What a year this has been! When I look back over the past 12 months, many things come to mind. Firstly, where did the time go? At first glance it feels like I've been sleepwalking, or like I didn't savor enough, didn't stop to smell the roses, didn't take time to slow down.
Secondly, did I accomplish much this year? At first glance it sure doesn't seem like it, but as I think back I realize just how many wonderful things have manifested into my life. It helps to make lists of life experiences. It helps to recap so we never forget how blessed we are. So, here's to you, 2009. Thank you for testing and strengthening my marriage. Thank you for the ICU job and all the wonderful folks it has brought into my life. Thank you for the trips to the mountains and to Costa Rica, and for the drive up to Pennsylvania. Thank you for the classes and the exams and the transcripts, and the undergraduate degree. Thank you for Abraham, and for Linc. Thank you for making me smarter, stronger, and wiser. Thank you for SALSA. Thank you for new and renewed friendships. Thank you for family. Thank you for my father and my mother. Thank you for guiding my sister. Thank you for music. Thank you!
Tomorrow I work my last 12 hour shift as an ICU tech. It will be bittersweet. I love those people. I never expected that...what a pleasant surprise they have been. I have seen and done more than I could have ever imagined, and I have made lasting friendships that have truly changed my life forever! For this I am extremely appreciative. Next week, I start packing this place up, and the week after that I'm outta here. I am in awe of my life right now. I feel I am exactly where I need to be. All creative components have come together for me, and all that is left to do is be! Be me...be true to myself!
Goodbye, 2009. Hello, and welcome, 2010! It's gonna be fast, fun ride. Bring it on!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Success!
After ten long years, I am finally a college graduate!!!! *HAPPY DANCE!!!!
I just got word from the dean of my department that I have satisfied the requirements for the B. Mus. degree I have been seeking for the last ten years of my life. It feels so, so good, and I'm proud that I went back and earned what was rightfully mine!
I am living proof that you can have/be/do/become whatever you want. Nothing is impossible!
My life just keeps getting better and better and better. I'm heading to the mall tomorrow for some much needed winter clothing. By this time next week I will be done with organic chemistry. I leave my job in two weeks (YEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!). AND...I relocate to the snow covered hills in a month! Sweet! I'm sure gonna miss my family, especially my hubby and puppy. I wish I could take them with me, but I know they must stay behind. I really do want the cop to further his career and focus on his own goals. He's so smart and so loving. It's time he does some soul searching and figure out how to go about advancing to where he needs to be, and I am in total support of him and of his goals.
Well, one more night off then it's back to work. I love Sundays...I usually cook a nice meal, spend two hours or so doing my hair, go visit family, and lounge around the house. Maybe I'll finish off that bottle of Riesling!
I just got word from the dean of my department that I have satisfied the requirements for the B. Mus. degree I have been seeking for the last ten years of my life. It feels so, so good, and I'm proud that I went back and earned what was rightfully mine!
I am living proof that you can have/be/do/become whatever you want. Nothing is impossible!
My life just keeps getting better and better and better. I'm heading to the mall tomorrow for some much needed winter clothing. By this time next week I will be done with organic chemistry. I leave my job in two weeks (YEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!). AND...I relocate to the snow covered hills in a month! Sweet! I'm sure gonna miss my family, especially my hubby and puppy. I wish I could take them with me, but I know they must stay behind. I really do want the cop to further his career and focus on his own goals. He's so smart and so loving. It's time he does some soul searching and figure out how to go about advancing to where he needs to be, and I am in total support of him and of his goals.
Well, one more night off then it's back to work. I love Sundays...I usually cook a nice meal, spend two hours or so doing my hair, go visit family, and lounge around the house. Maybe I'll finish off that bottle of Riesling!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Too Damn Cold
The cop and I just returned from apartment shopping up north. It snowed the entire time. All I have to say is I hope I can acclimate quickly to a much colder climate.
Anyone who knows me knows I can't stand being cold. I guess I should have taken that into consideration before I applied to this one PA program. Common sense should have told me that if I plan to move north, I'm gonna be cold most of the time. Damn it. Oh well! I'm hoping I'll be on the move so much, I won't even notice how cold it is. I may even come to like it...maybe.
We had a great time up there. This was the cop's first time setting foot on my campus, and I hadn't been there since my interview over a year ago. And yes, we secured an apartment! It's absolutely perfect for me: spacious, clean, secure, affordable, and only 2 minutes away from campus. I'm looking forward to moving in.
My main focus now is making sure the cop is well taken care of while I'm away. He's a good cook, and a great housekeeper. I just hope he actually does these things while I'm gone. I don't think he'll have a choice! I sure will miss him and Linc, and my family. All of them have been so supportive. Well, it's getting down to the wire. Christmas is almost here. O-Chem is almost done. I'll begin my journey to competent medical practice sooner than I realize.
Anyone who knows me knows I can't stand being cold. I guess I should have taken that into consideration before I applied to this one PA program. Common sense should have told me that if I plan to move north, I'm gonna be cold most of the time. Damn it. Oh well! I'm hoping I'll be on the move so much, I won't even notice how cold it is. I may even come to like it...maybe.
We had a great time up there. This was the cop's first time setting foot on my campus, and I hadn't been there since my interview over a year ago. And yes, we secured an apartment! It's absolutely perfect for me: spacious, clean, secure, affordable, and only 2 minutes away from campus. I'm looking forward to moving in.
My main focus now is making sure the cop is well taken care of while I'm away. He's a good cook, and a great housekeeper. I just hope he actually does these things while I'm gone. I don't think he'll have a choice! I sure will miss him and Linc, and my family. All of them have been so supportive. Well, it's getting down to the wire. Christmas is almost here. O-Chem is almost done. I'll begin my journey to competent medical practice sooner than I realize.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
A Year in Review
So, I've been blogging a little over a year now! How cool is that?
I love lists! I'm always writing them, revising them, and re-writing them to make them better than the last. Lists help you to stay organized, and they keep you on track. It's an easy way to outline your goals, and to be sure you are meeting them. I recall this time last year that I blogged about my goals for this year. Here is a list of those goals:
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.
In retrospect, I can honestly say I have done all of the above! My undergraduate degree has been completed (thank you God), in two weeks I will complete my last prerequisite course, I have secured a great hospital-based job, and this job has exposed me to many procedures (central lines, A lines, ventriculostomies, phlebotomy, IV insertion, foley insertion), I know how to read and interpret simple chest radiographs, AND I'm pretty darn good at reading EKG's.
I'm impressed, if I do say so myself!
I love lists! I'm always writing them, revising them, and re-writing them to make them better than the last. Lists help you to stay organized, and they keep you on track. It's an easy way to outline your goals, and to be sure you are meeting them. I recall this time last year that I blogged about my goals for this year. Here is a list of those goals:
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.
In retrospect, I can honestly say I have done all of the above! My undergraduate degree has been completed (thank you God), in two weeks I will complete my last prerequisite course, I have secured a great hospital-based job, and this job has exposed me to many procedures (central lines, A lines, ventriculostomies, phlebotomy, IV insertion, foley insertion), I know how to read and interpret simple chest radiographs, AND I'm pretty darn good at reading EKG's.
I'm impressed, if I do say so myself!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Not much out of the ordinary happened around here. The cop and I both worked Thanksgiving night, but were rewarded with a three day weekend! I went salsa dancing last night (yes!!!), and we both head back to work tomorrow night. There's still plenty of food around here, but I'm starting to get tired of turkey and dressing. There's only so much I can eat...
The start of PA school is looming. On Friday we travel north to go apartment shopping! I'm hoping to secure something while I'm there. That would be one less thing to worry about. So far, all is going according to plan. O-Chem is going extremely well, and I'm slowly crossing some bare necessities off of the shopping list. Next week, I submit my resignation at work. Only one more month to go and I'm outta here.
I can honestly say this is the best time of my life right now. I'm realizing dreams I've had for years. Everything is falling into place just as I intended. I couldn't be happier!
Not much out of the ordinary happened around here. The cop and I both worked Thanksgiving night, but were rewarded with a three day weekend! I went salsa dancing last night (yes!!!), and we both head back to work tomorrow night. There's still plenty of food around here, but I'm starting to get tired of turkey and dressing. There's only so much I can eat...
The start of PA school is looming. On Friday we travel north to go apartment shopping! I'm hoping to secure something while I'm there. That would be one less thing to worry about. So far, all is going according to plan. O-Chem is going extremely well, and I'm slowly crossing some bare necessities off of the shopping list. Next week, I submit my resignation at work. Only one more month to go and I'm outta here.
I can honestly say this is the best time of my life right now. I'm realizing dreams I've had for years. Everything is falling into place just as I intended. I couldn't be happier!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Orientation Packets are in!
I need a break from O-Chem...
So, the long awaited orientation packets are in. All I have to say is wow! I've been so focused on the studying, the classes, and volume of material I'll be learning that I forgot all the preliminary stuff that must be done before I can even set foot into my first class. Name tags, medical history forms, physical examinations, parking permits, medical equipment, background checks...I still have LOTS to do before I leave for PA school.
Not to mention I still have to secure an apartment. I think that is the least of my worries for right now. My main concerns are completing this chemistry course, getting all my undergrad stuff done, and packing. I have decided to submit my resignation at work on the first of December. That should give them plenty of time to find a replacement. I've also decided my departure date: January 14! I'm so ready to get this party started!!!
My goal for this blog once school begins is to take the readers along with me as I go through this process. Most pre-PA students live vicariously through those that are actually experiencing PA school. I know that's what I did. My favorite blogs were always the ones that made me feel like I was experiencing what the author was experiencing. I want this blog to serve the same purpose for my readers. I plan on debuting this blog in January once school starts.
So, the long awaited orientation packets are in. All I have to say is wow! I've been so focused on the studying, the classes, and volume of material I'll be learning that I forgot all the preliminary stuff that must be done before I can even set foot into my first class. Name tags, medical history forms, physical examinations, parking permits, medical equipment, background checks...I still have LOTS to do before I leave for PA school.
Not to mention I still have to secure an apartment. I think that is the least of my worries for right now. My main concerns are completing this chemistry course, getting all my undergrad stuff done, and packing. I have decided to submit my resignation at work on the first of December. That should give them plenty of time to find a replacement. I've also decided my departure date: January 14! I'm so ready to get this party started!!!
My goal for this blog once school begins is to take the readers along with me as I go through this process. Most pre-PA students live vicariously through those that are actually experiencing PA school. I know that's what I did. My favorite blogs were always the ones that made me feel like I was experiencing what the author was experiencing. I want this blog to serve the same purpose for my readers. I plan on debuting this blog in January once school starts.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Where has the time gone?
