Happy Thanksgiving to anyone who reads this blog!
I had an eventful one...as usual. We always have huge get togethers during the holidays. I would prefer a quiet, quaint, small gathering, but that just never happens in my family. Just way too many people!
Work was good today. I feel like I did some good. I worked extra hard with one patient in particular. He wore me out! Other than that, there's not much else to talk about today. OHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I started going back to the gym today!!! I'm sooooooo excited; I can't express how much I miss the gym. Before I tell the story of how I got off track, I'd have to tell the story of how I got involved in the gym and the health and fitness industry altogether. Another story for another time!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Eyes and Ears Open...Mouth Shut
This is how I operate at work. I've always believed that those who talk a lot miss a lot, and those who are silent see much. I've always been an observer. I like to get my feet wet, adjust to the temperature, then jump in! I've always been a good judge of character. It's always served me well. I know who I can and cannot trust. I got the news of my acceptance to PA school about two months ago. Only two of my coworkers know anything about it. Even the PA that comes in twice a week doesn't know.
I was elated to hear that we had a PA on staff at work! Once I got my acceptance letter, I was even more excited. I planned on asking to shadow her, and I wanted to talk with her about PA experience. I quickly changed my mind once I saw her interaction with fellow coworkers and patients. I'll never forget her lack of bedside manner when listening to the lung sounds of one of my patients. I'll never forget how she laughed as the nurses tried to make fools of me and the other CNA's. And today...today took the cake! A patient was rolling down the hall in her wheelchair as the PA walked by. The patient asked if she was a doctor, to which she quickly replied, "No, I'm a PA." The patient asked what a PA was. Without missing a beat, she replied, "A parking attendant," all while walking towards the nurses station to join the bunch of laughing idiots awaiting her. It made me sick to my stomach.
The PA profession is still very young, and largely unknown. Heck, I only heard of PA's two years ago. I would think any PA, if presented with this scenario, would jump at the chance to explain their role in healthcare. But this PA didn't. Instead she took the opportunity to mock the profession that she associates herself with. Why? Does she wish she were a doctor? I don't know, but I sure wish she were a better representative for the profession. Thank goodness I didn't confide in her about school. She probably would have made me the laughing stock of the nursing home. Keeping your eyes open and your mouth shut sure does pay off.
I was elated to hear that we had a PA on staff at work! Once I got my acceptance letter, I was even more excited. I planned on asking to shadow her, and I wanted to talk with her about PA experience. I quickly changed my mind once I saw her interaction with fellow coworkers and patients. I'll never forget her lack of bedside manner when listening to the lung sounds of one of my patients. I'll never forget how she laughed as the nurses tried to make fools of me and the other CNA's. And today...today took the cake! A patient was rolling down the hall in her wheelchair as the PA walked by. The patient asked if she was a doctor, to which she quickly replied, "No, I'm a PA." The patient asked what a PA was. Without missing a beat, she replied, "A parking attendant," all while walking towards the nurses station to join the bunch of laughing idiots awaiting her. It made me sick to my stomach.
The PA profession is still very young, and largely unknown. Heck, I only heard of PA's two years ago. I would think any PA, if presented with this scenario, would jump at the chance to explain their role in healthcare. But this PA didn't. Instead she took the opportunity to mock the profession that she associates herself with. Why? Does she wish she were a doctor? I don't know, but I sure wish she were a better representative for the profession. Thank goodness I didn't confide in her about school. She probably would have made me the laughing stock of the nursing home. Keeping your eyes open and your mouth shut sure does pay off.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Carpe Diem
In healthcare, the best part of the job is always the patients. In the nursing home, everyone has their favorites, and even favorites are subject to change depending on the day, the circumstances, or the meds (or lack thereof) being administered!
I love Mr. D! He's the one that drives everyone else crazy with his hollering and screaming, his pinning for his deceased wife, and his incontinence. But I simply adore him! Today was his day on my favorites list. He's a constant favorite for me, because we are a lot alike. Mr. D is an overachiever. He served as a fighter pilot in Vietnam and Korea. He is a business owner. He has an air of assertiveness, but he can be gentle, caring, and kind. He is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom! He knows a lot about a lot!
