Finally, 2009! I for one am happy to say goodbye to 2008. It was a rough road, but we made it, and now we are ready to embark upon what seems to be an exciting year!
Every New Year's we are treated with another marathon of one of my all time favs: The Twilight Zone. Wasn't Rod Sterling an absolute genius? I stopped my my parents' house, and my mom, sister, and I watched at least 3 or 4 episodes. During commercial breaks, we recalled some of our favorites, like Willoughby...and Kick the Can! Good stuff.
Unfortunately, I couldn't stay long...I am scheduled to work tommorow. I'm not upset at all about it; the boss seems to think that I am ready to strike out on my own, and we all get paid time and a half! I'm learning so much just being in the unit. I think I've learned more in the past two days than I learned in all my time at the hellhole. No longer am I afraid to ask what a patients' diagnosis is, or read a chart. I'm EXPECTED to read the chart!
My New Year's resolutions? Too many to count, but I have a few at the top of the list:
To stay fit and healthy
To work hard and learn much at my new job
To save as much money as I can
To spend time with family and friends before I leave for school
To take a much needed vacation with the cop
2009 will be a great year if I can accomplish just a few of those goals. As excited as I am to see 2009 roll around, I have my eyes and heart set on 2010. I can't wait to start studying medicine!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
As Expected
Yep...orientation is boring!
There are only three of us taking part in this round of orientation. Out of the three, I'm the only one not in nursing school. One young lady has one semester left to finish, and the young guy just finished his very first quarter. When asked if I was in school, I simply answered, "No."
Everyone seems very, very nice and welcoming, which is refreshing to say the least. Not a single bed is vacant on the floor, and all the patients look awfully ill. I can't wait to get a better look once I hit the floor on Wednesday. Tomorrow morning we report at 6:30 (ouch!), but at least we will get to leave at a decent time. We got so much information thrown at us today: got name badges, covered 5 hours worth of orientation modules, received parking decals, took a tour of the floor, filled out paperwork...it was neverending. I must say, however, that there is a feeling in the hospital that you will not find in LTC. An energy, if you will. I love it. I wonder if that energy disappears during the night shift. Ha...I seriously doubt it.
I learned that my addition to the floor will be an immense help to the young lady who serves as PCT for the ENTIRE floor on the night shift. I'm sure she'll be happy to have an extra set of hands to help out. As for me, the more patients I'm exposed to, the better. There are an awful lot of patients in isolation due to TB. I guess TB will be the first disease I will learn about. Harisson's...here I come!
There are only three of us taking part in this round of orientation. Out of the three, I'm the only one not in nursing school. One young lady has one semester left to finish, and the young guy just finished his very first quarter. When asked if I was in school, I simply answered, "No."
Everyone seems very, very nice and welcoming, which is refreshing to say the least. Not a single bed is vacant on the floor, and all the patients look awfully ill. I can't wait to get a better look once I hit the floor on Wednesday. Tomorrow morning we report at 6:30 (ouch!), but at least we will get to leave at a decent time. We got so much information thrown at us today: got name badges, covered 5 hours worth of orientation modules, received parking decals, took a tour of the floor, filled out paperwork...it was neverending. I must say, however, that there is a feeling in the hospital that you will not find in LTC. An energy, if you will. I love it. I wonder if that energy disappears during the night shift. Ha...I seriously doubt it.
I learned that my addition to the floor will be an immense help to the young lady who serves as PCT for the ENTIRE floor on the night shift. I'm sure she'll be happy to have an extra set of hands to help out. As for me, the more patients I'm exposed to, the better. There are an awful lot of patients in isolation due to TB. I guess TB will be the first disease I will learn about. Harisson's...here I come!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Bring It On!
They say changing jobs can be one of the most stressful times in ones life. Not so here! I say bring it on!
I've been giddy all day, just like a popular high school kid returning to school, who hasn't seen her friends all summer. I have my lunch packed, my scrubs ironed, notepad to write important notes, and an assortment of writing pens. What can I say...I like being prepared! I haven't been this excited in a long time. I sure hope I'm not setting myself up for disappointment. Besides, tomorrow is the start of orientation.
Orientation to a healthcare setting, or any new job for that matter, has to be the most boring process ever. You are subjected to an insane amount of paperwork, exchanging of pleasantries and names (I don't know why I attempt to remember names), and watching one boring video after another. Talk about tortue! Half of your job during orientation is staying awake.
