Right...updating!
Dragon*Con was absolutely amazing. Great guests (including Carrie Fisher, Martin Landau, and WTF Ernest Borgnine), great bands (much love especially for Abney Park, Hellblinki, and new fave Frenchy and the Punk). Friends new to the con enjoyed themselves and already purchased their memberships for next year. You should, too.
I took some pictures but have been too lazy to upload. Maybe I'll fix that over the holiday. An alien in a bikini with a googly eyed strap on isn't something you see every day~~
Friday I have to work, covering a procedure room somewhat new to me. As of last week, I'd not worked it at all, and it occurred to me that I could end up staring at a drain that needed dressing and attachments without the slightest idea of what to do. So I've spent four of the last five workdays shadowing to learn the ropes. Usually people spend 3 weeks, but I think I'll be okay. On the downside, my Thanksgiving will have to be relatively tame so that I can get up the next day. 5 hours of sleep was fine for my old desk job -- not for procedural nursing.
Otherwise, life is good. I've gotten a raise and bonus and will get a little more of each over the next couple months. 1.5 years into the new career, and my only wish is that I'd changed careers sooner. That all this came about because of a completely off the cuff remark from an old co-worker of mine is rather mind-blowing. I'll remember her at Xmas. Cheers,
-TTm
Dragon*Con was absolutely amazing. Great guests (including Carrie Fisher, Martin Landau, and WTF Ernest Borgnine), great bands (much love especially for Abney Park, Hellblinki, and new fave Frenchy and the Punk). Friends new to the con enjoyed themselves and already purchased their memberships for next year. You should, too.
I took some pictures but have been too lazy to upload. Maybe I'll fix that over the holiday. An alien in a bikini with a googly eyed strap on isn't something you see every day~~
Friday I have to work, covering a procedure room somewhat new to me. As of last week, I'd not worked it at all, and it occurred to me that I could end up staring at a drain that needed dressing and attachments without the slightest idea of what to do. So I've spent four of the last five workdays shadowing to learn the ropes. Usually people spend 3 weeks, but I think I'll be okay. On the downside, my Thanksgiving will have to be relatively tame so that I can get up the next day. 5 hours of sleep was fine for my old desk job -- not for procedural nursing.
Otherwise, life is good. I've gotten a raise and bonus and will get a little more of each over the next couple months. 1.5 years into the new career, and my only wish is that I'd changed careers sooner. That all this came about because of a completely off the cuff remark from an old co-worker of mine is rather mind-blowing. I'll remember her at Xmas. Cheers,
-TTm
It's been a good couple of weeks. Friends held a 4th of July party yesterday that drew plenty of guests, primarily from the local belly-dance community and their menfolk. The husband is good on the grill (wings especially) and the wife makes terrific pomegranate martinis in particular. It ended with drumming on the deck and s'mores at the firepit and a little dancing on the side (most of the ladies were happy to have the opportunity not to dance for once).
More than Independence Day, I was celebrating one year as a nurse -- it remains one of the best ideas I've ever had. Work goes well, with more orientation to new areas since my last entry (primarily a cardiac clinic and a procedure recovery unit). I wasn't sure, at the beginning, how well I'd interact with patients, but I seem to have a knack for interacting with the most depressed or crotchety. Not always intentional -- during a particularly painful biopsy I bent down to talk to the moaning and wailing patient (who was halfway in a CT machine) and my scrubs ripped, audibly through the crotch. I've never seen someone go from wailing to laughing hysterically back to wailing in the space of a minute. I've come pretty far, but I'm still closer to the beginning than any end point. Much to learn, and it's quite fantastic.
I've always tried to keep up with some level of exercise, but this year is going particularly well. Dropped 13 pounds thus far and am actually showing signs of nascent belly definition. Who knew I had ribs?! Donating blood on Wednesday, my blood pressure was a very reasonable 118/86 -- this after a couple years being in the 130s and 140s (I blame nursing school). If I can find a way to remain asleep for 8 hours I'll be golden.
