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.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
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!!!!
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