I had a coach that used to say to me you don't know what you don't know! Sounds stupid right? haha. However, there is some truth and meaning behind that. As a student, I feel like I should know everything or atleast act like I know what I'm doing. There's no use stressing out about what you don't know. I think what makes people and conversations interesting is the fact that they might know something that you don't. The world would be boring if we knew everything or if you had a conversation with someone who acted like they knew everything! Today, I got myself in a mess over my curiosity.
It was surgery day. I went to change into my scrubs and reported to the nurses station to check in my stuff. The nurse told me I was only allowed in rooms 11,13, and 16. Those rooms were the shoulder surgeries, which are more beneficial for OT's to see. I was a little irritated with the shoulder surgery because I couldn't see over 20 med students and MD's. So, I got sketchy and went back to the nurses station to see if any other cool stuff was going on. I hit gold! There was a total knee replacement and a craniectomy to remove a brain tumor on the schedule. I knew this would be my only chance to see those. So, I went for it and snuck in. I first went into the craniectomy and made it just in time to see the surgeon remove the brain tumor. I will no longer eat peanuts again! So, I left and went to the total knee surgery. This time my curiosity got me in real trouble. I was the only student and so the MD's kept me on top of what was going on. I couldn't leave.
I still have trouble with my knee. I tore my ACL and lateral meniscus in college and I don't believe there is anything that could make me more sick than the injury, surgery, and rehab. So, here I am in a knee operating room and my stomach is already turning. What do you think about those scary movies like Saw, Cannibal, etc.? Gross right? They ain't got nothing on a total knee replacement. First there is the smell of burnt tissue from the torch to rid of scar, etc. Then, there's a medical saw that cuts your bones all the way through. They take medal plates and hammer the plates with screws on the bone. Basically, there was blood and bone flying in the air through most of the surgery. The sounds and the impact reminded me of my dad hammering a stake in the ground. So, thats why all the surgeons had on astronaut looking suits on. They were covered with blood and bone. I kept thinking about my knee and thinking about that poor patient! And how curiosity got me a front row seat to all this.
After 5 surgeries and the total knee that topped it off, I came home to shower what probably was chips of bone in my hair. Then I got sick..seriously! Curiosity killed the cat for sure. Then, that saying "What you don't know, you don't know." came to my mind and I'll remember next time that maybe we should leave some things we are curious about to our imagination. Its more fun that way!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Job satisfaction
When you fill out your job surveys at your annual meeting what are your thoughts? There is not one person that can say they had an amazing day at work 110% of the time. We all wish we could be movie stars, professional athletes, or rockstars. So, lets get real and quit day dreaming because the real satisfaction doesn't lie on what we see as the greener side of the fence.
We see the fate of most celebrities. That usually happens because they get caught up in themselves with money, drugs, and all that other glittery stuff. So think about it, what gives you complete satisfaction at the end of the day? Think about one good thing from your day..atleast. As for myself, I have a very difficult job. I work in an intense hospital setting and people are stressed and have been overcome with trauma and grief. Why did I choose to be an OT then? Some of the downers that come with my job are doing tasks such as bathing people, cleaning up messes..(you know what I mean), getting spit up on, getting pushed & cussed by patients, etc. So, what really gets to you at work? Trust me somewhere all your hard work does pay off. Here is exactly why all those bad days pay off. So glad I chose to be an OT!
Here are some of my sweet little patients. This is where my job satisfaction comes into play. Whats yours?
We see the fate of most celebrities. That usually happens because they get caught up in themselves with money, drugs, and all that other glittery stuff. So think about it, what gives you complete satisfaction at the end of the day? Think about one good thing from your day..atleast. As for myself, I have a very difficult job. I work in an intense hospital setting and people are stressed and have been overcome with trauma and grief. Why did I choose to be an OT then? Some of the downers that come with my job are doing tasks such as bathing people, cleaning up messes..(you know what I mean), getting spit up on, getting pushed & cussed by patients, etc. So, what really gets to you at work? Trust me somewhere all your hard work does pay off. Here is exactly why all those bad days pay off. So glad I chose to be an OT!
