I need guidance.
The journey is almost over... well, this one.
I have more journeys to come.
My internship journey is almost over.
I don't know what to do.
No jobs in Dallas.
Cook Children's has a lame weekend PRN position open, but I don't think I can live off of that... and I don't know if it would be easy to have another job.
Arkansas Children's has a fellowship position open (this is kind of like an extended internship position...but it is paid and has benefits :)) But, I don't know if I want that. I'm just so ready to have a job. But it IS in Arkansas... and I am a little homesick... but that is only for a year... and what if another job comes up? A better one? Do I take it and flake on the fellowship? Is that allowed? It is so unnerving not knowing where I will be in 2 weeks.
I'm more stressed now than I have been all of my internship.
Ugghhhh!!!!
Dear God,
Lead me where YOU want me to be.
Put peace in my heart so that I may do your will willingly.
Thank you for patience. May I have that too?
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Camp Courage
A couple of weekends ago I went to Camp Courage.
This is a camp for siblings of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
It was amazing. It was at this place called Camp John Marc.
Camp John Marc is marvelous. If I end up staying in TX, then I want to be a volunteer there.
Everything at the camp is geared to accommodate children with disabilities. There are paved walk ways everywhere. There is fishing, cooking, rock climbing, swimming, etc. The pool has a beach side entrance for kids in wheelchairs. The showers are made so that wheelchairs just wheel on in.
The staff was great too. It was a bunch of college kids or young adults but you could tell they were more than just that. It takes special people to WANT to work at a camp like that.
Although I went with a group of kids that did not have disabilities, these staff members work with kids with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy, etc. Amazing.
I was even able to lead an activity while I was there. Me! The INTERN! Yeah, I'm awesome.
I just love my job.
This is a camp for siblings of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
It was amazing. It was at this place called Camp John Marc.
Camp John Marc is marvelous. If I end up staying in TX, then I want to be a volunteer there.
Everything at the camp is geared to accommodate children with disabilities. There are paved walk ways everywhere. There is fishing, cooking, rock climbing, swimming, etc. The pool has a beach side entrance for kids in wheelchairs. The showers are made so that wheelchairs just wheel on in.
The staff was great too. It was a bunch of college kids or young adults but you could tell they were more than just that. It takes special people to WANT to work at a camp like that.
Although I went with a group of kids that did not have disabilities, these staff members work with kids with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy, etc. Amazing.
I was even able to lead an activity while I was there. Me! The INTERN! Yeah, I'm awesome.
I just love my job.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Rock climbing
Every monday night, Kristofor and his "singles group" friends go rock climbing. He has invited me several times, but I don't like the idea of driving to Dallas on a Monday night to return after my bedtime. Long drive, long day. Well, last night, I caved. I did it. It was the best decision!!!
It felt so good to do something other than homework on a week night. Because I am almost done with everything, I was able to convince myself that a night for ME was okay. I allowed myself that time. I'm so glad I did. I just happened to make a few friends and score myself an invite to the singles camping trip in a few weeks. I may go, I may not go. It depends on if a hospital related camp is the same weekend. We'll see.
This just reminded me the importance of doing things for myself and not always following the rules and doing homework. Work doesn't always have to be before play.
It felt so good to do something other than homework on a week night. Because I am almost done with everything, I was able to convince myself that a night for ME was okay. I allowed myself that time. I'm so glad I did. I just happened to make a few friends and score myself an invite to the singles camping trip in a few weeks. I may go, I may not go. It depends on if a hospital related camp is the same weekend. We'll see.
This just reminded me the importance of doing things for myself and not always following the rules and doing homework. Work doesn't always have to be before play.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Hunger Games
Friday night, a big group of us went to see The Hunger Games.
I loved it. I spent the whole movie analyzing how it was different from the book, but I still loved it.
Love. Love. Love. It was a good group of people too. That made it even better.
I want to see it again.
Last night, I went with Brad to see 21 Jump Street. It was actually pretty good... and I guess Brad isn't too bad of company. I mean, he paid for everything and he opened the car door for me. Having a big brother isn't so bad after all.
My internship is coming to an end and I keep reminding myself that I am not in control. I am really having to work hard to turn that control over to God. It is not easy. I like to control things, I like to plan things. Me. Me. Me. But it isn't about me... and I am learning to accept that.
So, be praying for me and where I am to end up. Dallas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, the Middle East... wherever it is, I will go to do God's work, not mine.
I loved it. I spent the whole movie analyzing how it was different from the book, but I still loved it.
Love. Love. Love. It was a good group of people too. That made it even better.
I want to see it again.
Last night, I went with Brad to see 21 Jump Street. It was actually pretty good... and I guess Brad isn't too bad of company. I mean, he paid for everything and he opened the car door for me. Having a big brother isn't so bad after all.
My internship is coming to an end and I keep reminding myself that I am not in control. I am really having to work hard to turn that control over to God. It is not easy. I like to control things, I like to plan things. Me. Me. Me. But it isn't about me... and I am learning to accept that.
So, be praying for me and where I am to end up. Dallas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, the Middle East... wherever it is, I will go to do God's work, not mine.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
St. Patrick's Day
The day started with me thinking that my St. Patrick's Day in Texas was going to mean me sitting at the house alone doing homework. I didn't want that, so I talked Brittany into going to get dinner.
We took her tiny little yorkie-poo to the dog park. I love dog parks. I had never been, but I want to go back all the time... without a dog... because people let you pet their dogs, as much as you want!
Anyway, we hung out there for a while. There is a little dog park and big dog park. On the big dog park, we saw a Bull Terrier. (Target Dog). I have been obsessed with these things for the past couple of months. I just thing they are the ugliest/cutest things ever and I want one!!! Well, there was one there and I kept watching it and Brittany and I decided to name it Bullet. It seemed a pretty fitting name because it was kind of stocky and was definitely a boy. We talked about him and watched him play.
When we were leaving, so was Bullet. Well, me being... me kept turning around to look at the dog as we were walking away. The owner was a young, semi-attractive boy, who took my turning around gawking at his down... as turning around gawking at HIM. This was not the case.... Dude, sorry to break it to ya, but I'm checking your dog out... not you.
Anyway, when we were driving out of the parking lot, the guy saw us and waved! haha. I waved back and laughed... then he caught up with us on the road and drove up beside us to wave... it was awkward. I just really liked his dog!!
After the Bullet, dog park fiasco, we went to a place called Jakes. It is this bar/restaurant that is known for its burgers. There was a live band and TVs. The TVs were our main focus because Brittany really wanted to watch the Baylor game. So, we sat in a corner, watched the game, drank green beer, and ate our messy messy burgers. Tonight, we were men. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
We took her tiny little yorkie-poo to the dog park. I love dog parks. I had never been, but I want to go back all the time... without a dog... because people let you pet their dogs, as much as you want!
