Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Adrenaline
I knew I had an admit coming since midnight, but they did not roll in the door until 0200. That sort of delay always makes me nervous because I know a train wreck is coming my way. I assisted (by myself!) the MD to place a central line and hovered nearby as RT placed an arterial line. I hung and titrated dipervan by myself. I had lots of nurses helping me and I delegated away and took advantage of every offer while maintaining control of the situation.
I pretty much felt like this guy.
I came home humming and then promptly passed out at 0900 in a fit of adrenaline let down. What a satisfying night :)
I pretty much felt like this guy.
I came home humming and then promptly passed out at 0900 in a fit of adrenaline let down. What a satisfying night :)
Friday, November 8, 2013
Flying solo
It happened almost without my notice. Titrating IV drugs, handling alarming vents, and even drawing labs via needle sticks are becoming second nature. I have a long way to go before becoming comfortable in this job - actually if I ever become comfortable it will be time to change jobs.
However, the alarms and tasks that had a way of getting my adrenaline pumping are become less stressful and now I seem to have more mental focus to do what I enjoy - think about my patient and consider their disease process and how I can improve their outcomes. These last 2 weeks I took care of the same patient and having the band width to think about their situation was really great versus feeling like I was giving all my energy to complete each task as it arose.
In January I will rotate back to days and I know it will take time to construct a rhythm there as well. Nonetheless, the chance to rotate back and forth every 8 weeks or so will be welcome as a chance to stretch my skills as well as get the chance to work with all the doctors and nurses that roam our halls. Additionally, I have now floated to the Meridian ICU (in the same hospital system, 20 minutes out) and to the surgical ICU (down the hall). Although I feel like Dorothy in the Land of Oz when I leave my home unit it's nice to have those first floats out of the way!
Happy autumn.
However, the alarms and tasks that had a way of getting my adrenaline pumping are become less stressful and now I seem to have more mental focus to do what I enjoy - think about my patient and consider their disease process and how I can improve their outcomes. These last 2 weeks I took care of the same patient and having the band width to think about their situation was really great versus feeling like I was giving all my energy to complete each task as it arose.
In January I will rotate back to days and I know it will take time to construct a rhythm there as well. Nonetheless, the chance to rotate back and forth every 8 weeks or so will be welcome as a chance to stretch my skills as well as get the chance to work with all the doctors and nurses that roam our halls. Additionally, I have now floated to the Meridian ICU (in the same hospital system, 20 minutes out) and to the surgical ICU (down the hall). Although I feel like Dorothy in the Land of Oz when I leave my home unit it's nice to have those first floats out of the way!
Happy autumn.
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