Here are some of my sweet little patients. This is where my job satisfaction comes into play. Whats yours?
Monday, October 25, 2010
New beginnings
I've have met some amazing ladies and friends here in Tampa through church. Alot of us just met all at the same time and in the same point in our lives. One of the girls is a new Christian and I got the chance to watch her baptism on Sunday. I really don't know her like I know alot of my closer friends back home, but its such an amazing thing to share with somebody. When she dropped me off after it was over, she was so greatful that some of us came to watch her. I said "Ya know, this may sound so corny but I feel so honored to have shared that with you. And, sometimes when I think about heaven I remember moments like this when you meet people throughout your life and then later when we all get to heaven we can rejoice those moments." Yes, I just went on my butterflies and rainbows spill but I can't help but to smile at those great moments we have with the people that come into our lives. I'm so blessed that I'm here in Tampa. Every day just keeps getting better and better ♥
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Lessons learned
This week was random as well as every other week of my life. I spend most of my time here in Tampa getting lost and honked at.
Monday- I decided that google directions without a co-pilot in the car is just a great way to get in a wreck and get whiplash when you read a street name that looks familiar. I refuse to get a GPS system only because I enjoy saving money and its just another piece of technology that doesn't require brain work. So, to elaborate on how random my life is I had to find a truck stop outside of Tampa to pick up something for school (another story). I do get credit for actually finding the place 20min later, but sadly my Spanish speaking skills are non-existent at this point and I was unable to get what I came there for. Tampa's road system is full of one-ways that jet you pretty far outside of the city without finding a connector to turn you around the other way. Google directions do not work in reverse for one-ways, if that makes sense. So, basically I end up in ghettoville near Ybor City with only one bar left on my phone and no GPS. 45 minutes later in my car, I decided that I might have a full on panic attack. Nobody was answering their phone and of course my phone died attempting to do so. It was getting dark and I already lost sight of the skyline...so I figured this was it. I was going to get car-jacked, mugged, or drive around until daylight. My life-saving device was my compass on my car. I knew I needed to go south, so I trusted that and by the grace of God I made a few lucky turns and found a road that looked familar. I came home and didn't eat dinner or shower. I just jumped in the bed and hugged my pillow. I'm sure people think I'm so sketchy here, because I can never find people's houses or find places where I need to be at. As for tonight goes, I got lost going to hot yoga which is 5 minutes away using Google directions. That's sad.
Lesson learned # 1- Never drive in a new city with google directions. Bus systems aren't so bad afterall and never hesitate to 'bother' people and call them for help. My co-workers were shocked I made it out of that area without any problems. I'm so hood.
Another lesson I really took to heart was from one of my pediatric patients who suffered a hard blow from a medical condition which resulted in brain surgery and a partially shaved head. For HIPPA purposes I cannot disclose too much information so I'll just make it as simple as possible. This little girl has thrown toys in my face and has used the shower head as a weapon against me. I ended up going to a very important meeting, drenched. She is one of my more difficult patients to work with. Anyways, I knocked on her hospital room door and came in to start working on her ADLs. She was extra quite that morning and I knew something was up. So, I turned my head and stared at her to initiate a reaction. She looked more sad than usual and all she had to say was, "Miss Laura, Can I have your hair?" How do you answer that to a pretty little young girl who has lost her hair? I have touching moments everyday with these kids who are very sick and still have so much life to live.
Life Lesson #2- Appreciate what health you do have and never let go of your more 'difficult' friends/family. They need you more than you even know.