Anyway, we hung out there for a while. There is a little dog park and big dog park. On the big dog park, we saw a Bull Terrier. (Target Dog). I have been obsessed with these things for the past couple of months. I just thing they are the ugliest/cutest things ever and I want one!!! Well, there was one there and I kept watching it and Brittany and I decided to name it Bullet. It seemed a pretty fitting name because it was kind of stocky and was definitely a boy. We talked about him and watched him play.
When we were leaving, so was Bullet. Well, me being... me kept turning around to look at the dog as we were walking away. The owner was a young, semi-attractive boy, who took my turning around gawking at his down... as turning around gawking at HIM. This was not the case.... Dude, sorry to break it to ya, but I'm checking your dog out... not you.
Anyway, when we were driving out of the parking lot, the guy saw us and waved! haha. I waved back and laughed... then he caught up with us on the road and drove up beside us to wave... it was awkward. I just really liked his dog!!
After the Bullet, dog park fiasco, we went to a place called Jakes. It is this bar/restaurant that is known for its burgers. There was a live band and TVs. The TVs were our main focus because Brittany really wanted to watch the Baylor game. So, we sat in a corner, watched the game, drank green beer, and ate our messy messy burgers. Tonight, we were men. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
It is kind of dark, but you get the picture.
First week on my new Rotation
My new rotation is cool. Different, but cool.
My new supervisor's name is Terri.
I'm on the Trauma/surgical floor. All of the kids coming out of surgery come to my floor. Well, not all of them, but a lot of them. Our main population is made up of kids that aren't normally in the hospital but are admitted for reasons like appendectomies or broken bones, or random surgeries like that.
Child life's main job on this floor is to get the kids up and walking after their surgery. A lot of kids that have surgery don't want to get up and do anything, but in order for them to go home, they have to. We bribe them will video games and toys. It almost always works. We entice them to come to the playroom, or activities that are taking place around the hospital.
We see a lot of random stuff up here, but I like it.
My new supervisor's name is Terri.
I'm on the Trauma/surgical floor. All of the kids coming out of surgery come to my floor. Well, not all of them, but a lot of them. Our main population is made up of kids that aren't normally in the hospital but are admitted for reasons like appendectomies or broken bones, or random surgeries like that.
Child life's main job on this floor is to get the kids up and walking after their surgery. A lot of kids that have surgery don't want to get up and do anything, but in order for them to go home, they have to. We bribe them will video games and toys. It almost always works. We entice them to come to the playroom, or activities that are taking place around the hospital.
We see a lot of random stuff up here, but I like it.
Wedding Weekend
It was great to see everybody.
It was emotional because it symbolizes growing up and things changing.
Mary. Was. Beautiful.
The wedding was beautiful.
I would have expected Mary to be somewhat of a bridezilla, because it is her right on her day, but she wasn't. She was the opposite. She was so aware of other people's feelings even though it was her day to shine. I kept expecting her to freak out and be nervous but she was so calm and so sure of herself. It was quite inspiring. I hope I am that 'put together' on my wedding day.
I was so honored to be a part of her day. So honored.
I had a "Bridesmaid" moment at the end of the day. When they are all sending the bride and groom off and the best friend looks at her and waits for her to look back... that is right before Caleb Rummel THREW A LIT SPARKLER AT THE BRIDE!!!! Then, all of the saddness, joy, and sentimentalness DISAPPEARED and I just kept yelling, "YOU THREW A LIT SPARKLER AT THE BRIDE!!!??"
...and that, ladies and gentlemen, is how Caleb Rummel died.
just kidding. maybe if he had actually caught her on fire, I would have actually killed him, and I'm sure I would have had helpers.
What a beautiful weekend.
Surgery
One of our assignments is to do a "full admission" assignment. This is where we follow a patient throughout the entire surgery process: from beginning to end.
I got to do mine on February 29th.
It was a patient getting a port placement. For those of you that don't know what that is:
a port is basically a semi permanent IV access site. It is a small round disc that is connected to a small tube or catheter. The tube goes directly to the heart and the disc is placed under the skin in the chest, usually right below the collar bone. The port can be felt under the skin. When the port is "accessed" that means it has a needle into it and medicine can be given and blood can be drawn. Ports are usually placed for patients that go through a lot of treatments. Cancer patients almost always get a port. It is common with other diagnoses as well, but most commonly, cancer. Anyway, they go into surgery to get this placed. It can last for years and years. But eventually, it can be removed when it is no longer needed.
The benefits of having a port vs an IV or a PICC line or whatever is you can bathe, swim, do pretty much anything and you don't have to do dressing changes or get it replaced. With other lines, you can't get them wet or anything, so showering is difficult, you can't swim and forget sports.
Anyway, that is what a port is.
This kid had to get one and I got to watch.
I started out meeting them the night before and the family was so so sweet. I showed up at the hospital at 6:30am and donned my ugly green surgical scrubs and pocketed my surgical mask, shoe covers and head covering thing.
It turns out that surgical people don't wait on anyone because while I was waiting for the family to wake up and get around (I was 10 feet away from the door, around the corner) they left me. They came and got the patient and I totally missed it. I started getting worried because it was almost time for their scheduled surgery. I finally bucked up and walked in the room. They were gone. DANGIT!!!
I ran down to surgery just in time. They were 1 minute away from taking him back into the OR. I was pissed! The nurses knew where I was and that I was there to observe the surgery. Whatever.
We got back there, I stood in the corner like a dweeb trying to stay out of the way. At one point the nurse asked me to go help the doctors tie their gowns!! I had no idea what I was doing. Those gowns are confusing and everything is sterile. I kept replaying what my supervisor had told me: "Don't touch ANYTHING that is blue." (because that means it is sterile and you are not sterile.) Wellllll the gown was blue... I was terrified that I was going to contaminate something. It turns out the nurses had to walk me through the procedure. Well when it came to the second doctor, I was feeling a little more confident. She handed me some string with a piece of paper and told me to hold onto the piece of paper. When I did, she spun around and all the nurses started clapping and saying, "yay! you did it." and I got excited, so I let go. That wasn't the correct thing to do. I was supposed to keep a hold of the paper until it fell of, then tie the gown. I felt like an idiot. Everyone was laughing at me. Haha, needless to say, I went back to my corner.
During the surgery, I couldn't see a whole lot, but I kept reminding myself that I wasn't there to see the actual surgery, but to observe the surgical experience, ie. the surroundings, the environment, the sounds, the smell, etc.
After the surgery, I went into recovery with the patient. He did really well. One of his biggest fears was crying when he woke up. He didn't. He woke up and started talking, not a tear.
It was a really cool experience seeing that from the inside.
When I was in recovery, before my patient woke up, I was looking around at the other kids who were waking up. There was one patient, probably 18 months old or so. She was having a hard time coming out of the anesthesia and did not want to lay flat on her bed. she was fighting it, and crying. One of the care techs came over and pulled up a chair and held her for over 45 minutes. I thought he was a volunteer because the places was SLAMMED!! Every bed was full and nurses and doctors were all over the place. I just couldn't believe that he took time out of his day to hold that baby. That baby just snuggled up to this burly man and fell right to sleep. As a mother, that would be the most comforting thing, knowing that when I can't be with my baby, someone else is making it their priority to make that baby feel comforted. Gawww!
