAoeYtDhs_4Sbwc0lMpWgPxFV1rwd2eDnu3LZzQXa7B8v8X/s320/Facepalm_girl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urgh! Why am I doing this AGAIN?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
OK, that's not a <em>bad</em> thing, but clearly I am a glutton for punishment. That said, I think this will be the best version of my CV yet.<br />
<br />
Now that my Hepatitis B vaccinations are finished, that will come across as an excellent selling point! "Fully vaccinated" sounds so much better than "Currently receiving vaccinations" doesn't it?<br />
<br />
I'm also trying to highlight what I've learnt by studying the textbook - which in turn gives me a kick up the rear to keep at it, re-read things to keep the information fresh and to keep progressing. Hold my hands up, I've not been as studious of the book as I should have been. But I can't very well continue to slack if it's down in black and white and being sent to potential employers - that's the whole incentive: keep it current and relevant.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7kQCYm-2ipFaLH9jFSJ6cpEWtPGAkSqCx0JW7wAkcv8jHbjfZTir_3ZwJTpq0qcYPLEled7v2TJ1lrPqNwj0h_lR7WVdcPJ-qMKH7bN0j0OHX-jhur8wdmds6yORNH_ASEomU0NgLowo/s1600/woman-reading-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7kQCYm-2ipFaLH9jFSJ6cpEWtPGAkSqCx0JW7wAkcv8jHbjfZTir_3ZwJTpq0qcYPLEled7v2TJ1lrPqNwj0h_lR7WVdcPJ-qMKH7bN0j0OHX-jhur8wdmds6yORNH_ASEomU0NgLowo/s320/woman-reading-book.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will read - will learn!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm also trying to highlight more of my voluntary work and my efforts to learn a foreign language. Potential employers really do like that sort of thing! :) I've been a volunteer for years but I can elaborate on what I've done, the awards I've won (why I didn't think to include those in the first place I'm not sure, but hey it happens) and the progression I've made through the ranks of the organisation.<br />
<br />
As for the foreign language - I've biten the bullet and ordered the complete Rosetta Stone collection. Not <em>every</em> language, just the one I'm learning! The methods I'm currently using have been fine for building up vocabulary but without more conversational tutition, it's slow and stilted progress. Rosetta Stone may be a little pricey when you first look at it, but as I say, I've ordered the complete collection - lucky for me that's only three sets, not four or five which they offer for some languages. Plus it was on offer so I've saved a bit of money. Would be an awful lot more if I'd opted to buy each one separately.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06LO2PnYujLiFLPMS2Btdtx8EfsEFrYKxkMEKOJzfNGyuae1rCigf2P0ZT7F6srJ9AhreUm6l8HgzS4Mrb5dln0QVyOk3_lvOAZKwVIz2mIi1d7BSB81hk3_bdbgNHA7QvcVwg1cn91ZX/s1600/speaking_japanese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06LO2PnYujLiFLPMS2Btdtx8EfsEFrYKxkMEKOJzfNGyuae1rCigf2P0ZT7F6srJ9AhreUm6l8HgzS4Mrb5dln0QVyOk3_lvOAZKwVIz2mIi1d7BSB81hk3_bdbgNHA7QvcVwg1cn91ZX/s320/speaking_japanese.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you guess what I'm learning? :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Being fluent or at least partially fluent in a foreign language is undoubtably a boon to any employer, but especially for people in the medial profession when it's guaranteed that you will treat people who don't speak English as a first language.<br />
<br />
Even in my current role as a cashier, my Sign Language is limited but the people who are deaf that come to shop with us do apprecaite the sign for 'thank you'. I'd like to improve my Sign as well but I've got so much to learn at the moment that that one will have to wait. Plus it's one you really need a tutor to work with you face-to-face.<br />
<br />
So, yes, so much for taking a break from it all! Thought I shalln't be applying for anything until after my weekend away - four more days, I can't wait!<br />
<br />Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-83177494662285790422012-09-19T12:37:00.000-07:002012-10-03T12:59:40.679-07:00Electric vs Conventional<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
I'm already packing a few things for my upcoming trip.<br />
<br />
One thing we all take with us? Our toothbrush!<br />
<br />
Since my first (and sadly unsuccessful) interview for a trainee dental nurse position, I have owned an electric toothbrush - courtesy of my potential employers as a consolation prize.<br />
<br />
Now I'm off for a long weekend, I've taken a look at it and thought 'Huh, that's not going to work out.'<br />
<br />
The electric toothbrush can be charged ... but exactly how long does it last?<br />
<br />
In my experience - not that long.<br />