Today, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with him. He spoke with me about his life and how he felt he had lost his purpose. He told me that his plans for his life did not align with the plans his family had for him. He said he was frustrated because he in essence had no plans. I gently tried to get him to delve a bit deeper by asking questions. I wanted to know what his plans were, what he wanted to do most, and if he felt like a failure. He said he wanted to travel: South America and Southern France were at the top of his list. He said he was alone, old, and had no plans for the future. He was proud of his accomplishments, yet he wanted more! Still, he kept using the word "plans." For Mr. D, it's not about the desitination, it's about the journey. Simply having a goal in mind, and pursuing that goal, was enough to keep him young, fresh, vibrant...alive!
The most profound thing he said to me was this: "I just long for things that ought to be, that will probably never be." I tried to reassure him. I tried to give him hope. A hopeless man is a dying man.
He then asked me what my plans were. We sat in silence for what seemed like eternity, until I realized that my shift was quickly coming to an end, and I had a few more patients that needed tending to. At the end of the day as I headed for the exit door, I stopped by Mr. D's room to wish him a good evening, and to tell him that I would be back tomorrow. He held my hand and said, "Ok, see ya tomorrow." I walked into work today tired, defeated, frustrated because I hate my job, and at times, my life. I walked out of work dedicated to a new cause: to live each day as if it were my last; to leave lasting impressions on every person I meet; to tell my family and friends every day how much I love them; to be the BEST at all things; to enjoy the PROCESS; to slow down; to remember just how blessed I am; to live, love, and have no regrets!
Carpe Diem.
I love Mr. D! He's the one that drives everyone else crazy with his hollering and screaming, his pinning for his deceased wife, and his incontinence. But I simply adore him! Today was his day on my favorites list. He's a constant favorite for me, because we are a lot alike. Mr. D is an overachiever. He served as a fighter pilot in Vietnam and Korea. He is a business owner. He has an air of assertiveness, but he can be gentle, caring, and kind. He is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom! He knows a lot about a lot!
Today, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with him. He spoke with me about his life and how he felt he had lost his purpose. He told me that his plans for his life did not align with the plans his family had for him. He said he was frustrated because he in essence had no plans. I gently tried to get him to delve a bit deeper by asking questions. I wanted to know what his plans were, what he wanted to do most, and if he felt like a failure. He said he wanted to travel: South America and Southern France were at the top of his list. He said he was alone, old, and had no plans for the future. He was proud of his accomplishments, yet he wanted more! Still, he kept using the word "plans." For Mr. D, it's not about the desitination, it's about the journey. Simply having a goal in mind, and pursuing that goal, was enough to keep him young, fresh, vibrant...alive!
The most profound thing he said to me was this: "I just long for things that ought to be, that will probably never be." I tried to reassure him. I tried to give him hope. A hopeless man is a dying man.
He then asked me what my plans were. We sat in silence for what seemed like eternity, until I realized that my shift was quickly coming to an end, and I had a few more patients that needed tending to. At the end of the day as I headed for the exit door, I stopped by Mr. D's room to wish him a good evening, and to tell him that I would be back tomorrow. He held my hand and said, "Ok, see ya tomorrow." I walked into work today tired, defeated, frustrated because I hate my job, and at times, my life. I walked out of work dedicated to a new cause: to live each day as if it were my last; to leave lasting impressions on every person I meet; to tell my family and friends every day how much I love them; to be the BEST at all things; to enjoy the PROCESS; to slow down; to remember just how blessed I am; to live, love, and have no regrets!
Carpe Diem.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Mental Exhaustion
It's one of the greatest feelings...ever. Work always leaves me physically drained, but yesterday I really wanted some sort of mental stimulation. So, I went to a concert performance of John Adam's opera, Dr. Atomic.