It's been a month since my last post! Goodness...where does the time go? Life has been busy, but not that busy. I've been having the time of my life, though!
Finally...FINALLY... we are working three twelve hour shifts at work. No more driving to work five days a week. No more 8-hour shifts. I finally have a life outside of work. The cop and I finally have time to go out and enjoy one another. And...I can go salsa dancing more often. Yesssss!! Most importantly, I have time to complete my Organic chemistry assignments. Speaking of which, I should be doing homework right now. Three weeks in, and I'm already on chapters 8 and 9. This Thursday I begin chapters 10 and 11, and I take my midterm this weekend! Talk about determination!
It seems everyday I'm receiving some sort of correspondence from PA school. I am looking to receive my orientation packet this week, and I have already registered for the first round of classes. 7 classes totaling 16 credits! Bring...it...on! Because of O-Chem, I've had to take a break from brushing up on Anatomy and Physiology, but I think I got a lot out of the little I did review. I mainly focused on Neuroanatomy and Physiology, which has always been a weak point for me. I feel like I have a better mental picture (no pun intended) of the brain, spinal cord, and PNS. I never thought I'd be interested in it, but I guess that was only because I didn't understand it. At this point, I don't see myself specializing in Neurology. It's interesting, no doubt, but not that interesting.
I am approximately 8-9 weeks away from leaving my entire family behind and moving to a strange, new section of the country. It's finally starting to sink in. I won't lie; the thought of PA school is starting to scare me, and I often ask myself what I've gotten into here. But I know that nothing worth having is easy, and I've worked so hard to get to where I am. I truly love medicine, I love people, and I love challenges. This career path has my name written all over it.
Well, time to hit the books again. I hope to write again very soon.
Finally...FINALLY... we are working three twelve hour shifts at work. No more driving to work five days a week. No more 8-hour shifts. I finally have a life outside of work. The cop and I finally have time to go out and enjoy one another. And...I can go salsa dancing more often. Yesssss!! Most importantly, I have time to complete my Organic chemistry assignments. Speaking of which, I should be doing homework right now. Three weeks in, and I'm already on chapters 8 and 9. This Thursday I begin chapters 10 and 11, and I take my midterm this weekend! Talk about determination!
It seems everyday I'm receiving some sort of correspondence from PA school. I am looking to receive my orientation packet this week, and I have already registered for the first round of classes. 7 classes totaling 16 credits! Bring...it...on! Because of O-Chem, I've had to take a break from brushing up on Anatomy and Physiology, but I think I got a lot out of the little I did review. I mainly focused on Neuroanatomy and Physiology, which has always been a weak point for me. I feel like I have a better mental picture (no pun intended) of the brain, spinal cord, and PNS. I never thought I'd be interested in it, but I guess that was only because I didn't understand it. At this point, I don't see myself specializing in Neurology. It's interesting, no doubt, but not that interesting.
I am approximately 8-9 weeks away from leaving my entire family behind and moving to a strange, new section of the country. It's finally starting to sink in. I won't lie; the thought of PA school is starting to scare me, and I often ask myself what I've gotten into here. But I know that nothing worth having is easy, and I've worked so hard to get to where I am. I truly love medicine, I love people, and I love challenges. This career path has my name written all over it.
Well, time to hit the books again. I hope to write again very soon.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
We're Back!
Hey folks! The cop and I made it back from Costa Rica in one piece. What an experience: two whole weeks of roosters crowing at 5 in the morning, having howler monkeys as your alarm clock, being surrounded by beautiful flora and unfamiliar, majestic fauna, having fresh gallo pinto and mango juice for breakfast every morning, zip lining through the treetops..not to mention the friendly people, the language, the music, the culture! Needless to say we had a great time. I am officially ready for PA school!
While we were away, I received an email from my program director informing me that orientation packets would be mailed out soon. How exciting. I still have a few things to accomplish before I can matriculate: I have to submit my final transcripts for the two music courses I've completed (I got an A in both classes...awesome!!!), and apply for my undergraduate degree; I have to complete Organic Chemistry; I have to submit all final transcripts to complete my PA admissions file.
Am I getting excited about starting PA school? Yes, of course. I just don't like being this close to the deadline with all these outstanding requirements. I wish I would have taken O-chem sooner, but I couldn't. I know things will be complete by the end of the year, but it's a bit too close for comfort for me. As long as it all gets done, that's all that matters. My main focus for the remainder of the year is successfully completing the O-chem course, and applying for my undergraduate degree.
Work continues to be a challenge. We have lots of interesting cases coming in, and I'm still learning a lot. It gets frustrating, though, when you can't participate in the conversations about patients and their condition, even if you are familiar with the disease process and prognosis. It's frustrating when a nurse refers to a patient that we both have as "her patient"......"SLP, did you get my patient's blood glucose reading? Can you get my patient a pillow and an apple juice?" I don't mind the work, but I can't stand this attitude of ownership. The nurses don't look at me as a part of the team. They look at me as an extra set of hands, and I guess that's what my job description is. It's hard focusing on the job I have now when I know that in less than 3 months the level of responsibility will increase tremendously. It's scary and exciting all at once. One PA-C gave me some great advice when I first started in the ICU. He told me to remember that I'm not a PA yet; I am an ICU tech and I must work in that capacity only. He told me to use my time wisely by reading charts and keeping notes of diseases I see, their clinical manifestations, treatment options, and drugs used for that disease. I try to do this daily.
Well, not much else to report. I realize this blog gets no visitors because I haven't told anyone about it. I'm looking to debut this blog on the PA forum in January when school starts.
While we were away, I received an email from my program director informing me that orientation packets would be mailed out soon. How exciting. I still have a few things to accomplish before I can matriculate: I have to submit my final transcripts for the two music courses I've completed (I got an A in both classes...awesome!!!), and apply for my undergraduate degree; I have to complete Organic Chemistry; I have to submit all final transcripts to complete my PA admissions file.
Am I getting excited about starting PA school? Yes, of course. I just don't like being this close to the deadline with all these outstanding requirements. I wish I would have taken O-chem sooner, but I couldn't. I know things will be complete by the end of the year, but it's a bit too close for comfort for me. As long as it all gets done, that's all that matters. My main focus for the remainder of the year is successfully completing the O-chem course, and applying for my undergraduate degree.
Work continues to be a challenge. We have lots of interesting cases coming in, and I'm still learning a lot. It gets frustrating, though, when you can't participate in the conversations about patients and their condition, even if you are familiar with the disease process and prognosis. It's frustrating when a nurse refers to a patient that we both have as "her patient"......"SLP, did you get my patient's blood glucose reading? Can you get my patient a pillow and an apple juice?" I don't mind the work, but I can't stand this attitude of ownership. The nurses don't look at me as a part of the team. They look at me as an extra set of hands, and I guess that's what my job description is. It's hard focusing on the job I have now when I know that in less than 3 months the level of responsibility will increase tremendously. It's scary and exciting all at once. One PA-C gave me some great advice when I first started in the ICU. He told me to remember that I'm not a PA yet; I am an ICU tech and I must work in that capacity only. He told me to use my time wisely by reading charts and keeping notes of diseases I see, their clinical manifestations, treatment options, and drugs used for that disease. I try to do this daily.
Well, not much else to report. I realize this blog gets no visitors because I haven't told anyone about it. I'm looking to debut this blog on the PA forum in January when school starts.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Countdown Ends
Yay...it's here! Tomorrow we board our flight to Costa Rica! I'm really starting to get excited! The packing is done, accomodations have been made for the dog, the house is clean, and we are packed. Now, all I have to do is get through one more 12 hour shift.
I don't know why I didn't take the night off. I don't know why I volunteered to work extra tonight. That's me, though. I never take the easy way out...ever! I'm really looking forward to this trip. I look forward to rest and relaxation; to eating some delicious Costa Rican cuisine; to swimming in the bluest of waters; to falling in love with my husband all over again.
I hope the next two weeks don't fly by.
On another note, there seems to be an epidemic going around. No, not H1N1...it's called "stupid girl syndrome." It explains why in the last 24 hours we have admitted two 21 year-old girls who threw themselves out of moving vehicles because they had fights with their boyfriends. Yeah..."stupid girl syndrome." I hope both of them have been discharged. I can't stomach another night of valley girl talk, not to mention walking by their rooms and seeing the boyfriends give feet massages. Lord, where are the parents...and what the hell are they doing??
Bye!!!
I don't know why I didn't take the night off. I don't know why I volunteered to work extra tonight. That's me, though. I never take the easy way out...ever! I'm really looking forward to this trip. I look forward to rest and relaxation; to eating some delicious Costa Rican cuisine; to swimming in the bluest of waters; to falling in love with my husband all over again.
I hope the next two weeks don't fly by.
On another note, there seems to be an epidemic going around. No, not H1N1...it's called "stupid girl syndrome." It explains why in the last 24 hours we have admitted two 21 year-old girls who threw themselves out of moving vehicles because they had fights with their boyfriends. Yeah..."stupid girl syndrome." I hope both of them have been discharged. I can't stomach another night of valley girl talk, not to mention walking by their rooms and seeing the boyfriends give feet massages. Lord, where are the parents...and what the hell are they doing??
Bye!!!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Countdown Begins...
4 days from now, the cop and I will be sitting in our bungalow eating gallo pinto, and kicking back a few drinks! Man, I can't wait to get outta here! Paradise awaits!!!
Planning this trip has been both exhausting and exciting! It kind of reminds me of the trip I planned this past May for the cop's 30th birthday! I had all the ducks in a row, and we had no mishaps during the trip, but the smooth sail didn't come easily. A lot of time and planning went into it. This trip is no different. In fact, more attention needs to be paid to the minor details if it is to be a success. Costa Rica is unfamiliar territory for the both of us. Going to a foreign country is never easy, but staying in the middle of the jungle with no phone, television, and very little civilization makes things a bit more interesting. This is just the kind of honeymoon we wanted, but we've had to do lots of homework to make it happen.
As usual, it's been up to me to see to it that all the wrinkles are ironed out. Passports copies, currency exchange rates, itinerary print outs, contact information lists, making arrangements for the dog....it goes on and on. After this week is over, we will really be in need of a vacation!
Work is...work. I love it and I hate it. I still find the work mundane and boring. The cases, however, are anything but boring. I learn something new everyday, and that's just the way it should be. I've been giving some thought to completing a residency after I complete school and pass the PANCE. Depending on the specialty I choose, this could really give me an edge. It's not the salary that I'm worried about. Work hard and the money will come...that's always been my motto. What I'm concerned most about is the huge learning curve. If there is anything I can do to ensure that I'm a productive member of the healthcare team from day ONE, I want to do it. And I think a residency would be perfect for that. Three more months to go, and I will no longer be an ICU tech. I'll be a PA-S.
