Every Spring there is a photo contest between the different rehab departments at Fletcher Allen. Apparently the acute rehab team has won 3 times in the past 5 years. The idea for this year's picture is that we are a growing therapy garden. One of the PTAs who's been here for a while is the farmer with the pitch fork, the site manager is watering the back row, and our secretary is watering from the side. You can just barely make me out in the back. My clincal instructor is the one to the right of the "Support Staff" sign. A very fun group of colleagues!
I'll let you know if we win! The prize is $500!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Clincal Update
I am now only a couple of weeks away from the end of my clinical affiliation at Fletcher Allen Health Care, and then I'll be returning back to Boston for my last 2 and a half months of classes. I've started to like being at the hospital now that I'm picking up patients with more complex medical issues. I really like working as part of the medical team and I now feel comfortable talking with the nurses, doctors and social workers to help decide what is best for our patients. However, when patients have more complex diagnoses, it can be more emotionally draining. I have a patient in the ICU who slips into an irregular heart rhythm every time I get her sitting up, and another patient who has to have both legs amputated or he will most likely become septic and die. I find that I am exhausted at the end of the day, and I worry that in the morning I may find out that one of them didn't make it through the night. Although it seems rather bleak, but I really like what I am doing.
The next step will be interesting, and I wonder where it might take me. I have decided to stay in Boston for my year long and only put places on my list that I can get to via public transportation. I just really want one more year close to my friends before people start going their separate ways. I know Anna plans to possibly move to Seattle, and Nelly and Rob are moving there this summer. Matt is also thinking that he might not stick around much longer than a year, so I guess it would be fun to stick around another year and spent time with the people who mean a lot to me. So here is the list I submitted:
Spaulding Rehab Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Shaughnessey Kaplan, MGH, Newton-Wellesley , New England Rehab, and Brigham and Women's.
Hopefully everything will go well with the application and interview process. They should tell me what places I can apply to by early May, and then the interviews will happen in May and June. I'm excited to have a year where I will be working a regular schedule and be able to have time to spend with friends... and maybe I can even get a dog. :)
The next step will be interesting, and I wonder where it might take me. I have decided to stay in Boston for my year long and only put places on my list that I can get to via public transportation. I just really want one more year close to my friends before people start going their separate ways. I know Anna plans to possibly move to Seattle, and Nelly and Rob are moving there this summer. Matt is also thinking that he might not stick around much longer than a year, so I guess it would be fun to stick around another year and spent time with the people who mean a lot to me. So here is the list I submitted:
Spaulding Rehab Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Shaughnessey Kaplan, MGH, Newton-Wellesley , New England Rehab, and Brigham and Women's.
Hopefully everything will go well with the application and interview process. They should tell me what places I can apply to by early May, and then the interviews will happen in May and June. I'm excited to have a year where I will be working a regular schedule and be able to have time to spend with friends... and maybe I can even get a dog. :)
Monday, April 23, 2007
Hashing is #1 in Boston?
Ok, so it looks like a local station is ranking all the fun sports in Boston that involve drinking. The Boston Hash House Harriers are in the running... voting on the following site will increase our chances: Vote Now. I don't know when they have the results posted, but right now we are 4th place. I'd love to see us make #1!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Punk Rock Hares
Matt, Anna, Mike and I set trail for the BH3 Rock N' Roll Marathon run. We decided to all dress up like punks, and Matt took it to the next level with his mohawk, which only lasted for a totally of 2 days. Over 120 people showed up for the event, and trail was close to 7 miles for those who ran the full thing. We ran past some nice Boston landmarks including the cute neighborhoods in the North End, the Charlestown Navy Yard, Beacon Hill and the State House, and the Boston Commons.
Luckily we ran on Saturday and had nice sunny weather... I guess the actual Boston marathon was a little rainier. I guess we lucked out, and I think a great time was had by all.
Luckily we ran on Saturday and had nice sunny weather... I guess the actual Boston marathon was a little rainier. I guess we lucked out, and I think a great time was had by all.
Monday, April 16, 2007
April Showers...
are supposed to bring May flowers, but in Vermont these showers are
6-16" of snow. I'm not a gardener, but I think that may impact the
tulips this season. I guess Boston is getting all this precipitation as rain, which must have made the Boston marathon today a bit miserable.