Now, I'll be the first to admit my disdain for contemporary classical works. I usually hate them, hands down. But last night, the music, the lyrics, the story, and the singers all came together! It was a lovely performance of a great work. I have no doubt that this work will become standard American repertoire. Perhaps it may take the death of Adams to realize how much of a gem this work is. It usually happens that way. The cast was great save one: Meredith Arwady. I remember she won the MET National Council Auditions some years ago. She was a mess then, and she's a mess now. I question if she is even a contralto. I don't know. It seems like in order to get anywhere these days as a singer, all you have to do is be "different." The funny thing is, there isn't much "difference" between her and many other contemporary singers. I always find myself listening to the legends. Now, those were singers!
The opera began at 8pm sharp. I didn't leave the concert hall until 11:30pm. We just didn't want the show to end. Applause rang out as each singer took their bows. And then, to the suprise of us all, came Mr. John Adams himself walking across the stage! It felt like a historical moment. The opera is about J. Oppenheimer, TheManhattan Project, and the test shot of the first atomic bomb. Instead of coming up with an original libretto, Adams uses popular sonnets and poems to describe the tension, the doubts, and the fear surrouding this secret project. I really enjoyed the ending when the bomb goes off! Wonderful work. I would like to see it again.
I sat still for 3 and a half hours, listening, experiencing, reacting, contemplating. I left the hall exhausted. I am still exhausted. Thank God, I have the weekend off.
Now, I'll be the first to admit my disdain for contemporary classical works. I usually hate them, hands down. But last night, the music, the lyrics, the story, and the singers all came together! It was a lovely performance of a great work. I have no doubt that this work will become standard American repertoire. Perhaps it may take the death of Adams to realize how much of a gem this work is. It usually happens that way. The cast was great save one: Meredith Arwady. I remember she won the MET National Council Auditions some years ago. She was a mess then, and she's a mess now. I question if she is even a contralto. I don't know. It seems like in order to get anywhere these days as a singer, all you have to do is be "different." The funny thing is, there isn't much "difference" between her and many other contemporary singers. I always find myself listening to the legends. Now, those were singers!
The opera began at 8pm sharp. I didn't leave the concert hall until 11:30pm. We just didn't want the show to end. Applause rang out as each singer took their bows. And then, to the suprise of us all, came Mr. John Adams himself walking across the stage! It felt like a historical moment. The opera is about J. Oppenheimer, TheManhattan Project, and the test shot of the first atomic bomb. Instead of coming up with an original libretto, Adams uses popular sonnets and poems to describe the tension, the doubts, and the fear surrouding this secret project. I really enjoyed the ending when the bomb goes off! Wonderful work. I would like to see it again.
I sat still for 3 and a half hours, listening, experiencing, reacting, contemplating. I left the hall exhausted. I am still exhausted. Thank God, I have the weekend off.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Hanging in there
Isn't that what life is all about? Doing the best you can, today. Surviving today. Hanging in there until the next opportunity comes around. This is what makes life exciting and unbearable.
I spent my off day doing what I never do...resting! Ah, it was wonderful. I just curled up on the couch with my puppy Lincoln, and we slept the day away. It was pure bliss. Of course, this was after spending the morning searching and applying for a new job. Work, then rest...in that order! I go back to the hellhole tomorrow.
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. As much as I hate going to work everyday, I do love the job. The job of a CNA is not glamorous. It is as close to the bottom of the barrel as one can get, but I love it. I love the patients, and in spite of the mindless duties I have, I love the work! It's the poisonous atmosphere, the supervisors, and the idiots in white coats that I detest. They ruin it for me. I'm hoping that once I add PA-C to the end of my name, all of this will go away. Or is that unrealistic? Is healthcare the same everywhere? I haven't worked everywhere, but if all facilities are run the way mine is, healthcare is NOT for me. I find myself comparing my facility to the ones I visited when I was shadowing. I...LOVED...SHADOWING! The cameraderie, the ease, the challenge of the workload, the patients; this is why I submitted my PA application. I could see myself working in that environment. I admired those people, yet I can't find a single person like that where I work. It's mind-numbing, and it's frustrating. I think what frustrates me the most is working with supervisors who can barely string a decent English sentence together; who call patients crybabies to their faces; who have no people skills; who only know how to be aggressive rather than assertive. My hope is that climbing up the totem pole will somehow put me above all the BS. That is my hope, as unrealistic as it may seem. Your thoughts?
