I’m back to the intensity of the MICU. Between being on night shift and serving my third rotation in the unit, I’ve become increasingly comfortable providing patient care and making critical decisions. More and more I’m taking on new patients and learning from them rather than hiding behind my computer and putting in orders and writing notes.
A large focus of my MICU training is on procedures, specifically putting in central lines. I’ve put in more than a dozen myself under the supervision of fellows and procedure nurses, and in each case, my supervisor has provided a unique perspective on this relatively common but important procedure. The procedure nurses ‑ an invaluable part of the team – keep me in check with sterility precautions and all the supplies I need. And each of the fellows I’ve worked with has shared his or her own quirks, from tips about inserting the needle in the jugular to best practices for line preparation and clean up afterwards. I’ve spent these last few days thinking about how valuable these unique contributions and observations are to the foundation of one’s skills and medical knowledge.
I’ve also been thinking about something else: What if I hadn’t made the move to Cleveland? When I was applying to residency, I sought advice on my rank list and debated the option of staying in Kentucky where my friends and family live. I received many opinions, but a recurring message was the benefit of going somewhere new. Instinctively, I knew that leaving the place where I felt most comfortable would be broadening, but in ways that I am only now starting to see clearly and appreciate. We learn so much from our co-residents and the fact that so many of my peers are foreign graduates adds to the richness of my training; their different viewpoints have already exposed me to news ways of thinking.
Only 21 more months to go!