<br />
I have my doubts it'll last the whole trip. I take my time brushing my teeth. It's not a quick scrub and spit! I like the health of my teeth and gums and would very much like to maintain that. Not to mention it wouldn't look very good to proclaim my interest in a dentistry career when my own teeth are in an awful state!<br />
<br />
Not that I'm a fanatic! God no - I can assure you that my regime doesn't consist of endless brushing, tooth-picking, tongue-scrapping, mouthwash-rinsing, and flossing every frakking day! I just take my time over the brushing, and floss when it's needed. And I love a thorough tongue-scrape now and again.<br />
<br />
Any hoo. Back to the brush. I take my time - that runs the battery down. I don't want to get to the last day and find my toothbrush is dead!<br />
<br />
What about the charger I hear you ask? Sure. I could take it. But it's not small: it consists of a stand with a rack for the extra brush heads and accessories.<br />
<br />
Not to mention that the lead is way too short! That was my immediate problem when I got the darn thing home. It would not reach the plug in the bathroom. It now sits in my bedroom on a low table next to a plug with an adaptor plug.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTjCpZvzVeHzAuxzesW9JNTQIgvDYhWQXiPmrnKG5E6zDMAhDQPrT6nfguh7ily7Eec0xc-cjfovgizUJecCRMHoEykifvxTVLicNfBa-b2b2MiMzILbK5tT4rNmGbvOU8D0fflCW6liC/s1600/electric+toothbrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTjCpZvzVeHzAuxzesW9JNTQIgvDYhWQXiPmrnKG5E6zDMAhDQPrT6nfguh7ily7Eec0xc-cjfovgizUJecCRMHoEykifvxTVLicNfBa-b2b2MiMzILbK5tT4rNmGbvOU8D0fflCW6liC/s1600/electric+toothbrush.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously - I don't need to cart all of this around!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I really don't want to faff around, packing the charger and the plug, when really all I need to do is spend a quid on a manual toothbrush.<br />
<br />
I've managed all this time without an electric toothbrush and my dentist has complimented me on my well-looked-after teeth.<br />
<br />
It's not going to kill me to have a manual toothbrush for the weekend!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi4oh7dhkJz0-wfkERuy0Fxwsjw1Y2VcI8QFsJjlrUJImVS9g_q6wh4oRfKCMzj-q1FO3U3X4ptBCR172LBSY2dHdxXlySHuNzXVgqq5oXryQVYwpjhnZMT2vTrR9lVvZwHu1FKyxS8ZU/s1600/manual+toothbrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi4oh7dhkJz0-wfkERuy0Fxwsjw1Y2VcI8QFsJjlrUJImVS9g_q6wh4oRfKCMzj-q1FO3U3X4ptBCR172LBSY2dHdxXlySHuNzXVgqq5oXryQVYwpjhnZMT2vTrR9lVvZwHu1FKyxS8ZU/s1600/manual+toothbrush.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The humble manual tooth scrubber - it does the job just fine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
How about you? Can you not live without your electric? Would you take it, accessories and all? Can you be bothered with one? Do you have both?? Any preference?Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-3416125879611575032012-09-16T12:34:00.000-07:002012-09-16T12:34:21.212-07:00Countdown<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
In 12 days time I shall be off on a weekend break.<br />
<br />
I can not wait!<br />
<br />
I haven't had a holiday of any description for over a year. When I started as a Christmas temp in my current job, I didn't dare take any time off - primarily due to having no idea whether I'd still have a job after Christmas.<br />
<br />
Then throughout January in spite of asking several times whether I was being kept on, I never got a straight answer.<br />
<br />
So in spite of earning a few days off, the holiday entitlement has to be taken before February. Hence, I lost what few days I might have had. Then I had to start afresh but with the same unanswered question of 'Am I still going to be employed next week?'<br />
<br />
Considering I'm still there nearly a year on, I'd say I'm unlikely to be told anytime soon that they're cancelling my contract.<br />
<br />
Since February I've earned 13 days of my allotted 20. So I'm going to be taking 3 at the end of this month. Then take some time off in November (hopefully a week!), then perhaps some time in December and January to use up the remaining days.<br />
<br />
It's about time I had a break!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdWM7L9k1BCgcVhR5PbVZX9RcFbQOS27Ka5HBOUvY3dmIw55Obz5XwgwAMl63lwZuavAW2iAm_Xxc3MvIimCJvgi2ZKWCiFsB2FnqQdCLi6TQF9tohwxI8hU4-3oC4AuSJPb8vklLHWWT/s1600/stressed_cashier.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdWM7L9k1BCgcVhR5PbVZX9RcFbQOS27Ka5HBOUvY3dmIw55Obz5XwgwAMl63lwZuavAW2iAm_Xxc3MvIimCJvgi2ZKWCiFsB2FnqQdCLi6TQF9tohwxI8hU4-3oC4AuSJPb8vklLHWWT/s1600/stressed_cashier.png" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I shall be sightseeing, visiting museums and a special trip to a charity that my grandmother supported. Until now I haven't had a change to visit since it's well outside the range of 'local'.<br />