I spent my off day doing what I never do...resting! Ah, it was wonderful. I just curled up on the couch with my puppy Lincoln, and we slept the day away. It was pure bliss. Of course, this was after spending the morning searching and applying for a new job. Work, then rest...in that order! I go back to the hellhole tomorrow.
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. As much as I hate going to work everyday, I do love the job. The job of a CNA is not glamorous. It is as close to the bottom of the barrel as one can get, but I love it. I love the patients, and in spite of the mindless duties I have, I love the work! It's the poisonous atmosphere, the supervisors, and the idiots in white coats that I detest. They ruin it for me. I'm hoping that once I add PA-C to the end of my name, all of this will go away. Or is that unrealistic? Is healthcare the same everywhere? I haven't worked everywhere, but if all facilities are run the way mine is, healthcare is NOT for me. I find myself comparing my facility to the ones I visited when I was shadowing. I...LOVED...SHADOWING! The cameraderie, the ease, the challenge of the workload, the patients; this is why I submitted my PA application. I could see myself working in that environment. I admired those people, yet I can't find a single person like that where I work. It's mind-numbing, and it's frustrating. I think what frustrates me the most is working with supervisors who can barely string a decent English sentence together; who call patients crybabies to their faces; who have no people skills; who only know how to be aggressive rather than assertive. My hope is that climbing up the totem pole will somehow put me above all the BS. That is my hope, as unrealistic as it may seem. Your thoughts?
Ode to Callas
Callas,
From the very start I fell in love with you,
I fell in love with your artistry, your passion, your fire,
Your mastery of music, your fearlessness,
but most of all your willingness to be vulnerable.
Music can be all encompassing.
It can mesmerize you,
and make of you what it wants you to be,
It can leave you breathless, hopeless, loveless,
It can make you feel that you own the world,
It is lovely and frightnening all at once.
There must be millions of emotions that exist,
Through your voice, your spirit,
I feel I am able to experience each and every one.
I thank you for living, breathing, and bleeding music.
Thank you for doing what I was too afraid to do.
Thank you for your selflessness,
(to be an artist of your caliber, you must be selfless),
Thank you for sacrificing all that you loved,
so that you could give the world the gift of music.
I am eternally grateful.
From the very start I fell in love with you,
I fell in love with your artistry, your passion, your fire,
Your mastery of music, your fearlessness,
but most of all your willingness to be vulnerable.
Music can be all encompassing.
It can mesmerize you,
and make of you what it wants you to be,
It can leave you breathless, hopeless, loveless,
It can make you feel that you own the world,
It is lovely and frightnening all at once.
There must be millions of emotions that exist,
Through your voice, your spirit,
I feel I am able to experience each and every one.
I thank you for living, breathing, and bleeding music.
Thank you for doing what I was too afraid to do.
Thank you for your selflessness,
(to be an artist of your caliber, you must be selfless),
Thank you for sacrificing all that you loved,
so that you could give the world the gift of music.
I am eternally grateful.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Progress
I remember shadowing with Holly early on in my quest to become a Physician Assistant. I had just begun submitting applications, and I was feeling the pressure. I remember telling her how happy I would be once I got accepted, because I wouldn't have to worry about anything anymore. I will never forget what her response was: "No. Once you get your acceptance letter, there will be other things to worry about. Financial aid, relocating, finishing prerequisite courses, gaining healthcare experience...there will always be something to worry about." Boy, was she right!