Those few hours of rest net some quality dreaming, though. My favorite of late: I had given some rousing speech to neighbors encouraging activism and liberty and so forth. A Tea Party crusader took offense and began terrorizing myself and friends...with kudzu, planted in our lawns. Not a plant I think about very often, but somehow it had gotten into my subconscious. That shit really can grow everywhere!
Cheers,
-TTm
More than Independence Day, I was celebrating one year as a nurse -- it remains one of the best ideas I've ever had. Work goes well, with more orientation to new areas since my last entry (primarily a cardiac clinic and a procedure recovery unit). I wasn't sure, at the beginning, how well I'd interact with patients, but I seem to have a knack for interacting with the most depressed or crotchety. Not always intentional -- during a particularly painful biopsy I bent down to talk to the moaning and wailing patient (who was halfway in a CT machine) and my scrubs ripped, audibly through the crotch. I've never seen someone go from wailing to laughing hysterically back to wailing in the space of a minute. I've come pretty far, but I'm still closer to the beginning than any end point. Much to learn, and it's quite fantastic.
I've always tried to keep up with some level of exercise, but this year is going particularly well. Dropped 13 pounds thus far and am actually showing signs of nascent belly definition. Who knew I had ribs?! Donating blood on Wednesday, my blood pressure was a very reasonable 118/86 -- this after a couple years being in the 130s and 140s (I blame nursing school). If I can find a way to remain asleep for 8 hours I'll be golden.
Those few hours of rest net some quality dreaming, though. My favorite of late: I had given some rousing speech to neighbors encouraging activism and liberty and so forth. A Tea Party crusader took offense and began terrorizing myself and friends...with kudzu, planted in our lawns. Not a plant I think about very often, but somehow it had gotten into my subconscious. That shit really can grow everywhere!
Cheers,
-TTm
Yeah, decided to resub, a few months later than originally planned, but everything in its own time, right?
When last we left our intrepid hero, he was about to graduate from nursing school with a shiny new bachelor's degree. And he did! Ending up in the ER about 6 hours later with really impressive abdominal pain that a CT and ultrasound couldn't diagnose. Not quite what I had in mind for celebration, but it faded, I lived, and so on.
I now work in the radiology department of a fairly massive hospital, doing all sorts of things. Mostly, I help with different kinds of biopsies and cardiac stress tests, certain kinds of treatments for chronic pain, and giving drugs to people who freak out over MRIs. Pretty soon I'll be doing even more procedural stuff in the Vascular Interventional Department, so there's a lot left to learn. I received my advanced cardiac life support certification today as well -- plenty to keep me busy!
Most of the past year has been spent adjusting to the new professional life, and I must say it feels good to have a real career and a semi-decent paycheck. Granted, most of the excess pay is going to loans and such right now, but that'll resolve in time.
Looking forward to catching up with old friends. Be in touch!
-TTm
When last we left our intrepid hero, he was about to graduate from nursing school with a shiny new bachelor's degree. And he did! Ending up in the ER about 6 hours later with really impressive abdominal pain that a CT and ultrasound couldn't diagnose. Not quite what I had in mind for celebration, but it faded, I lived, and so on.
I now work in the radiology department of a fairly massive hospital, doing all sorts of things. Mostly, I help with different kinds of biopsies and cardiac stress tests, certain kinds of treatments for chronic pain, and giving drugs to people who freak out over MRIs. Pretty soon I'll be doing even more procedural stuff in the Vascular Interventional Department, so there's a lot left to learn. I received my advanced cardiac life support certification today as well -- plenty to keep me busy!
Most of the past year has been spent adjusting to the new professional life, and I must say it feels good to have a real career and a semi-decent paycheck. Granted, most of the excess pay is going to loans and such right now, but that'll resolve in time.
Looking forward to catching up with old friends. Be in touch!
-TTm
Today marks the 1 month point until I graduate. A month or so after that and I should be an RN. Woo.
It's all very exciting, of course, but I got 2 hours of sleep last night after working on a paper, so the celebration is a bit muted at present. Classes are going fairly well, but I really enjoy working in the ER. Every day is different, and I'm learning quite a lot. I've applied for a job there, but the market is tight in my area the competition fierce.
