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!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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.
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