Four more weeks of snow, slush and rain and I'll be making my way back to Somerville.
Of course I am now starting to freak out about all the things I need to
get worked out before I return. I need to find a roommate for June 1st,
which is a little difficult when I can't be there to show anyone the
place or even to meet any potential roommate. I'm also freaking out
about picking my list for my year long internship. They recently sent
us all a spread sheet with the current placements including how much
each pays, whether they have insurance, and the patient populations
we'd get to see. I have to send in a final list by the end of this week, and I guess I am nervous about it. I will probably make a pro-con list, but I still don't know if I'll be able to narrow it down to only 6 choices.
6-16" of snow. I'm not a gardener, but I think that may impact the
tulips this season. I guess Boston is getting all this precipitation as rain, which must have made the Boston marathon today a bit miserable.
Four more weeks of snow, slush and rain and I'll be making my way back to Somerville.
Of course I am now starting to freak out about all the things I need to
get worked out before I return. I need to find a roommate for June 1st,
which is a little difficult when I can't be there to show anyone the
place or even to meet any potential roommate. I'm also freaking out
about picking my list for my year long internship. They recently sent
us all a spread sheet with the current placements including how much
each pays, whether they have insurance, and the patient populations
we'd get to see. I have to send in a final list by the end of this week, and I guess I am nervous about it. I will probably make a pro-con list, but I still don't know if I'll be able to narrow it down to only 6 choices.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Update on the Year Long Internship
So, it looks like the position at RIC in Chicago that was focused on patients with spinal cord injuries is no longer an option for my class. Since I do not have any interest in the Pediatric position still available there, it looks like I will not be living in Chicago any time soon.
Our clinical coordinator also just sent out all the information on each site, including amount of pay per hour, insurance available and paid days off. There is a lot to think about on this one. Unfortunately so of my top choices are pretty poor paying and one has no insurance coverage on top of that. I guess I really need to think about what is most important, and I need to think about this soon... I need to send in my list within the next week or so.
I guess the really important questions right now are: do I want to stay in Boston? would I be willing to buy a car? is money or experience more important to me? and what clinical skills do I hope to gain in this year? I'll be sure to figure this all out in the next 2 weeks, and will solicit advice from those close to me (consider yourselves warned). This year is the start of my new career and I really want to get off on the right foot.
Our clinical coordinator also just sent out all the information on each site, including amount of pay per hour, insurance available and paid days off. There is a lot to think about on this one. Unfortunately so of my top choices are pretty poor paying and one has no insurance coverage on top of that. I guess I really need to think about what is most important, and I need to think about this soon... I need to send in my list within the next week or so.
I guess the really important questions right now are: do I want to stay in Boston? would I be willing to buy a car? is money or experience more important to me? and what clinical skills do I hope to gain in this year? I'll be sure to figure this all out in the next 2 weeks, and will solicit advice from those close to me (consider yourselves warned). This year is the start of my new career and I really want to get off on the right foot.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Operation Bridesmaid 2008
So, it looks like 2 of my best friends have recently got engaged and they both asked me to be in their weddings. Jocelyn got engaged earlier in March and asked me to be her maid of honor. I am so excited and am already thinking about what I need to do: bridal shower, bachelorette party, and helping her with the big day. It's kind of a big responsibility, and I think I am up for the challenge. She is getting married Sept. 2008 in Worchester, MA, so I will be out of school and requesting a few days off prior to starting my job so that I can be there for everything.
Jen (who is surrounded by flowers in this picture) got engaged a couple of weeks ago, and has set an estimated date of June/July 2008 for her big day. Jen is considering getting married at our highschool in CT, which would be beautiful, although I think her mom isn't too keen on the idea.
I'm happy for both of them and am excited to be a part of their weddings... and I get 2 new dresses that I might never wear again, but will look damn good in photographs wearing them both!
Jen (who is surrounded by flowers in this picture) got engaged a couple of weeks ago, and has set an estimated date of June/July 2008 for her big day. Jen is considering getting married at our highschool in CT, which would be beautiful, although I think her mom isn't too keen on the idea.
I'm happy for both of them and am excited to be a part of their weddings... and I get 2 new dresses that I might never wear again, but will look damn good in photographs wearing them both!
