settling in

Things are settling down for me at the hospital. Maybe that first week I bit off more than I can chew understanding-wise, I am not too ashamed to admit that I probably did most of the stressing of my-own-self :)
I have started seeing patients now in my 3rd week, though still supervised (thank goodness). The most nerve racking task that I have to do is a certain part of the Oral Mechanism Exam where I have to gag the patient with a tongue depressor to see if their gag reflex is intact (if they don't gag, then that means there is some cranial nerve involvement-- CN X to be more specific. I did my first Oral Mech earlier this week, but didn't get a gag. But it was my fault because I was too timid in my poking of the back of the patient's mouth. I have been told to be quick and aggressive when doing it, but it just feels so uncomfortable!
I have gotten to see some interesting things too, including laryngectomy and rhinectomy. And I haven't fainted or gotten sick! The only problem is my bad habits of touching my face and chewing on pens-- neither are really a good idea when working in a hospital where patients are on contact precautions. My goal: no MRSA through Dec 08!

this is supposed to be easy?

I survived my first week at the hospital. The thing is, the class a year ahead of us all said this year in our externships would be much easier than last year at the clinic. But I just don't see how that is possible (32 hours in 3 1/2 days). I have learned my lesson though, and next week I won't try to understand everything that all of the doctors say during rounds. I am not a resident or an intern, so I am allowing myself some zone-out time. The patients are interesting, but I can't go into much detail. I will learn alot this semester that is for sure-- I have already observed 2 video swallow exams and 2 bedside swallows; voice, swallowing, aural rehab, and brain injury therapy. I should be getting some outpatients of my own to start seeing for therapy next week, which I am ready for. We'll see about those swallow evals though, that should take some time....