This idea has been brewing for awhile now and I have dismissed it a few times, mulled it over a few times, and now, once again, I am seriously thinking it might actually be a very good idea, maybe even a wonderful idea!
I will get a job at Anthony’s nursing lodge.
I’ve only told a few people about this idea and have had very mixed responses. One friend said she couldn’t think of a worse idea; one family member thought it was a strange idea but interesting and Ming said I must truly have gone stark raving mad.
You see, I have recently (June 30) resigned from my job as a lecturer at the local university. I had worked there, mostly part-time, for over 18 years but over the last two years had been on leave except for supervising two PhD students. This had enabled me to care for Anthony full time.
So now I need a job. And why not work where Anthony is? My enrolled nurse qualifications lapsed some years ago but I could work as a carer or domestic and, even if I didn’t work in Anthony’s section, I could see him in my lunch breaks.
Well, today being the first day of a brand new month, and with all sorts of resolutions unfolding like teamwork with Ming and so on, I just rang the nursing manager at the lodge and asked if this might be possible or would there be some sort of conflict of interest. There was a slight pause but then she said she couldn’t see a problem in the idea and she would leave an application at the front desk for me to fill out tomorrow.
Yeeha – another new beginning!
jmgoyder 
Jules, as long as this doesn’t make things harder for you and if you DO need a job, why the hell not? I could think of a lot worse things than being able to kiss my love good morning, share lunch, and kiss him goodnight at the end of the day. Understand Ming’s reaction, but truly, if you are looking for work anyway, this is not stark raving anything.
xo
R
Yes I am getting quite excited about the idea, Rhonda because it would actually make things easier for me in many ways – a bit of income, see Ants, get out of the house – all that. Of course they may knock my applicaton back – who knows but am going to put it in anyway!
Good for you. For ALL those reasons. Finger’s crossed for ya.
xo
R
okay!!!!!!! thank you!!!!!!
Wow I think it’s a grand idea… why not.. your unemployed and now would be near your loved one… damn good idea if you ask me..
Thanks – I had the idea ages ago then thought it might be too weird!
My finger crossed too, dear Julie, this sounds so nice! Love, nia
Thank you nia – I can’t wait to see the pillow covers – not arrived yet!
It is on the way, they say, “31 Jul 2012, Tuesday 23:59 Handed Over to Delivery Agent”… 🙂 Soon very soon to receive them, dear Julie. You are welcome, have a nice day, love, nia
Yeeha! I am sending you something too nia!
Super idea. Hope they see the sense in it – you’ve got experience going back years before Anthony.
They might not want me to work there if they think I would be interfering – I am going to have to tread carefully!
Very true.
Julie, brilliant idea … if it doesn’t work out – at least you gave it a try …. will not harm anyone to give it ago … and you will be around for Anthony – and he will see you more even if you have to work. Wish you all the best and good luck. I’m all for it.
Yay!
A possibility for sure, Julie, just don’t get disappointed if it doesn’t work out.
(and don’t forget Ming’s wellbeing in the process).
Just hope Anthony doesn’t assume or expect your whole focus & attention. Sounds like a great start to getting back into the workforce and out of the house.
(I’d just hate to see you getting more hurt and distressed at Anthony’s decline as time goes by). You would need to be objective and give the expected attention to other nursing lodge residents too. You couldn’t go running to Anthony every time he wanted you. Could you be that self-disciplined and focused? Think carefully. Perhaps Ming might see it in the wrong light, especially after your heated discussion the other day with Ming.
Wise words – yes I have thought a lot of this through and would ask to work domestically probably and even in a different section. I don’t think the staff would want me working in Anthony’s section for reasons you state – oh well, I will fill out the application and I guess that will be the deciding factor. If I worked in the kitchen I could get scraps for the birds – hehe!
Good luck — I can see both the wonderfulness of it and the pitfalls–but if it is what you want to do and it gives you joy at being able to see Ants more–then the more power to you.
It’s gonna be tricky!
But if anyone can pull it off – you can – of that I am confident —
Well that is very kind of you – glad you’re confident – me, I’m a bit nervous!
I will be confident for both of us
Many thanks!!!
Wow, that would be something! Keep us posted. 🙂
I am very excited about this idea!
If this is truly what you want, I hope it works out.
Yes this is what I want but only part-time of course!
Oh my! This is very exciting. I know u love the care and staff there… And see all the pros. As Victoria and others have said though… Be prepared for what may be challenging too.
Such an interesting brainstorm you! Amazing brain you have:) xxoo
Robyn – what is the time over there? Sorry I am so hopeless with time! Are you okay? Jxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It is nearly 11 am and I am still trying to start my breakfast…. 4 am bedtime — broken sleep — we march on…xxoo
It’s 11pm here and I am about to go to bed. I wish so much that I could wave a magic wand to make you better, Robyn. I have also realized that my stupid, self-indulgent posts about a husband who is pain-free are so selfish when you are suffering such dreadful pain. Forgive me.
