Had a fascinating time in San Diego. Attended a lecture by Dr. Bayne, the smartest person I believe I've ever met. Saw absolutely none of the city. Grrr. I learned so much. Learned much more that I don't know. For once, I'd like to feel like I'm getting ahead, but I just keep knowing less. I have a deep respect for those who donate their body to science. Thank you to those souls. I'm glad to be home. It's good not to smell like a cadaver any longer. My apologies to the guy seated next to me on the plane.
Heading off to cadaver lab on Thursday. So cool, so cool.
This last week I endured "new hire classes". It seemed appropriate, since I had already been flying a week. I learned so much that would have helped me stay out of trouble the week prior. On the fun side, we "practiced" auto-rotations. This is to see what it's like when your helicopter crashes. I was surprised to learn that there is just not much to it. Fun ride though -and I got to sit up front - very cool.
I am now recovering from the gruelling week. I stayed over an extra night in San Antonio, was able to get together with a friend I haven't seen in quite a while. Hi Dave! Now I'm home, trying to catch up both on things that need to get done (before my house rots to the ground), homework, and most important, spend some time with the people I care about. I'll chug this coffee now and get busy. Maybe one day I'll get used to four hours of sleep a night?
Well, I'm home and finally rested. The first day back, couldn't sleep at all. Heading back out today. The new job is great. Love the helicopter. Too much busy work, but I plan on getting ahead my next group of days off. (we'll see if that actually happens). I have much to learn-wish me luck.
Thanks for stopping by the new blog. I've never tried this before, but a recent experience was the instigator- and I'd like to share that experience.
I returned from a trauma nursing course yesterday. On the way home, I was filled with awe at the experience. The course was fantastic, with great instructors. The most educational bit however, was the class. Nine out of twelve of the students were new nurses. They were bright and fresh, with an amazing vitality and enthusiasm. I felt sorry for them at first, at their naivette. They'll lose that all too soon as they learn how things REALLY are. Then something happened. I was inspired. I remember starting out in nursing, jumping into critical care, eager to learn. I was standing by my preceptor as a Dr. started ranting about how new nurses shouldn't be there, stupid, don't know enough.... Here's MY rant. New nurses should be REQUIRED in critical settings. Do they know as much? -No. They don't have the clinical experience, they haven't seen the things that can go haywire (the things that aren't in the book), and they don't know the tricks you pick up after years working with other nurses. That's what us old crusties are for. We can teach them, help them. What they bring to the table is vitality and innocence, a fresh new outlook desperately needed in a place stale and stagnant. They are a reminder of what's fascinating about the art and science of medicine. A beautiful reminder of the passion lost along the way- why we're here in the first place.