Friday, April 06, 2007
Erik's kids
Well, my first boyfriend has recently contacted me and updated me on his life, wife, and 2 kids in Delaware. I guess a lot has happened in 13 years, huh? It's definitely been interesting getting emails from someone I was close with so many years ago, but I'm just a tad weirded out that he already has two little ones at home. Of course, these are 2 of the cutest kids I've ever seen!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Getting Bored?
Well, I think I am getting the hang of working in the Acute Care Unit because I am not really finding it too challenging this week. I know that they have been trying to keep my caseload simple and low so that I can get orientated, but I think it may be time to step it up a notch. I have to say that I do really like my patients, even the guy who sneaked booze into the hospital was surprisingly good to work with. The turnaround time is quick, however, so I only see people for 3-5 days before they either head home or to rehab. The whole point of acute care is get people up out of bed and moving around as independently as possible as quick as possible. Not a lot of patient follow up, so I really don't know how my patients end up doing in the long term. I think that is why I'd like working in a rehab hospital where you work with patients for weeks to months and get to help them make some significant progress.
I am already thinking about my year long clinical and have a list in mind: Spaulding Rehab Hospital, Rehab Institute of Chicago, University of Michigan, Portsmouth Regional, MGH, Newton-Wellesley, Faulkner, and Brigham and Women's. I have to work on my resume this month and then I'll be sending it out to these places to see where I am interviewing in May/June. Then I'll rank my choices while the hospitals ranks theirs, and then I'll be matched in July. I can't believe I am almost done!
I am already thinking about my year long clinical and have a list in mind: Spaulding Rehab Hospital, Rehab Institute of Chicago, University of Michigan, Portsmouth Regional, MGH, Newton-Wellesley, Faulkner, and Brigham and Women's. I have to work on my resume this month and then I'll be sending it out to these places to see where I am interviewing in May/June. Then I'll rank my choices while the hospitals ranks theirs, and then I'll be matched in July. I can't believe I am almost done!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The pirates of 350 Allston
I headed back home this weekend to attend Matt & Rob's housewarming party. The theme was Pirates, and here they are proudly standing on the deserted island in their livingroom. I came as a beer wench and filled many an empty mug throughout the evening. (Pictures of me to follow, once I get a hold of the ones Matt took!).
A couple of friends of mine showed up, but mainly it was Rob's B-School friends and Matt's friends from the ALB. Not everyone dressed up unfortunately, but those who did really went all out (as evidenced by the picture of our hosts).
It was great to be back down in Boston, and the rest of the weekend was more laid back, but it was still hard to leave :(
A couple of friends of mine showed up, but mainly it was Rob's B-School friends and Matt's friends from the ALB. Not everyone dressed up unfortunately, but those who did really went all out (as evidenced by the picture of our hosts).
It was great to be back down in Boston, and the rest of the weekend was more laid back, but it was still hard to leave :(
Thursday, March 08, 2007
An interesting day...
So, my first patient of the day was supposed to be a gentleman that I evaluated yesterday who had undergone a total hip replacement. He tolerated walking well, and it should have been an easy 30 minute treatment session... Apparently my patient took it upon himself to drink 4 bottles of Brandy (I'm guessing airplane sized) and attempt to walk on his own at 1am. He fell when getting out of bed, and proceeded to break his ankle on the same side as his hip replacement. Surprisingly he did not dislocate his hip in the process. He was heavily medicated when we went to see him in the AM and slotted for surgery to internally fixate his ankle. The plan is now to re-evaluate him tomorrow.
What was supposed to be a simple total joint replacement to "get my feet wet" has definitely become a bit more complicated... I'll have to see how he is doing tomorrow, and perhaps discuss how drinking may not be the best thing to accelerate his recovery.
Maybe Acute Care is going to be more exciting than I originally thought... definitely keeps you on your toes!
What was supposed to be a simple total joint replacement to "get my feet wet" has definitely become a bit more complicated... I'll have to see how he is doing tomorrow, and perhaps discuss how drinking may not be the best thing to accelerate his recovery.
Maybe Acute Care is going to be more exciting than I originally thought... definitely keeps you on your toes!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Erik and Matt
I forgot to upload this photo over Christmas, but here is a picture of Erik and Matt goofing around at Sligo's on our 12 bar Christmas Pub Crawl.