I got to do mine on February 29th.
It was a patient getting a port placement. For those of you that don't know what that is:
a port is basically a semi permanent IV access site. It is a small round disc that is connected to a small tube or catheter. The tube goes directly to the heart and the disc is placed under the skin in the chest, usually right below the collar bone. The port can be felt under the skin. When the port is "accessed" that means it has a needle into it and medicine can be given and blood can be drawn. Ports are usually placed for patients that go through a lot of treatments. Cancer patients almost always get a port. It is common with other diagnoses as well, but most commonly, cancer. Anyway, they go into surgery to get this placed. It can last for years and years. But eventually, it can be removed when it is no longer needed.
The benefits of having a port vs an IV or a PICC line or whatever is you can bathe, swim, do pretty much anything and you don't have to do dressing changes or get it replaced. With other lines, you can't get them wet or anything, so showering is difficult, you can't swim and forget sports.
Anyway, that is what a port is.
This kid had to get one and I got to watch.
I started out meeting them the night before and the family was so so sweet. I showed up at the hospital at 6:30am and donned my ugly green surgical scrubs and pocketed my surgical mask, shoe covers and head covering thing.
It turns out that surgical people don't wait on anyone because while I was waiting for the family to wake up and get around (I was 10 feet away from the door, around the corner) they left me. They came and got the patient and I totally missed it. I started getting worried because it was almost time for their scheduled surgery. I finally bucked up and walked in the room. They were gone. DANGIT!!!
I ran down to surgery just in time. They were 1 minute away from taking him back into the OR. I was pissed! The nurses knew where I was and that I was there to observe the surgery. Whatever.
We got back there, I stood in the corner like a dweeb trying to stay out of the way. At one point the nurse asked me to go help the doctors tie their gowns!! I had no idea what I was doing. Those gowns are confusing and everything is sterile. I kept replaying what my supervisor had told me: "Don't touch ANYTHING that is blue." (because that means it is sterile and you are not sterile.) Wellllll the gown was blue... I was terrified that I was going to contaminate something. It turns out the nurses had to walk me through the procedure. Well when it came to the second doctor, I was feeling a little more confident. She handed me some string with a piece of paper and told me to hold onto the piece of paper. When I did, she spun around and all the nurses started clapping and saying, "yay! you did it." and I got excited, so I let go. That wasn't the correct thing to do. I was supposed to keep a hold of the paper until it fell of, then tie the gown. I felt like an idiot. Everyone was laughing at me. Haha, needless to say, I went back to my corner.
During the surgery, I couldn't see a whole lot, but I kept reminding myself that I wasn't there to see the actual surgery, but to observe the surgical experience, ie. the surroundings, the environment, the sounds, the smell, etc.
After the surgery, I went into recovery with the patient. He did really well. One of his biggest fears was crying when he woke up. He didn't. He woke up and started talking, not a tear.
It was a really cool experience seeing that from the inside.
When I was in recovery, before my patient woke up, I was looking around at the other kids who were waking up. There was one patient, probably 18 months old or so. She was having a hard time coming out of the anesthesia and did not want to lay flat on her bed. she was fighting it, and crying. One of the care techs came over and pulled up a chair and held her for over 45 minutes. I thought he was a volunteer because the places was SLAMMED!! Every bed was full and nurses and doctors were all over the place. I just couldn't believe that he took time out of his day to hold that baby. That baby just snuggled up to this burly man and fell right to sleep. As a mother, that would be the most comforting thing, knowing that when I can't be with my baby, someone else is making it their priority to make that baby feel comforted. Gawww!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
ED: which means Emergency Department... not Erectile Disfunction
Last week was our "free week" which basically means we get to go wherever we want to. I chose the Emergency Room.
It. Was. Awesome.
I have fallen in love with the ED. It is so fast paced and there is so much respect for child life there. A lot of what we do is IV starts, but we also get to help with laceration repairs, digital blocks (which is where they give the kid a nasty shot that numbs their whole finger, or toe, etc. They are used for toe/finger nail removals, partial amputations of the fingers and toes, etc.), anything. I got to do 3 procedures by myself when I was there. I got to see two lacs: partial amputation of the finger, and a nasty laceration on a kid's arm. I also got to see a kid almost vomit all over me, yeeep. Not the most glamorous part of our job, but it happens.
I don't really get woosy or anything during procedures, but at one point, I did. I was watching a nasty laceration repair and I just started to get hot. I just moved to where I couldn't see it and took deep breaths, then I was fine. I actually was able to move over to see up close. At first, I was worried though, but I turned out fine.
I really liked the ED. I would loooove to work there. Always something new, but you have to have a LOT of energy.
It. Was. Awesome.
I have fallen in love with the ED. It is so fast paced and there is so much respect for child life there. A lot of what we do is IV starts, but we also get to help with laceration repairs, digital blocks (which is where they give the kid a nasty shot that numbs their whole finger, or toe, etc. They are used for toe/finger nail removals, partial amputations of the fingers and toes, etc.), anything. I got to do 3 procedures by myself when I was there. I got to see two lacs: partial amputation of the finger, and a nasty laceration on a kid's arm. I also got to see a kid almost vomit all over me, yeeep. Not the most glamorous part of our job, but it happens.
I don't really get woosy or anything during procedures, but at one point, I did. I was watching a nasty laceration repair and I just started to get hot. I just moved to where I couldn't see it and took deep breaths, then I was fine. I actually was able to move over to see up close. At first, I was worried though, but I turned out fine.
I really liked the ED. I would loooove to work there. Always something new, but you have to have a LOT of energy.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
All in all good weekend
Natalie came this weekend. :)
It was a Saturday filled with fun and bridesmaid shopping.
I met them at NorthPark mall and we shopped ALLLLL day for a dress and ended up finding one at American Eagle!! It was on sale and she is super happy with it. Here is a silly picture of me in it. You can sort of see it.
It was a Saturday filled with fun and bridesmaid shopping.
I met them at NorthPark mall and we shopped ALLLLL day for a dress and ended up finding one at American Eagle!! It was on sale and she is super happy with it. Here is a silly picture of me in it. You can sort of see it.
It's cute.
We ate dinner at some Italian Pizza place owned by the Mob... It was really good. We went with Hailey to get a tattoo because we were sort of celebrating her birthday too. Her tattoo was super cute and Kelsey almost got one, but talked herself out of it.
I went to church with Kristofor the next morning and then we went to the Fort Worth Zoo to celebrate Matt (Kristofor's roommate)'s birthday! It was awesome! I love the zoo! I got to see the GIRAFFES!!! EEEK!!!!
I wish my phone took better pictures...
It was a great weekend. I'm thankful for friends who come to visit and friends who have friends that they are willing to share with me.
Last Week in Dialysis
My last week in Dialysis was an emotional week. I was so sad to go. I have grown to love it there: the kids, the staff, everything. I feel comfortable and I don't want to leave. My last activity for the week was a Jeopardy game that I adapted to relate to Dialysis. All of the questions were focused on teaching them something about their diagnosis.
