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

Destroyed…but it’s a learning experience

Yesterday, I did one of the other SHO’s a favour a did his on-call as he’d done the first weekend and a few others already.

After only a few days on ITU, I still hadn’t really found my feet and felt like i was like a house officer again or at worst a medical student.

The trouble with our ward rounds at the moment is, there are too many docs, which is a good thing now, but means it is split between two teams of reg’s, so you don’t fully know what’s going on till the consultant comes along.

The usual intake on the gen ITU ward is 1-3 patients. Yesterday we were swamped with 6 patients, which we have to double admit i.e on paper and on the computer, which takes ages. I felt i became even slower and kept on apologising to the on-call reg and then the night team. I felt like a total twat, and just totally hated my first on-call experience. Totally reckoned ITU was not for me. Had an extended journey home as i got lost, but thank god for my SatNav, which got me back within an hour.

Today, thankfully things were a bit better, though i still feel like a little fish in a very wide and deep ocean. The lunchtime critical care teaching allayed some of my fears.

Ultimately, i have to use this as a learning experience, and hope i get better. I need to start doing some practical skills and opening appraisal, and hopefully i’ll start to settle a bit and gain confidence…i hope.

nhsdr

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…

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…