Working 8-5

Friday was a short day of call, but it certainly didn’t feel like it. Only had one birth, but had another labor management, a couple of patients in triage and a million post-partum patients to round on. Okay, it was more like 13 post-partum patients, but that is still a lot.

The birth was in the birth center and it was nice – it was a second baby and mom was really happy and proud that she did it without an epidural this time. As much as I like the birth center, I am not a fan of suturing on a regular, non-hospital bed. Still haven’t figured out how to suture without having my preceptor helping me to visualize the field. I’m either going to have to figure out how to do it or grow more hands. I also got to remove staples for the first time.

What the thin mint?

I am convinced that Girl Scouts have a deal with the devil. They are also the only drug dealers that are not only allowed, but encouraged to stand on street corners peddling their goods. Now satan's minions are messing with my crack. Apparently, due to "rising costs" they are going to put fewer cookies in every box. Can't they just add filler like any other sketchy dealer? You too should be appalled and prepare for withdrawal. Read about it here.

Trust your feelings, Luke

I had wanted to admit a patient yesterday at 2-3 cm dilation. The reason I wanted to admit her was because the baby was so low I felt that once she dilated she could sneeze and the baby would come out. I just had a feeling that she was going to go quickly. The guidelines say not to admit until 4 cm. After sending her walking for 2 hours she was only 3 cm so we sent her home. In less than 3 hours she was back, fully dilated and blew the baby out 5 minutes after she got upstairs. This is not common for first babies. I didn't get to be there for that part, but when my preceptor was telling me about it later she said that my instincts were right about her.

I had instincts. And they were right.

I did it your way

Second day. Contract/badge issue seems to be worked out. Have 24hrs of call tomorrow. My preceptor is definitely more detailed oriented than my last. It’s good for me, but at the same time I feel like I’m missing things. I feel like I have to learn to chart differently with every preceptor, which is fine – I just feel like they think I’m doing it wrong or don’t know how. I feel like everyone keeps saying “find your own way” but at the same time correct you if it’s not their way. Guess it’s all part of being a student.

Day 1

So I survived the first day of integration. There seems to be a little problem with the hospital contract - there might not be one. I’m trying to stick with the “it’s all going to work out” line of thinking. But according to Yoda, there is no try (Empire Strikes Back, 1980). Therefore, I do believe it’s all going to work out.

It’s really just helping me develop my midwifery skills for dealing with the unexpected.

Getting nervous

So it is the eve of my first day of integration. I am at the same practice I was with last semester, but I have a new preceptor. I am excited to get started and also terrified I am going to let people down. I am so, so nervous.

The exotic island of rhode

So I am now living in Rhode Island. The move has been chaotic and stressful, but I guess that's how moves are. I actually feel very accomplished having done it, perhaps even like a real grown up. I like my new apartment, though I am a bit nervous about having a roommate again. I have been living alone for 2 and a half years now and prior to that I was living with my sister who has been my roommate on and off since I was 2 years old. I now have to remember the little things, like closing the door when I'm in the bathroom. I am also living with a stranger. The only other time I have lived with complete strangers was the summer I sublet a room from my genetics lab partner. I think it is all going to be okay, we'll just have to wait and see.