I think this is bar 7 or so.... I don't exactly know what they are doing here, but it looks like they are having a good time :)
I think this is bar 7 or so.... I don't exactly know what they are doing here, but it looks like they are having a good time :)
Monday, March 05, 2007
Greetings from the land of ice and snow!
After a treacherous commute up Friday night, which involved one spin out where thankfully no one was injured and Anna was able to negotiate her car out of the snow bank and get us back on the highway, we settled in after arriving at 2am. We couldn't believe all the snow outside when we finally dragged ourselves out of bed and the house. There are drifts of over 5 feet in some areas (apparently this is where the snow has been hiding).
The people I am living with are great and luckily had the bed all ready for us with multiple comforters and blankets. We all went skiing together at Smuggler's Notch on Sunday (amazing conditions), and then proceeded to watch multiple spin outs while we tried to keep our own car on the road getting down the frozen access road. oh, this is after I fell on the ice in the parking lot and landed with my board on top of me... no broken bones, although I am awaiting a sizable thigh bruise.
Found the shuttle bus at 7am this morning and had a good first day. My CI is really nice, although a bit nervous as I am her first student at FAHC... we'll see how it pans out. So far, she seems to know her stuff although is a bit scattered at times. She is ready for me to begin treating patients tomorrow, that is of course if I can find their rooms as this hospital is a labyrinth!
Oh, and it is supposed to be -6 degrees tomorrow morning!
The people I am living with are great and luckily had the bed all ready for us with multiple comforters and blankets. We all went skiing together at Smuggler's Notch on Sunday (amazing conditions), and then proceeded to watch multiple spin outs while we tried to keep our own car on the road getting down the frozen access road. oh, this is after I fell on the ice in the parking lot and landed with my board on top of me... no broken bones, although I am awaiting a sizable thigh bruise.
Found the shuttle bus at 7am this morning and had a good first day. My CI is really nice, although a bit nervous as I am her first student at FAHC... we'll see how it pans out. So far, she seems to know her stuff although is a bit scattered at times. She is ready for me to begin treating patients tomorrow, that is of course if I can find their rooms as this hospital is a labyrinth!
Oh, and it is supposed to be -6 degrees tomorrow morning!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
False Alarm
So, I realized that I jumped to conclusions when Matt and I sat down to talk about VT. Granted, he was not chosing the right words, but I made the assumption that he was not willing to try to make it work during my 10 week stint in Burlington, VT. He also made some assumptions about me wanting a serious commitment from him before I left (something that after 3 months, he is not quite ready to do). All I wanted was for him to say he would try to make it work. No one can say for sure how the distance will affect things, but I think we both agree that it's worth giving it our best shot!
Of course he read my blog yesterday and was really sad at the finality in what I wrote. I guess my new reaction to relationships is to cut and run when they are getting difficult. I think I am afraid to make the mistake of staying in a bad relationship for longer than I should again. My friends made me realize that that is not a good reason to end a good relationship now.
I think I also scared Matt by saying I was thinking of a future... he isn't quite there yet, but admits that he is headed in that direction. I'm thinking about this coming summer and next year... no one is ready for marriage yet! No worries, Matt. :-p
Of course he read my blog yesterday and was really sad at the finality in what I wrote. I guess my new reaction to relationships is to cut and run when they are getting difficult. I think I am afraid to make the mistake of staying in a bad relationship for longer than I should again. My friends made me realize that that is not a good reason to end a good relationship now.
I think I also scared Matt by saying I was thinking of a future... he isn't quite there yet, but admits that he is headed in that direction. I'm thinking about this coming summer and next year... no one is ready for marriage yet! No worries, Matt. :-p
Intense competition in Burlington
Matt, Moriah and I headed up to Penguin Plunge in Burlington. Matt and Moriah both jumped into freezing cold Lake Champlain the following morning to raise money for the Vermont Special Olympics. I was smart enough to stay on land and witness the event.
Here they are the night before battling it out for the RockEm SockEm Robot championship belt. The Vermont Pub and Brewery has many games to entertain yourself with while you wait for a table. We drew quite a crowd, and I ended up with a sore thumb by the time we were seated.
Here they are the night before battling it out for the RockEm SockEm Robot championship belt. The Vermont Pub and Brewery has many games to entertain yourself with while you wait for a table. We drew quite a crowd, and I ended up with a sore thumb by the time we were seated.
