Monday, June 30, 2014
Graduation.
Wait, what?
Yep, our time as students has come to an end ya'll. Still hard to wrap my head around. I went back to lex on a Wed, took a practice board exam on Thursday, and accepted my diploma on Saturday. And here I am, back at home after a week of board prep. Its so odd not knowing my next scheduled trip to KY, no more EOC exams, no more standardized patients etc... (I mean, I don't hate that, just weird.) I have been a student for so long, its hard to realize I'm not one anymore. Sure, we are all "lifelong learners" by default because we are in the medical field, but I don't have to sit at a desk surrounded by 60 people anymore.
Graduation was a happy day filled with family and friends, pictures, hugs, and clinking of champagne glasses. Isn't that what we all imagined it would be? :)
But with graduation comes big decisions and responsibilities....you mean I actually have to start paying these loans? Please, no, that is all just some huge mistake and someone else is going to handle that. No? Crap. The PANCE...we all know that #PANCEdontcare. Everyone is in the midst of board prep and that scheduled test sure is daunting in my near future. But its okay, I will get through it just like every other test. Deep breaths. Jobs...oh Lordy, this is a fun topic right now between friends (not). I feel bad for all of those staying in Lexington competing for jobs, that's rough. Fortunately, I live in a different city so it was slightly easier... more on my job later, I don't want to jinx it before I take the boards.
Saying "see ya later" to all my classmates was hard. Some of us are moving far away, others a few hours, other staying put in lex. I'm hoping we can all reunite every so often, but I know life gets in the way sometimes. I've made some forever friends in PA school and I'm so fortunate to have met my classmates which are now colleagues. I will miss you guys.
Yep, our time as students has come to an end ya'll. Still hard to wrap my head around. I went back to lex on a Wed, took a practice board exam on Thursday, and accepted my diploma on Saturday. And here I am, back at home after a week of board prep. Its so odd not knowing my next scheduled trip to KY, no more EOC exams, no more standardized patients etc... (I mean, I don't hate that, just weird.) I have been a student for so long, its hard to realize I'm not one anymore. Sure, we are all "lifelong learners" by default because we are in the medical field, but I don't have to sit at a desk surrounded by 60 people anymore.
Graduation was a happy day filled with family and friends, pictures, hugs, and clinking of champagne glasses. Isn't that what we all imagined it would be? :)
But with graduation comes big decisions and responsibilities....you mean I actually have to start paying these loans? Please, no, that is all just some huge mistake and someone else is going to handle that. No? Crap. The PANCE...we all know that #PANCEdontcare. Everyone is in the midst of board prep and that scheduled test sure is daunting in my near future. But its okay, I will get through it just like every other test. Deep breaths. Jobs...oh Lordy, this is a fun topic right now between friends (not). I feel bad for all of those staying in Lexington competing for jobs, that's rough. Fortunately, I live in a different city so it was slightly easier... more on my job later, I don't want to jinx it before I take the boards.
Saying "see ya later" to all my classmates was hard. Some of us are moving far away, others a few hours, other staying put in lex. I'm hoping we can all reunite every so often, but I know life gets in the way sometimes. I've made some forever friends in PA school and I'm so fortunate to have met my classmates which are now colleagues. I will miss you guys.
Put your back into it.
Sorry for the hiatus (again), life gets hectic sometimes.
Other than the LP, my favorite new procedures to do are joint reductions. Something so gratifying about man-handling a limb, drenched in sweat and then all of the a sudden you hear the victorious "clunk." Yay!!
I had the awesome opportunity to attempt multiple joint reductions while the patient was under conscious sedation. Some were successful, others were not, and that's okay. The point it, I got to try. I didn't have to stand in the background and watch, I got to feel the limb and manipulate it. "Feel" the logic behind certain techniques, and learn from my mistakes. That's the whole point of learning isn't it?
