This past month has been quite busy. I fully intended on not writing anything regarding the happenings in June. Armed with the excuses of a new work schedule, other obligations, and even the ludicrous humidity of Virginia I thought I had my bases covered for a summer break. Fortunately, my conscience in the form of various family members recommended a bend but not break approach to this little experiment. So here are 3 things cliff notes version.
Thing 1: Paul Harvey
I have always been amazed at Paul Harvey’s spoken words. His classical radio voice and polished vocabulary have been an inspiration to me. So when I was given the opportunity to make a graduation video for the recruit school I was a part of I felt Paul Harvey’s poem “Fire & Ice was the perfect intersection between the future and potential we as new firefighters possessed, and the history and legacy that has come before us. You can watch it here if you’d like.
Thing 2: It’s Not About The IV
This September will mark two years as a paramedic. I often feel like a little deer with its spots still on, and some of the calls still make my knees wobble as such. Thankfully I have crossed paths with some amazing mentors who help me stand a little taller. I am currently in the process of being released as a medic in the new system I’m working in. This means I’ve been running calls with a senior medic watching. On a recent call I received a compliment I wasn’t expecting. We were taking care of a fairly acute patient and I was presented with a number of tasks to complete in the few minutes before arrival at the hospital. One of the tasks included placing an IV. I put a tourniquet on the patient’s arm and palpated for vascularity. “Nothing,” I stated. I popped the tourniquet and moved on to the other tasks without wasting time. When the call was completed the senior medic pulled me aside and said. “Hey, nice job not getting fixated on the IV.” I told him thank you and then set about trying to understand why that comment meant so much to me. I recalled that my first year as a medic I would get very fixated on a task trying to be perfect so other providers and the hospital would think I did a good job. I have tried to overcome this and simply take care of the patient the best I can. The more confidence I have gained as a provider has allowed me to be okay with not knowing. I know there are many new nurses, PAs, and medical students cutting their groove into patient care. Here’s your reminder, It’s not all about the IV. Carry on.
Thing 3: Routine
I have been experiencing the painful realization that I operate as a human so much better in a routine. Obviously, very few people are going to disagree with this. This is simply the place I am at in life right now. I’m getting back to 24 shift work. A rolling of the dice if you’re going to sleep any. This means my days off usually involve sleeping, staring at the wall, and sleeping again. I am currently attempting to establish a routine regardless. If you have any tips for a sleep-deprived routine please reach out. You’d be helping a kid in Virginia out.
Final Thoughts:
I think you’re a wonderful person.
Song suggestion: “Outta My Head” ~ Jon McLaughlin
Until next time,
C.S
