I'm about half way through my current block of night shifts and I'm learning that night shifts are definitely not something I want to do on a long term basis.
For five nights a week, I work just under 14 hours. This leaves me with 10 hours to commute, sleep, shower, and complete any required daily activities. The lack of free time isn't really a concern right now--it's more of the sleeping schedules. Once my shift ends, I mentally shut down. All I can think about is getting a couple hours of sleep. Unfortunately, it's made driving home a little difficult. I've started listening and singing show tunes as I drive home in the morning so I'm more alert. I'm not going to lie--it's been a little scary some mornings.
Along with the sleeping, my meal schedules stink. I feel like my body has mostly adjusted to staying up all night and sleeping during the day, but there are still some moments where I find myself eating to stay awake. Not good.
Exercise has also taken a major back burner. Unfortunately, my knee pain has been pretty bad. I know a large part of it is I've dropped off doing my prescribed knee exercises and tried other work outs. Last week I didn't work out at all though. Now just with nights, but residency in general, I have to make time for work outs and my knee exercises. I know I prescribe physical therapy to my patients, and I know it's beneficial, but it definitely can be annoying when it's needed for such a long term basis. I'm almost at the point where I feel like I'm never going to not have to do my knee exercises.
Now here's the major kicker--I hardly get to see my husband! Joe's started training for a new job and our schedules will not cross paths until Friday night :( So, for those who work nights on a regular basis so people like me don't have to, thank you!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Swan Thieves
The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth KostovaMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I've heard wonderful things about Kostova's previous book, The Historian, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. Hopefully I can pick it up soon.
The Swan Thieves revolves around a middle-aged male admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Kostova uses the perspective of 3 characters to help tell Robert's story. I really enjoyed hearing the story from three different perspectives. Kostova did a wonderful job giving each character its own distinguishable personality. Learning about Robert from three different people helped give him depth that I think only could be accomplished from multiple perspectives.
I have very limited experience with inpatient psychiatry, but I still believe Kostova did a wonderful job exploring his mental illness and how it affected his family and friends.
One of the main characters is Robert's wife. I do feel Kostova left her story slightly unresolved, but I can easily get over it.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book!
I listened to the unabridged audio version and it was wonderful! I cannot commend the narration enough.
View all my reviews >>
Monday, June 28, 2010
Two Years Ago...
...I married the love of my life. Happy anniversary, darling! Thanks for two wonderful years of marriage and I'm so glad we have a lifetime of more to come.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Fix It Friday - 60
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
My first day as a doctor...
...went remarkably well. As a med student, I had a white cloud over me and, at least for last night, it's carried over. I only had to complete two admissions, so that gave me plenty of time to get to know the patients and the computer system.
Some people mention it's a little difficult transitioning from introducing yourself as the med student to the doctor, but oddly, it almost seemed like second nature. I introduced myself primarily as Dr. Amanda, so it was less formal, but still let the parents know I was the doctor taking care of their child. The white coat, however, I can't stand. Firstly, I ordered my white coat entirely too big. For my short white coat from med school, I ordered a tall and once I had loaded my pockets, it was just a little too tight to button, but the sleeves were perfect. With that in mind, I ordered the next size up and a tall again for my long white coat. Oh my goodness, I'm floating in it! I truly feel like I'm wearing a cape as I walk down the halls. It's so big, the sleeves are too long, and I feel like it's a little unprofessional. I can pay for a new one, so after I try on some of my fellow classmates, I'm ordering another. In general, I'm not a fan of the white coat. Sometimes I feel the white coats scream, "look at me, I'm a doctor." I don't need everyone in the hospital knowing I'm a doctor, just my patients and the nurses helping the team care for our patient. So why don't I stop wearing my white coat? Simple--I need the pockets. Right now I still need to carry around a fair number of crib sheets, patient information, etc. One day I'll be able to ditch the white coat.
Other than dealing with my cape of a white coat, the most difficult part of last night was determining how much autonomy I have. As a med student, I had to run every decision past my supervising resident. So last night when a patient asked to disconnect her child from continuous oxygen monitoring so she could carry her around the unit and I saw no reason to keep her on continuous oxygen monitoring clinically, I didn't know if I had the authority to change it on my own. Yes, I felt a little crazy running that order by my supervising resident when I didn't see any clinical reason for continuous oxygen monitoring, but I still did. I never did any rotations at this hospital before and haven't met the attendings, so I really don't have a good feel for what I can and can't do yet. It'll come with time. With kids' lives in my hands, I'd rather run a menial order past my supervising resident than cause harm. It's still odd that I can actually write orders and they mean something. It's also humbling that I feel comfortable answering some of the nurses questions confidently on my first night--I guess I did learn more than I thought in med school.
So, if you made it this far, thanks for reading and I'm off to be a doctor again tonight =)
Some people mention it's a little difficult transitioning from introducing yourself as the med student to the doctor, but oddly, it almost seemed like second nature. I introduced myself primarily as Dr. Amanda, so it was less formal, but still let the parents know I was the doctor taking care of their child. The white coat, however, I can't stand. Firstly, I ordered my white coat entirely too big. For my short white coat from med school, I ordered a tall and once I had loaded my pockets, it was just a little too tight to button, but the sleeves were perfect. With that in mind, I ordered the next size up and a tall again for my long white coat. Oh my goodness, I'm floating in it! I truly feel like I'm wearing a cape as I walk down the halls. It's so big, the sleeves are too long, and I feel like it's a little unprofessional. I can pay for a new one, so after I try on some of my fellow classmates, I'm ordering another. In general, I'm not a fan of the white coat. Sometimes I feel the white coats scream, "look at me, I'm a doctor." I don't need everyone in the hospital knowing I'm a doctor, just my patients and the nurses helping the team care for our patient. So why don't I stop wearing my white coat? Simple--I need the pockets. Right now I still need to carry around a fair number of crib sheets, patient information, etc. One day I'll be able to ditch the white coat.
