Last Friday was my first day at Harrisburg Hospital. I was a little nervous but I just prayed and asked God to open my eyes to see where He was at work, open my brain so I could soak in all of the new information, and that He would use me in someway that day.
My day started around 9am. I checked in with my supervisor and was told that I would be working on the Cardiac floor (which I knew) and that I would be in charge of taking patients to the Cath Lab where they would be getting their procedure done and then taking their friend/family member to the waiting room. I did this until about 12:00. No, it wasn't my first choice but the lady who usually does it was not there so I was glad to step up and do it. I found it a little boring at first but I just prayed that I would be used in some way. About half way into my shift a husband and wife arrived at my desk and said they were checking in for his procedure. He was having a pretty simple procedure done; basically a typical heart cath to check and see if there were any issues going on. They have been through this before but still seemed a little nervous (do ya blame them!) I walked them back to the patients room where he would get prepped for his procedure. I took his wife back with me to the waiting room. I could tell she was nervous so I just started a little small talk with her. We talked about everything from PSU football to the Phillies to the hospitals frapes. She promised me she was not going to leave that waiting room until her husband was done. Sure enough, she didn't budge.
What I learned from those short hours in the waiting room with this lady (and others) is to stand by your friend/family member/husband/wife etc. no matter what the circumstance. I've been in this ladies shoes one too many times so I knew how she was feeling. This was just a good reminder that you should NEVER take life for granted. You never know when you or someone you love will end up in the hospital. With this experience I never know what exactly I will be doing day to day. I just pray that God will use me however he wants. On this particular morning I believe I was there to just "be" with this lady and ensure her that everything would be okay. His procedure ended up not being long at all so I pray that the Drs. found no problems :)
In the afternoon I was scheduled to watch a few procedures in the Cath Lab. Long story short, their morning procedures went longer than expected so I only was able to see one. No worries though because I was in awe with just one! This patient was in to get an electrophysiology study done. An electrophysiology study (EP test or EP study) is a minimally invasive procedure which tests the electrical conduction system of the heart to assess the electrical activity and conduction pathways of the heat. The study is indicated to investigate the cause, location of origin, and best treatment for various abnormal heart rhythms. The Dr. talked to me during the whole procedure to explain what she was doing. I was able to look at his EKG's on all of the screens and she taught me what they all meant. This was so over my head and it was a little overwhelming but I was so thankful that she was so willing to take the time to teach me! The patients diagnosis was he needed a pacemaker because his left ventricle was not up to par. I was allowed to stay for that procedure as well but my supervisor already left for the day so I had to leave also. (The life at a hospital, procedures never starting when they are suppose to.)
Simply observing this procedure was amazing to me. Standing there and actually seeing a patients heart on a screen and watching it pump was amazing. I am so excited about learning more and am so thankful for this opportunity! I pray that this patient made out well and that he has a healthy life and that he doesn't pass out any more!
Until next Friday...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
The start of something new and great...
Let this adventure of learning, serving, and opportunities begin...
Today I have my orientation at Harrisburg Hospital. It is a volunteer position, but since I am in school I'll have a slight advantage and *hopefully* be able to do much more! I'll mainly be in the cardiac units.
There are three main goals I have for this experience:
1. LEARN...a TON!
2. Serve the Lord, be His hands, and help the patients to the best of my abilities.
3. Do the best I can and be hopeful that this could lead to a paying position.
I want to go into this experience with my brain completely open to learning as much as I can. I enjoy learning and especially learning about things I have a passion for. I don't mind sitting in a classroom but it does get old. I believe that the best learning is not done in a classroom but in the environment at which someone will work. I have a HUGE opportunity here and I just want to take advantage of it and learn as much as I can. I am so lucky to have this opportunity, and I will be able to experience so much while working in the hospital. I'm proud of myself for taking this step and getting this position! I know this will be an incredible experience and I just pray that I gain a ton of knowledge by the time it's over. I'm not going to lie, I'm a little nervous but I know that God will be by my side the whole way!
Working in a hospital is not an easy thing. Especially since I've had such bad experiences in them. I just want to serve God in all I do and be His hands as much as I'm allowed. No, I don't know a ton yet, but I'm still learning, and no, it won't be as "hands-on", but I will be seeing patients and if I can put a smile on their face, I'll know I did my job! I know God will use me in some way and I am excited to see that side of this experience as well.
Unfortunately when it comes to getting a job it's about who you know. I hope I have the chance to meet a lot of people (ie: Doctor's, nurses, techs etc.) and I make a good impression. I am excited to have this opportunity to volunteer but with that I am only working 4 days a week which means one less day of work which equals a lower pay check. I do know that everything happens for a reason, God will use this experience for many good things, and God will provide!
So here goes another page in the story of my life and I am giving this whole experience to God. I am nervous and excited but I know that I'll look back and be so glad I did this. I lost my Grandmom (Grammy) to a heart attack that I personally think could have been prevented if the proper tests were administered to her before her scheduled back surgery. I can't change what happened all I can do is help "another Grandmom" and be an advocate for heart disease.
Today I have my orientation at Harrisburg Hospital. It is a volunteer position, but since I am in school I'll have a slight advantage and *hopefully* be able to do much more! I'll mainly be in the cardiac units.
There are three main goals I have for this experience:
1. LEARN...a TON!
2. Serve the Lord, be His hands, and help the patients to the best of my abilities.
3. Do the best I can and be hopeful that this could lead to a paying position.
I want to go into this experience with my brain completely open to learning as much as I can. I enjoy learning and especially learning about things I have a passion for. I don't mind sitting in a classroom but it does get old. I believe that the best learning is not done in a classroom but in the environment at which someone will work. I have a HUGE opportunity here and I just want to take advantage of it and learn as much as I can. I am so lucky to have this opportunity, and I will be able to experience so much while working in the hospital. I'm proud of myself for taking this step and getting this position! I know this will be an incredible experience and I just pray that I gain a ton of knowledge by the time it's over. I'm not going to lie, I'm a little nervous but I know that God will be by my side the whole way!
Working in a hospital is not an easy thing. Especially since I've had such bad experiences in them. I just want to serve God in all I do and be His hands as much as I'm allowed. No, I don't know a ton yet, but I'm still learning, and no, it won't be as "hands-on", but I will be seeing patients and if I can put a smile on their face, I'll know I did my job! I know God will use me in some way and I am excited to see that side of this experience as well.
Unfortunately when it comes to getting a job it's about who you know. I hope I have the chance to meet a lot of people (ie: Doctor's, nurses, techs etc.) and I make a good impression. I am excited to have this opportunity to volunteer but with that I am only working 4 days a week which means one less day of work which equals a lower pay check. I do know that everything happens for a reason, God will use this experience for many good things, and God will provide!
So here goes another page in the story of my life and I am giving this whole experience to God. I am nervous and excited but I know that I'll look back and be so glad I did this. I lost my Grandmom (Grammy) to a heart attack that I personally think could have been prevented if the proper tests were administered to her before her scheduled back surgery. I can't change what happened all I can do is help "another Grandmom" and be an advocate for heart disease.
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