<br />
I'm also taking my boyfriend along ... although he has no idea where we're off to!! Mwhaha - I'm keeping the details under wraps!<br />
Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-9157300116703802292012-09-07T03:26:00.000-07:002012-10-03T13:00:27.938-07:00Course Complete<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
Well, it's taken six months and a total of £66 - but today I received my final vaccination against Hepatitis B.<br />
<br />
I certainly noticed an increase of interest in my CV when I could say that I'd started the course. Hopefully now I can update my CV with 'fully vacainated' this may further aid my job search.<br />
<br />
I did mean to do a post on Hepatitis B a little while ago but got distracted by the recent interview. I shall endeavour to address this soon - once my busy weekend of work is out of the way!Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-42051435727600403752012-09-03T10:59:00.000-07:002012-09-03T10:59:32.076-07:00Hours<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
How fortuitous.<br />
<br />
Working part time, I don't often get more than 18 hours worth of shifts. This week consists of nearly <strong>30 hours</strong>, plus I will be paid for an extra three due to working Sunday.<br />
<br />
My payslip for that week is going to look extremely healthy!<br />
<br />
That can go towards my long awaited mini-break at the end of the month. Yay!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSisCrpsyEY9Tryx2jDaYIfvtZsxorhqV1s0087CKLtWUHiVjiNHADF0YMIHNwHYpQJniFxmVofyfr6K_Cna4SoS8cKc8-ng8ASz4CgwN8bikZSmPrlyXMSFq6UyWxjV_6PLmo5bdTEI9x/s1600/smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSisCrpsyEY9Tryx2jDaYIfvtZsxorhqV1s0087CKLtWUHiVjiNHADF0YMIHNwHYpQJniFxmVofyfr6K_Cna4SoS8cKc8-ng8ASz4CgwN8bikZSmPrlyXMSFq6UyWxjV_6PLmo5bdTEI9x/s1600/smile.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something to smile about :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-54121135033085842972012-09-02T07:17:00.000-07:002012-10-03T13:06:19.180-07:00Time for a Break<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
Well ... it's been two weeks since my interview. No phone call. I'm calling time on that one - there's only so long you can reasonably assume that 'they're busy' and not got around to calling.<br />
<br />
Needless to say that's a huge disappointment.<br />
<br />
I felt the interview went very well; I asked plenty of good questions, I ticked all the boxes ... really the only hitches that I could see were being rather nervous (it's a frakking interview, what do they expect?) and the question of 'you've had a number of different jobs' ... yes, I have a ten year working history, five years of which I spent in one place and then the recession hit, leading to a few short-lived employments and now coming up for a year in my current role.<br />
<br />
Seriously, if that was such a major issue then anyone affected by the recession is going to be penalised! Ridiculous.<br />
<br />
I can show my commitment to the career path of being a dental nurse; I've been studying the handbook, I'm paying for the Hepatitis vaccine out of my own pocket, I've paid for a CRB check, I have the administration and receptionist background and I'm very keen to learn.<br />
<br />
So why was I not given a chance with a second interview to see me in action on reception and spend a little time in the surgery with the dental team?<br />
<br />
It's such a kick in the teeth when I did so well with my last interview and it got down to me and one other woman, out of forty who originally applied.<br />
<br />
But what really gets me is the total lack of contact. If I'm not through to the next round then is 30 seconds out of your day asking too much? Pick up the damn phone - 'Hi, this is Dental Practice, I'm sorry to inform you that you've not be selected for the second round of interviews, good luck in your job search.' Is that genuinely asking too much these days??<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcywoa_RcyFt55LAsSay6aOTzXESUHJ1f7xKXOYkGo9VEjNAo0KTOvm9JZlJ28Yg-9VEHnMKpbmhhIvPg8H8um8ayDYtZZYoTdgMRj05KoXZGinUXjWHDF9xSX5zoP2esNwebe_Q2RJ_Rt/s1600/phone+not+ringing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcywoa_RcyFt55LAsSay6aOTzXESUHJ1f7xKXOYkGo9VEjNAo0KTOvm9JZlJ28Yg-9VEHnMKpbmhhIvPg8H8um8ayDYtZZYoTdgMRj05KoXZGinUXjWHDF9xSX5zoP2esNwebe_Q2RJ_Rt/s1600/phone+not+ringing.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just call will you!?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sorry, but this is the worst thing you can do to any job hunter - leave them sitting, anxiously waiting on a phone call you don't intend to make. <em>Especially</em> when you say that you <em>will</em> call!<br />
