Cath Lab and Endoscopy

I forgot to post last night! Sorry!

On Thursday I was in cath lab. It was 0730-1600. We got there and they had us change into their scrubs. They are always so big! lol. I like fitted scrubs.

We were quickly ushered into a room-- after putting on a heavy lead jacket. We also had to wear a lead thyroid protector. It felt weird...but I know it is important to wear.

They were in the middle of a angiogram, which led to a stent placement. It was really neat to watch. The doctor performing the procedure also took the time to explain things. I like when doctors do that.

Once that was done we had a 3 hr break before the next case. We took a break in the cafeteria for awhile. When we got back, the x-ray techs (who are REALLY smart!) showed us some films of the procedure we had just seen. They explained it more. They also showed us some other films.

During the films our other internmates (I just came up with that word!) invited us to an inservice on their floor. We went, it was pretty interesting...because the doctor was nice to look at. lol!

When we got back to the cath lab, we saw a pacemaker insertion. The doctor performing this procedure was also a great teacher! This procedure took about an hour, and by this time my back was bothering me! Those lead jackets are heavy!!!!

We took our lunch after. Once we got back everyone was gone for the day. It was only 1430...so we spent the rest our time in the library.

Endoscopy was fun when we actually saw something. Our day was 0800-1430. It was super busy the first 2 hrs....we saw a lot of colonoscopies/egd's. Once that was done they sent us on a 1.5 hr break. During our break we were asked to go to a pain management inservice. It was actually interesting! But that meant we missed all the action in the endoscopy unit.

Once we got back at 1330, they were done for the day. We still had 3 hrs. We contacted our coordinator who sent us to SWOT. Its the wound team. We saw some very interesting cases. I look forward to our actual day there!

When that was done we still had one more hour left..so we hung out in the cafeteria and talked about how this week wasn't our best week.

My partner and I decided that next week we are going to come in with an open mind and be positive! We lacked the positiveness this week.

It's payday today!! The best part of the day!

Hoping for a better week next week. We have class on Monday and then we are in OR/PACU.

Rehabilitation Unit Day 3

Today was my last day on this unit. I had to follow a PT/OT/Speech therapist today. Our shift was again 7a-1530. I was told when we got there that we were going to attend a team conference and then start observing the therapists.

I had about 1 hr until the team meeting, so the clinical manager FINALLY sat down with us to talk with us. I'm not sure if he wasn't as excited to tell us all about the place because me and my partner both already pretty much know where we want to be, or if he was just having an off day.

The team meeting was pretty interesting. The doctors and therapists get together to talk about the patient, if they are meeting goals and when they will be ready for dc. It was a pretty quick meeting.

I then went to the therapy area and saw that only 4 therapists had signed up on my sheet to have me observe them. Honestly, I hate to sound so negative about this department...but we really felt like we were just a bother to them.

I observed a speech therapist and she was amazing! She really worked with the patient to help his memory. It was then that it clicked. I would like this department if I was a therapists. They do most of the interaction with the patients.

This day was a slow day and we really just wanted to get out of there. I hope tomorrow is better. We are in the cath lab!

Rehabilitation Unit Day 2

Today I was in the rehabilitation unit. I was assigned to follow a nurse. The day sorta started out in a bad way, as the nurse they assigned me to was 1.5hrs late! So I followed my partners nurse with her during that time. I realized that I would not want to be a nurse in that department. The nurses really don't have that much patient interaction and that is what I like about nursing.

They get report, pass meds, and perform treatments if needed. Don't get me wrong, they were nice to me. I just can't see myself working on that unit. We talked with the clinical manager for a few minutes at the beginning of the day (our shift was from 7a-1530). He said that he would give us a tour the next day. It was frustrating because we never got the tour at the beginning, so I always felt I was lost at where I was supposed to go or when asked to get something I had to ask where it was.

I still think that the patients in this department are amazing and it is still really humbling to see them do everything possible to get better. I saw my patient from Friday again and she was really happy to see me. It made me smile. I really wish I could learn how to speak spanish. My goal is to learn! = )

Class Day

Today was our class day. I enjoy these days because we get to see the rest of our intern class. We all get along so well!

We all decided we would make a breakfast item to share with the class. My day today. The picture above is what I made. Yogurt parfaits and blueberry muffins. They were yummy! The interns liked them as well.

We always talk about the week prior. It is nice to hear about the other interns weeks. Since we usually see them only at lunch (if we are lucky!)

After that we we had a speaker come talk to us about team work. This guy is so enthusiastic! I love it.

We then went to the SIM lab and did Health histories on volunteers. I've never done one. It was loooong! I had a hard time at first because I couldn't remember hot to find it on the computer and everyone was busy with theirs. I finally got it to work.

Tomorrow is our 2nd day in Rehab.

Rehabilitation Unit Day 1

Today was my first day on the rehabilitation unit (They don't like it to be called the rehab unit) The person that should've been there to orient us and give us a tour, wasn't. We kind of just got thrown onto the floor. Kind of frustrating!

It was our day to be with a patient throughout the day. I had a female patient who was in there d/t a car accident. She was spanish speaking only. I was able to communicate with her a little bit. I don't speak much spanish though. I really wish I did! Her eyes would brighten when I would talk with her.

I watched her work so hard in PT and OT. She really wanted to get better for her family.

I really enjoyed following her today!

So glad it's Friday today! Going to enjoy the weekend.

Spirtual Care and Flu Shots

Today I had a mixed day. I started the day in spiritual care. The reverend was nice and talked to me about what they do. Our first order of business was to listen to rounds in the ICU unit. The stories are so sad. It is wonderful to see that they have an area in the hospital that allows people to not only talk with doctors and such, but also with a spiritual leader.

I was lucky to be able to sit in on a family meeting. I was very happy to see how kind and compassionate the staff and doctor was. It was unlike any other hospital I have been to.

Half way through the day I went downstairs to help with the flu shot clinic. I loved this...because I felt like a nurse. lol. The above picture if from the flu shot clinic.

After my 4 hrs was done, I went back upstairs to the spiritual care area. We had an employee of the hospital pass away suddenly the weekend before, so they were setting up a service for the employees and family. It was beautiful! We spent the rest of the time up there.

Tomorrow is the Rehabilitation unit

Pre op Day 2

Today was another fun day in pre op. I forgot to mention yesterday that in the afternoon we went over to the pre pre-admitting (not really sure what it is called) This is the area where the patient comes in a day or two before the procedure. They weigh them, take vitals, and do labs/ekg if needed. The ladies in that area do a really good job at explaining the procedure and answering any questions they may have.

I followed a different nurse who was really nice as well. She definitely had a different way of doing things. I thought her way was very thorough, and I liked it that way. She really took the time to talk with her patients. She also explained everything to me. She was AWESOME!

We came in today at 0500, so we were able to leave at 1330. It is always nice to get there early (though hard to wake up!) because we get to leave early. It feels like my nights are longer.

Tomorrow I have spiritual/flu shot clinic