My account will run out on the 20th and I won't be renewing. Money is getting tight, and I may have to stretch my dollars thin before I finally get settled. But hey, if all goes well I may return! So I just want to give thanks to friends and SGs who have made my stay so much fun for one reason or another: lilli, Jewelz, Ash, Feyne, AnnaLee, Rubix, and Paprika. You're all fantastic! I'm sure I'm forgetting a few others; I'm tired, don't be offended.
Cheers,
-TTm
It's all very exciting, of course, but I got 2 hours of sleep last night after working on a paper, so the celebration is a bit muted at present. Classes are going fairly well, but I really enjoy working in the ER. Every day is different, and I'm learning quite a lot. I've applied for a job there, but the market is tight in my area the competition fierce.
My account will run out on the 20th and I won't be renewing. Money is getting tight, and I may have to stretch my dollars thin before I finally get settled. But hey, if all goes well I may return! So I just want to give thanks to friends and SGs who have made my stay so much fun for one reason or another: lilli, Jewelz, Ash, Feyne, AnnaLee, Rubix, and Paprika. You're all fantastic! I'm sure I'm forgetting a few others; I'm tired, don't be offended.
Cheers,
-TTm
Spring break! Which means I get to work on all the papers, projects, graduation prep, NCLEX prep, car maintenance, resume` wrangling, job applying and other entertainments. Fun.
School goes well, overall, though the workload is fairly ridiculous. I finished my clinical rotation on the cardiac floor and will start in the emergency room next week. Definitely looking forward to it. The international nursing honor society invited me in, and I've graciously allowed them to accept my presence.
Went out for Thai last night with the girl I got to know back in December. Only our 3rd time out, which rankles, but she's quite focused on school as well (she's in the 2 year version of the program I'm in). Definitely liking her, though! Smart, motivated, attractive, and shares a lot of my interests. We'll see how that goes, especially as summer arrives and we both have more time available.
There really hasn't been much else -- there's no bloody *time*. Eight things I need to do today, and I'll probably manage three, but it's all good. Now I'm off for CPR re-certification. Ciao,
-TTm
School goes well, overall, though the workload is fairly ridiculous. I finished my clinical rotation on the cardiac floor and will start in the emergency room next week. Definitely looking forward to it. The international nursing honor society invited me in, and I've graciously allowed them to accept my presence.
Went out for Thai last night with the girl I got to know back in December. Only our 3rd time out, which rankles, but she's quite focused on school as well (she's in the 2 year version of the program I'm in). Definitely liking her, though! Smart, motivated, attractive, and shares a lot of my interests. We'll see how that goes, especially as summer arrives and we both have more time available.
There really hasn't been much else -- there's no bloody *time*. Eight things I need to do today, and I'll probably manage three, but it's all good. Now I'm off for CPR re-certification. Ciao,
-TTm
January update time!
The semester has begun full force, and it would suck hard were it not the last. First week of May I'll be finished, so long as all goes well. This semester's array of classes:
Med-Surg 2 (aka CAPSTONE): This is the heavy hitter, 8 credits worth of class and clinical time. I'm starting with one-two 12 hour shifts a week on a Cardiology post-op floor at an excellent local hospital. My preceptor reminds me of Starbuck from the recent BSG, in a good way (so far). I've had a couple tough patients and a couple great patients thus far, par for the course really. 2nd half of the semester I should be in the ER, which will be fantastic.
Public Health: It's a good field though not for me. My clinical is set at a Montessori School where I and another student will be giving presentations on a variety of subjects, starting with advertising, alcohol, and tobacco use and the intersection of the three.
Leadership: All about organization, structure, and leadership styles. Even dryer than it sounds, though the teacher thus far seems better than I had heard. We'll see how the project grading goes.
And a dinky 1 credit course not worth mentioning.