Best Friends
Erik and I visited with Zack over Christmas break and here they are playing with the camera on my laptop. These two have been friends since age 1... doesn't look like they have matured much since then.
It was great to be able to visit with Zack before heading back to Boston. I think it's crazy that he is all grown up now with a beautiful apartment and a real job. Erik will hopefully get there soon. Actually he is graduating in May. I'm very excited about the trip out there.
It was great to be able to visit with Zack before heading back to Boston. I think it's crazy that he is all grown up now with a beautiful apartment and a real job. Erik will hopefully get there soon. Actually he is graduating in May. I'm very excited about the trip out there.
Friday, February 16, 2007
A lot to report...
Wow, so apparently it has been over 2 months since I last posted anything. I wanted to upload pictures from the holidays, but have not gotten any of them from my dad or aunt yet. I also have a couple of fun pictures of Matt and I tooling around on my laptop, but those don't really feel appropriate any more. I am sad to report that we are no longer a couple. I would fill you in on what happened, but I don't quite understand it myself. This kind of caught me off guard, as I actually found myself thinking about a future with him.
In related news, I am moving back to Burlington, VT for another 10 week clinical. I'm not as excited this time, as I had hoped to finally be at a Boston hospital closer to friends and well, Matt. I refer to it as related news, as it was the catalyst for the breakup. I don't think he wanted another long distance relationship even if it was only for 10 weeks. I'm pretty torn up about it, but I guess I need to put that aside and start planning for my move in March. 2 weeks! It is bitterly cold up there, and I hope to at least get some time on the slopes otherwise I'll just wish I was living in warmer weather. Why can't I get placed in CA? Ok, so I'm not a huge cali fan... what about Seattle or Denver? I would love to live near Erik or my Boston friends who have migrated to Seattle.
This semester is winding down and I find myself less motivated to study and just wishing I was already out of grad school. Perhaps I should have picked a year long program instead of a 3 year one. I don't even remember the last time I wasn't stressed out. I guess there is a light at the end of the tunnel, as my year long clinical is starting in September. I just need to make it till then...
In related news, I am moving back to Burlington, VT for another 10 week clinical. I'm not as excited this time, as I had hoped to finally be at a Boston hospital closer to friends and well, Matt. I refer to it as related news, as it was the catalyst for the breakup. I don't think he wanted another long distance relationship even if it was only for 10 weeks. I'm pretty torn up about it, but I guess I need to put that aside and start planning for my move in March. 2 weeks! It is bitterly cold up there, and I hope to at least get some time on the slopes otherwise I'll just wish I was living in warmer weather. Why can't I get placed in CA? Ok, so I'm not a huge cali fan... what about Seattle or Denver? I would love to live near Erik or my Boston friends who have migrated to Seattle.
This semester is winding down and I find myself less motivated to study and just wishing I was already out of grad school. Perhaps I should have picked a year long program instead of a 3 year one. I don't even remember the last time I wasn't stressed out. I guess there is a light at the end of the tunnel, as my year long clinical is starting in September. I just need to make it till then...
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Anti-Buffet 3
Matt and I headed up to Smuggler's Notch last weekend for a running/ skiing weekend with the Hashers. This is an annual event that includes 3 days of skiing (if you can get up there early enough on Friday, which we didn't), a fun 3+ mile run, and a beer festival.
I ended up riding both Saturday and Sunday on the couple of trails they had open. It was great to be on my board, but boy am I out of shape for snowboarding!
It was a great unwinding weekend before final exams :)
I ended up riding both Saturday and Sunday on the couple of trails they had open. It was great to be on my board, but boy am I out of shape for snowboarding!
It was a great unwinding weekend before final exams :)
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Our Fabulous 3rd Place Prize
Janine and I got matching Nike wrist bands for all our hard efforts. Here we are sporting our fabulous prize!
I wonder if snazzy wrist bands worn earlier in the tournament would have improved our game...
I wonder if snazzy wrist bands worn earlier in the tournament would have improved our game...
Final win
We finally got pictures from the tennis tournament earlier in the semester. Here is a picture of Team Janine as we celebrate our last and final win. We ended up 3rd overall... and even got 3rd place prizes :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