The categories were:
The Staff: funny and interesting facts about staff
Hemodialysis: questions related to the actual dialysis process
Diet: questions related to diet restrictions based on what the nutritionist (or as some of the kids call her: THE FOOD KILLER) says about ways to keep themselves healthier with failing kidneys.
Medical Equipment: This made them identify or explain medical equipment related to treatments
Medications: This proved to be a difficult one to some of the kids, because most of them don't pay attention what medications they are on.
Also, I made the board versatile. I made it so that the department could use it for other games and versions as well. So the top cards are dry erase and all of the cards are velcroed on... :)
I was so impressed by how much they loved it! They got so into it that they all wanted to play again after we had gone through all 25 questions. So, we ran and got some make-shift questions that were from the nutritionist (food killer). They were really hard, but the kids still liked it.
Later on in the week, one of the kids (who never really did ANY of my activities) specifically asked if we could play Jeopardy again. I about peed myself because I never expected that from him. Haha!!!!
It was a great way to end my time there. I miss it already. And I've heard through the grapevine... that the kids really miss me too. :) That's a good sign, right????
The categories were:
The Staff: funny and interesting facts about staff
Hemodialysis: questions related to the actual dialysis process
Diet: questions related to diet restrictions based on what the nutritionist (or as some of the kids call her: THE FOOD KILLER) says about ways to keep themselves healthier with failing kidneys.
Medical Equipment: This made them identify or explain medical equipment related to treatments
Medications: This proved to be a difficult one to some of the kids, because most of them don't pay attention what medications they are on.
Also, I made the board versatile. I made it so that the department could use it for other games and versions as well. So the top cards are dry erase and all of the cards are velcroed on... :)
I was so impressed by how much they loved it! They got so into it that they all wanted to play again after we had gone through all 25 questions. So, we ran and got some make-shift questions that were from the nutritionist (food killer). They were really hard, but the kids still liked it.Later on in the week, one of the kids (who never really did ANY of my activities) specifically asked if we could play Jeopardy again. I about peed myself because I never expected that from him. Haha!!!!
It was a great way to end my time there. I miss it already. And I've heard through the grapevine... that the kids really miss me too. :) That's a good sign, right????
Monday, February 20, 2012
Epic Nervousness
Friday was a big deal. All of it. The whole day. Why? Because Brittany and I spoke to an audience of about 800 people. It is kind of a long story...
It all started when I visited a church a few weeks ago. I went to visit a youth minister (and his precious family) named Marcus Neely, a guy I know from Harding. Well, one of the kids in his youth group recognized me from Uplift. We talked a little bit. She was really nice. Well, a few days later, Marcus calls me and tells me that this girl wants me to speak at a conference... ummm. I was a little confused, because why would she want me to speak at a conference?
It turns out it was for HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America). She wanted me to talk about child life and my experiences in that field. Well, okay. Me, being in super LEARN MODE during this internship was like, OKAY! I also roped the other two interns into doing it with me, thinking it would "impress our supervisors." Well, after I agreed to it and got the girls to agree to it... I find out that there will be close to 800 people there. My first thought, other than I'M GONNA PEE MY PANTS was: Well, I guess everything IS bigger in Texas.
We planned it out, my supervisor agreed to go with us... I guess to chaperone us or observe us or something, I don't know. She even gave us a powerpoint to use, so we didn't have to make one.
All good right...???
The day of the conference: Friday, February 17, 2012... duhn duhn duuhhhhnn.....
First thing: Heather was sick. She wasn't coming.
Okay okay, we can fix this. Brittany and I just did some last minute adjustments to our powerpoint preparations. No big.
10 minutes before we were set to leave, the girl calls me and says, "are you on your way yet?! Can you make sure you are here a little early?!" Okay, this girl was freaking out... did I tell you she's a senior in high school...? Anyway, she was stressing, which made me stress. I reminded her that we were going to use a powerpoint and she was like, okay... is it on a flash drive? I said yes.
When Alana (my supervisor) showed up, the ppt wasn't on a flash drive, but it was on a disc. I sent a quick text to the other girl saying it was on a disc... needless to say, she said it would be easier if we didn't use the powerpoint. Awesome.
THEN!! We got stuck in traffic. (SIDE NOTE: I miss Arkansas... where the worst traffic means getting stuck behind a school bus because you left your house too late in the morning. )We ended up showing up at 2:15...ish. The conference started at 2:15.
When we got there, there was somebody waiting for us at the door. They said, "Are you the speakers?"
"ummm. yes?" They escorted us to our seats. ESCORTED!!! Like we were important. That should have been my first clue...
Then, when we were seated, I looked around and we were pretty much surrounded by students. I asked the lady that "escorted" us in who was speaking after us. She looked at me with a puzzled look and said, "no one." Then I said, what is happening after we speak? and she said, "nothing...? You're it."
AHDIFNDKFDSOIKLDAMFISODFNS?! Huh?
Yep, ladies and gentlemen! We were pretty much the key note speakers of the night.
Nobody told me that we were that important! We showed up with a 'career day' powerpoint for goodness sake... that we didn't even get to use!!! It was weird... the whole thing.
The presentation went alright... I mean, Brittany and I were both shaking the whole time, but we pushed through it.
After we spoke, the girl came out on stage and presented us with certificates... and THEN called Alana up on stage. Poor Alana... she was in scrubs (it was a sea of black business casual in the audience, very professional.. picture like an FBLA conference) She walked up on stage and for some reason... was presented with a FRAMED certificate of appreciation. Like I said, this whole experience was weird... miscommunication allll around.
We left immediately... When we were driving away... everyone was exiting the auditorium. I guess we really were... 'it'
So weird...
Then we got sonic happy hour.
It all started when I visited a church a few weeks ago. I went to visit a youth minister (and his precious family) named Marcus Neely, a guy I know from Harding. Well, one of the kids in his youth group recognized me from Uplift. We talked a little bit. She was really nice. Well, a few days later, Marcus calls me and tells me that this girl wants me to speak at a conference... ummm. I was a little confused, because why would she want me to speak at a conference?
It turns out it was for HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America). She wanted me to talk about child life and my experiences in that field. Well, okay. Me, being in super LEARN MODE during this internship was like, OKAY! I also roped the other two interns into doing it with me, thinking it would "impress our supervisors." Well, after I agreed to it and got the girls to agree to it... I find out that there will be close to 800 people there. My first thought, other than I'M GONNA PEE MY PANTS was: Well, I guess everything IS bigger in Texas.
We planned it out, my supervisor agreed to go with us... I guess to chaperone us or observe us or something, I don't know. She even gave us a powerpoint to use, so we didn't have to make one.
All good right...???
The day of the conference: Friday, February 17, 2012... duhn duhn duuhhhhnn.....
First thing: Heather was sick. She wasn't coming.
Okay okay, we can fix this. Brittany and I just did some last minute adjustments to our powerpoint preparations. No big.