Very little else going on due to lack of time. Got to know a girl from the program recently and we plan to go out in the next couple weeks. She knows her sushi, which is an excellent start. I hope the new year goes well for all of you. Cheers,
-TTm
The semester has begun full force, and it would suck hard were it not the last. First week of May I'll be finished, so long as all goes well. This semester's array of classes:
Med-Surg 2 (aka CAPSTONE): This is the heavy hitter, 8 credits worth of class and clinical time. I'm starting with one-two 12 hour shifts a week on a Cardiology post-op floor at an excellent local hospital. My preceptor reminds me of Starbuck from the recent BSG, in a good way (so far). I've had a couple tough patients and a couple great patients thus far, par for the course really. 2nd half of the semester I should be in the ER, which will be fantastic.
Public Health: It's a good field though not for me. My clinical is set at a Montessori School where I and another student will be giving presentations on a variety of subjects, starting with advertising, alcohol, and tobacco use and the intersection of the three.
Leadership: All about organization, structure, and leadership styles. Even dryer than it sounds, though the teacher thus far seems better than I had heard. We'll see how the project grading goes.
And a dinky 1 credit course not worth mentioning.
Very little else going on due to lack of time. Got to know a girl from the program recently and we plan to go out in the next couple weeks. She knows her sushi, which is an excellent start.
I hope the new year goes well for all of you. Cheers,-TTm
Paprika reminds me that I'm lax on my updating (big surprise), so a few quick words to bring me up to the holidays.
The 3rd of 4 semesters is now complete! It was the easiest by far schedule and stress wise, and the grades weren't too bad, though a little short of what I wanted in a couple classes. The GPA remains in decent shape for eventual grad schooling, but right now I'm focused on my time off.
It's 50% chilling and 50% preparation for spring, which will be a damn busy time. 6 hours/week in public health at a local school, 16 hours/week in a hospital (first in a cardiology unit and then in the emergency department), and 10 or so hours of school/week. Fortunately, while my classes take 45min to get to, both my clinicals are in Raleigh, close to home.
I also need to start job hunting, something I haven't done in many years (my last few applications were all internal). So I need to type up a resume`, make contacts, and hope that I can get a good reference from a clinical instructor. This may be tricky. My first CI I didn't really like, my 2nd CI has been let go for poor performance (but she and I did get along), my OB instructor specifically did NOT offer to be a reference (no surprise there), and that leaves my next semester CI, who I helped relieve of her teaching responsibilities (but she presumably doesn't know that).
We'll see what happens. Let's see, personal life. The lady friend I was hanging out with has a soon-to-be ex-husband who went a little crazy on her a few weeks back. That's sort of resolved, but she's been skittish about doing much of anything and has full time care of their 5 year old now. I don't blame her, but it's a bit of a bummer. Our thing has been casual from the start with no intention of relationshipping (her wish), so it's not like a deep commitment has been brought to an end. I did ask a gal from school out last week but haven't heard back -- so it goes [EDIT: She just got back to me -- dinner on Monday, wheeee]. The rest of life is wine, movies, hanging with friends, cleaning, and planning for spring. Best to all,
-TTm
The 3rd of 4 semesters is now complete! It was the easiest by far schedule and stress wise, and the grades weren't too bad, though a little short of what I wanted in a couple classes. The GPA remains in decent shape for eventual grad schooling, but right now I'm focused on my time off.
It's 50% chilling and 50% preparation for spring, which will be a damn busy time. 6 hours/week in public health at a local school, 16 hours/week in a hospital (first in a cardiology unit and then in the emergency department), and 10 or so hours of school/week. Fortunately, while my classes take 45min to get to, both my clinicals are in Raleigh, close to home.
I also need to start job hunting, something I haven't done in many years (my last few applications were all internal). So I need to type up a resume`, make contacts, and hope that I can get a good reference from a clinical instructor. This may be tricky. My first CI I didn't really like, my 2nd CI has been let go for poor performance (but she and I did get along), my OB instructor specifically did NOT offer to be a reference (no surprise there), and that leaves my next semester CI, who I helped relieve of her teaching responsibilities (but she presumably doesn't know that).