I cannot say enough good things about my last rotation. It was hard, like really hard. I say that not because I couldn't handle the hours, but because I was truly challenged to step outside my comfort zone. Was I 100% ready to do LPs and joint reductions? No, but I did them and I'm so grateful to have had the chance. I was never put in situations where I could harm the patient, but I also wasn't allowed to stand back and watch. And guess what? Knowing that I can handle the ER makes me so excited and it is now officially what I want to do. :)
Other than the LP, my favorite new procedures to do are joint reductions. Something so gratifying about man-handling a limb, drenched in sweat and then all of the a sudden you hear the victorious "clunk." Yay!!
I had the awesome opportunity to attempt multiple joint reductions while the patient was under conscious sedation. Some were successful, others were not, and that's okay. The point it, I got to try. I didn't have to stand in the background and watch, I got to feel the limb and manipulate it. "Feel" the logic behind certain techniques, and learn from my mistakes. That's the whole point of learning isn't it?
I cannot say enough good things about my last rotation. It was hard, like really hard. I say that not because I couldn't handle the hours, but because I was truly challenged to step outside my comfort zone. Was I 100% ready to do LPs and joint reductions? No, but I did them and I'm so grateful to have had the chance. I was never put in situations where I could harm the patient, but I also wasn't allowed to stand back and watch. And guess what? Knowing that I can handle the ER makes me so excited and it is now officially what I want to do. :)
Thursday, May 29, 2014
LP.
You guys, I did a lumbar puncture yesterday. By myself. Like, total freak out moment/one of my biggest accomplishments. Ever.
It's so funny how things come full circle. I remember assisting on my first LP when I worked in a neurology clinic before even applying to PA school. Now here I am, probably 4 years later, doing one myself. Feeling nostalgic.
To say I was a nervous wreck would be the understatement of the century. I had a feeling I would be doing one (A patient was supposed to come back in to get re-tapped because she had bacteremia growing gram - rods and a HA x 10 days) so I fell asleep the night before watching YouTube videos over and over to try and ease my nerves...My preceptor and the doc on duty gave me a quick pep talk and refresher course and off I went. Don't worry, a doc was in the room in case I was a total disaster.
I am so thankful for my experience in neuro because I knew the steps, the landmarks, and the equipment, but still didn't know how it would feel to put a very large spinal needle into the spinal canal of a sick patient. When it was in the canal and I saw that clear fluid start dripping out I have never felt so relieved/proud/happy ever. I may or may not have gone into the bathroom and cried happy tears of joy. Such a good day. Oh, and the patient's fluid was clear of WBCs/RBCs and protein was back to normal so it was a good day for her too. Yay! :)
It's so funny how things come full circle. I remember assisting on my first LP when I worked in a neurology clinic before even applying to PA school. Now here I am, probably 4 years later, doing one myself. Feeling nostalgic.
To say I was a nervous wreck would be the understatement of the century. I had a feeling I would be doing one (A patient was supposed to come back in to get re-tapped because she had bacteremia growing gram - rods and a HA x 10 days) so I fell asleep the night before watching YouTube videos over and over to try and ease my nerves...My preceptor and the doc on duty gave me a quick pep talk and refresher course and off I went. Don't worry, a doc was in the room in case I was a total disaster.
I am so thankful for my experience in neuro because I knew the steps, the landmarks, and the equipment, but still didn't know how it would feel to put a very large spinal needle into the spinal canal of a sick patient. When it was in the canal and I saw that clear fluid start dripping out I have never felt so relieved/proud/happy ever. I may or may not have gone into the bathroom and cried happy tears of joy. Such a good day. Oh, and the patient's fluid was clear of WBCs/RBCs and protein was back to normal so it was a good day for her too. Yay! :)
Work Hard, Play Hard Part 11
After my Selective Rotation in FM ended, I headed back to Lexington for exams on Thursday and Friday. After our 3.5 hour exam on Friday, a BBQ at our class presidents house was absolutely necessary. If you can't fix a post-exam hangover with some burgers, hot dogs, and friends there is something wrong with you.