10 minutes before we were set to leave, the girl calls me and says, "are you on your way yet?! Can you make sure you are here a little early?!" Okay, this girl was freaking out... did I tell you she's a senior in high school...? Anyway, she was stressing, which made me stress. I reminded her that we were going to use a powerpoint and she was like, okay... is it on a flash drive? I said yes.
When Alana (my supervisor) showed up, the ppt wasn't on a flash drive, but it was on a disc. I sent a quick text to the other girl saying it was on a disc... needless to say, she said it would be easier if we didn't use the powerpoint. Awesome.
THEN!! We got stuck in traffic. (SIDE NOTE: I miss Arkansas... where the worst traffic means getting stuck behind a school bus because you left your house too late in the morning. )We ended up showing up at 2:15...ish. The conference started at 2:15.
When we got there, there was somebody waiting for us at the door. They said, "Are you the speakers?"
"ummm. yes?" They escorted us to our seats. ESCORTED!!! Like we were important. That should have been my first clue...
Then, when we were seated, I looked around and we were pretty much surrounded by students. I asked the lady that "escorted" us in who was speaking after us. She looked at me with a puzzled look and said, "no one." Then I said, what is happening after we speak? and she said, "nothing...? You're it."
AHDIFNDKFDSOIKLDAMFISODFNS?! Huh?
Yep, ladies and gentlemen! We were pretty much the key note speakers of the night.
Nobody told me that we were that important! We showed up with a 'career day' powerpoint for goodness sake... that we didn't even get to use!!! It was weird... the whole thing.
The presentation went alright... I mean, Brittany and I were both shaking the whole time, but we pushed through it.
After we spoke, the girl came out on stage and presented us with certificates... and THEN called Alana up on stage. Poor Alana... she was in scrubs (it was a sea of black business casual in the audience, very professional.. picture like an FBLA conference) She walked up on stage and for some reason... was presented with a FRAMED certificate of appreciation. Like I said, this whole experience was weird... miscommunication allll around.
We left immediately... When we were driving away... everyone was exiting the auditorium. I guess we really were... 'it'
So weird...
Then we got sonic happy hour.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Independence
Ryan came to visit this weekend. Poor guy, he came all this way and I had no plans and we just kind of did whatever. Friday night, we went out and hung out at "The Flying Saucer." Saturday, we slept late, went to lunch at Olive Garden, then went shopping. blahhh. This is where I attempted to find a dress for my sister's wedding and failed... again. But whatever. Red Chiffon is hard to find. It's cute, but I keep finding it on old lady dresses and not... 20-something dresses. Anyway, we gave up. We decided to go to a comedy club called The Hyena. We went to Brittany's apartment for a while, then grabbed pizza, ate it in the CAR, then got in line JUST IN TIME to claim our seats. It was a close call. We ended up getting 8 free tickets to this place. We had coupons, and they wouldn't take them, so they gave us free tickets for next time. SWEET! It was fun, I want to go back.
On another note...
I am "completely" independent at work right now.
That basically means that any procedure that comes up, I get to do by myself. Prettttyyy cool.
Today is Valentine's day and in the unit, we decorated sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles and "painted" marshmallows. That is just where you take milk and food coloring and "paint" your marshmallows. It just adds color and it's pretty fun. The staff had a lot of fun with it... and I ate a lot of cookies.
I am becoming more and more comfortable here, on this rotation... but, I leave in a week and a half. I move to another unit. This is soo sad! I mean, it is good, but I will miss the kids and the staff. I have learned so much and I have spent so much time with them. It is just going to suck leaving them and moving on to another group of people. They keep saying I won't come and visit, but I WILL!
Also, I am planning a REALLY AWESOME activity for next Thursday and Friday. It is going to be E.P.I.C.!!!!! I'll post on that for sure.
On another note...
I am "completely" independent at work right now.
That basically means that any procedure that comes up, I get to do by myself. Prettttyyy cool.
Today is Valentine's day and in the unit, we decorated sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles and "painted" marshmallows. That is just where you take milk and food coloring and "paint" your marshmallows. It just adds color and it's pretty fun. The staff had a lot of fun with it... and I ate a lot of cookies.
I am becoming more and more comfortable here, on this rotation... but, I leave in a week and a half. I move to another unit. This is soo sad! I mean, it is good, but I will miss the kids and the staff. I have learned so much and I have spent so much time with them. It is just going to suck leaving them and moving on to another group of people. They keep saying I won't come and visit, but I WILL!
Also, I am planning a REALLY AWESOME activity for next Thursday and Friday. It is going to be E.P.I.C.!!!!! I'll post on that for sure.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
fail.
I've failed at blogging lately. Sorry. Maybe I will write one soon.
Things I've done lately:
I've done a total of 6 procedures!!!!
I get to start "flying solo" tomorrow. (That means I get to do stuff without being observed by my supervisor)
I have come to love my Dialysis family, both staff and patients.
I went to a super bowl party in Dallas with Kristofor's church.
I need to start working on my sister's sparkler stuff for her wedding.
I need to find a dress for my sister's wedding.
I picked up my dress for Mary's wedding from the alteration's place.
I got a note from one of my patients saying she loved me and that I'm "the best." It really warmed my heart.
I got to see Marcus Neely and his family and everything they served for lunch that day had lime in it... oopsie. I ate it without saying anything...
I got to be a mic boom operator for a videographer!!
Ryan is coming this weekend.
I am going for a run right now.
Things I've done lately:
I've done a total of 6 procedures!!!!
I get to start "flying solo" tomorrow. (That means I get to do stuff without being observed by my supervisor)
I have come to love my Dialysis family, both staff and patients.
I went to a super bowl party in Dallas with Kristofor's church.
I need to start working on my sister's sparkler stuff for her wedding.
I need to find a dress for my sister's wedding.
I picked up my dress for Mary's wedding from the alteration's place.
I got a note from one of my patients saying she loved me and that I'm "the best." It really warmed my heart.
I got to see Marcus Neely and his family and everything they served for lunch that day had lime in it... oopsie. I ate it without saying anything...
I got to be a mic boom operator for a videographer!!
Ryan is coming this weekend.
I am going for a run right now.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
I. Am. Awesome.
Today was a big day. Today, I became an intern with some firsthand experience. That's right. I did a procedure. I helped a child cope during an IV start. You may not think this is a big deal... but every intern has to go through this. Every intern has to do it for the first time. Well, I did today. I was terrified, I was sweating, and I was shaking, but I did it.
I was all prepared, I had gone over it in my head a thousand time. What will I say? What questions will I ask? How will they respond? How can I help them if they start to get upset? How will I distract them during the procedure? What if they want to watch? What if they kick and scream? What if I forget to tell them something and they lose trust in me? Oh, I had played it all out in my head. All of it. Numerous times.What i wasn't prepared for... is what ACTUALLY happened.
The patient didn't speak English.