Monday- I decided that google directions without a co-pilot in the car is just a great way to get in a wreck and get whiplash when you read a street name that looks familiar. I refuse to get a GPS system only because I enjoy saving money and its just another piece of technology that doesn't require brain work. So, to elaborate on how random my life is I had to find a truck stop outside of Tampa to pick up something for school (another story). I do get credit for actually finding the place 20min later, but sadly my Spanish speaking skills are non-existent at this point and I was unable to get what I came there for. Tampa's road system is full of one-ways that jet you pretty far outside of the city without finding a connector to turn you around the other way. Google directions do not work in reverse for one-ways, if that makes sense. So, basically I end up in ghettoville near Ybor City with only one bar left on my phone and no GPS. 45 minutes later in my car, I decided that I might have a full on panic attack. Nobody was answering their phone and of course my phone died attempting to do so. It was getting dark and I already lost sight of the skyline...so I figured this was it. I was going to get car-jacked, mugged, or drive around until daylight. My life-saving device was my compass on my car. I knew I needed to go south, so I trusted that and by the grace of God I made a few lucky turns and found a road that looked familar. I came home and didn't eat dinner or shower. I just jumped in the bed and hugged my pillow. I'm sure people think I'm so sketchy here, because I can never find people's houses or find places where I need to be at. As for tonight goes, I got lost going to hot yoga which is 5 minutes away using Google directions. That's sad.
Lesson learned # 1- Never drive in a new city with google directions. Bus systems aren't so bad afterall and never hesitate to 'bother' people and call them for help. My co-workers were shocked I made it out of that area without any problems. I'm so hood.
Another lesson I really took to heart was from one of my pediatric patients who suffered a hard blow from a medical condition which resulted in brain surgery and a partially shaved head. For HIPPA purposes I cannot disclose too much information so I'll just make it as simple as possible. This little girl has thrown toys in my face and has used the shower head as a weapon against me. I ended up going to a very important meeting, drenched. She is one of my more difficult patients to work with. Anyways, I knocked on her hospital room door and came in to start working on her ADLs. She was extra quite that morning and I knew something was up. So, I turned my head and stared at her to initiate a reaction. She looked more sad than usual and all she had to say was, "Miss Laura, Can I have your hair?" How do you answer that to a pretty little young girl who has lost her hair? I have touching moments everyday with these kids who are very sick and still have so much life to live.
Life Lesson #2- Appreciate what health you do have and never let go of your more 'difficult' friends/family. They need you more than you even know.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Entertaining strangers
Ahhh Mondays. Don't you love them? My mornings are spent sleeping in peacefully then rushing out and coming back in atleast twice to grab something I left. I walk to the hospital everyday, so its just a matter of time before I get hit by a car especially when I have a million things on my mind. Time is money to me. I plan out my day on a post it in addition to my sacred agenda. So, if I don't get everything accomplished then its been a unsuccessful day. Today was one of them. On my morning Olympic speed walks I always pass this older man who looks like he is a maintenance worker for the condo tower's next to where I live. He always looks up and smiles with his broom every time I speed walk like a rushing lunatic. I thought about him randomly today. I wonder what kind of family he has, if he was retired, and maybe if he thought I was a wild woman. Think about it...is there somebody you come in contact with everyday and have missed an opportunity to stir up an interesting conversation. Who knows what you will find out? You can learn about yourself and someone else. Of course its important to be street smart with your pick, but why not someone make your day or you make somebody else's day. I think about Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Tomorrow my goal is to find out one thing about this man. So, my challenge to you is to take the time out of your busy week to stir up a random conversation with somebody you come in contact with on a day to day basis. What have you got to lose! So, forget my stupid post-it tomorrow and maybe I will accomplish something more meaningful afterall.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Catching up
Hey friends and family. I miss you guys so much and think of you everyday. I decided to give this blog a shot since it is a good way to keep up with me without missing phone calls, email, etc.
First off, I couldn't be happier with my decision to come down here. I remember talking to Kendra and Kristan (in tears) about how I think I have made a mistake taking this internship at TGH. I'm usually not one to travel 12 hours away from home alone and start a new life. Wow! Did I prove myself wrong! The first week my mom graciously came down here to get me settled in. I felt like I was going off to college all over again. When I dropped her off at the airport, I had to come to grips that maybe I should trust myself for once and do great things while I'm here. I'm ridin' solo!
The first two weeks were spent with overloading myself with adventures around the city. I should have just brought a tent to sleep in, because when I'm not at work I'm usually studying or in my world of wondering around hanging out and looking for the prettiest sites around town.