Quick trip back to Indy that night to pack up for my Saturday afternoon flight to Wisconsin for my sorority sister's wedding! I love college weddings, there is nothing better than being reunited with college friends who live far away for a night of celebrating love and friendships. Had some time to explore Milwaukee and go on some adventures such as kayaking and bike riding which was so fun.
Lake Pewaukee, WI
Alpha Phi Alum
Bikes along Lake Michigan
Words to live by.
Stepping out of my comfort zone.
Well, my selective has come to an end and now I'm back in the ER to complete my LAST rotation of PA school. I seriously cannot believe it. Where has the time gone?
I chose to do another rotation in the ER to gain more experience in a higher acuity setting and practice my procedural skills. I did one rotation in the ER back in December and really enjoyed it, but to be honest it was more of an urgent care setting with a sprinkle of actual emergencies. The hospital I was working in was located next to a university medical center so all the serious emergencies were sent there. I'm now in an ED which serves many smaller communities and is probably one of the biggest/more sophisticated hospitals outside of the medical centers in Indianapolis. Although there is a "Fast Track"/urgent care area, the past 2 days have been full of life-threatening, serious medical conditions.
This is overwhelming to me, but in a good way. The last few months in Indy have been "comfortable." I have been working with the same docs for several months who have basically become my friends. It felt like home and those doctors and nurses were so kind and loving towards me...which of course I loved. I was sad to hug them bye and leave my safety bubble of primary care and head back into the ED, but I knew it was the right move for me.
In the ED you are not greeted with warm, loving welcomes where everyone wants to get to know you. You basically just need to say "Hi, I'm Kaitlin, the PA student" and get out of the way. I am so fortunate to have a preceptor who will truly challenge me. She is not going to hold my hand and let me get by with "observing" things that make me nervous. She gives me a quick pep talk and sends me on my way...but all the while setting up the situation so it ends up being a good learning experience for me. The ED is staffed with several mid-levels and physicians so there is always someone who wants to show you something interesting or go over films with you. This will be a great experience and I am going to DO and LEARN so much which is great since board exams are right around the corner.
I'm also living with my parents this month since the hospital is close to them and I'm working crazy hours, so the Doug and Diane show keeps me pretty entertained when I'm not at work. This morning... Dad: Do you have Beats headphones? Me: No. Dad: Well, you aren't cool at all.
I chose to do another rotation in the ER to gain more experience in a higher acuity setting and practice my procedural skills. I did one rotation in the ER back in December and really enjoyed it, but to be honest it was more of an urgent care setting with a sprinkle of actual emergencies. The hospital I was working in was located next to a university medical center so all the serious emergencies were sent there. I'm now in an ED which serves many smaller communities and is probably one of the biggest/more sophisticated hospitals outside of the medical centers in Indianapolis. Although there is a "Fast Track"/urgent care area, the past 2 days have been full of life-threatening, serious medical conditions.
This is overwhelming to me, but in a good way. The last few months in Indy have been "comfortable." I have been working with the same docs for several months who have basically become my friends. It felt like home and those doctors and nurses were so kind and loving towards me...which of course I loved. I was sad to hug them bye and leave my safety bubble of primary care and head back into the ED, but I knew it was the right move for me.
In the ED you are not greeted with warm, loving welcomes where everyone wants to get to know you. You basically just need to say "Hi, I'm Kaitlin, the PA student" and get out of the way. I am so fortunate to have a preceptor who will truly challenge me. She is not going to hold my hand and let me get by with "observing" things that make me nervous. She gives me a quick pep talk and sends me on my way...but all the while setting up the situation so it ends up being a good learning experience for me. The ED is staffed with several mid-levels and physicians so there is always someone who wants to show you something interesting or go over films with you. This will be a great experience and I am going to DO and LEARN so much which is great since board exams are right around the corner.
I'm also living with my parents this month since the hospital is close to them and I'm working crazy hours, so the Doug and Diane show keeps me pretty entertained when I'm not at work. This morning... Dad: Do you have Beats headphones? Me: No. Dad: Well, you aren't cool at all.