Okay, well maybe he spoke a little english.. but mostly... I got that cute little nod and smile. like, "oh yeah, I have no clue what you're talking about, but you have a smile on your face and you seem nice, so I'll just continue to smile and laugh when you make funny sounds or make a funny face." Yes... that is what I got. Bless his heart, he was THE BEST patient I could ask for... THE BEST. He giggled when we did the "pop fizz" which is just the medicine we use to numb the area... and he was so engaged in the ISpy book that he never knew that the nurse was even touching him. He never flinched. I didn't even know the procedure was over until I looked over and everything was done. I think I was as relieved as he was. He was cute. And he was brave.
I just didn't expect my first independent procedure to be on someone who had no idea what I was saying... I guess in a way, it could be encouraging. If I did mess up... he had no clue.
But, he definitely knew more, felt more prepared and in control when I left, than when he walked in... and that is the goal of child life.
I was all prepared, I had gone over it in my head a thousand time. What will I say? What questions will I ask? How will they respond? How can I help them if they start to get upset? How will I distract them during the procedure? What if they want to watch? What if they kick and scream? What if I forget to tell them something and they lose trust in me? Oh, I had played it all out in my head. All of it. Numerous times.What i wasn't prepared for... is what ACTUALLY happened.
The patient didn't speak English.
Okay, well maybe he spoke a little english.. but mostly... I got that cute little nod and smile. like, "oh yeah, I have no clue what you're talking about, but you have a smile on your face and you seem nice, so I'll just continue to smile and laugh when you make funny sounds or make a funny face." Yes... that is what I got. Bless his heart, he was THE BEST patient I could ask for... THE BEST. He giggled when we did the "pop fizz" which is just the medicine we use to numb the area... and he was so engaged in the ISpy book that he never knew that the nurse was even touching him. He never flinched. I didn't even know the procedure was over until I looked over and everything was done. I think I was as relieved as he was. He was cute. And he was brave.
I just didn't expect my first independent procedure to be on someone who had no idea what I was saying... I guess in a way, it could be encouraging. If I did mess up... he had no clue.
But, he definitely knew more, felt more prepared and in control when I left, than when he walked in... and that is the goal of child life.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Gaining independence
So, on Thursday, I spent the entire afternoon in the dialysis unit by myself! The nurses were asking me questions about where to find certain crafts for kids and I facilitated the group activity. I was all by my lonesome!!! The child life specialist that is supervising me was in her office doing paperwork! I am gaining independence!!!
On another note, Heather, Brittany and me went out last night. We went out to eat at some BBQ place. Well after, Heather wanted to go to a bar. Okay, bar... Heather is way more into drinking than Brittany and me... she went to a State School... anyway, she had scoped out some bars and we drove to one. We walk in, mind you... it is only 7:30. We walk in and there is no one there... besides us. So, we awkwardly sit down at the bar and Heather strikes up a conversation with the bartender... because she is cool like that... and isn't afraid of strangers. Anyway, we sit there and this guy is SUPER awkward. like... super. He was asking us questions about ourselves and asked us if we wanted anything to drink. We told him not right now and to give us a minute... as soon as we wen to the back to get ice... Brittany was like, "I'm OUTTTA here!" this guy is awkward and I don't wanna be here. So she got up and ran out. Well, we had to follow her, so we ran out too. ... we thought, maybe we could get away without him seeing us and him just sadly walk back in and find that we were gone. Nope. The ice machine that he was getting ice from had a clear view to the door. He saw us run out like little girls.
Bahahahaha. Oh the adventures with Heather and Brittany in Texas.
On another note, Heather, Brittany and me went out last night. We went out to eat at some BBQ place. Well after, Heather wanted to go to a bar. Okay, bar... Heather is way more into drinking than Brittany and me... she went to a State School... anyway, she had scoped out some bars and we drove to one. We walk in, mind you... it is only 7:30. We walk in and there is no one there... besides us. So, we awkwardly sit down at the bar and Heather strikes up a conversation with the bartender... because she is cool like that... and isn't afraid of strangers. Anyway, we sit there and this guy is SUPER awkward. like... super. He was asking us questions about ourselves and asked us if we wanted anything to drink. We told him not right now and to give us a minute... as soon as we wen to the back to get ice... Brittany was like, "I'm OUTTTA here!" this guy is awkward and I don't wanna be here. So she got up and ran out. Well, we had to follow her, so we ran out too. ... we thought, maybe we could get away without him seeing us and him just sadly walk back in and find that we were gone. Nope. The ice machine that he was getting ice from had a clear view to the door. He saw us run out like little girls.
Bahahahaha. Oh the adventures with Heather and Brittany in Texas.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Busy.
Well, this weekend, I went to Arkansas. Being with friends is always good. Always. Kris and I got up and left Dallas at 6am! We got to Searcy around noon... and left BEFORE noon on Sunday. Quick trip but it was totally worth it. Happy Birthday to my Friend Seth!!! Yesterday, he turned the big 23! Yay.
Today was a monday. It was a good monday, but after this weekend, I was NOT ready to get out of bed. It was also my last day on the H/O (cancer unit) and I'm kind of sad. Because it is an inpatient unit, I was able to build rapport and relationships with some of the patients... now I won't see them because I am going back to my unit. Kind of sad. But, maybe I'll get the chance to see them.
That is kind of a weird thing to wish for... because that means I am wishing for them to... still be sick the next time I go up on that floor... mmmm, maybe I hope to never see them again in this hospital!!! Maybe, I hope to see them on the television, famous for something!!! haha.
ANYWAY... going to bed. I have to be at the hospital from 7:15am until 8:00pm. ick. looooong day.
Today was a monday. It was a good monday, but after this weekend, I was NOT ready to get out of bed. It was also my last day on the H/O (cancer unit) and I'm kind of sad. Because it is an inpatient unit, I was able to build rapport and relationships with some of the patients... now I won't see them because I am going back to my unit. Kind of sad. But, maybe I'll get the chance to see them.
That is kind of a weird thing to wish for... because that means I am wishing for them to... still be sick the next time I go up on that floor... mmmm, maybe I hope to never see them again in this hospital!!! Maybe, I hope to see them on the television, famous for something!!! haha.
ANYWAY... going to bed. I have to be at the hospital from 7:15am until 8:00pm. ick. looooong day.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
blick
I worked on the oncology unit today. It was a very dramatic day. Very chaotic, and very... emotional.
So....
I went for a run today. I hate running. I hate it so much. But, I needed this. I needed to blow off some steam and just... run. Tragic things happen. I am learning that every day during this internship. Bad things happen to good people.
It just sucks having to see people I care about go through really rough times.
I wish I could be in Arkansas right now. More than anything, I want to be sitting in sweat pants, watching FRIENDS with the McBrides.
Today was chapel... which means, we had kids chapel at the hospital today. I accompanied a patient to chapel and the story of choice was the story of Naomi and Ruth. I have heard this story a dozen times or more, but it wasn't until today that I really understood it. Ruth stayed with Naomi. She didn't have to. But she loved and cared for her that she stood by her during the rough times. They were not only family, but best friends. This may seem obvious or cheesy, but I really just heard... God. Like, one of the questions the chaplain asked was, "do any of you have anyone that you feel close enough to stand by during really yucky times?" ... and I realized... I do. I have a lot of people that care for me. And more importantly, so do the McBrides. There are so many people that love them and care for them. It is apparent with all of the support they are receiving right now. I am thankful that I have them. I know this post was kind of all over the place, but... my day was kind of all over the place... and I'm lucky I can make sentences.