So, I successfully completed my phlebotomy training course yesterday, and left the clinic looking like a blood donor. Both arms were bandaged. I got stuck 5 times, and got to stick 5 times. It was exhilarating; I have never done any type of invasive procedure before. Out of the 5 times I stuck someone, I got a flashback 2 times, I think. The last time I attempted the vacutainer method, I got a full vile of blood, and I did it all by myself! Talk about a rush. Now, that was just blood drawing. I can't imagine how I will feel when I get to do my first injection, or my first surgery. I have definitely made the right career choice! It feels good to have this skill under my belt, but I am a long way from mastery. My goal now is to find employment where I can use this skill on a daily basis. Practice makes perfect!
I'm also very happy that I am making progress as it pertains to earning my degree. I finally spoke to the powers that be today, and we have a clear goal set to finish this thing once and for all. The best news is I will not be required to relocate. I can complete the requirements right here in my hometown. By the end of spring I should be a college graduate. It's been a long time coming!
So, I successfully completed my phlebotomy training course yesterday, and left the clinic looking like a blood donor. Both arms were bandaged. I got stuck 5 times, and got to stick 5 times. It was exhilarating; I have never done any type of invasive procedure before. Out of the 5 times I stuck someone, I got a flashback 2 times, I think. The last time I attempted the vacutainer method, I got a full vile of blood, and I did it all by myself! Talk about a rush. Now, that was just blood drawing. I can't imagine how I will feel when I get to do my first injection, or my first surgery. I have definitely made the right career choice! It feels good to have this skill under my belt, but I am a long way from mastery. My goal now is to find employment where I can use this skill on a daily basis. Practice makes perfect!
I'm also very happy that I am making progress as it pertains to earning my degree. I finally spoke to the powers that be today, and we have a clear goal set to finish this thing once and for all. The best news is I will not be required to relocate. I can complete the requirements right here in my hometown. By the end of spring I should be a college graduate. It's been a long time coming!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
PA school starts next year, right?
If you were to look in my apartment, you would think I started PA school months ago. The house is covered in books, notes, notepads, pens, and highlighters. The cop thinks I'm crazy. What he doesn't realize is that PA school indeed starts right now!
I've never had a problem with organization, planning, discipline, and good old fashioned hard work! I know I will need these skills, and many more, in order to succeed in school. It's important that I take the year that I have and use it to my advantage. I have a mental outline of what I need to accomplish within that timeframe:
1. Finish my degree: I can do this one of two ways. Either transfer the credits or go back to my alma mater and spend a sememster there. I would prefer the former, but at this point, NOTHING is gonna stop me from getting that worthless, useless piece of paper.
2. Finish my last two prerequisite courses: both are chemistry courses. I think I will do just fine with this.
3. Gain meaningful healthcare experience: I have 500+ hours under my belt so far, but as you all know, my goal is to work in a hospital setting where I can utilize my critical thinking skills and learn simple procedures.
4. Learn as many simple procedures on my own in the meantime: Any courses I can take to learn skills will be a huge benefit to me (ie. phlebotomy next Friday!!!!!)
5. Learn to read simple Chest radiographs: I LOVE reading xrays. To me, this is a really important goal. I want to be able to look at a shadow and tell if it's abnormal or not...then go from there.
6. Learn how to read EKG's: Yes...this was something that was suggested to me. Once you have a really solid reference, EKG's make a whole lot of sense. Not too difficult. Once you know the basics, it's all about reading often so you don't loose the skill.
Not too bad, huh? I want to talk a little about numbers 5 and 6.
I've already mentioned a great website that I use extensively to learn the basics of chest radiography (learningradiology.com). From this site alone, I have learned to see simple things-pnuemothorax, pleural effusion, cardiomegaly, pneumonia, fractures, etc. There are lots of other sources that I use. Looking at lots and lots of xrays is the only way to learn abnormal from normal. I've only touched the tip of the iceberg. And now for EKG's!