Don’t be silly…you and Anthony are living out your own brand of hell… I feel for you so much. Also wish I had that ‘wand’~ you sleep well Julie — sounds like you have a plan re: the job concept. Keep me posted 🙂 Much Love dearest friend xo
Ha – I just sent you a message from another reply -sorry! Robyn, once again, you are an absolute inspiration in so many ways, in so many ways, in so many ways..
Whichever way it goes, I wish you good luck. Hope it all works out for the best.
I guess it’s a new adventure if it works out – after all they might not hire me!
Jules what a fascinating idea. I have only one question though, and don’t mean to be a party pooper.
Do you think even though it will be part time that you will be able to handle being around such illness, disability, and all that goes with why people are there? I wonder if it won’t all a be abit much week after week. You are certainly head strong enough to be the one to pull this off.
And one more question, will Anthony be able to handle knowing you’re there but not being able to be with him all that time nor at his command?
I’m just playing devils advocate here, I’m sure you have thought this all out, and will be fine. I just tend to worry about your heart strings.
always supporting what you do ~ BB
Thanks so much for these questions BB! Mmmm – I maybe need to put my thinking cap on again. I have already done that but you have me mulling = so much thanks to you for this. I am going to bed now and will probably have a dream about a baroness!
I hope that I did not upset your apple cart sweetie. And that you trust I would never want to cause you any pain. But I know what being around those who are that stage of their can be like. It’s different when you are a visiter. Another concern I was thinking about was if you’re working there even in your off time do you think they could leave you alone when you are visiting Ants, and not working?
Ist’s so easy to think that it will only take a minute to jump and help at work during off hours.
I would love for you have more ways to be closer to your beloved Ants. As I said, devils advocate.
Truly hope that baroness is behaving herself in your dreams, happy dreaming ~ BB
This is great and has me rethinking the idea more carefully. If I could do it part-time and just short shifts it might work – no way could I do full time – thanks for all of your wisdom!
Surely there is also some joy in this work? The satisfaction of helping others, the shared camaraderie of humans experiencing something together, funny stories or a joke shared, a small act of kindness? I don’t know, because I have never worked in this area, but I sure hope so for the wonderful people who do.
You’re right – there is a lot of joy in this work and I used to love being a nurse in nursing homes. Even now, when I visit Ants, I feel very drawn to the other residents.
it is a wonderful idea, good luck, and if at any stage you aren’t happy, then leave! If your heart and mind are unified Jules you go for it 🙂 ❤
I’m not too sure now! I’ll have a look at the application form first and suss out if I could just so part-time or even casual.
Wow. I didn’t see this one coming!
I’m having a few second thoughts – ha!
I have seen it done at a nursing home where I worked where a couple of the staff had parents there…and BB has some good questions. But most important…self care.
That’s interesting! Thanks Jane.
Hey, that is one nice photo on this blog!
Thanks!
It’s interesting to go through the comments and see how many people are supporting your idea. I feel like the Barefoot Baroness though and would think it may not be such a good idea. I know you have a nursing background so you’d be able to do the job well. But don’t you want to get some “fresh air” when you’re not at the lodge and do something different, see other people? I’d be worried you’d get stuck into this situation even more and not be able to take a break. Just saying…
I’m glad for the mixed opinions – have my thinking cap on again – many thanks!
fortunately my dad never made it to a nursing home, but i had an aunt who lived at a nursing home and i took care of her when i worked at where she lived. she appreciated knowing she was being taken care of by loved ones, but the downside, is i got all the gossip from other staff about her and her bad days, which i didn’t want to hear, and i was able to watch her slip away. it has its pros and cons i guess. you just have to do what u feel you can handle………and be happy with it.
It’s a tricky dilemma – so did the staff gossip about her in front of you? That is horrible.
Will they let you work there some nursing homes have a problem with family working at them, my aunt has said that she thinks next year she will see if she can get a job at my nans nursing home, she already works in a nursing home the one my great aunt was in. She also gets on with the staff already since she goes everyday to help feed nan her breakfast, my aunt is a domestic
I haven’t filled the application in yet because I am having some doubts – thanks for this jo!
Hmmm, didn’t see this coming. Will it be hard, heavy work? Full time?
Not sure yet!
If you feel in your heart that it’s the best option, go for it.
Still mulling.
I think it’s worth a try. The worst that happens is that you stop working there.
Exactly!
It always feel good to be taking some action. And it is true nothing ventured, nothing gained. You can always try it and if makes it harder not better quit. Maybe try applying for something totally off the wall at the same time then see what happens.
Hey that is a great idea – of applying for something off the wall first and seeing what happens – thanks, you are a genius!
Women, the ultimate multi-taskers! I think it is worth a try…it is not as though you don’t have experience…and talent…in this area of work and you know what it involves. It may also be a good distraction and help things feel more normal.
I know it is a bit different but I have LOVED working in the same school as Noah. Especially as he spends part of the week with his dad, all those extra moments stolen with him (and the regular opportunities to spy on him…I mean see him in new ways) have been invaluable to me. And I have never felt a conflict of interest, he has earnt any recognition he gets and takes the consequences for any mistakes.
So I think its worth a try. And if it doesn’t work out, you just try something else and keep moving forward as best you can.
Thank you and I love what you say about you and Noah!