I did what every normal person usually does in a new city. I joined a gym, I'm involved in a small group Bible study, a singles ministry on Tuesday nights, and I take every opportunity to go do things with friends from church/ co-workers on ice-creme nights or weekend get-aways. Basically, whatever the occasion calls for. I am also thankful that my good friend/teammate, Destri, from college came to visit me and had a great time. So, I'm not totally in isolation but I do have a great deal of alone time. I didn't realize how much we forget ourselves when we get caught up with our jobs, friends, family, and everything else that is a wild mess. Corny enough, but I'm learning more about myself and I'm starting to put things in perspective. Here's to a new fresh start.
Today I went to church and the sermon was out of 1 Timothy about being a Man (or woman) of God. It really spoke to me and what it meant to me was that maybe I have to isolate myself from all the things that keep me from being the person who God wants me to be. I think of this short stay in Tampa as just an internship, but mostly I see this as a new spiritual journey. Its so easy to get off track from what your goals are and time creeps up on you and before you know it, you've missed some great opportunities. Sometimes being on your own brings about fear but I couldn't be more comfortable fixing my eyes on this opportunity I know that is God-sent. He has great things in store for me and every day is more exciting than the last. You know when you feel like your life in just going in circles and nothing great ever comes out of it? Trust me, I've lived that life and I'm just now realizing what sacrifices I need to make in order to get back on track. So, here's my shout-out to God for allowing me the courage to set aside my fears and begin a new journey with him. In fact, I'm about to head out to the park with my book and watch the cruise ships go by. Now you know why I'm such a dork and love Owl City. haha. Seriously, I have a new song in my heart. Watch out!
First off, I couldn't be happier with my decision to come down here. I remember talking to Kendra and Kristan (in tears) about how I think I have made a mistake taking this internship at TGH. I'm usually not one to travel 12 hours away from home alone and start a new life. Wow! Did I prove myself wrong! The first week my mom graciously came down here to get me settled in. I felt like I was going off to college all over again. When I dropped her off at the airport, I had to come to grips that maybe I should trust myself for once and do great things while I'm here. I'm ridin' solo!
The first two weeks were spent with overloading myself with adventures around the city. I should have just brought a tent to sleep in, because when I'm not at work I'm usually studying or in my world of wondering around hanging out and looking for the prettiest sites around town.
I did what every normal person usually does in a new city. I joined a gym, I'm involved in a small group Bible study, a singles ministry on Tuesday nights, and I take every opportunity to go do things with friends from church/ co-workers on ice-creme nights or weekend get-aways. Basically, whatever the occasion calls for. I am also thankful that my good friend/teammate, Destri, from college came to visit me and had a great time. So, I'm not totally in isolation but I do have a great deal of alone time. I didn't realize how much we forget ourselves when we get caught up with our jobs, friends, family, and everything else that is a wild mess. Corny enough, but I'm learning more about myself and I'm starting to put things in perspective. Here's to a new fresh start.
Today I went to church and the sermon was out of 1 Timothy about being a Man (or woman) of God. It really spoke to me and what it meant to me was that maybe I have to isolate myself from all the things that keep me from being the person who God wants me to be. I think of this short stay in Tampa as just an internship, but mostly I see this as a new spiritual journey. Its so easy to get off track from what your goals are and time creeps up on you and before you know it, you've missed some great opportunities. Sometimes being on your own brings about fear but I couldn't be more comfortable fixing my eyes on this opportunity I know that is God-sent. He has great things in store for me and every day is more exciting than the last. You know when you feel like your life in just going in circles and nothing great ever comes out of it? Trust me, I've lived that life and I'm just now realizing what sacrifices I need to make in order to get back on track. So, here's my shout-out to God for allowing me the courage to set aside my fears and begin a new journey with him. In fact, I'm about to head out to the park with my book and watch the cruise ships go by. Now you know why I'm such a dork and love Owl City. haha. Seriously, I have a new song in my heart. Watch out!
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