These are fun, fun, fun! I got the world renowned book by Dubin yesterday. I'm almost halfway through the book...it's really that easy to read (not the EKG's, the book itself). It's broken down into simple chapters that anyone who has basic reading comprehension can understand. I think some people believe the book is too simplified, and takes away from the mystery surrounding the reading of EKG's. I don't agree. I'm the kind of person who likes to break things down to 2 +2=4...and I must know why! If I don't know why, it doesn't make sense. I think what I appreciate about this book so far is the emphasis on understanding the material rather than memorization. If you are interested in recognizing what the rhythms look like, there are plenty of books that are written that way. If you want to understand why the rhythms look the way they do, get Dubin's book.
Would I recommend this for other pre-PA students. Not at all! Everyone learns differently. These skills, and many more, will be necessary on a daily basis. I've always known that I wanted to work in the ED, and that is why I feel these paticular skills are necessary for me to familiarize myself with. Someone who is interested in nephrology may be interested in studying KUB's. Tailor your learning goals, remembering that PA's are trained as generalists first! I think the goals listed above are more than enough to keep me ahead of the game without overdoing it. Now, if I had bought that yellow Lange book I saw, that would have been another story! Just flipping through that text made my head spin. It's amazing...for every thing we learn, there are 100 things we have yet to learn.
I've never had a problem with organization, planning, discipline, and good old fashioned hard work! I know I will need these skills, and many more, in order to succeed in school. It's important that I take the year that I have and use it to my advantage. I have a mental outline of what I need to accomplish within that timeframe:
1. Finish my degree: I can do this one of two ways. Either transfer the credits or go back to my alma mater and spend a sememster there. I would prefer the former, but at this point, NOTHING is gonna stop me from getting that worthless, useless piece of paper.
2. Finish my last two prerequisite courses: both are chemistry courses. I think I will do just fine with this.
3. Gain meaningful healthcare experience: I have 500+ hours under my belt so far, but as you all know, my goal is to work in a hospital setting where I can utilize my critical thinking skills and learn simple procedures.
4. Learn as many simple procedures on my own in the meantime: Any courses I can take to learn skills will be a huge benefit to me (ie. phlebotomy next Friday!!!!!)
5. Learn to read simple Chest radiographs: I LOVE reading xrays. To me, this is a really important goal. I want to be able to look at a shadow and tell if it's abnormal or not...then go from there.
6. Learn how to read EKG's: Yes...this was something that was suggested to me. Once you have a really solid reference, EKG's make a whole lot of sense. Not too difficult. Once you know the basics, it's all about reading often so you don't loose the skill.
Not too bad, huh? I want to talk a little about numbers 5 and 6.
I've already mentioned a great website that I use extensively to learn the basics of chest radiography (learningradiology.com). From this site alone, I have learned to see simple things-pnuemothorax, pleural effusion, cardiomegaly, pneumonia, fractures, etc. There are lots of other sources that I use. Looking at lots and lots of xrays is the only way to learn abnormal from normal. I've only touched the tip of the iceberg. And now for EKG's!
These are fun, fun, fun! I got the world renowned book by Dubin yesterday. I'm almost halfway through the book...it's really that easy to read (not the EKG's, the book itself). It's broken down into simple chapters that anyone who has basic reading comprehension can understand. I think some people believe the book is too simplified, and takes away from the mystery surrounding the reading of EKG's. I don't agree. I'm the kind of person who likes to break things down to 2 +2=4...and I must know why! If I don't know why, it doesn't make sense. I think what I appreciate about this book so far is the emphasis on understanding the material rather than memorization. If you are interested in recognizing what the rhythms look like, there are plenty of books that are written that way. If you want to understand why the rhythms look the way they do, get Dubin's book.
Would I recommend this for other pre-PA students. Not at all! Everyone learns differently. These skills, and many more, will be necessary on a daily basis. I've always known that I wanted to work in the ED, and that is why I feel these paticular skills are necessary for me to familiarize myself with. Someone who is interested in nephrology may be interested in studying KUB's. Tailor your learning goals, remembering that PA's are trained as generalists first! I think the goals listed above are more than enough to keep me ahead of the game without overdoing it. Now, if I had bought that yellow Lange book I saw, that would have been another story! Just flipping through that text made my head spin. It's amazing...for every thing we learn, there are 100 things we have yet to learn.
