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!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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!
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