May God bless and surround this family.
So....
I went for a run today. I hate running. I hate it so much. But, I needed this. I needed to blow off some steam and just... run. Tragic things happen. I am learning that every day during this internship. Bad things happen to good people.
It just sucks having to see people I care about go through really rough times.
I wish I could be in Arkansas right now. More than anything, I want to be sitting in sweat pants, watching FRIENDS with the McBrides.
Today was chapel... which means, we had kids chapel at the hospital today. I accompanied a patient to chapel and the story of choice was the story of Naomi and Ruth. I have heard this story a dozen times or more, but it wasn't until today that I really understood it. Ruth stayed with Naomi. She didn't have to. But she loved and cared for her that she stood by her during the rough times. They were not only family, but best friends. This may seem obvious or cheesy, but I really just heard... God. Like, one of the questions the chaplain asked was, "do any of you have anyone that you feel close enough to stand by during really yucky times?" ... and I realized... I do. I have a lot of people that care for me. And more importantly, so do the McBrides. There are so many people that love them and care for them. It is apparent with all of the support they are receiving right now. I am thankful that I have them. I know this post was kind of all over the place, but... my day was kind of all over the place... and I'm lucky I can make sentences.
May God bless and surround this family.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Tired
Today was a very busy day... Lets just say, I checked off on 5 new procedures today. Each new procedure we observe, we have to write up an observation form for... I just finished 5 of them, wrote my daily reflection, and now I get to sit down and read a chapter out of my text book. I am loving this, but after a busy day like today... I'm pooped. I even worked out this morning!! WOW! We went from the time I showed up until the time my supervisor left. Then, I am scheduled to stay 30 minutes later to work on assignments... so I went to the library and kind of stared at my binder while I tried to process what went on today. AHH! Crazy day! Great day, but crazy.
I was grateful for Glee being on tonight and Brad actually sat down and watched it with me. I didn't think he would. I assumed he would go into his cave and leave me to watch it by myself. It was nice to have some downtime... even though I did do homework while watching Glee. eh... that is life.
I was grateful for Glee being on tonight and Brad actually sat down and watched it with me. I didn't think he would. I assumed he would go into his cave and leave me to watch it by myself. It was nice to have some downtime... even though I did do homework while watching Glee. eh... that is life.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Day one of Rotation one
Today was great. It was my first day on the floor, which just means that I got to be with my supervisor interacting with actual patients. Last week was pretty much all orientation. Now, I only get to see my fellow interns when we eat lunch and/or when we go to an in-service. Saaad. I kind of missed them today. Anyway, I didn't really get to see any procedures today, but I got to see how Amy (my supervisor) interacts with patients as well as her co-workers. This whole process is soooo exciting. I have a desk, you wanna hear what it is?? Of course you do...
Maybe I'll take a picture of it tomorrow. Idk. I can't really have my phone at all. Anyway, it is a foot stool... and a tiny corner of her desk... haha, but it is MY workspace. :) There were a lot of comments from the other people in the office about how it is nice to have a 'young intern' who still doesn't mind sitting on the floor.
I learned a lot about Dialysis today. The kidneys are a foreign thing to me, so I am trying to learn as much as I can about them, so I can MAYBE keep up with the patients and the nurses.
ALSO!!! ATTENTION!!! I need to put a disclaimer on here. There are STRICT rules about social media and what I do... so, if there is ever anything on here that is really vague and you're like... "well, that was vague..." It is because it is. I don't want to get in trouble by saying too much. There is soo much that I am doing that I wish I could tell everyone about, but there are boundaries that I have to hold to. Confidentiality. blah blah blah... but seriously. So, forgive me for not giving like... ANY information.
Have a great night!
Maybe I'll take a picture of it tomorrow. Idk. I can't really have my phone at all. Anyway, it is a foot stool... and a tiny corner of her desk... haha, but it is MY workspace. :) There were a lot of comments from the other people in the office about how it is nice to have a 'young intern' who still doesn't mind sitting on the floor.
I learned a lot about Dialysis today. The kidneys are a foreign thing to me, so I am trying to learn as much as I can about them, so I can MAYBE keep up with the patients and the nurses.
ALSO!!! ATTENTION!!! I need to put a disclaimer on here. There are STRICT rules about social media and what I do... so, if there is ever anything on here that is really vague and you're like... "well, that was vague..." It is because it is. I don't want to get in trouble by saying too much. There is soo much that I am doing that I wish I could tell everyone about, but there are boundaries that I have to hold to. Confidentiality. blah blah blah... but seriously. So, forgive me for not giving like... ANY information.
Have a great night!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Today was a whirlwind. I am exhausted. This week is starting to catch up with me. Brittany and Heather said the same thing. I am excited though. Tomorrow, we get to meet with our supervisors and talk about our rotations. We also get to observe in the ED tomorrow. The ED is something that I am interested in. It is fast paced and always unpredictable.
I need to get some sleep tonight… and this weekend, I will go shopping. I need some random stuff… like, a lunch box… notepads… food…
Although the Thornton’s are being TOO NICE to me, and they feed me, I want to help out and buy some of the stuff that I use a lot. I cannot believe how nice they are being to me. God is really working here. Jody’s mother is not doing well and she is having to drive to Frisco everyday to be with her in the hospital. Keep her in your prayers and pray for peace and strength for everyone.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Today was another day of just running around, touring different units. Today we visited Radiology, the SPA, 4th floor (Trauma), and the NICU. We also had our first in-service which was taught by my first rotation supervisor, Amy. It was all about lines. PICC lines, Central lines, IVs, Ports, etc. It was really interesting and answered a lot of questions. I knew about lines, but they are still confusing but we got to see each one, touch it, and learn about it, so I think I’ve got them down.
We started out in Radiology with our internship supervisor, Alana. We jumped right in with an IV start on a preschool aged patient. It was really neat to see how she was able to distract the patient and keep the patient calm. The hospital uses different types of numbing stuff such as a J Tip, Emla cream, Freeze spray, etc. They are really cool and very effective. I got to see a J-Tip used for the first time today.
After our in-service, we met up with Brenda and took a tour of the SPA. Here we were able to observe a dressing change on a baby. It was cool to see how just being supportive and blowing bubbles can help a nurse get the job done. The patient was very upset, but as soon as the procedure was finished, the child life specialist got the child to playing again which is very important. The patient got to popping the bubbles and playing with the toy remote. It was a positive experience after the awful one that was experienced.