Friday, May 16, 2014
And also, you're orange.
So, I would be lying if I said it was easy to remain professional at all times of the day. It only makes me human and when I see ridiculous things sometimes it takes a lot to keep my mouth shut.
Exhibit A: my first experience with a professional power lifer.
I walk in the room and was just insanely shocked at the orange factor. Literally, the man was orange. Not like a glowing tan, but Cuties oranges orange. I thought for a second holy cow this man alone keeps tanning beds in business. Nope. HE INJECTS SELF TANNER (Melanotan). Is this real? Yes, it is and actually very common in power lifters. I live under a rock and just thought they tanned a lot. More than this, he admitted to EATING handfuls of testosterone, growth hormone, thyroid hormone, you name it he ate it. He did not have the resources or time to compound the medications (ordered from china) into the proper tablet or injectable so he simply ate the powder form.... So, why was he in our office? ABDOMINAL PAIN!!! I was coming out of my skin on the inside as I politely nodded my head and talked to him about this incredibly reckless passion of his. Thankfully, my preceptor took over the interview because he had insight as to how to handle the situation. The patient refused any testing or blood work until after his competition so we basically just let him leave with a PPI and a follow up appointment.
I was upset about this and continue to think about it. Did we just let a ticking time bomb walk out? What if he has a perforated ulcer? He is bleeding? Will he come back? It just really bothered me. I learned a good lesson though about establishing rapport and building trust. My preceptor did not lecture him on his horrible habits, but instead just talked to him like it was totally normal to ingest handfuls of hormones from China. The patient trusted him and I really do feel like he will come back for a more thorough work-up. Looking back, it was clear that the patient knew more about synthetic hormones than we will probably ever know and he knew the potential risk he was taking. It was also clear he had zero intention of changing his routine. He didn't need us to talk down to him or tell him what horrible things he was doing, he already knew. He needed someone who cared about him and would be supportive. My doc did just that and I think he gained himself a new patient and someone he can truly make an impact on once this competition is over. The patient is retiring from lifting after this competition so hopefully he can realized how much harm he was doing to his body....and also that he is orange.
Exhibit A: my first experience with a professional power lifer.
I walk in the room and was just insanely shocked at the orange factor. Literally, the man was orange. Not like a glowing tan, but Cuties oranges orange. I thought for a second holy cow this man alone keeps tanning beds in business. Nope. HE INJECTS SELF TANNER (Melanotan). Is this real? Yes, it is and actually very common in power lifters. I live under a rock and just thought they tanned a lot. More than this, he admitted to EATING handfuls of testosterone, growth hormone, thyroid hormone, you name it he ate it. He did not have the resources or time to compound the medications (ordered from china) into the proper tablet or injectable so he simply ate the powder form.... So, why was he in our office? ABDOMINAL PAIN!!! I was coming out of my skin on the inside as I politely nodded my head and talked to him about this incredibly reckless passion of his. Thankfully, my preceptor took over the interview because he had insight as to how to handle the situation. The patient refused any testing or blood work until after his competition so we basically just let him leave with a PPI and a follow up appointment.
I was upset about this and continue to think about it. Did we just let a ticking time bomb walk out? What if he has a perforated ulcer? He is bleeding? Will he come back? It just really bothered me. I learned a good lesson though about establishing rapport and building trust. My preceptor did not lecture him on his horrible habits, but instead just talked to him like it was totally normal to ingest handfuls of hormones from China. The patient trusted him and I really do feel like he will come back for a more thorough work-up. Looking back, it was clear that the patient knew more about synthetic hormones than we will probably ever know and he knew the potential risk he was taking. It was also clear he had zero intention of changing his routine. He didn't need us to talk down to him or tell him what horrible things he was doing, he already knew. He needed someone who cared about him and would be supportive. My doc did just that and I think he gained himself a new patient and someone he can truly make an impact on once this competition is over. The patient is retiring from lifting after this competition so hopefully he can realized how much harm he was doing to his body....and also that he is orange.
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