You Only Live Once...YOLO!!!

Also you do have time for fun when you're doing your internship. I learned how to yolo last weekend. I rock! Plus I paddled out to dolphins! :)

long term care...DONE & DONE!

I finished my long-term care rotation this Friday. I saw and met a lot of very interesting “residents.” That’s what they call people who are in the nursing homes. Considering some have been there for their entire lives, I’d say it’s a pretty accurate term. Unfortunately because of HIPPA, I can’t tell y’all about some of the more interesting, sometimes comical things that occurred. I can and will say this though….I have always had a lot of respect for nurses (my mom is one after all) but some of the nurses that I met were truly saints. They showed such compassion and kindness to the residents, which can be very trying at times. It’s hard to keep a smile on and be patient day in and day out when you might have a resident who has Alzheimer’s and becomes aggressive because they don’t know where they are or simply one who wants to tell you the same story every day. The nurses I spoke with didn’t just know the diagnoses and medical history of the residents, they knew the lives and stories, the kind of stuff you only learn by taking the time to listen. I thought this would be a very depressing rotation, but I was touched by the kindness I saw. My preceptor could have easily completed her work much sooner each day, but she didn’t because she goes to several different nursing homes and always walks around first, chatting with the residents, simply being friendly and asking them how their week as been. I have learned from this rotation that what makes or breaks a rotation is the preceptor. Fortunately I’ve been very lucky with the two I’ve had so far! Our director does always emphasize how wonderful UAB’s preceptors are, so I just hope I continue on the same path I’ve been on.

Another note I want to point out, I thought I’d die and be completely overwhelmed this year. However I think I’m doing pretty ok. I’m very busy for sure, but I don’t think people should be as nervous about starting as I was. I’ve been in Birmingham a full month now and I haven’t called home crying once!! Those of you who know me better understand the full meaning of the statement. ☺