Planning this trip has been both exhausting and exciting! It kind of reminds me of the trip I planned this past May for the cop's 30th birthday! I had all the ducks in a row, and we had no mishaps during the trip, but the smooth sail didn't come easily. A lot of time and planning went into it. This trip is no different. In fact, more attention needs to be paid to the minor details if it is to be a success. Costa Rica is unfamiliar territory for the both of us. Going to a foreign country is never easy, but staying in the middle of the jungle with no phone, television, and very little civilization makes things a bit more interesting. This is just the kind of honeymoon we wanted, but we've had to do lots of homework to make it happen.
As usual, it's been up to me to see to it that all the wrinkles are ironed out. Passports copies, currency exchange rates, itinerary print outs, contact information lists, making arrangements for the dog....it goes on and on. After this week is over, we will really be in need of a vacation!
Work is...work. I love it and I hate it. I still find the work mundane and boring. The cases, however, are anything but boring. I learn something new everyday, and that's just the way it should be. I've been giving some thought to completing a residency after I complete school and pass the PANCE. Depending on the specialty I choose, this could really give me an edge. It's not the salary that I'm worried about. Work hard and the money will come...that's always been my motto. What I'm concerned most about is the huge learning curve. If there is anything I can do to ensure that I'm a productive member of the healthcare team from day ONE, I want to do it. And I think a residency would be perfect for that. Three more months to go, and I will no longer be an ICU tech. I'll be a PA-S.
Monday, August 24, 2009
"Hello Friends..."
"...I'm your Vitamitavegemin girl! Are you tired, run down, listless? Do you poop out at parties?"
Yes, yes, yes...and yes! I don't know why, but last week's workload wore me out. No gym, no household chores, and very little cooking....just work and sleep. And salsa this past Saturday? I didn't poop out at the party. I didn't show up.
My mother has been telling me for weeks that I need to settle down and rest. That all this running would catch up with me. That I'm gonna crash and burn. I hate that she's always right. I'm just grateful that I didn't run myself into a cold, or even worse, the flu, which has been going around at work lately. So the cop and I stayed home all weekend. We did some shopping for the honeymoon, and I prepared a lovely Sunday dinner, but for the most part we parked it on the couch, kicked back a few drinks, and caught up on some of our favorite television shows. It was precisely what we needed.
So, it's back to work tonight. I'm looking forward to it. As I've said before, Monday's aren't all that bad for me. I enjoy not knowing what awaits me. I enjoy the mystery of the unit, and the waxing and waning of excitement. There are times where I sit on my butt for 8-12 hours, and then there are nights when I don't eat for 8-12 hours (like last Friday). I hate it...and I love it!
Lately I've been thinking a lot about specialties. What specialty am I most suited for, and which will provide me the excitement and the challenge that I desire. ED? Sounds fun but I would hate to be stuck in the fast track treating the common cold and repairing superficial lacerations. Ortho? I love bones and muscles, but will I enjoy being the minority in a male dominated field, and will I be treated like an associate rather than an "assistant?" As of now, I have narrowed it down to Critical care (not sure which subspecialty), Cardiology, ED, and perhaps GI. I'm sure this all will change once I reach clinical year.
Yes, yes, yes...and yes! I don't know why, but last week's workload wore me out. No gym, no household chores, and very little cooking....just work and sleep. And salsa this past Saturday? I didn't poop out at the party. I didn't show up.
My mother has been telling me for weeks that I need to settle down and rest. That all this running would catch up with me. That I'm gonna crash and burn. I hate that she's always right. I'm just grateful that I didn't run myself into a cold, or even worse, the flu, which has been going around at work lately. So the cop and I stayed home all weekend. We did some shopping for the honeymoon, and I prepared a lovely Sunday dinner, but for the most part we parked it on the couch, kicked back a few drinks, and caught up on some of our favorite television shows. It was precisely what we needed.
So, it's back to work tonight. I'm looking forward to it. As I've said before, Monday's aren't all that bad for me. I enjoy not knowing what awaits me. I enjoy the mystery of the unit, and the waxing and waning of excitement. There are times where I sit on my butt for 8-12 hours, and then there are nights when I don't eat for 8-12 hours (like last Friday). I hate it...and I love it!
Lately I've been thinking a lot about specialties. What specialty am I most suited for, and which will provide me the excitement and the challenge that I desire. ED? Sounds fun but I would hate to be stuck in the fast track treating the common cold and repairing superficial lacerations. Ortho? I love bones and muscles, but will I enjoy being the minority in a male dominated field, and will I be treated like an associate rather than an "assistant?" As of now, I have narrowed it down to Critical care (not sure which subspecialty), Cardiology, ED, and perhaps GI. I'm sure this all will change once I reach clinical year.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Time is flying!
Goodness, gracious. Where has the time gone. I didn't realize it had been this long since my last visit here. Ok, time for a major update...
1. I am now a college graduate, sort of. I completed my last music course with flying colors. Now all that's left to do is submit my final transcripts, pay my money, and receive my degree. God has been so good to me!!
2. I just returned from a trip to Ohio. After 8 long years, I reunited with two of my best friends, one of which got married last weekend. She was beautiful, and she and her new hubby look so happy. I wish them all the best.
3. My hubby and I are vacationing in Costa Rica in three weeks!!! Yes! This will serve as the honeymoon we never had. We will be spending two weeks in a bungalow in the middle of the rainforest, 4 minutes away from the beach! How cool is that? Again, God is so good to us!
I have postponed my final chemistry course until we return from our vacation. It makes no sense to be enrolled in a course as serious as that in the midst of a two week vacation. I still have time, and my goal is to finish a few weeks early, like I did with the music course I just completed. Work is still work. I'm loving it, but it becomes more and more mundane every day. I try to remain grateful, because I know things could be worse. I could be jobless, or even worse, working at that dreadful LTC facility. I'm milking this gig for all it's worth, because there is always something to learn. Lately, some of the nurses have been kind enough to let me do some cool stuff. So now I can add foley catheter insertion and removal, dressing changing, and endotracheal suctioning to my list of skills. This is precisely why I wanted to work in the ICU. LTC could never afford me these opportunities.
It seems the patients these days are getting sicker and sicker. Sometimes we experience overflow, but lately we've had true ICU patients: Fournier's gangrene with multiple debridement, several anoxic brain injuries, and fatal MVA's. Sometimes the family dynamics that come with some of these patients are more interesting than their diagnosis and prognosis. We've had several instances where security has been called to extinguish heated arguments and violent situations. It's all a part of healthcare, unfortunately.
I am really getting excited about PA school now! I only have a short time before I pack my things and head off to tackle what I'm sure will be one of the biggest challenges of my adult life. I'm amazed at how fast this year has flown by, and as upset as I was about not starting this year, I see now that I needed this time to better prepare myself for the rigors to come. I'm sure this will become even more evident once I'm in PA school. So, 8 months down, 4 more to go.
1. I am now a college graduate, sort of. I completed my last music course with flying colors. Now all that's left to do is submit my final transcripts, pay my money, and receive my degree. God has been so good to me!!
2. I just returned from a trip to Ohio. After 8 long years, I reunited with two of my best friends, one of which got married last weekend. She was beautiful, and she and her new hubby look so happy. I wish them all the best.
3. My hubby and I are vacationing in Costa Rica in three weeks!!! Yes! This will serve as the honeymoon we never had. We will be spending two weeks in a bungalow in the middle of the rainforest, 4 minutes away from the beach! How cool is that? Again, God is so good to us!
I have postponed my final chemistry course until we return from our vacation. It makes no sense to be enrolled in a course as serious as that in the midst of a two week vacation. I still have time, and my goal is to finish a few weeks early, like I did with the music course I just completed. Work is still work. I'm loving it, but it becomes more and more mundane every day. I try to remain grateful, because I know things could be worse. I could be jobless, or even worse, working at that dreadful LTC facility. I'm milking this gig for all it's worth, because there is always something to learn. Lately, some of the nurses have been kind enough to let me do some cool stuff. So now I can add foley catheter insertion and removal, dressing changing, and endotracheal suctioning to my list of skills. This is precisely why I wanted to work in the ICU. LTC could never afford me these opportunities.
It seems the patients these days are getting sicker and sicker. Sometimes we experience overflow, but lately we've had true ICU patients: Fournier's gangrene with multiple debridement, several anoxic brain injuries, and fatal MVA's. Sometimes the family dynamics that come with some of these patients are more interesting than their diagnosis and prognosis. We've had several instances where security has been called to extinguish heated arguments and violent situations. It's all a part of healthcare, unfortunately.
I am really getting excited about PA school now! I only have a short time before I pack my things and head off to tackle what I'm sure will be one of the biggest challenges of my adult life. I'm amazed at how fast this year has flown by, and as upset as I was about not starting this year, I see now that I needed this time to better prepare myself for the rigors to come. I'm sure this will become even more evident once I'm in PA school. So, 8 months down, 4 more to go.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Another Great Salsa Weekend
Man, my feet are killing me. I have danced a total of 7 hours this weekend....nonstop! Viva la Salsa!!!
My hometown is becoming quite the venue for salsa events and socials. In addition to the annual "invasion" that takes place, we have a social 6 out of 7 days of the week! Pretty impressive. Salsa is an interesting hobby in that it immediately grants you access to dozens of people who could be potential friends. I can't tell you how many friends I have made in the past four months from salsa alone.
The Professor is perhaps one dance partner I have that I could become quite close to. Unlike most of my dance partners, we have spent a considerable amount of time together off of the dance floor. It's interesting getting to know dance partners outside the context of salsa. They become real people. TP is a great dancer, and a wonderful conversationalist. He has a way of keeping my attention. He intrigues me, and he impresses me. When I dance with him and talk with him, I am myself...no pretense, no walls, no formalities. Just laughter, smiles, fun...peace and contentment. I'm not quite sure how old he is, but I'm certain he's a bit older than I am. Honestly, I couldn't care less; we have so much fun together! It's scary how well we get along...and how well we connect! He's an adorable man with a great sense of humor, and a great pair of dancing feet!!! One of the best dance partners I have, no doubt, and surely someone I hope to keep in my life for years to come!
Well, this week brings a few changes. I begin my final music course on Monday. I will be a college graduate at the end of August!!! The cop's work schedule has changed again, so now we will both have Sundays off! I'm so excited. Now we have at least one day of the week when we can spend some quality time together. I have Wednesday night off this week. Guess what I'll be doing? That's right. I'll need the next three days to rest my feet, recuperate, and learn some new styling moves!