Friday, November 7, 2008
TGIF
Another busy day at work! I'm so glad to be off this weekend. Hopefully I can force myself to stay home and rest. Who am I kidding? That's probably not going to happen.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Being the Guinea Pig
Hey, guess what?
OBAMA!!!!!
So, I finally registered for the phlebotomy course today. Next Friday, I will spend 6 hours being poked and prodded by strangers who have never drawn blood, ever. I'm assuming that I will leave the seminar looking like a meth addict! Let's hope the instructors are good, and that all of us just end up having a knack for finding the vein and drawing the blood with minimal pain!!
My goal going into PA school is to know as much as possible. That means, acquire as much knowledge and clinical skill as I can. From IV insertion to simple dressing changes, my goal is to learn these fundamental skills so when I get to PA school, I can spend my time focusing on more intricate procedures and clinical details. I am always doing searches for websites that can help me in this. Last week I found this site, learningradiology.com. Fantastic spot for beginners who are not familiar with radiographic imaging and diagnosis. There is even a student section! I've always liked looking at radiographs, but now at least I have some knowledge of what to look for and in what order. Even as a pre PA student, my heart stops momentarily while I am taking the quizzes. One mistake, one misdiagnosis can mean the difference between life and death, between being a licensed practitioner and being jobless. Medicine is so much fun!
OBAMA!!!!!
So, I finally registered for the phlebotomy course today. Next Friday, I will spend 6 hours being poked and prodded by strangers who have never drawn blood, ever. I'm assuming that I will leave the seminar looking like a meth addict! Let's hope the instructors are good, and that all of us just end up having a knack for finding the vein and drawing the blood with minimal pain!!
My goal going into PA school is to know as much as possible. That means, acquire as much knowledge and clinical skill as I can. From IV insertion to simple dressing changes, my goal is to learn these fundamental skills so when I get to PA school, I can spend my time focusing on more intricate procedures and clinical details. I am always doing searches for websites that can help me in this. Last week I found this site, learningradiology.com. Fantastic spot for beginners who are not familiar with radiographic imaging and diagnosis. There is even a student section! I've always liked looking at radiographs, but now at least I have some knowledge of what to look for and in what order. Even as a pre PA student, my heart stops momentarily while I am taking the quizzes. One mistake, one misdiagnosis can mean the difference between life and death, between being a licensed practitioner and being jobless. Medicine is so much fun!
Congrats, Obama!
Today feels different. Feels akward, new, fresh, frightening. Come January 2009, we will have a black man in the highest office of the land. My God, I can't believe this is happening.
I have no words to express what I am feeling right now. I am elated that Obama has won this election. However, I can't even begin to imagine the hardships that are to come for him and his family. Let's face it, this world ain't pretty. This country has never been pretty and probably never will be. We love to walk around in our suits and scrubs like everything is smooth sailing, like this country was founded on moral values and honorable ideals. NEWS FLASH: This country's history is as nasty as it gets. Racism/White Supremacy is what founded this country, and persists today. Yes, it does! Obama being elected President does not change this at all.
Why is it that America feels the right to 'clean house' for every other country, but fails to see the mess we have right here within our borders? Why do we deem democracy a necessity for other countries when we barely have it here? We are a suffering nation. We need help. "Minorities" in this country are dying in every sense of the word, but billions of dollars are sent to Africa. Africa is a rich nation...why do they need our money? Because we are robbing them blind! I'm rambling, I know, but these things and many others come to mind when I think about how filthy this country is. I voted for Obama, not because I feel he is the next coming of Christ. I voted for him, because I swore if McCain won this election, I was moving out of this country. To me, Obama is the better of the two. Do I feel he will make drastic changes for the working class? I don't know...he is a politician. Moreover, he is a puppet, like all presidents are. He will only do what he is allowed to do by the powers that be. The same powers that keep the working class working, and the rich rich. The same powers that recognize that keeping the minorities of the world hopeless and self hating is the key to survival. We desperately need change. We needed change 400 years ago. The time has come to put this country on the right track. I do hope Obama is the right man for the job.