The last thing we did today was visit the NICU. This NICU is the largest private room NICU in the nation!!! That means every bed they have is a private room. Guys, that just doesn’t happen. Ever. It was phenomenal!!!!! We got to observe the CLS and the artist in residence do some legacy activities with a patient and the family. They took really cute pictures of the baby’s feet and their hands. The baby is so cute and slept through the whole thing. It was really neat to have that experience and it makes me want to do my free week rotation in the NICU. I may have to fight one of the other interns for it!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Today, we learned what our rotations would be. My first rotation is on the endocrinology/nephrology unit, which is with patients who have hormone problems and diabetes as well as kidney issues. Patients who struggle with growth hormone deficiency or those that have too much growth hormone being released in their bodies are on this unit. It is an outpatient clinic, so there will be no long term stays for these patients. Many of them come to the clinic and leave the same day or are admitted into an inpatient unit. My supervisor’s name is Amy and she seems really cool. She was talking all about dialysis and how I will get to know the dialysis machines really well as well as the patients who come in for dialysis 3 times a week, every week. Can you imagine? Coming and sitting for up to 5 hours at a time, three times a week?! Wow. Anyway, that is exciting.
My second rotation is in the SPA. Now, I know what you all are thinking.. SPA?! WHAT? MANI/PEDI?! Haha. I wish. This is the Special Procedures Area. This is where patients go to get bone marrow aspirations, colonoscopies, etc. etc. etc. Not fun stuff. This is where patients go to be put under anesthesia and then they usually wake up here too, and are then moved either back to their room or into recovery. It is a very different atmosphere in there. Very loud, fast paced, cramped. When we were standing on the unit, there was a child crying from waking up from anesthesia, nurses talking, machines beeping, people moving beds from room to room, etc. There is just a lot going on in there. I will be on that unit for 7 weeks.
By the end of our rotations, we will get to be “running the floor” by ourselves! That is crazy for me to think about right now because I am nowhere near ready for that right now. But, I have no doubt that this internship will prepare me. The curriculum is CRAZZZYYY!!! But good.
Today was only the second day of my internship and I drove to and from the hospital WITHOUT my GPS. Be proud. I was for sure proud.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Today was the first day of my INTERNSHIP!!!!! I left the house at 7:50 and got to the hospital at 8:30. Not too bad. The hospital is only about 25 minutes from my house, but with traffic and the rain, it slowed me down a little. I didn’t have to be at the hospital until 9, so I just hung out and walked around until I met up with the other interns.
We met Alana, our internship supervisor at 9:00. She is WONDERFUL. She gave us a tour of the hospital… which is huge by the way. We didn't even see the whole hospital. I could not tell you how to get one place in there… except the food court. And yes, I said… food court. This is no normal hospital cafeteria. Oh no! This is the Calmelot Court. Full of awesomeness. Anyway, the hospital is massive. We walked around, then attended a ‘boundary training’ session. Then did paperwork. Lots of paperwork. Then we had lunch, then did more paperwork. There are so many assignments!!! But they are all great assignments!!!
One of my assignments is to follow a child throughout the entire surgery process!!! I get to sit in on a surgery!!!! Surgical scrubs and all!! HECK. YES.
Also, I am so legit that I have a beeper!! Yep. A beeper. So 1996. Haha.
Today was a good day.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Because no one was here and Lee was at work again, I didn’t go to church. I wasn’t about to venture out to a church by myself. I will wait until everyone is home and I can go with them. I’m not that brave. Not during my first week here.
At 1:00, I met the other two interns at Blue Mesa, a restaurant in Fort Worth. It is a Mexican grill that serves a brunch buffet on Sundays. It was really good!! We ended up sitting and talking for over 3 hours!!! I’m sure the restaurant staff hated us. Too bad. It was good to get to know them before we start on Monday, you know, get the awkwardness out of the way before we get overwhelmed with training and information. When I came home, I officially met Brad and we hung out for the rest of the night, talking and watching tv. He seems pretty cool.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
I did absolutely nothing today. Except watch tv and craft. I didn’t leave the house. No one was home. Lee (Kaycee’s dad) was gone all day, Brad (Kaycee’s brother) isn’t back yet from DC yet, and Jody made a quick trip to Searcy to see Kaycee. I took advantage of today. It was wonderful.
Friday January 6, 2012
I got up this morning and went with Jody to Frisco. She had to visit her mom in the hospital and she dropped me off at IKEA. If you have never been to this store… I’m sorry. I could live in this store. Literally. There are bathrooms, and beds, and couches, and tvs… and it is all set up!!!! I spent over 2 hours there. There is even a restaurant! I ate lunch there and just hung out until Jody came and picked me up. I think it would have been more exciting if I had someone to share it with, but it was still great. I was surrounded by K-State fans the entire time. I was sporting my Razorback sweatshirt and there were a few AR fans, but mostly people in purple.
After Jody picked me up, we came home, scouted out parking… which turned out to be in the ball park of $35-$50!!! No THANKS! Jody offered to drop us off and pick us up, thankfully. As soon as Kristofor got off work, he showed up at the house and we left!!! It was awesome!!!! We were in the NOSEBLEEDS, but it was great.
The Cowboy’s stadium is bigger than I could have ever imagined. We had a great view of the jumbo tron… which I don’t think there is a seat in the house that isn’t a good view of that huge thing. I am so thankful I got to go. God is blessing me so much. I’ve been in Texas for less than 3 days and I’ve gone to a Mavs game, been inside and seen a bowl game in the Cowboys Stadium and I’ve gone to IKEA. Let the good times roll.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Thursday. 01/07/2012
Today, I drove from Dallas to the hospital. There, I met up with Heather. She is one of the other interns. Neither of us had been there before, so we explored together and got our drug tests. It was nice to get to know her a little and it was also nice to have someone else who was as clueless as I was.
When I left there, I went to Arlington, my new home. I met up with Jody and moved in. She is the sweetest. Bless her heart. She was franticly trying to make sure everything was perfect.
Here is a picture of my cozy little room:
I think I’m gonna like it here.
Explanation
I feel the need to explain. I have not had internet on my computer for over a week now. I have been blogging, but not posting them. I will now post them all... :)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Day one in Dallas
I got to Dallas around 3:30 yesterday. Kristofor met up with me and I got to see his new apartment. I am still amazed that one of my friends lives in such a nice apartment. Anyway, we were hanging out, fixing white chili for dinner and his friend, Tate, texted him and said he had 4 tickets to the Mavs game. We took them, made a flying trip to Val's to pick her up and headed to the game. We showed up right after it started and were in the NOSEBLEEDS! But it was still fun. My first NBA game. Not only were the Kansas State Wildcats there, but the Kardashians, and THE ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS!!!!! The Mavs won the game and when we were walking out, we saw the buses to both Cotton Bowl teams. It took all I could manage not to yell "Wooo pig sooie!" at KS, but I refrained. I did however, yell "GO RAZORBACKS!!!" when I walked by the Arkansas bus. Some of them waved at me. It. was. epic. sigh... now if only I could go to the game on Friday. Oh well, I'll be 10 minutes away, maybe I will be able to hear them cheering.
This was the view from our seats... eek!
Matt and Val. Cute couple... and also, my phone camera sucks, so... so do the pictures. Oh well.
End of day one as a Texas resident. I'd have to say... not to shabby.
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