Wahey! Back to work…

The fact I’m getting to work with no real traffic problems, suggests to me that most average workers are taking extended holidays…bastards!

After getting advice of friends that have done ITU, I tried to be more enthusiastic for my job. Still feel like I’m totally inept and almost nauseated by my lack of confidence. One of the ST2’s managed to do two subclavian vascaths- git! I’m jealous everyone is getting the opportunities. Hopefully this weekend when I’m on-call, it isn’t so busy that I am able to do some lines and present some cases for CBD’s and CEX’s. Tried an A-line in the afternoon and failed, though the reg did struggle, though he did eventually get it into the brachial artery using the Seldinger technique.

I need to be more proactive with my days and try and get as much out of this job as possible.

Oh yeah! Happy New Year to everyone!

I was fortunate to go out this NYE, as last year I was on-call. Several drinks, music, random house party and poor sleep, resulted in dehydration and a “fuzzy” head. Though I have no plans to make any resolutions, I shall try and be a bit more healthier this year. Much as I loathe to join the gym, I will probably end up doing it…shit happens.

nhsdr

Christmas approaches…but life in the hospital continues

I live in rented shared accommodation. Most of my flatmates have the Xmas period off to enjoy the holiday. Most of them are professionals like me, but unlike them, I work in a place which needs to be open 24/7, 365 days per year, without fail. Banks, shops, post offices, even the GP surgery, are all closed over the main Xmas days, except hospitals.

Usually, I am lumbered with working either Xmas day or NYE, but alas, this year, for once, I have both off. But some of my colleagues are less fortunate. And with ITU, there is always going to be critically ill patients.

No real plans of what I’m going to do. Try and see family.

What’s going on???

It’s been a busy ol’ month since my last post.

After my NYE weekend of nights, I’ve not had any major on-calls in a while till this weekend, when i’m on a partial weekend–sat and sun only.

The ST application lists were released a few days before the official start date of 22/1/07, so i got to see what was available, and finally this evening i have submitted my completed application after dithering for a day or two. The next stage is selection and then interviews. Hopefully i get something, though i will be shitting myself if i have an interview! After lots of umms and errs and changing my mind to and fro, i have chosen ACCS-EM. I hope i’ve made the right choice, although it is too late now!

The other thing going on is my car. After umming and erring about getting a new 2nd hand car, i’ve agreed on buying one today. A 3 year old B-reg VW Golf Match priced after negotation at £6000. My current car has been causing me no end of hassle, what with it conking out for no reason, though it could be an expensive ECU problem, though ultimately i’ve wanted a VW Golf for ages! Need to get my Peugeot stuff from London—my sis might be able to send it up! then i need to sort out the insurance and i might be able to get it next wednesday, though i could change the date if need be.

Let’s see what happens…

The 2 day working week

Due to the extended Xmas holiday period up to Tuesday and me starting a weekend of nights from Friday, it seems as though my working week this week is only 2 days. Yesterday felt like Monday, but alas it was Wednesday, and today is my last day at work this week till 11pm NY weekend—god i hope it isn’t too busy, as it will be the 2nd NYE i’ve worked, though the 1st on nights!

Having been doubling my efforts to study for my MRCP Part 1 exam which is on 23rd Jan 2007. Still feel stupid, but i’m understanding how to answer questions better. Fingers and toes crossed.

My other plan is to buy another gadget. I’ve been thinking of getting a Digital SLR for a while and have decided to got for the Canon EOS 400D, after checking magazine reviews and internet forums. It’ll set me back nearly £500, but i may be able to get a discount. The photo below is of the earlier model, the 350D:

A random night on-call

It seems the only time i update my blog is when i am on nights. Well tonight i have another random one off nights and so far it has been ok—i’ve seen 3 patients so far. For the medics it wasn’t too bad, but A&E was swamped with pissed up patients and injuries a few hours back.

Next week on Xmas day i have my 1st day on-call and then once again i am on a night on-call over the NYE weekend. I have so far spent only one day pn my ward and done one clinic, for which i still have to dictate my letters. I’ll do that tomorrow AM before going home.

I’m trying to get some of my F2 competencies done while i’m on nights—it’s such a hassle.

I’ll update this later today with further adventures of my night on-call…