No, I'm not terribly excited about orientation, per se. I'm just thrilled to be in the hospital; to be submerged in a sea of doctors and nurses who are willing to impart just a bit of their expertise. I'm telling you, just being in an environment where people actually laugh and smile at one another would be like night and day compared to the hellhole. Being able to learn some pathophysiology, see some cool procedures, and actually participate in codes would be icing on the cake.
The cop is preparing for work. I guess I better see him off. I'll be sure to write about my first day at the new job!
I've been giddy all day, just like a popular high school kid returning to school, who hasn't seen her friends all summer. I have my lunch packed, my scrubs ironed, notepad to write important notes, and an assortment of writing pens. What can I say...I like being prepared! I haven't been this excited in a long time. I sure hope I'm not setting myself up for disappointment. Besides, tomorrow is the start of orientation.
Orientation to a healthcare setting, or any new job for that matter, has to be the most boring process ever. You are subjected to an insane amount of paperwork, exchanging of pleasantries and names (I don't know why I attempt to remember names), and watching one boring video after another. Talk about tortue! Half of your job during orientation is staying awake.
No, I'm not terribly excited about orientation, per se. I'm just thrilled to be in the hospital; to be submerged in a sea of doctors and nurses who are willing to impart just a bit of their expertise. I'm telling you, just being in an environment where people actually laugh and smile at one another would be like night and day compared to the hellhole. Being able to learn some pathophysiology, see some cool procedures, and actually participate in codes would be icing on the cake.
The cop is preparing for work. I guess I better see him off. I'll be sure to write about my first day at the new job!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Why not MD?
Good question. Why not MD?
As Ed Begley said in 12 Angry Men, "There's always one!" As a pre-PA, I've only taken part in one round of interviews for a PA school seat, but I'm sure at every PA interview there's always that one applicant: the snotty overachiever, who thinks he/she is the best thing since sliced bread, who has to boast about where they've studied and where they've traveled, who feels the need to pick the brains of the other applicants simply to feel more superior. Yeah, that one. I remember that one during my interview; he was a hoot. Constantly asking questions that no one wanted to answer. One of those questions was, "So...why not MD." It was totally inappropriate at the time, but I think it's a question that every pre-PA thinks/should think about. Why? Because everyone else will ask you this question, even some ADCOM's. Because knowing the answer to this question solidifies your reason for pursuing a career as a PA.
My high school English teacher taught me never to answer a question with a question, and I admit I was fueling the fire when I responded to "that one," but on both accounts, I couldn't resist when I replied with, "Why MD?" He simply shrugged his shoulders, and soon, the other applicants began detailing why they had chosen otherwise.
For me, it is quite simple. I can do all I ever wanted to, medically, as a PA. For me, having MD behind my name is meaningless. I care nothing about prestige and social status, and I've been in school long enough as it is. I don't feel the need to be in charge all the time. I enjoy the thought of being a dependent practitioner, working with doctors and being an intergral part of the team. My interests lie in getting my hands dirty, working my hours,studying and learning as much as I can, treating my patients, making a decent living doing what enjoy, and going home.
It seems that many people think MD is the end of the line, and those who pursue the career of a midlevel ( I really hate that word) are "settling for less." How absurd. Becoming a PA is not a stepping stone to becoming an MD. It is a career that beautifully compliments that of a doctor. There is no competition between the two. To be honest, I would be foolish not to pursue PA. I get to do all kinds of cool medical stuff, come away with less loan debt than doctors, make a pretty good living, and, get this, I'll have the lateral mobility that very few doctors have. Ya can't beat it, folks. It is the right fit for me!
I think a lot of people wrestle between these two careers because of all the misconceptions. Some think becoming a PA will warrant them no respect from other healthcare professionals. Let's face it, there are lots of doctors/nurses who despise PA's. Some docs feel PA's are moving in on their turf, and some nurses feel they don't have to take orders from PA's. On the whole, though, I think healthcare professionals who are secure in their role, and have no inferiority complexes, realize the value of competent PA's and have great respect for them. Becoming a PA is not settling. For me, it's just plain smart!
