I know that it has been quite some time since I posted but a lot has been going on. First of all, I am done with the ER, and thank god for that as I can now really work and not just feel like a student. I have been in the ICU for 2 weeks now and I am not only loving every minute of it but I am exhausted.
I have to be in the hospital by 6am which means I have to get up at 4:30 and leave by 5. Then we sign out to the overnight crew at around 6pm and it takes about 30 minutes to go through each patient and give the night team an idea of who the patient is, if the patient is new to the unit, what happened during the day, and what needs to be followed up or what needs to be done. Sometimes it even takes an hour if we get paged. I have a 6 day work week. Last week I worked 89 hours and this week I will be pushing 75.
We get an incredible number of sick people. From heart attacks to strokes, to terminal conditions. I have had to speak to patients about their illnesses, talking to families about their loved ones and communicating with other doctors. Everything I have been experiencing has substantiated my decision to go into medical school late in life. And because I am older and have been in the workforce, I know the politics of work and I have the emotional intelligence to react or not react to things that are said.
In about a month, I start clinic hours and I get my own census of patients that I will be following for the next 3 years. This is just getting better and better.
Till next time.
It's so nice to hear from someone who is exhausted AND thrilled to be doing what she is doing! I feel like lately I've heard so much complaining from residents and interns (and rightly so for the most part I imagine), so good for you!
ReplyDeleteI am really glad that you are liking being a doctor. One month from now is NOT long! You are doing great.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to hear from someone who has lived life before medical school and who has used those experiences to navigate the fine lines of the wards. So glad that you're enjoying the ICU!
ReplyDeleteI just randomly came across your blog. I'm a 4th year undergrad and hopeful med student.
ReplyDeleteThose office politics you talk of... how do you deal with those when you're so sleep deprived, Im sure every little thing has the potential to ignite an explosion of madness in you?
Also, your blog makes me realize how thrilling and exhausting my life will really be like (Fingers crossed, that is)
And there is potential to be off your game when you are very tired, you rant outside of work and not online but to your significant other, parents, friends, etc. USe exercise to get the frustration out of your system too.
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