We'll see what happens. Let's see, personal life. The lady friend I was hanging out with has a soon-to-be ex-husband who went a little crazy on her a few weeks back. That's sort of resolved, but she's been skittish about doing much of anything and has full time care of their 5 year old now. I don't blame her, but it's a bit of a bummer. Our thing has been casual from the start with no intention of relationshipping (her wish), so it's not like a deep commitment has been brought to an end. I did ask a gal from school out last week but haven't heard back -- so it goes [EDIT: She just got back to me -- dinner on Monday, wheeee]. The rest of life is wine, movies, hanging with friends, cleaning, and planning for spring. Best to all,
-TTm
This week's much loathed OB clinical was great, and for all the wrong reasons.
First, my poor patient, about 22 hours postpartum, had a seizure. She has a history of them, sporadically, but hadn't had one since January. Transport had just shown up to take her for a tubal ligation she'd been waiting all day for (without eating), and Grand Mal she goes. I felt awful for her, but it was still really cool and will serve as the topic for an assignment.
Second, I was hoping to see the tubal ligation done. Surgery = fun, and at least it gets me off the floor for awhile, but the instructor had told me she didn't have students see them. Tubals are done in the regular OR instead of the maternity OR, and she didn't have the connections. But a doctor overheard her talking about all this and was cool with another student and I watching. Even better, when we got to the OR she let me place the catheter (which I hadn't done save on a mannequin) and let us scrub in and assist in the procedure, holding retractors and so on. Entirely against the rules, and the doctor knew it. With a wink we made a pact of silence on the matter.
Third, I had to watch a delivery, and while C-sections are fine I am no fan of vaginal birth. Revolting! Yet there I was, holding my patient's leg as she screamed out her latest (mind you, I liked the patient and her husband, but birth...ew). I then had to write a couple paragraphs of my "thoughts and emotions as I watched the birthing experience." I think I captured my impressions well (reprinted below the Spoiler), albeit dressed up and dramatized. I like to give these more free form assignments my own particular voice. This led to a 45 minute one-on-one chat with my instructor, who simply could not figure out how to deal with me.
"I have to write your mid-term eval, and I don't even know where to start." "This [the paper] makes me afraid to have you with patients." And so on. Hilarious!
And over that 45 minutes I think we came to some sort of understanding. She'd clearly misinterpreted a few things I'd said, and while I'm actually quite good with patients, she hasn't been around me enough to notice the interactions (and tends to take over when she is). So it all went very well, though the clinical itself still blows.
For your amusement, vaginal birth impressions:
First, my poor patient, about 22 hours postpartum, had a seizure. She has a history of them, sporadically, but hadn't had one since January. Transport had just shown up to take her for a tubal ligation she'd been waiting all day for (without eating), and Grand Mal she goes. I felt awful for her, but it was still really cool and will serve as the topic for an assignment.
Second, I was hoping to see the tubal ligation done. Surgery = fun, and at least it gets me off the floor for awhile, but the instructor had told me she didn't have students see them. Tubals are done in the regular OR instead of the maternity OR, and she didn't have the connections. But a doctor overheard her talking about all this and was cool with another student and I watching. Even better, when we got to the OR she let me place the catheter (which I hadn't done save on a mannequin) and let us scrub in and assist in the procedure, holding retractors and so on. Entirely against the rules, and the doctor knew it. With a wink we made a pact of silence on the matter.
Third, I had to watch a delivery, and while C-sections are fine I am no fan of vaginal birth. Revolting! Yet there I was, holding my patient's leg as she screamed out her latest (mind you, I liked the patient and her husband, but birth...ew). I then had to write a couple paragraphs of my "thoughts and emotions as I watched the birthing experience." I think I captured my impressions well (reprinted below the Spoiler), albeit dressed up and dramatized. I like to give these more free form assignments my own particular voice. This led to a 45 minute one-on-one chat with my instructor, who simply could not figure out how to deal with me.
"I have to write your mid-term eval, and I don't even know where to start." "This [the paper] makes me afraid to have you with patients." And so on. Hilarious!
And over that 45 minutes I think we came to some sort of understanding. She'd clearly misinterpreted a few things I'd said, and while I'm actually quite good with patients, she hasn't been around me enough to notice the interactions (and tends to take over when she is). So it all went very well, though the clinical itself still blows.
