Isn’t it funny how you present yourself to others, or actually how they perceive you. A change of  clothes or even a hair colour can give off totally different impressions. Our ward at work has been chosen for some research work to be carried out. A few of us staff are part of the project, and on occasion, we have been asked to carry out some observations. Today I was going to going to be interviewed by the researcher before we did ours.

In order to disassociate myself from being ‘at work’ I changed out of my uniform and left my hair down. Now I was ‘in civvies ‘ I would be able to sit quietly observing, without anyone distracting me. Not much chance of that…

As soon as I trotted onto the ward in my kitten heels, it felt weird. A few of the staff didn’t recognise me either! Anyway, I got myself settled into a chair ready to write my findings. I found it strange ignoring the buzzers, and not getting involved in anything, I did have a relative come over to  ask me some questions about his mother and instead of going to find out myself, I directed him to someone else.

When we had finished, myself and the researcher went to a ‘quiet’ area of the ward to talk over our findings. She also commented on the dress that I was wearing. (It was actually one I had made myself that only has a few mistakes)!  She complimented me on my ‘interesting choice of fabric’. Oh yes, it was black with white skull and crossbones all over it. Just the sort of appropriate garment to wear on a ward full of frail, elderly people!