My hometown is becoming quite the venue for salsa events and socials. In addition to the annual "invasion" that takes place, we have a social 6 out of 7 days of the week! Pretty impressive. Salsa is an interesting hobby in that it immediately grants you access to dozens of people who could be potential friends. I can't tell you how many friends I have made in the past four months from salsa alone.
The Professor is perhaps one dance partner I have that I could become quite close to. Unlike most of my dance partners, we have spent a considerable amount of time together off of the dance floor. It's interesting getting to know dance partners outside the context of salsa. They become real people. TP is a great dancer, and a wonderful conversationalist. He has a way of keeping my attention. He intrigues me, and he impresses me. When I dance with him and talk with him, I am myself...no pretense, no walls, no formalities. Just laughter, smiles, fun...peace and contentment. I'm not quite sure how old he is, but I'm certain he's a bit older than I am. Honestly, I couldn't care less; we have so much fun together! It's scary how well we get along...and how well we connect! He's an adorable man with a great sense of humor, and a great pair of dancing feet!!! One of the best dance partners I have, no doubt, and surely someone I hope to keep in my life for years to come!
Well, this week brings a few changes. I begin my final music course on Monday. I will be a college graduate at the end of August!!! The cop's work schedule has changed again, so now we will both have Sundays off! I'm so excited. Now we have at least one day of the week when we can spend some quality time together. I have Wednesday night off this week. Guess what I'll be doing? That's right. I'll need the next three days to rest my feet, recuperate, and learn some new styling moves!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Coming soon to M&M
So, I'm an official Salsera, yes?? Ok!
I've been getting a few requests for salsa videos from partners that want to videotape themselves dancing with me! Me, of all dancers in my circle...and there are hundreds of us!
It's just what we do. We also take lots and lots of pictures, and lots of videos. So, since salsa has become a permanent part of my life, I figure I need to create a chronicle of this experience by taking pictures as well. I will post a few of them here. I will be traveling quite a bit very soon, and I'll be going to some of the hottest salsa spots in the country. So, be on the lookout for pictures of me and dance partners from all over the place. This should be fun!!!!
I've been getting a few requests for salsa videos from partners that want to videotape themselves dancing with me! Me, of all dancers in my circle...and there are hundreds of us!
It's just what we do. We also take lots and lots of pictures, and lots of videos. So, since salsa has become a permanent part of my life, I figure I need to create a chronicle of this experience by taking pictures as well. I will post a few of them here. I will be traveling quite a bit very soon, and I'll be going to some of the hottest salsa spots in the country. So, be on the lookout for pictures of me and dance partners from all over the place. This should be fun!!!!
Oh, and for the record...
Music History class is OVER!!!!!!! *Happy Dance*
Yes, I made it, with the grace and favor of God and all the energy and power of the universe. Sounds dramatic, but for real....seriously...
Aced the class, and now I am already in week two of Chemistry. I start my last music course in two weeks, and begin Organic Chemistry at the end of July.
Then, I can take a much needed break from all things school related until the end of January.
Ahhhhhh, life is good!
Yes, I made it, with the grace and favor of God and all the energy and power of the universe. Sounds dramatic, but for real....seriously...
Aced the class, and now I am already in week two of Chemistry. I start my last music course in two weeks, and begin Organic Chemistry at the end of July.
Then, I can take a much needed break from all things school related until the end of January.
Ahhhhhh, life is good!
Rollercoaster
Yep, I've been riding one since last week.
It all started when I got sick. I came down with a nasty, nasty cold early last week that knocked me off my feet. I only missed one day of work, but I slept so much it felt like I had missed a whole week. Ironically enough, I hate taking medications, so I took only what I needed to get through the week, and it helped tremendously. I still managed to go dancing Saturday night.
Well, I'm getting dressed to go to work yesterday, and the cop wakes up out of his sleep moaning and groaning. I walk in to check on him, and he begins to complain of dizziness. I initially thought he may be overheated; our apartment gets very hot in the summertime. When the dizziness returns, and is accompanied with profuse sweating and nystagmus (which I had never seen up close before), I know something more serious is wrong. Thank God we live literally two minutes away from the hospital.
So, the cop has vertigo. Scared the living daylights out of me. We had an excellent doctor working with us. I took mental notes as he performed the cop's physical examination. The medical interview was beautiful! Great open-ended answers, and great rapport with the patient. Within 5 minutes he had his diagnosis, and within 20 minutes we were headed to the pharmacy to fill prescriptions.
Needless to say, I didn't go to work last night. I'll be returning tonight. Word has it that census is low. I'm hoping this pick up. I need all the diseases, drugs, lab values and patient interaction that I can get. That sounds really selfish, doesn't it...
Work is still exciting, however, it becomes more and more mundane every day. I feel like I have all of this new knowledge and no license to use it. Very, very frustrating. My saving grace is knowing that at the end of this year, in 7 months, I will be in PA school studying all the diseases I see everyday, and learing how to treat them! How cool is that? I've been in contact with my school, and everything is set to go. I paid my deposit last Monday (YAY!!!!), so my seat has officially been set aside for me. What a relief!
In the meantime, it's work, eat, sleep (very little), and SALSA!!!! And not necessarily in that order!!
It all started when I got sick. I came down with a nasty, nasty cold early last week that knocked me off my feet. I only missed one day of work, but I slept so much it felt like I had missed a whole week. Ironically enough, I hate taking medications, so I took only what I needed to get through the week, and it helped tremendously. I still managed to go dancing Saturday night.
Well, I'm getting dressed to go to work yesterday, and the cop wakes up out of his sleep moaning and groaning. I walk in to check on him, and he begins to complain of dizziness. I initially thought he may be overheated; our apartment gets very hot in the summertime. When the dizziness returns, and is accompanied with profuse sweating and nystagmus (which I had never seen up close before), I know something more serious is wrong. Thank God we live literally two minutes away from the hospital.
So, the cop has vertigo. Scared the living daylights out of me. We had an excellent doctor working with us. I took mental notes as he performed the cop's physical examination. The medical interview was beautiful! Great open-ended answers, and great rapport with the patient. Within 5 minutes he had his diagnosis, and within 20 minutes we were headed to the pharmacy to fill prescriptions.
Needless to say, I didn't go to work last night. I'll be returning tonight. Word has it that census is low. I'm hoping this pick up. I need all the diseases, drugs, lab values and patient interaction that I can get. That sounds really selfish, doesn't it...
Work is still exciting, however, it becomes more and more mundane every day. I feel like I have all of this new knowledge and no license to use it. Very, very frustrating. My saving grace is knowing that at the end of this year, in 7 months, I will be in PA school studying all the diseases I see everyday, and learing how to treat them! How cool is that? I've been in contact with my school, and everything is set to go. I paid my deposit last Monday (YAY!!!!), so my seat has officially been set aside for me. What a relief!
In the meantime, it's work, eat, sleep (very little), and SALSA!!!! And not necessarily in that order!!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Hello? Anybody Home?
Is anyone reading this blog? I don't think so, but I sure have enjoyed writing. I don't write as much as I used to; school, work, and salsa are taking their toll on me, but I can't seem to sacrifice any one of them. I had a fabulous time this past weekend! I basically spent the majority of it in the ballroom dancing my butt off. It was great. Can't wait to do it all over again this weekend!
It's back to work tonight. They say Mondays are the hardest days. We return to work and have to get back into the groove. I enjoy Monday nights. I look forward to what awaits me there. Patient turnover in the ICU is a bit high. Some patients stay longer than others, of course, but for the most part we get 'em in and out ASAP. I always look forward to seeing what Mondays have in store for me. Things have been pretty mellow at work. No codes, no deaths, and no violent situations in about a week or two. For a while, that was all we were getting.
We got a middle aged man some weeks ago who put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger. Motive? He had been diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer, and didn't wish to contine with therapy. His wife heard the gunshot and ran into the room to find him on the floor in a pool of blood...alive. By the time he got to us he was a mess, obviously. I have never seen anything like this before: the entrance and exit wounds were clearly visible, and his eyes and face were severely swollen and blue. Needless to say, he didn't make it through the night. The very next night we had another patient who had come to us for respiratory failure secondary to a brain tumor. She suffered from mental retardation due to child abuse. To look at the young girl was to look at an angel. She was in her late twenties, but looked half that. She had become a ward of the state and was living in a nursing home when she fell ill. With no family and no friends at her bedside, she quietly passed away, clutching to a stuffed teddy bear. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
I'll tell anyone...working where I work -even as a low on the totem pole, know-nothing tech -is not easy. But so far, it has been one of the best things I've ever done. Yes, I have to commute almost an hour five days a week and lose sleep, but I believe once PA school starts, I will realize just how fundamental this position has been for me.
This week is all that stands between me and a final exam for my music history class. Then I start chemistry next week. The fun never ends! 7 months to go before PA school. I can't wait!
It's back to work tonight. They say Mondays are the hardest days. We return to work and have to get back into the groove. I enjoy Monday nights. I look forward to what awaits me there. Patient turnover in the ICU is a bit high. Some patients stay longer than others, of course, but for the most part we get 'em in and out ASAP. I always look forward to seeing what Mondays have in store for me. Things have been pretty mellow at work. No codes, no deaths, and no violent situations in about a week or two. For a while, that was all we were getting.
We got a middle aged man some weeks ago who put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger. Motive? He had been diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer, and didn't wish to contine with therapy. His wife heard the gunshot and ran into the room to find him on the floor in a pool of blood...alive. By the time he got to us he was a mess, obviously. I have never seen anything like this before: the entrance and exit wounds were clearly visible, and his eyes and face were severely swollen and blue. Needless to say, he didn't make it through the night. The very next night we had another patient who had come to us for respiratory failure secondary to a brain tumor. She suffered from mental retardation due to child abuse. To look at the young girl was to look at an angel. She was in her late twenties, but looked half that. She had become a ward of the state and was living in a nursing home when she fell ill. With no family and no friends at her bedside, she quietly passed away, clutching to a stuffed teddy bear. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
I'll tell anyone...working where I work -even as a low on the totem pole, know-nothing tech -is not easy. But so far, it has been one of the best things I've ever done. Yes, I have to commute almost an hour five days a week and lose sleep, but I believe once PA school starts, I will realize just how fundamental this position has been for me.
This week is all that stands between me and a final exam for my music history class. Then I start chemistry next week. The fun never ends! 7 months to go before PA school. I can't wait!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Update 2
Wow, time is surely flying by. I haven't done a great job with keeping up with this blog. My life has been so busy lately.