I have no words to express what I am feeling right now. I am elated that Obama has won this election. However, I can't even begin to imagine the hardships that are to come for him and his family. Let's face it, this world ain't pretty. This country has never been pretty and probably never will be. We love to walk around in our suits and scrubs like everything is smooth sailing, like this country was founded on moral values and honorable ideals. NEWS FLASH: This country's history is as nasty as it gets. Racism/White Supremacy is what founded this country, and persists today. Yes, it does! Obama being elected President does not change this at all.
Why is it that America feels the right to 'clean house' for every other country, but fails to see the mess we have right here within our borders? Why do we deem democracy a necessity for other countries when we barely have it here? We are a suffering nation. We need help. "Minorities" in this country are dying in every sense of the word, but billions of dollars are sent to Africa. Africa is a rich nation...why do they need our money? Because we are robbing them blind! I'm rambling, I know, but these things and many others come to mind when I think about how filthy this country is. I voted for Obama, not because I feel he is the next coming of Christ. I voted for him, because I swore if McCain won this election, I was moving out of this country. To me, Obama is the better of the two. Do I feel he will make drastic changes for the working class? I don't know...he is a politician. Moreover, he is a puppet, like all presidents are. He will only do what he is allowed to do by the powers that be. The same powers that keep the working class working, and the rich rich. The same powers that recognize that keeping the minorities of the world hopeless and self hating is the key to survival. We desperately need change. We needed change 400 years ago. The time has come to put this country on the right track. I do hope Obama is the right man for the job.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Nobama and McCan't
So, which one will it be? Well, in about 7 hours or so, the whole world will know who the next President of the United States will be. I have to admit, I'm getting pretty excited!
I stood in line last Thursday for 5 hours...yes, 5 hours...just to cast my vote. It's amazing what kind of conversations one can have with strangers when there is nothing better to do. I met this nice young lady. She and I talked the time away! By the time I cast my vote, my feet were killing me. For some reason, I had the bright idea to wear heels that day! Well, at least I looked halfway decent.
I usually come here to vent my frustrations with work, but I had a really good day today. I was efficient, friendly, helpful, and I was given kudos for my work ethic! The highlight of my day was talking to Mr. D, a dementia patient on my floor. He is the sweetest man, but he gets confused easily, and is always looking for a way out of the building. I approached him while he was attempting one of his escapes:
Me: Mr. D, what's going on?
D: Nothing, I'm just trying to get out of here.
Me: Why would you want to do that? You tell me what you want to do and I will help you do it, ok?
D: Ok. Well, help me get out of here.
Me. Out? You can't go out. What's out there that you need?
D: Freedom.
If that doesn't give you pause, nothing will.
I stood in line last Thursday for 5 hours...yes, 5 hours...just to cast my vote. It's amazing what kind of conversations one can have with strangers when there is nothing better to do. I met this nice young lady. She and I talked the time away! By the time I cast my vote, my feet were killing me. For some reason, I had the bright idea to wear heels that day! Well, at least I looked halfway decent.
I usually come here to vent my frustrations with work, but I had a really good day today. I was efficient, friendly, helpful, and I was given kudos for my work ethic! The highlight of my day was talking to Mr. D, a dementia patient on my floor. He is the sweetest man, but he gets confused easily, and is always looking for a way out of the building. I approached him while he was attempting one of his escapes:
Me: Mr. D, what's going on?
D: Nothing, I'm just trying to get out of here.
Me: Why would you want to do that? You tell me what you want to do and I will help you do it, ok?
D: Ok. Well, help me get out of here.
Me. Out? You can't go out. What's out there that you need?
D: Freedom.
If that doesn't give you pause, nothing will.
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