For your amusement, vaginal birth impressions:
Not much else happening outside of school. The ladyfriend's ex just went on a mini-rampage and had to be arrested. She'll get a restraining order but is really stressed and understandably not much in the mood for socializing. It's 70 out. Time for a run. Cheers,
-TTm
Perinatal clinical is not my thing. Don't like babies, not interested in pregnant mothers, less interested in recently pregnant mothers. I will admit watching a C-section was kinda neat. And nothing resembles a placenta. It's like a corpulent pancake off the griddle of nightmares, packed with bulbous cysts of blood in shades stretching the spectrum from blue to purple to red. The baby emerged silent and cyanotic, but was quickly coaxed into screeching its displeasure and turned a more fleshy color soon enough. Not a bad time.
But the rest I can just do without.
Still seeing the ladyfriend, but it's rare we can get together. As our relationship is entirely casual that's not necessarily a bad thing, but spending time with her is something I enjoy, whatever we may be up to, so I'm for an increase in meeting times.
Halloween was good. Went to an appropriately themed bellydance hofla featuring the ladyfriend, her partner (also a good friend), and a multitude of other troupes and soloists dancing to a variety of songs, from Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" to Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast" to Voltaire's "Land of the Dead." Very good time. Friends held a party on Halloween night, low key but featuring a few people I don't see too often.
And now October is gone.
-TTm
But the rest I can just do without.
Still seeing the ladyfriend, but it's rare we can get together. As our relationship is entirely casual that's not necessarily a bad thing, but spending time with her is something I enjoy, whatever we may be up to, so I'm for an increase in meeting times.
Halloween was good. Went to an appropriately themed bellydance hofla featuring the ladyfriend, her partner (also a good friend), and a multitude of other troupes and soloists dancing to a variety of songs, from Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" to Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast" to Voltaire's "Land of the Dead." Very good time. Friends held a party on Halloween night, low key but featuring a few people I don't see too often.
And now October is gone.
-TTm
And now the update you've been waiting (and waiting, and waiting) for!
So, Dragon*Con was nerdtastic in its unequalled manner. This was my 7th trip and the best by far of the lot. Had great company for the trip, with new special friend Jenni and henna/glitter artist Wendy joining my usual friends in room sharing. The band selection was particularly good, with Abney Park, Hellblinki, Voltaire, and Faith and the Muse all putting on great shows. Ayria was surprisingly enjoyable, but my discovery of the year was One-Eyed Doll, who was just adorable and fun. I hit some panels, saw Terry Gilliam chat about Parnassus, got a few autographs (Felicia Day and some BSG people), and otherwise had a blast. Many pictures follow:
So, Dragon*Con was nerdtastic in its unequalled manner. This was my 7th trip and the best by far of the lot. Had great company for the trip, with new special friend Jenni and henna/glitter artist Wendy joining my usual friends in room sharing. The band selection was particularly good, with Abney Park, Hellblinki, Voltaire, and Faith and the Muse all putting on great shows. Ayria was surprisingly enjoyable, but my discovery of the year was One-Eyed Doll, who was just adorable and fun. I hit some panels, saw Terry Gilliam chat about Parnassus, got a few autographs (Felicia Day and some BSG people), and otherwise had a blast. Many pictures follow:
The young lady in red in the first pic is Jenni, and she and I hit it off quite well over the weekend. We've gone out a couple times since, hit the jogging trail together, and appear to be on a collision course with DESTINY! We've got quite a lot in common, and she's infernally clever -- good things are definitely possible. I introduced her to Let the Right One In, and she lent me Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. She may well be the One for me!
I can't find my cell phone. 
Classes and clinicals go well. I had a patient with the very rare Proteus syndrome the other day (think 'the Elephant Man'), which was very cool, and have taken care of kids with spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, terminal leukemia, and sickle cell disease thus far. Two more weeks of pediatrics, and I start the test of my gag reflex known as maternity. I'm not known for love of babies or the birthing process. 
Did you know it's October? Best month of the year by far, of course. In fact, I urge you to go out and enjoy October right now! Cheers,
-TTm
FEBRUARY 2012
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JANUARY 2012
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DECEMBER 2011
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NOVEMBER 2011