<br />
Either keep your promise or give a time frame: "If you haven't heard by x date then you've been unsuccessful.' Thank you, that's so much more beneficial to my mental state than trying to make excuses for your rudeness of not calling me back.<br />
<br />
Well - sucks to them. I know I'll be a great dental nurse and my administration skills are brilliant. They have missed out. And I'm not the sort of person who feels comfortable with bigging myself up. I don't boast. But I am good at what I do and I will be a good dental nurse.<br />
<br />
With that in mind and having got over the disappointment and the anxious state of mind they put me through this past two weeks - I'm taking a short break from job hunting.<br />
<br />
This is partly due to my final Hep B vaccination taking place later this week - not much point in applying until I'm fully vaccinated now. Looks so much better on my CV to be frank.<br />
<br />
The other aspect is that I have been working my rear end off for a year without a break. I did have a holiday last year for three weeks but since then, I've been working two jobs over six days a week. I've not had any time off beyond my allotted rest day from work.<br />
<br />
I've got three days off coming up at the end of this month which I fully intend to do something with. I can not abide the idea of sitting at home doing sod all. So I'm plotting a trip to the Lincoln area and its historic sites.<br />
<br />
I also have to plan for my stint as a Dungeon Master for my RPG group. Yes, I run with the nerd crowd and proud of it! I shall be conducting an adventure for the classic Dungeons and Dragons game and I can not wait to get absorbed in the planning!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zIujT3DhBD33jOCoVPxHdAb4imkwRMQ_Jk4xt5moKeraM6QvabH5nkKrd6yTlf9g4GM7AlXGdFv2J_D5ttLw950f_cRbbWKxz-XBZpj6k1RrllRIfFYnYMW_hnrch_t3G6zKSJVP1CrT/s1600/dice.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zIujT3DhBD33jOCoVPxHdAb4imkwRMQ_Jk4xt5moKeraM6QvabH5nkKrd6yTlf9g4GM7AlXGdFv2J_D5ttLw950f_cRbbWKxz-XBZpj6k1RrllRIfFYnYMW_hnrch_t3G6zKSJVP1CrT/s1600/dice.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They shall decide your fate!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My brain needs a rest from the worry and repeated job applications. Time for a break and to relax for a little while. We all need some time to ourselves and to devote to hobbies and relaxation. Yes, job hunting is very important but without a little downtime now and then, I'm going to do ever so slightly insane ... if I'm not already.Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4201161023181561484.post-54441775826907999392012-08-28T11:39:00.000-07:002012-10-04T11:34:58.095-07:00Blogs of Interest<span style="color: white;">...</span><br />
Going off topic with this post.<br />
<br />
Well, the post is actually about going off topic!<br />
<br />
Typically, anyone with a blog will maintain a Blog Roll with a list of various other blogs that are similar in content to their own. I have thoroughly enjoyed a series of wait-staff blogs who invariably link to each other, sharing stories of their working life, funny incidents, or general insights into their jobs.<br />
<br />
I would have liked to have done that but I've been searching on Google to no avail. Any dentistry related blogs are typically those of a practice; their latest offers, maybe changes in staff. It's more like business announcements to their patients rather than insights into their work.<br />
<br />
I also can not find any blogs written specifically by a dental nurse.<br />
<br />
Perhaps there are some out there and I just haven't been able to find them. If you do happen to know of one, please share the link with me!<br />
<br />
Ultimately, this has led me to the point where, were I to only include dentistry related blogs my list would look pretty darn sparse and boring.<br />
<br />
So, I figure why not share the blogs that I actually enjoy visiting in general? I enjoy a variety of topics and if a blog has a great writer then why not share it? So take a gander at my Blogs of Interest (<em>to me at any rate!) </em>list - you may find something you like.<br />
<br />
I plan to add to the list gradually with links to blogs on topics such as health, money management, humour and the just plain random! Hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do!Cafe Maidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10834533506672869375noreply@blogger.com0