Just peruse the vast amount of literature that's out there. PA's are not what they used to be. They are specializing, just as the docs are, and they are making a difference! Patients on the whole are very pleased with the level of care PA's provide. They are performing procedures and working with a level of autonomy that, for some, is mindboggling! It's truly amazing, and I can't wait to be a part of this group of medical practitioners. Pre-Pa's, do your homework. Sit down, and really take a look at the pros and cons of each career path. Outline your goals, and highlight those of greatest importance. Most importantly, be honest with yourself. It makes no sense to take a seat in a PA program when you really desire to become a doctor.
PS: I know there are lots of folks who have already heard "yea" or "nay" in regards to acceptance to PA school. To those of you who are still waiting, good luck!
As Ed Begley said in 12 Angry Men, "There's always one!" As a pre-PA, I've only taken part in one round of interviews for a PA school seat, but I'm sure at every PA interview there's always that one applicant: the snotty overachiever, who thinks he/she is the best thing since sliced bread, who has to boast about where they've studied and where they've traveled, who feels the need to pick the brains of the other applicants simply to feel more superior. Yeah, that one. I remember that one during my interview; he was a hoot. Constantly asking questions that no one wanted to answer. One of those questions was, "So...why not MD." It was totally inappropriate at the time, but I think it's a question that every pre-PA thinks/should think about. Why? Because everyone else will ask you this question, even some ADCOM's. Because knowing the answer to this question solidifies your reason for pursuing a career as a PA.
My high school English teacher taught me never to answer a question with a question, and I admit I was fueling the fire when I responded to "that one," but on both accounts, I couldn't resist when I replied with, "Why MD?" He simply shrugged his shoulders, and soon, the other applicants began detailing why they had chosen otherwise.
For me, it is quite simple. I can do all I ever wanted to, medically, as a PA. For me, having MD behind my name is meaningless. I care nothing about prestige and social status, and I've been in school long enough as it is. I don't feel the need to be in charge all the time. I enjoy the thought of being a dependent practitioner, working with doctors and being an intergral part of the team. My interests lie in getting my hands dirty, working my hours,studying and learning as much as I can, treating my patients, making a decent living doing what enjoy, and going home.
It seems that many people think MD is the end of the line, and those who pursue the career of a midlevel ( I really hate that word) are "settling for less." How absurd. Becoming a PA is not a stepping stone to becoming an MD. It is a career that beautifully compliments that of a doctor. There is no competition between the two. To be honest, I would be foolish not to pursue PA. I get to do all kinds of cool medical stuff, come away with less loan debt than doctors, make a pretty good living, and, get this, I'll have the lateral mobility that very few doctors have. Ya can't beat it, folks. It is the right fit for me!
I think a lot of people wrestle between these two careers because of all the misconceptions. Some think becoming a PA will warrant them no respect from other healthcare professionals. Let's face it, there are lots of doctors/nurses who despise PA's. Some docs feel PA's are moving in on their turf, and some nurses feel they don't have to take orders from PA's. On the whole, though, I think healthcare professionals who are secure in their role, and have no inferiority complexes, realize the value of competent PA's and have great respect for them. Becoming a PA is not settling. For me, it's just plain smart!
Just peruse the vast amount of literature that's out there. PA's are not what they used to be. They are specializing, just as the docs are, and they are making a difference! Patients on the whole are very pleased with the level of care PA's provide. They are performing procedures and working with a level of autonomy that, for some, is mindboggling! It's truly amazing, and I can't wait to be a part of this group of medical practitioners. Pre-Pa's, do your homework. Sit down, and really take a look at the pros and cons of each career path. Outline your goals, and highlight those of greatest importance. Most importantly, be honest with yourself. It makes no sense to take a seat in a PA program when you really desire to become a doctor.
PS: I know there are lots of folks who have already heard "yea" or "nay" in regards to acceptance to PA school. To those of you who are still waiting, good luck!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
I know, it's a bit late for the former, but just in time for the latter. I thought I would kill two birds with one stone.
Seriously, I hope you all (is anyone reading this blog?) had a wonderful Christmas, and I hope the New Year brings you happiness and peace of mind. Not much going on 'round these parts. I start my new job in exactly two days. Time surely flies. I'ts been great having time to do all the cleaning/cooking/cuddling that I've been wanting to do for so long. Even the cop got an extra few days off for the holidays. It's been great!