For starters, work continues to be a challenge. I'm still enjoying the job and the night schedule, but all I do is sleep all day long when I get home. It doesn't leave much time for cooking, cleaning, and spending time with my husband. Good thing the cop works at night, too. At least we can go to sleep together! I continue to learn more and more everyday at work. The nurses have come to know my work ethic, and they are learning to trust me. I remove lines, catheters, draw flushes, and participate in codes on a regular basis now. I've come a long way in 5 months. I was voted employee of the month this month...can you believe that? 5 months in, and I'm employee of the month. It is quite an honor! I hope I can live up to it. Most people at work now know that I will begin PA school in the spring. They are genuinely happy for me, I think. The hardest part for me is being 'just a tech.' As smart as the nurses think I am, I am nothing more than the tech that assists them. Sure, I can carry conversations with them, and they come to me and ask me questions, but I'm still just the tech. It's hard playing this role, especially when I am in such a great learning environment.
I'm blessed to be in a job that allows me to read the history, physical, labs and progress notes on every patient in the unit. Everyday I see something new, learn a new drug or disease. I am constantly writing in my notebook. The nurses let me ask them questions, and I peer over their shoulders as they start IV's and change dressings. As a tech, I don't think it gets any better than this. This is precisely what I need before going off to school.
Working in the ICU forces one to become intimately acquainted with death, also. From time to time I flip through the discharge notebook, and it amazes me how many patients we lose each week. I try to put myself in the mix of every code; I think it is important that I deal with death now rather than later. When I become the decision maker, I can't crack under the pressure just because I see someone dying before my eyes. On the other hand, I can't allow myself to become too cold, too rigid, that I lose my sense of empathy and compassion. It is a thin line to walk.
I've been working lots of hours lately for two reasons: to save money for school, and to surprise my husband with a weekend getaway for his 30th birthday. We depart today for 4 days in the mountains. The cop works way too hard. I really want to wow him and show him just how much he is appreciated and loved. If a cabin in the mountains, a personal chef and a day at the spa doesn't convince him, I don't know what will. We both need the rest, really. I can't wait to climb into that hot tub, sip Greek wine, read a book, watch the sunset, and stuff myself with as much birthday cake as I can. Might as well enjoy it...it will be over before we know it.
I have so many stories to share relating to work and the patients and medical staff I work with on a daily basis. Perhaps after this trip, my mind will be clear enough to begin blogging these stories. As of now, the mountains await us!
For starters, work continues to be a challenge. I'm still enjoying the job and the night schedule, but all I do is sleep all day long when I get home. It doesn't leave much time for cooking, cleaning, and spending time with my husband. Good thing the cop works at night, too. At least we can go to sleep together! I continue to learn more and more everyday at work. The nurses have come to know my work ethic, and they are learning to trust me. I remove lines, catheters, draw flushes, and participate in codes on a regular basis now. I've come a long way in 5 months. I was voted employee of the month this month...can you believe that? 5 months in, and I'm employee of the month. It is quite an honor! I hope I can live up to it. Most people at work now know that I will begin PA school in the spring. They are genuinely happy for me, I think. The hardest part for me is being 'just a tech.' As smart as the nurses think I am, I am nothing more than the tech that assists them. Sure, I can carry conversations with them, and they come to me and ask me questions, but I'm still just the tech. It's hard playing this role, especially when I am in such a great learning environment.
I'm blessed to be in a job that allows me to read the history, physical, labs and progress notes on every patient in the unit. Everyday I see something new, learn a new drug or disease. I am constantly writing in my notebook. The nurses let me ask them questions, and I peer over their shoulders as they start IV's and change dressings. As a tech, I don't think it gets any better than this. This is precisely what I need before going off to school.
Working in the ICU forces one to become intimately acquainted with death, also. From time to time I flip through the discharge notebook, and it amazes me how many patients we lose each week. I try to put myself in the mix of every code; I think it is important that I deal with death now rather than later. When I become the decision maker, I can't crack under the pressure just because I see someone dying before my eyes. On the other hand, I can't allow myself to become too cold, too rigid, that I lose my sense of empathy and compassion. It is a thin line to walk.
I've been working lots of hours lately for two reasons: to save money for school, and to surprise my husband with a weekend getaway for his 30th birthday. We depart today for 4 days in the mountains. The cop works way too hard. I really want to wow him and show him just how much he is appreciated and loved. If a cabin in the mountains, a personal chef and a day at the spa doesn't convince him, I don't know what will. We both need the rest, really. I can't wait to climb into that hot tub, sip Greek wine, read a book, watch the sunset, and stuff myself with as much birthday cake as I can. Might as well enjoy it...it will be over before we know it.
I have so many stories to share relating to work and the patients and medical staff I work with on a daily basis. Perhaps after this trip, my mind will be clear enough to begin blogging these stories. As of now, the mountains await us!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Update 1
Hey, folks!
I can't believe it's been a month since I last wrote. I've been terribly busy with life lately. Lots of exciting this have been happening. To make better sense of it all, I think I will submit a few entries instead of cramming it all into one.
I am officially a salsera! Yeah, I know this blog is supposed to be about PA school, but even that has taken a temporary backseat to dancing! It's been almost two months since my first salsa bootcamp, and I've been consistently dancing ever since! I LOVE SALSA DANCING! I don't know why it took me so long to jump on this bandwagon.
I pretty much go every weekend to one social or another. In my area, there is a solid community of dancers who are faithful dancers. You see the same folks, dance with the same folks, and become friends with lots of people. What I like most about it is that, for the most part, no one is looking to hook up. These are die hard dancers who simply enjoy the dance, the music, and the social setting. It's been a great outlet for me. I work hard all week knowing that on Saturday I get to dance the night away, and Sunday I get to go to my salsa lessons. I've even located the salsa spots in the town where I'll be going to school. I just hope I'll have the time to continue dancing while I'm away. It sure would make a great outlet! Okay enough rambling abot this stuff. There's lots more to write about.
I can't believe it's been a month since I last wrote. I've been terribly busy with life lately. Lots of exciting this have been happening. To make better sense of it all, I think I will submit a few entries instead of cramming it all into one.
I am officially a salsera! Yeah, I know this blog is supposed to be about PA school, but even that has taken a temporary backseat to dancing! It's been almost two months since my first salsa bootcamp, and I've been consistently dancing ever since! I LOVE SALSA DANCING! I don't know why it took me so long to jump on this bandwagon.
I pretty much go every weekend to one social or another. In my area, there is a solid community of dancers who are faithful dancers. You see the same folks, dance with the same folks, and become friends with lots of people. What I like most about it is that, for the most part, no one is looking to hook up. These are die hard dancers who simply enjoy the dance, the music, and the social setting. It's been a great outlet for me. I work hard all week knowing that on Saturday I get to dance the night away, and Sunday I get to go to my salsa lessons. I've even located the salsa spots in the town where I'll be going to school. I just hope I'll have the time to continue dancing while I'm away. It sure would make a great outlet! Okay enough rambling abot this stuff. There's lots more to write about.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Time Flies
We are approaching the middle of March already. Where is the time going to?
I'm pretty exhausted this week. I picked up an extra 12 hour shift for a coworker this weekend, and have another scheduled this Thursday in addition to my regular work schedule! Hey, I'm gonna need the money, and I might as well start saving now! Nothing too interesting going on lately, but we did end up losing a patient that I grew attached to. Sweet guy...just too much drinking and smoking.
In other news, I seem to have found something else to occupy what little time I have. Salsa dancing! I've been going every weekend for the past month, and I love it! The music, the culture, the dance...it's all me! Too bad the cop isn't interested in practicing as much as I am. Oh well...finding a dance partner is the least of my worries. We have a pretty big salsa scene in my town, and lots of socials every week. You tend to see the same faces and dance with the same people. I can't wait to go this Saturday. I'm taking a class on spins and turns, then going to a social that night!
I'm pretty exhausted this week. I picked up an extra 12 hour shift for a coworker this weekend, and have another scheduled this Thursday in addition to my regular work schedule! Hey, I'm gonna need the money, and I might as well start saving now! Nothing too interesting going on lately, but we did end up losing a patient that I grew attached to. Sweet guy...just too much drinking and smoking.
In other news, I seem to have found something else to occupy what little time I have. Salsa dancing! I've been going every weekend for the past month, and I love it! The music, the culture, the dance...it's all me! Too bad the cop isn't interested in practicing as much as I am. Oh well...finding a dance partner is the least of my worries. We have a pretty big salsa scene in my town, and lots of socials every week. You tend to see the same faces and dance with the same people. I can't wait to go this Saturday. I'm taking a class on spins and turns, then going to a social that night!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
A First
I'm moving up the food chain, folks. Today, I got to remove a Port a Cath from a patient!!!
The patient expired shortly after I arrived to work. She was very, very ill, with a laundry list of illnesses and conditions. Thankfully, the family decided to take her off of life support and let her go.
She had two indwelling lines; one for dialysis and the other for the numerous blood gases, draws, and medications. The nurse offered to have me d/c the lines, and I jumped at the opportunity. I got to cut the sutures and yank the line right out without much blood. The second line was not so kind to me.
This catheter had been in so long that the skin surrounding it had adhered to it. No matter how hard I pulled, it wouldn't budge. Needless to say, I had to cut into her skin to loosen the catheter, and it was only when the nurse used a scaffold that it came gliding out. No blood!
Now, I've always said I would never be interested in surgery. I think last night may have sparked an interest! We will see!
The patient expired shortly after I arrived to work. She was very, very ill, with a laundry list of illnesses and conditions. Thankfully, the family decided to take her off of life support and let her go.
She had two indwelling lines; one for dialysis and the other for the numerous blood gases, draws, and medications. The nurse offered to have me d/c the lines, and I jumped at the opportunity. I got to cut the sutures and yank the line right out without much blood. The second line was not so kind to me.
This catheter had been in so long that the skin surrounding it had adhered to it. No matter how hard I pulled, it wouldn't budge. Needless to say, I had to cut into her skin to loosen the catheter, and it was only when the nurse used a scaffold that it came gliding out. No blood!
Now, I've always said I would never be interested in surgery. I think last night may have sparked an interest! We will see!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Two Words
Fournier's Gangrene!
I remember hearing about a case of this on the unit, but I didn't get to see it. Well, last night I got well acquainted with it. I think it is, to date, the most fascinating, gruesome, eye popping, awesome disease process I have seen. I got lucky, really! I just happened to walk to another unit to see if I could be of any assistance. One nurse, Chad, was preparing to give a bath, but needed to do a dressing change first. When I saw the site of the dressing change, I knew I had struck gold! What lay behind the mass of ABD pads and saline-soaked gauze was a bout of gangrene that left the poor patients left testicle totally exposed.