Other than dealing with my cape of a white coat, the most difficult part of last night was determining how much autonomy I have. As a med student, I had to run every decision past my supervising resident. So last night when a patient asked to disconnect her child from continuous oxygen monitoring so she could carry her around the unit and I saw no reason to keep her on continuous oxygen monitoring clinically, I didn't know if I had the authority to change it on my own. Yes, I felt a little crazy running that order by my supervising resident when I didn't see any clinical reason for continuous oxygen monitoring, but I still did. I never did any rotations at this hospital before and haven't met the attendings, so I really don't have a good feel for what I can and can't do yet. It'll come with time. With kids' lives in my hands, I'd rather run a menial order past my supervising resident than cause harm. It's still odd that I can actually write orders and they mean something. It's also humbling that I feel comfortable answering some of the nurses questions confidently on my first night--I guess I did learn more than I thought in med school.
So, if you made it this far, thanks for reading and I'm off to be a doctor again tonight =)
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Babysitting
We haven't had any children yet, but having a child definitely can change a couple's priorities and lifestyle. However, I personally believe every couple should take some time to themselves and remember what it's like to be husband and wife, and not just mom and dad. To do that, you often need to hire a babysitter. Here are some reminders from the Academy of Pediatrics found on HealthyChildren.org.
The following list of information should always be left with a babysitter:
1. Parents phone numbers
2. Neighbors phone numbers
3. Doctor
4. Fire/Rescue
5. Police
6. Poison center
7. Home phone
8. Home address
Parents Should:
* Meet the sitter and check references and training in advance.
* Be certain the sitter has had first aid training and knows CPR.
* Be sure the babysitter is at least 13 years old and mature enough to handle common emergencies.
* Have the sitter spend time with you before babysitting to meet the children and learn their routines.
* Show the sitter around the house.
Point out fire escape routes and potential problem areas. Instruct the sitter to leave the house right away in case of fire and to call the fire department from a neighbor's house.
* Discuss feeding, bathing, and sleeping arrangements for your children.
* Tell your sitter of any allergies or specific needs your children have.
* Have emergency supplies available including a flashlight, first aid chart, and first aid supplies.
* Tell the sitter where you will be and when you will return.
* Be sure any guns are stored unloaded in locked cabinet.
Sitters Should:
* Be prepared for an emergency.
* Always phone for help if there are any problems or questions.
* Never open the door to strangers.
* Never leave the children alone in the house - even for a minute.
* Never give the children any medicine or food unless instructed to do so by the parents.
* Remember that their job is to care for the children.
* Tender loving care usually quiets an unhappy child.
Last Updated 6/10/2010
Source TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program (Copyright © 1994 American Academy of Pediatrics)
The following list of information should always be left with a babysitter:
1. Parents phone numbers
2. Neighbors phone numbers
3. Doctor
4. Fire/Rescue
5. Police
6. Poison center
7. Home phone
8. Home address
Parents Should:
* Meet the sitter and check references and training in advance.
* Be certain the sitter has had first aid training and knows CPR.
* Be sure the babysitter is at least 13 years old and mature enough to handle common emergencies.
* Have the sitter spend time with you before babysitting to meet the children and learn their routines.
* Show the sitter around the house.
Point out fire escape routes and potential problem areas. Instruct the sitter to leave the house right away in case of fire and to call the fire department from a neighbor's house.
* Discuss feeding, bathing, and sleeping arrangements for your children.
* Tell your sitter of any allergies or specific needs your children have.
* Have emergency supplies available including a flashlight, first aid chart, and first aid supplies.
* Tell the sitter where you will be and when you will return.
* Be sure any guns are stored unloaded in locked cabinet.
Sitters Should:
* Be prepared for an emergency.
* Always phone for help if there are any problems or questions.
* Never open the door to strangers.
* Never leave the children alone in the house - even for a minute.
* Never give the children any medicine or food unless instructed to do so by the parents.
* Remember that their job is to care for the children.
* Tender loving care usually quiets an unhappy child.
Last Updated 6/10/2010
Source TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program (Copyright © 1994 American Academy of Pediatrics)
Look Out World!
Tonight I officially start my residency. I'm on nights, so I'll be responsible for doing the admissions and answering any questions that come up overnight. I'm not really a night person and I've been trying to shift my sleep schedule the past couple of days, but was unsuccessful. I have about 6 hours before I need to leave our apartment, so I'm going to try to take a nap for a little bit.
I'm both nervous and excited. There's a senior resident working with me, so I'm not completely on my own, but this is the first time I'll be actually responsible. If I feel like a kid needs tylenol for the fever, I can actually order it--I don't have to ask someone else. I know I have more emotions running through me right now, but I don't really know how to express them. Nothing bad or stressful, but just kind of in awe that I'm actually here. I had a dream, I stuck to it, and now I'm seeing it come into fruition.
I'm both nervous and excited. There's a senior resident working with me, so I'm not completely on my own, but this is the first time I'll be actually responsible. If I feel like a kid needs tylenol for the fever, I can actually order it--I don't have to ask someone else. I know I have more emotions running through me right now, but I don't really know how to express them. Nothing bad or stressful, but just kind of in awe that I'm actually here. I had a dream, I stuck to it, and now I'm seeing it come into fruition.
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