I've been back to the hellhole a few times since quitting. The place feels so unfamiliar, like I never worked there a day in my life. Sure, I recognize the faces, but the place just feels foreign. I stopped by today to bring one of my favorite patients two hefty pieces of cake. I stayed and chatted with her while she ate and moaned, and complimented my cooking. I swear, by the time I left, the cake was all gone. I think I'll go and have a piece of cake myself!
Seriously, I hope you all (is anyone reading this blog?) had a wonderful Christmas, and I hope the New Year brings you happiness and peace of mind. Not much going on 'round these parts. I start my new job in exactly two days. Time surely flies. I'ts been great having time to do all the cleaning/cooking/cuddling that I've been wanting to do for so long. Even the cop got an extra few days off for the holidays. It's been great!
I've been back to the hellhole a few times since quitting. The place feels so unfamiliar, like I never worked there a day in my life. Sure, I recognize the faces, but the place just feels foreign. I stopped by today to bring one of my favorite patients two hefty pieces of cake. I stayed and chatted with her while she ate and moaned, and complimented my cooking. I swear, by the time I left, the cake was all gone. I think I'll go and have a piece of cake myself!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Down Time
It feels so good to have it...just a little. Especially since Christmas is just around the corner, and my new job begins soon.
I've spent the last two days cleaning up the house. Goodness...what a nasty mess! I got quite a few rooms done before the cop woke up. He is quite impressed, and commented on how nice the house looks. It really does look a lot better. A clean home can conjure up so many wonderful emotions. This house is happy and vibrant once again!
All the paperwork is done for the new job. I am scheduled to begin orientation the week after Christmas. In addition, I have another TB test to take, and I have to be fitted for my respirator mask. Cool! I'm looking forward to working nights and being in a hospital setting. I hope I learn a lot over the next year.
So, the year is winding down. What are my aspirations: to continue learning, finish my degree, work hard and save lots of money, and begin purchasing the things I need for school.
I've spent the last two days cleaning up the house. Goodness...what a nasty mess! I got quite a few rooms done before the cop woke up. He is quite impressed, and commented on how nice the house looks. It really does look a lot better. A clean home can conjure up so many wonderful emotions. This house is happy and vibrant once again!
All the paperwork is done for the new job. I am scheduled to begin orientation the week after Christmas. In addition, I have another TB test to take, and I have to be fitted for my respirator mask. Cool! I'm looking forward to working nights and being in a hospital setting. I hope I learn a lot over the next year.
So, the year is winding down. What are my aspirations: to continue learning, finish my degree, work hard and save lots of money, and begin purchasing the things I need for school.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Joy
Yesterday was my last day in LTC. The day went by so fast...I felt like I was floating! I found my smile, my energy, my joy for medicine again..even as I was met with frowns, attitudes, and jealousy.
It's amazing how people can envy you when they don't really know you. I had a few coworkers who were sincerely happy for me, but most were not thrilled at all. They spent the whole day avoiding me, rolling their eyes at me, and barking orders at me. Oh well! It's their problem, not mine! I painstakingly said my goodbyes to some of my favorite residents. Ms. Hazel started to cry (that just tore me up), and before I left, she gave me a Christmas gift...and lapel pin that says "Joy."
So, today I was scheduled for the new hire physical exam and screening at my new job! I got poked and prodded a few times and had to pee in a cup. My physical was done by an NP/PA. She inquired about my educational pursuits, and I told her about PA school. She seemed genuinely excited for me and wished me well. She also offered me some great advice! So, it seems like I'm all set to start at the end of the month. I can't wait. I hear working in the hospital as opposed to LTC is like night and day. Bring it on!!!! NOW!
It's amazing how people can envy you when they don't really know you. I had a few coworkers who were sincerely happy for me, but most were not thrilled at all. They spent the whole day avoiding me, rolling their eyes at me, and barking orders at me. Oh well! It's their problem, not mine! I painstakingly said my goodbyes to some of my favorite residents. Ms. Hazel started to cry (that just tore me up), and before I left, she gave me a Christmas gift...and lapel pin that says "Joy."
So, today I was scheduled for the new hire physical exam and screening at my new job! I got poked and prodded a few times and had to pee in a cup. My physical was done by an NP/PA. She inquired about my educational pursuits, and I told her about PA school. She seemed genuinely excited for me and wished me well. She also offered me some great advice! So, it seems like I'm all set to start at the end of the month. I can't wait. I hear working in the hospital as opposed to LTC is like night and day. Bring it on!!!! NOW!
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