The doctors had debrided the wound yesterday, and removed so much necrotizing flesh that today I was able to observe the left spermatic cords' descent through the internal oblique! I was so shocked to see real live anatomy that I began to call everything out by name as I saw it. It was a remarkable specimen to see, but unfortunately this poor patient is not doing well, and will probably have to go back in for more debridement.
That pretty much sums up my night! We did loose a patient sometime after I got off work last night, and we are sure to lose a few more when their families come to grips with their loved ones' demise. It's a sad, sad thing...death. C'est la vie.
I remember hearing about a case of this on the unit, but I didn't get to see it. Well, last night I got well acquainted with it. I think it is, to date, the most fascinating, gruesome, eye popping, awesome disease process I have seen. I got lucky, really! I just happened to walk to another unit to see if I could be of any assistance. One nurse, Chad, was preparing to give a bath, but needed to do a dressing change first. When I saw the site of the dressing change, I knew I had struck gold! What lay behind the mass of ABD pads and saline-soaked gauze was a bout of gangrene that left the poor patients left testicle totally exposed.
The doctors had debrided the wound yesterday, and removed so much necrotizing flesh that today I was able to observe the left spermatic cords' descent through the internal oblique! I was so shocked to see real live anatomy that I began to call everything out by name as I saw it. It was a remarkable specimen to see, but unfortunately this poor patient is not doing well, and will probably have to go back in for more debridement.
That pretty much sums up my night! We did loose a patient sometime after I got off work last night, and we are sure to lose a few more when their families come to grips with their loved ones' demise. It's a sad, sad thing...death. C'est la vie.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Goodbye, February!
Wow...is it me, or does it seem like the months are flying by. March is just a few days away!
Great night last night on the unit. Lots of interesting cases: 18 y0 overdose, acute MI, syncope with PVC's, multisystem organ failure, and DKA. I'm learning lots!
I mustered up the energy to go to the gym after work. Today was leg day. Ugh! But it was one of the most intense workouts I've had in a while. I needed it badly! Threw in bi's and tri's since I skipped out on in last week. I'm feeling pretty good now. Let's see how I feel at work tonight!
Great night last night on the unit. Lots of interesting cases: 18 y0 overdose, acute MI, syncope with PVC's, multisystem organ failure, and DKA. I'm learning lots!
I mustered up the energy to go to the gym after work. Today was leg day. Ugh! But it was one of the most intense workouts I've had in a while. I needed it badly! Threw in bi's and tri's since I skipped out on in last week. I'm feeling pretty good now. Let's see how I feel at work tonight!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Change of Heart
LOL...no not about that. Are you kidding me!
Part of the reason why I took this new job is that it's located in one of the most beautiful areas in my state. I love southern living! I love rolling hills, cows and horses, and homes with land! All of this is a plenty in the town where I work. I can easily see myself working hard in the hospital, rounding on my patients, running the local clinic, and playing just as hard at home with the cop and Linc. But my dream is crumbling before my eyes.
It's becoming obvious to me that my hospital is run by the nurses. And PAs are at the bottom of the totem pole. I work at night, so I don't get a chance to see them rounding in the mornings. The NP's there greatly outnumber the PAs, and they are more office assistants than practitioners. I refuse to work in that capacity, and I don't know if I have the energy or the time for being the first PA to really be utilized properly. That's an uphill battle that I'm not willing to fight, and my first few years as a PA should be about getting my skills up to snuff. Once I pass the PANCE I may have a different outlook. But it sure would be nice to hit the ground running in a practice that knows what a PA is and how they are used. The cop says if the right opportunity comes along, he is willing to move anywhere after I graduate! Sweet!
Part of the reason why I took this new job is that it's located in one of the most beautiful areas in my state. I love southern living! I love rolling hills, cows and horses, and homes with land! All of this is a plenty in the town where I work. I can easily see myself working hard in the hospital, rounding on my patients, running the local clinic, and playing just as hard at home with the cop and Linc. But my dream is crumbling before my eyes.
It's becoming obvious to me that my hospital is run by the nurses. And PAs are at the bottom of the totem pole. I work at night, so I don't get a chance to see them rounding in the mornings. The NP's there greatly outnumber the PAs, and they are more office assistants than practitioners. I refuse to work in that capacity, and I don't know if I have the energy or the time for being the first PA to really be utilized properly. That's an uphill battle that I'm not willing to fight, and my first few years as a PA should be about getting my skills up to snuff. Once I pass the PANCE I may have a different outlook. But it sure would be nice to hit the ground running in a practice that knows what a PA is and how they are used. The cop says if the right opportunity comes along, he is willing to move anywhere after I graduate! Sweet!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Patients And Their Families
Back to work tonight! I'm looking forward to it. Last week was CRAZY! Lots of admissions, not too many sad stories, but lots of drama to make up for it!
I'm beginning to realize just how much families can interfere with the care of a loved one. We had several instances like this last week, but one stands out above all others. We had a patient come in with respiratory failure. He was ventilated and subsequently trached. His family was outrageous. Two by two, they would switch "shifts" with one another to make sure the patient has someone in the room with him at ALL times. They kept a detailed notebook of drugs given, for what purpose they were given, the name of the nurse or repiratory therapist that administered those drugs, and names of all techs (including me). They refused to let us turn the patient because it would cause him pain, even after being told that this would surely cause skin breakdown. They would run out to the nurses station anytime they felt a vital sign was too low, or when the monitor alarms went off. They demanded the patient be given his pain meds well before it was time. And they hovered over anyone who was rendering care to the patient, even to the point of becoming a hazard. They were unbearable. Furthermore, they somehow got the doctor to order the presence of a family member in the patients room at all times. There was nothing we could do to get rid of them. What makes all this so bad is the patient was one of the sweetest I've had since I started working there. He was in horrible pain, but always managed to smile and crack jokes. I loved him, but hated his family.
I wish families would understand why their loved one is in ICU to begin with. When one walks into the ICU, 1) they are usually very sick, and 2) require special care that requires lots of knowledge and expertise. If this patients family felt they had the expertise to take care of him, why didn't they discharge him and take him home???
I think what made me more upset is the lack of authority on the part of the nurses. Not once did they sit down and talk to the family about their behavior. Not once did they draw the line. I can only recall two people who made it clear in one way or another that the family needed back off: me, and only one nurse! I know this is risky business. I know the family thought they knew what was best. But clear lines must be drawn when it comes to rendering care. And if anyone gets in the way of that, we have a problem. The night techs rotate units every week, so fortunately, I will not have to deal with this family anymore. But as the saying goes, the grass is NEVER greener on the other side!!!
I'm beginning to realize just how much families can interfere with the care of a loved one. We had several instances like this last week, but one stands out above all others. We had a patient come in with respiratory failure. He was ventilated and subsequently trached. His family was outrageous. Two by two, they would switch "shifts" with one another to make sure the patient has someone in the room with him at ALL times. They kept a detailed notebook of drugs given, for what purpose they were given, the name of the nurse or repiratory therapist that administered those drugs, and names of all techs (including me). They refused to let us turn the patient because it would cause him pain, even after being told that this would surely cause skin breakdown. They would run out to the nurses station anytime they felt a vital sign was too low, or when the monitor alarms went off. They demanded the patient be given his pain meds well before it was time. And they hovered over anyone who was rendering care to the patient, even to the point of becoming a hazard. They were unbearable. Furthermore, they somehow got the doctor to order the presence of a family member in the patients room at all times. There was nothing we could do to get rid of them. What makes all this so bad is the patient was one of the sweetest I've had since I started working there. He was in horrible pain, but always managed to smile and crack jokes. I loved him, but hated his family.
I wish families would understand why their loved one is in ICU to begin with. When one walks into the ICU, 1) they are usually very sick, and 2) require special care that requires lots of knowledge and expertise. If this patients family felt they had the expertise to take care of him, why didn't they discharge him and take him home???
I think what made me more upset is the lack of authority on the part of the nurses. Not once did they sit down and talk to the family about their behavior. Not once did they draw the line. I can only recall two people who made it clear in one way or another that the family needed back off: me, and only one nurse! I know this is risky business. I know the family thought they knew what was best. But clear lines must be drawn when it comes to rendering care. And if anyone gets in the way of that, we have a problem. The night techs rotate units every week, so fortunately, I will not have to deal with this family anymore. But as the saying goes, the grass is NEVER greener on the other side!!!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy V-Day
It's a bit gloomy in my part of the world, but it's still been such a lovely day.
The cop and I went out for breakfast this morning, then went horseback riding. The sun came out for a bit, and we were able to get some great pictures! Tonight we are going out for dinner! And dare I sa the cop managed to plan all of this on his own. There is a God!
I go back to work tomorrow night to work a 12 hour shift. After today, we could use the overtime pay, and hopefully there will be some interesting cases to read up on. Time flies, so enough about work for now. I'm off to continue celebrating this day of love and happiness. Cheers to you all!
The cop and I went out for breakfast this morning, then went horseback riding. The sun came out for a bit, and we were able to get some great pictures! Tonight we are going out for dinner! And dare I sa the cop managed to plan all of this on his own. There is a God!
I go back to work tomorrow night to work a 12 hour shift. After today, we could use the overtime pay, and hopefully there will be some interesting cases to read up on. Time flies, so enough about work for now. I'm off to continue celebrating this day of love and happiness. Cheers to you all!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
First Day of School
Yes, I'm a student once again! But this time, the material isn't nearly as interesting.
I began taking my Music History course for my degree yesterday. I can't say I'm excited about taking it; I just want to do well and get my degree at the end of the summer. I had another great weekend! I surprised the cop with salsa lessons, dinner at a restaurant downtown, and salsa dancing afterwards. It was great! My feet still hurt. I can honestly say I have found another love! As soon as I got home, I ordered some ballroom shoes. The cop got us some DVD's so we can improve our dancing skills, and we are planning on going to our next salsa social in a few weeks. I can't wait!
Work is still going well. I think my secret may be out, though. I'll write more about that later. There have been lots of interesting cases lately: the DKA guy who made a complete turnaround, the ruptered pancreatic pseudocyst that led to sepsis, and the brain dead paraplegic that is having her organs procured as I write. Lots of learning opportunities for me, that's for sure.
Well, there's not much else to write today. I'm exhausted, so I'll call it a day.
I began taking my Music History course for my degree yesterday. I can't say I'm excited about taking it; I just want to do well and get my degree at the end of the summer. I had another great weekend! I surprised the cop with salsa lessons, dinner at a restaurant downtown, and salsa dancing afterwards. It was great! My feet still hurt. I can honestly say I have found another love! As soon as I got home, I ordered some ballroom shoes. The cop got us some DVD's so we can improve our dancing skills, and we are planning on going to our next salsa social in a few weeks. I can't wait!
