Today, I am still interning at San Ramon Regional Medical Center. However I am now interning for three different departments: Telemetry (aka Diablo Unit), Wound Care and Ostomy Unit, Cardiology Unit. I try to intern at one of these three units every iQuest class period; 1-2 times a week for 4-6 hours a week.
I am very limited in what I am able to do in the hospital since I am a high school student. Most of the time I observe procedures and socialize with patients. I have been very lucky to have a nurse preceptor with Brea because she lets me view many procedures and surgeries that other student interns at the hospital haven't seen. So far, I have seen a bronchoscopy, left heart catheterization, and a PICC line insertion. I hope to see an open heart surgery in the near future.
Volunteering at the hospital is a very rewarding experience since I am helping people become healthy and happy again. I love meeting patients as well as doctors whom I can ask advice from. I have learned a lot about the hospital such as the various medications that are used as well as the advanced technology that exists.
It is frustrating that I cannot do much to help my patients. Most of the time I cannot even touch them nor handle any utensil. I want to do more but I am not licensed to.
I have learned that the health industry is the right path for me. I always enjoy interning at the hospital. Time passes by quickly since I am always having a blast.
Not only has interning at the hospital taught me about medical procedures, but it has also opened my eyes to the wide variety of health careers that exist. I have planned a back up plan in case I cannot endure the twelve years of schools that being a dermatologist requires. I have learned that I could be a physician assistant and specialize in dermatology while attending a total of six years of schooling. I have learned that physician assistants can do almost everything a doctor can do with a few exceptions.
My SMART goal for the month of December is to intern at the hospital four more times this month and complete a journal entry in my notebook about what I did each day. I want these journal entries to be completed before the month of December ends.
Kimberly, I hope you get to do more of what you want to do because you sound like you have so many ambitions and good intentions! Hope everything works out for you!
ReplyDeleteI think it is awesome that we share a passion for medicine. I understand your struggle when you want to do more, though we cant. It is amazing that you have expierenced all of those procedures. Good luck with your internship.
ReplyDeleteI've spent a lot of time this past year in and around hospitals and each time I'm there I think it is like career day. There are so many different jobs going on, it's amazing. I know you wish you could help more, but I'm glad you understand that being a high school students simply does not allow the hospital to let you do more. But you are developing a network of people, you are seeing the opportunities available to people who pursue a career in medicine and I believe in the end you'll feel this class worthwhile.
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