HO1-- WEEK 1

It's official - I'm now a paid physician! At least that's my simple response when people ask me what's different for me from last year when I was working as a sub-intern to this week, when I'm a full-blown intern. I often lightheartedly reply, "Instead of me paying to work, they're now paying me!".  But there are a few more important changes, too. Like how I am now signing my own orders, including prescribing medications. Sort of a big deal for me...

This month I am working in the emergency room - first at UNMC and then at the VA. I've been IN the ER plenty of times to meet patients that are being admitted to my service. So, I thought I had an idea what it would be like to work down there. I expected drama, both medical and social. I was prepared for anxious patients and worried family/friends. I expected a mix of primary care problems (colds, sprains, etc), more urgent problems (headaches, abdominal pain, etc), and trauma (car accidents, gun shot wounds, etc). I also expected that the majority of my patients would be strangers to me and have little to no information in our system. Even though I was aware of all those things, the ER was still a whole new world to me. The workflow was the most difficult for me to adjust to: there is a list of patients in the computer and once the "awaiting provider" pops up next to a name, they are ready and waiting! (People are also assigned a number ranking how potentially sick they are so that they catch you eye and you pick them faster) So, you see the sign then you "assign" yourself as their doctor in the computer and go to work!  As soon as you have a down minute (while you're waiting for everyone else's labs and imaging to return) you grab the next one! 

I've worked long hours on other rotations.. but something about this workflow is extra exhausting. I learned my lesson after the first shift and now make it a point to sit in a chair while I write notes (my feet were totally mad at the end of my shift!). It's also very isolating compared to working on a team like on other services. For example, when I'm working on the normal hospital months I work with a team of usually 5 other people who are sitting in the team room with me. I'm pretty focused and stay on track -- but I didn't realize how good it is to have a little small talk throughout the day! (besides the polite chatter with patients) Between the hours and the workflow, I felt like I had been in solitary confinement for the first half of the week. I never expected it would feel that way.. I feel much better now that I had a day or two to recuperate!

I am having fun in the ER. There is exciting medicine and it's interesting to see how another department functions. Every speciality in the hospital views the world a little different.. and it makes you a better doc to have a mixture of it all!

With another busy week ahead, T and I are going to grab some time outside today and grill out with some friends in the neighborhood. Life is good in the Stoecker house! A little crazy and new, but good! I will say the highlight of my week has been my parking permit in the "employee" parking which is a garage right across from the main entrance of the hospital instead of blocks away.. The little things in life can be the big things! 

But every post needs some pictures -- so here are a few from the coast of Italy. Have a great week!

xo,
Krista