Work is still going well. I think my secret may be out, though. I'll write more about that later. There have been lots of interesting cases lately: the DKA guy who made a complete turnaround, the ruptered pancreatic pseudocyst that led to sepsis, and the brain dead paraplegic that is having her organs procured as I write. Lots of learning opportunities for me, that's for sure.
Well, there's not much else to write today. I'm exhausted, so I'll call it a day.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Back to Work
I had a blast this weekend! Spent time with my sister, went to the doggy park with Linc and the cop, and got some much needed rest. Tonight, I return to work. I'm looking forward to it.
I've been really successful with keeping this PA school thing under wraps. I don't know how much longer I will be able to do so, though. I've been searching for a list of PAs that work at my hospital, and it had been an uphill climb until late last week, when I make a contact in the Medical Services office who has a complete list of PAs that she is willing to share! Furthermore, she made it sound like they would be more than willing to let me shadow.
SUCCESS!!!!!!
So, tomorrow morning before I head home, I'll be stopping by to get that list, and then I hope to begin shadowing soon. I really miss it.
Also, I begin school on the 9th! Music History...what fun. NOT! The only thing that excites me about thsi course is that it brings me one step closer to completing my degree. I can't wait to get it over with.
I've been really successful with keeping this PA school thing under wraps. I don't know how much longer I will be able to do so, though. I've been searching for a list of PAs that work at my hospital, and it had been an uphill climb until late last week, when I make a contact in the Medical Services office who has a complete list of PAs that she is willing to share! Furthermore, she made it sound like they would be more than willing to let me shadow.
SUCCESS!!!!!!
So, tomorrow morning before I head home, I'll be stopping by to get that list, and then I hope to begin shadowing soon. I really miss it.
Also, I begin school on the 9th! Music History...what fun. NOT! The only thing that excites me about thsi course is that it brings me one step closer to completing my degree. I can't wait to get it over with.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Long Night
Boy, was it ever!!! And to make matters worse, it was dead silence throughout the unit. No action, no codes, no glucose readings, very little talking, and...I forgot to take a book with me! So, I was stuck reading the online journals and the medical dictionaries. Yep, that makes me an even bigger nerd!
I guess I earned it after a night like the night before. One of our patients coded three times in a matter of an hour. And as the saying goes, three times is a charm. It was a tragic case: sepsis, end stage renal failure, CHF, and a recent MI. The prognosis was poor from the beginning, but her two sons requested that everything be done for her. So, we coded, and coded...and coded again, to no avail.
The whole night I felt a sense of urgency. Even in the cafeteria on my lunch break, I was scarfing food down my throat trying to get back to the unit. I kept telling myself that I didn't want to miss out on anything. Sure enough, when I turned the corner to enter the unit, the nurse yells, "Call a code!" She and I were the only two there! As I ran to the adjacent unit to get the code box, 4 nurses ran in the opposite direction to offer their help. Within seconds respiratory, the time keeper, and the ER docs were there. It was a circus. To make the night even more interesting, we had a non-compliant NIDDM/HTN patient with an intracranial hemorrhage right nextdoor. It's unfortunate that we had to put her through all of that. The prognosis was so poor, and she had even mentioned to one of her family members weeks prior that she was tired of fighting. I left work so drained that I skipped the gym, went home and got right into bed. As for the NIDDM patient, she passed away a few hours after shift change.
In comparison to yesterday, tonight was an absolute bust. Just mind-numbing silence, and no responsibilities whatsoever. Well, at least I earned it honestly! What's certain is that there is another hectic night just around the corner! I can't wait!
I guess I earned it after a night like the night before. One of our patients coded three times in a matter of an hour. And as the saying goes, three times is a charm. It was a tragic case: sepsis, end stage renal failure, CHF, and a recent MI. The prognosis was poor from the beginning, but her two sons requested that everything be done for her. So, we coded, and coded...and coded again, to no avail.
The whole night I felt a sense of urgency. Even in the cafeteria on my lunch break, I was scarfing food down my throat trying to get back to the unit. I kept telling myself that I didn't want to miss out on anything. Sure enough, when I turned the corner to enter the unit, the nurse yells, "Call a code!" She and I were the only two there! As I ran to the adjacent unit to get the code box, 4 nurses ran in the opposite direction to offer their help. Within seconds respiratory, the time keeper, and the ER docs were there. It was a circus. To make the night even more interesting, we had a non-compliant NIDDM/HTN patient with an intracranial hemorrhage right nextdoor. It's unfortunate that we had to put her through all of that. The prognosis was so poor, and she had even mentioned to one of her family members weeks prior that she was tired of fighting. I left work so drained that I skipped the gym, went home and got right into bed. As for the NIDDM patient, she passed away a few hours after shift change.
In comparison to yesterday, tonight was an absolute bust. Just mind-numbing silence, and no responsibilities whatsoever. Well, at least I earned it honestly! What's certain is that there is another hectic night just around the corner! I can't wait!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
America's Next Top Tenor
I've just returned from seeing Lawrence Brownlee in recital with Martin Katz. Both singer and accompanist are two of the world's most talented artists, and I am so happy that I got a chance to see them perform.
I almost didn't make it to the concert tonight. I've been so tired lately with work and responsibilities at home, but I knew this was a recital I could not miss. I've been a fan of Brownlee for some time. To hear his recordings is to be mesmerized, but to see him in person is quite a different experience altogether! His voice is so pure and seamless, and he's a fantastic actor! I would love to see him perform in the opera house. What's remarkable is that he is quite young, but his technique and stage presence are that of a seasoned professional. He IS a seasoned professional, I guess, when you take into account his CV and performance history.
You know you've been a part of something special when it brings tears to your eyes, and you leave the venue emotionally spent. I look forward to seeing him perform again soon!
I almost didn't make it to the concert tonight. I've been so tired lately with work and responsibilities at home, but I knew this was a recital I could not miss. I've been a fan of Brownlee for some time. To hear his recordings is to be mesmerized, but to see him in person is quite a different experience altogether! His voice is so pure and seamless, and he's a fantastic actor! I would love to see him perform in the opera house. What's remarkable is that he is quite young, but his technique and stage presence are that of a seasoned professional. He IS a seasoned professional, I guess, when you take into account his CV and performance history.
You know you've been a part of something special when it brings tears to your eyes, and you leave the venue emotionally spent. I look forward to seeing him perform again soon!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
TGIF
Yep, thank God it's Friday....or Saturday. I'm still trying to adjust to the whole working nights thing!
I've practically slept the whole day away, but at least I don't have to go to work tonight. Not that I mind at all...I love my job! We had a code towards the end of the shift last night. Poor guy had been combative all day, trying to work himself out of his restraints, and tearing his skin in the process. His wife passed away a few weeks ago, and not too long after, he was brought to the hospital with a temperature of 88 and a pulse of 15!!!
The children, still grieving over the loss of their mother, wanted a full code if something were to go wrong, and that's exactly what he got. He stopped breathing first, then went into V tach...after a few rounds of amiodarone and an ETT, he was stable but unresponsive.
This guy clearly doesn't want to be here. He is grieving over the death of his wife, and has no desire to live without her. I can understand the children's grief, but why make this man suffer any longer? When all the vital signs are leaning towards death, why prolong it? If the tubes were pulled and the warming blanket were removed, he wouldn't be alive! I doubt he will survive the weekend.
Ironically, for both father and child, love IS the most powerful force on earth.
I've practically slept the whole day away, but at least I don't have to go to work tonight. Not that I mind at all...I love my job! We had a code towards the end of the shift last night. Poor guy had been combative all day, trying to work himself out of his restraints, and tearing his skin in the process. His wife passed away a few weeks ago, and not too long after, he was brought to the hospital with a temperature of 88 and a pulse of 15!!!
The children, still grieving over the loss of their mother, wanted a full code if something were to go wrong, and that's exactly what he got. He stopped breathing first, then went into V tach...after a few rounds of amiodarone and an ETT, he was stable but unresponsive.
This guy clearly doesn't want to be here. He is grieving over the death of his wife, and has no desire to live without her. I can understand the children's grief, but why make this man suffer any longer? When all the vital signs are leaning towards death, why prolong it? If the tubes were pulled and the warming blanket were removed, he wouldn't be alive! I doubt he will survive the weekend.
Ironically, for both father and child, love IS the most powerful force on earth.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Full House
All beds are full once again. I must admit, it's been pretty low key lately; no codes, no deaths, and that's a good thing! What's the purpose of Western medicine if lives are not being saved?
We do have some interesting cases going on, though: thrombotic thrombocytopenia pupura, subdural hematoma acquired during sexual intercourse (I lie not!), and my personal favorite, Fournier's gangrene. I just found out that this guy has been with us for about two days. While speaking to another tech, she informed me that she got a chance to sit in on the debridement of the man's scrotum. He was so drugged up, however, that he was smiling and winking the entire time. Needless to say, she had to excuse herself. So...I'll be making my way to his room tonight in hopes of getting a glimpse of THAT!!!!
Coolest thing so far this week: standing bedside as the neurosurgeon performed a stat ventriculostomy on the SDH guy. Talk about AMAZING! I got as close as I could without contaminating the sterile field. I'm hoping this guy pulls through, but it's not looking good.
There's always a gleam of doubt when you're switching from one profession to the other. I often wondered if medicine was really the career for me. Sure, it seems interesting enough, but will my curiosity and love for learning leave me one day? It was paramount that I leave long term care in order to find the answers to these questions. Despite the good days, the sad days, and the slow days I can honestly say I have made the right decision! I am so happy to finally be on the right track in my life.
We do have some interesting cases going on, though: thrombotic thrombocytopenia pupura, subdural hematoma acquired during sexual intercourse (I lie not!), and my personal favorite, Fournier's gangrene. I just found out that this guy has been with us for about two days. While speaking to another tech, she informed me that she got a chance to sit in on the debridement of the man's scrotum. He was so drugged up, however, that he was smiling and winking the entire time. Needless to say, she had to excuse herself. So...I'll be making my way to his room tonight in hopes of getting a glimpse of THAT!!!!
Coolest thing so far this week: standing bedside as the neurosurgeon performed a stat ventriculostomy on the SDH guy. Talk about AMAZING! I got as close as I could without contaminating the sterile field. I'm hoping this guy pulls through, but it's not looking good.
