Hi there, I am new to this blogging thing, but was inspired to take a peek after reading your excellent book 'Blood, sweat and tea' (buy it folks, it rules! - do i get brownie points for that??). Anyway, being both mature (mature? at 31? No way!)and a student nurse (is it possible to be both?!) i was beginning to wonder if this whole healthcare thing is really right for me. I mean, there are patients out there who annoy the pants off me; i have trouble keeping my mouth in check over management cock ups; i despise pen pushers who think that cutting back staff/budgets is acceptable to patient care and then bitch when we cant provide said care etc etc. I could go on, but i am sure you know the type of thing that winds me up. So, to cut a long story short, i was becoming very worried i was doing the wrong thing. After reading your book, and these blogs, i can see i am not alone in feeling this way. That it is, in fact, part and parcel of the job! I too have days when i feel i have made a difference, but they are overshadowed by the feeling that i have most days that i couldnt give the care i wanted due to lack of staff/ equipment/time etc. Anyway, i hope i havent offended you or anyone with this. I am just saying that its nice to know i am not alone in the frustrations of the healthcare professional!! I do love my job, and cant wait to qualify, but sometimes, its a little scary when patients expect you to be this angel when you are just an ordinary human being with thoughts and opinions the same as everyone else!! Mind you, as you say, some of our patients provide us with many funny stories and the like, so i wouldnt be without them! Keep up the good work!