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!