There's always a gleam of doubt when you're switching from one profession to the other. I often wondered if medicine was really the career for me. Sure, it seems interesting enough, but will my curiosity and love for learning leave me one day? It was paramount that I leave long term care in order to find the answers to these questions. Despite the good days, the sad days, and the slow days I can honestly say I have made the right decision! I am so happy to finally be on the right track in my life.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Very First Code
Last night has been the busiest so far. Although 3 of my 12 beds were empty, the events of the night kept me more than busy. Being busy is relative...my new job still can't compete with the amount of running, lifting, turning, pushing, and sweating that I had to do in long term care.
We've lost quite a few folks lately. I'm finding that in intesive care, and perhaps in all areas of medicine and surgery, you see lots of the same: respiratory failure, renal failure, MRSA, HIV, diabetic ketoacidosis, overdose. Perhaps part of becoming a strong nurse/doctor/respiratory therapist/PA is being subjected to the same diagnoses, and in turn, similar prognoses, drugs, complications. I find myself writing down things I'm not familiar with...mostly treatments and drugs. Last night, I became familiar with atropine and epinephrine.
Mr. A had come in two days earlier for only God knows what. I never could get my hands on his chart. Either the nurse had it, or it was nowhere to be found. You could tell he was sick just by looking at him: xanthoderma, anxious, restless, distended abdomen, not to mention the bloody stools that I helped clean up. He just had the look. His nurse, Tina, called his coding a few hours before he went into asystole. Once the code was announced, herds of people from all over the hospital came to pitch in. Respiratory, nurses, the resident, the doctor, and little ole me! Can you imagine 15+ people in a tiny room, moving around like ants in an ant farm? That's what it was like.
The nurses and therapists took turns performing CPR, and Tina prepared the atropine and epi. One round of drugs after another were administered, and Mr. A toggled between V fib. and asystole, his body bouncing off the table with every compression. The nurse mentioned that he could feel the ribs cracking beneath his hands. After four rounds of medications and no change in cardiac rhythm, the doctor called it.
Codes are nothing like television makes them out to be. There was no yelling, no passionate plea for Mr. A to pull through. On the contrary, there was laughter, idle chit chat, and smiling. Immediately after pronouncing him, everyone left as quickly as they arrived. Tina, myself, and the other nurses on the unit were left behind to clean up the mess. Overall, I think I did well for my first code. I didn't cry when Mr. A passed, and I didn't run out of the room when, while assisting the nurse with removing the backboard, a melodious sound of air escaped from his throat. I did, however, learn that Mr. A died a lonely man, estranged from his family, and befriended by a certain "colleague" who was his power of attorney.
Only two weeks on the job, and so many lessons have been learned. This is the kind of stuff I need to see and experience before the end of the year.
We've lost quite a few folks lately. I'm finding that in intesive care, and perhaps in all areas of medicine and surgery, you see lots of the same: respiratory failure, renal failure, MRSA, HIV, diabetic ketoacidosis, overdose. Perhaps part of becoming a strong nurse/doctor/respiratory therapist/PA is being subjected to the same diagnoses, and in turn, similar prognoses, drugs, complications. I find myself writing down things I'm not familiar with...mostly treatments and drugs. Last night, I became familiar with atropine and epinephrine.
Mr. A had come in two days earlier for only God knows what. I never could get my hands on his chart. Either the nurse had it, or it was nowhere to be found. You could tell he was sick just by looking at him: xanthoderma, anxious, restless, distended abdomen, not to mention the bloody stools that I helped clean up. He just had the look. His nurse, Tina, called his coding a few hours before he went into asystole. Once the code was announced, herds of people from all over the hospital came to pitch in. Respiratory, nurses, the resident, the doctor, and little ole me! Can you imagine 15+ people in a tiny room, moving around like ants in an ant farm? That's what it was like.
The nurses and therapists took turns performing CPR, and Tina prepared the atropine and epi. One round of drugs after another were administered, and Mr. A toggled between V fib. and asystole, his body bouncing off the table with every compression. The nurse mentioned that he could feel the ribs cracking beneath his hands. After four rounds of medications and no change in cardiac rhythm, the doctor called it.
Codes are nothing like television makes them out to be. There was no yelling, no passionate plea for Mr. A to pull through. On the contrary, there was laughter, idle chit chat, and smiling. Immediately after pronouncing him, everyone left as quickly as they arrived. Tina, myself, and the other nurses on the unit were left behind to clean up the mess. Overall, I think I did well for my first code. I didn't cry when Mr. A passed, and I didn't run out of the room when, while assisting the nurse with removing the backboard, a melodious sound of air escaped from his throat. I did, however, learn that Mr. A died a lonely man, estranged from his family, and befriended by a certain "colleague" who was his power of attorney.
Only two weeks on the job, and so many lessons have been learned. This is the kind of stuff I need to see and experience before the end of the year.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Dead Man Living
While attending to Mr. Steven's oral care, I studied his face. Here is a relatively young man whose body is riddled with lines, needles, tubes of various sizes, all of which are trying to sustain his life. He looked defeated. He looked tired. But I still tried to offer him some positive words. I wished him happy birthday (he celebrated his 67th), and as I walked out of his room, I inquired about his prognosis. Of course, it looks grim...it is grim. The doctors are d/c'ing his comfort care this afternoon.
Out of curiosty I pulled his chart to find out what was ailing him:
COPD (cigarette smoker), bilateral pleural effusions, acute renal failure, chronic bilateral subdural hematomas, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and coagulopathy (facilitating hematomas?)...
Mr. Steven's in indeed a dead man living.
Fortunately, his family has agreed to let him go. I thought about Mr. Steven's and his family on the way home. Death, for most of us, is usually not a planned event. We are subject to its will, and are forced to deal with the chaos it leaves behind. But how does one deal with death when the day and the hour of its arrival are known? One thing is certain: Mr. Steven's is no longer suffering. Somehow that makes his death easier to deal with.
Out of curiosty I pulled his chart to find out what was ailing him:
COPD (cigarette smoker), bilateral pleural effusions, acute renal failure, chronic bilateral subdural hematomas, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and coagulopathy (facilitating hematomas?)...
Mr. Steven's in indeed a dead man living.
Fortunately, his family has agreed to let him go. I thought about Mr. Steven's and his family on the way home. Death, for most of us, is usually not a planned event. We are subject to its will, and are forced to deal with the chaos it leaves behind. But how does one deal with death when the day and the hour of its arrival are known? One thing is certain: Mr. Steven's is no longer suffering. Somehow that makes his death easier to deal with.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Night Shift
There's something about working at night in the hospital. For the most part, it's eerily quiet; patients are sleeping, nurses are documenting, and us techs are giving patient care. There are no big bosses; no doctors, no administrators. It's peaceful...until the guy in room 15 stops breathing, and the meth addict/MVA case comes up from ER.
Then all hell breaks loose...nurses from all units are rushing to help. Someone's bagging, someone else is calling for the crash cart, and us techs...we are scrambling around to find the code box with all the medications in it. The new admission is getting hooked up to the monitors, while the nurse starts pushing Zofran to control her vomiting. It's all a bunch of hoopla, until the patient begins breathing again, the new admission falls asleep, and then silence covers the unit again.
I live for the hoopla-hell moments. It's what makes working nights exciting. You never know when a patient will crash, and you don't know what new patient will be coming through those double doors. Medicine is such organized chaos. In the midst of all of the uproar, something beautiful happens: a team of people come together to deliver quality care to someone in need. We take all of our energy, and focus it on the patient. And no matter the outcome, the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction is undeniable.
Then all hell breaks loose...nurses from all units are rushing to help. Someone's bagging, someone else is calling for the crash cart, and us techs...we are scrambling around to find the code box with all the medications in it. The new admission is getting hooked up to the monitors, while the nurse starts pushing Zofran to control her vomiting. It's all a bunch of hoopla, until the patient begins breathing again, the new admission falls asleep, and then silence covers the unit again.
I live for the hoopla-hell moments. It's what makes working nights exciting. You never know when a patient will crash, and you don't know what new patient will be coming through those double doors. Medicine is such organized chaos. In the midst of all of the uproar, something beautiful happens: a team of people come together to deliver quality care to someone in need. We take all of our energy, and focus it on the patient. And no matter the outcome, the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction is undeniable.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Life As a Tech
So far, I'm really loving my new job! It's only been a week, and I have learned more in that time than all of my time in long term care. Amazing!
My primary duties allow me to get close to the patients. I am expected to read charts and become familiar with why the patients are there in the first place, and for me, this makes all the difference in the world. Tomorrow I begin working the night shift. I can't wait!
So far, I've seen all kinds of conditions. Respiratory failure seems to be the most prevalent, but we have patients in for renal failure, HIV, diabetic ketoacidosis, stroke, MVA, the list goes on and on. One case, however, really struck me last week.
We got word that a new admission was on her way up from the floor. She had just given birth, and since the baby was 6 weeks premature, it was taken by C-section. Complications with the surgery bought her a one way ticket to the ICU. It took her a while to arrive, but when I returned from lunch, there she was...15 years old and scared to death. My first instinct was to stop and stare in shock..."a 15 year old girl...why in the world are these young girls having babies?" But our eyes met, we exchanged smiles, and that was that. She had lots of visitors come by to see her. At least she has the support she will need to raise her child. I think the diagnosis was preeclampsia.
I think what I like about Critical Care medicine is that you have to act quickly and be calm all at once. You must be master of your emotions. Time is of the essence and patients are depending on you to make the right decision...now. I hope to be able to perform according to those standards one day. Critical care, it seems, is becoming a specialty of interest for me. I can't wait to see what awaits me tomorrow night!
My primary duties allow me to get close to the patients. I am expected to read charts and become familiar with why the patients are there in the first place, and for me, this makes all the difference in the world. Tomorrow I begin working the night shift. I can't wait!
So far, I've seen all kinds of conditions. Respiratory failure seems to be the most prevalent, but we have patients in for renal failure, HIV, diabetic ketoacidosis, stroke, MVA, the list goes on and on. One case, however, really struck me last week.
We got word that a new admission was on her way up from the floor. She had just given birth, and since the baby was 6 weeks premature, it was taken by C-section. Complications with the surgery bought her a one way ticket to the ICU. It took her a while to arrive, but when I returned from lunch, there she was...15 years old and scared to death. My first instinct was to stop and stare in shock..."a 15 year old girl...why in the world are these young girls having babies?" But our eyes met, we exchanged smiles, and that was that. She had lots of visitors come by to see her. At least she has the support she will need to raise her child. I think the diagnosis was preeclampsia.
I think what I like about Critical Care medicine is that you have to act quickly and be calm all at once. You must be master of your emotions. Time is of the essence and patients are depending on you to make the right decision...now. I hope to be able to perform according to those standards one day. Critical care, it seems, is becoming a specialty of interest for me. I can't wait to see what awaits me tomorrow night!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)