And just like that, second year has come to a close. Hallelujah!
This semester has been unreal. 15 straight weeks of clinical, 3 rotations, flipping from days to evenings, doing assignments, re-learning skills, regurgitating medications, learning lab values and their meanings, cramming in disease processes, all while trying to maintain sanity.
While having no classes has been easier in some aspects - no midterms, finals, flash cards, etc - it has been grueling in others. For the vast majority of my classmates, it has been our first experience in the hospital, never mind actually caring for a patient. In the beginning, taking vitals seemed like the most exciting task. Now, giving IM injections and catheters is done without batting a lash. Talking with patients was once stressful, but now chatting with our patient, their family, and physician is done with ease.
It's really neat to see how much I have grown from week 1 to week 15. Although I wasn't scared of jumping right in, I my practice has matured tremendously in confidence and competence.
This last rotation has physically been the easiest, but mentally the most trying. This past week I have been unable to sleep due to my mind replaying the blood-curling sounds and sights of the ill patients on our unit. I am very fortunate to have had this experience, but it certainly is not for the faint of heart. I have certainly built up a few hundred layers of tough skin since our first week! Our unit has included those who:
This semester has been unreal. 15 straight weeks of clinical, 3 rotations, flipping from days to evenings, doing assignments, re-learning skills, regurgitating medications, learning lab values and their meanings, cramming in disease processes, all while trying to maintain sanity.
While having no classes has been easier in some aspects - no midterms, finals, flash cards, etc - it has been grueling in others. For the vast majority of my classmates, it has been our first experience in the hospital, never mind actually caring for a patient. In the beginning, taking vitals seemed like the most exciting task. Now, giving IM injections and catheters is done without batting a lash. Talking with patients was once stressful, but now chatting with our patient, their family, and physician is done with ease.
It's really neat to see how much I have grown from week 1 to week 15. Although I wasn't scared of jumping right in, I my practice has matured tremendously in confidence and competence.
This last rotation has physically been the easiest, but mentally the most trying. This past week I have been unable to sleep due to my mind replaying the blood-curling sounds and sights of the ill patients on our unit. I am very fortunate to have had this experience, but it certainly is not for the faint of heart. I have certainly built up a few hundred layers of tough skin since our first week! Our unit has included those who:
- have uncontrolled schizophrenia, and have been picked up the police for going 'nuts' downtown, shaving off their eyebrows, hair, and getting 5+ facial piercings
- have attempted suicide because "the voices told me to do it"
- stabbed themselves in the throat four times, then slowly drove a pencil through their eye to the back of their skull (YUP.)
- picked their face, arms, and legs until they've bled due to anxiety and paranoia
- are convinced they are pregnant, despite countless negative exams/tests
- have had temper tantrums at their group home and attempted to choke another health care worker
- are convinced everyone is part of the Russian mafia, and is out to implant a chip in their brain
Unfortunately, many patients are familiar faces to staff. Mental illness is life-long and full of ups and downs. This rotation has opened my eyes and softened my heart to the struggles of folks who suffer from horrible illnesses that are not always physically visible.
All in all, one-of-a-kind rotation! But for now, I am trying to unwind, relax, and get ready to head home for the holidays.
Cheers!
D.
1 comment:
once again....so proud of you!
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