All in a Day's Work

Yep...reminescent of the reader's digest...except this ain't all that funny.

It's been 2 weeks now that I'm here in Derby for work. Sometimes I feel like I've been faking it a little bit. But I guess that's just got to do with having to get back into the swing of actually doing things correctly and thoroughly. And knowing that I will get referrals and my input is important. This is a refreshing difference from last year - but it also means I need to do some bonding with a textbook again:p - which has been happening sporadically...

Getting used to how things work here, where's what, how referrals happen, how to go about ordering what I need etc etc etc - typical start of new job stuff.

One thing I have been stressing about is tube feeding! The last time I did any form of tube feeding was back at varsity - and even then it wasn't the most hands-on experience. Last year really was limited regarding work experience...anyway! Straying off the topic.

So, today, I get my first tube feeding referral. I was like 'Oh help!' Did a student tut last week just as a refresher so of course I know what to do - but a tut vs. actual patient - always 2 very different things. Had other patients to see on the ward - saw them. Spoke to the patient who was to be started on the tube feed. Didn't quite hear all he had to say, 1. he had an oxygen mask on, 2. speaking softly and I still need to get used to the many different accents around here!

Check the doctor's notes, clarify a few points, tell the nurse I'll be back with enteral regimen just need to check a few things with supervisor. Go back to the office, chat to supervisor - discuss what I'd thought of doing. Mostly right - gave alternate options I'd not thought of. Cool.

It's now around lunch...decided to give the regimen before breaking. Back to the ward...go find the doctor to ask about checking some bloods...and then the doctor tells me 'The patient has expired.'

I was like seriously? I mean, I'd spoken to the gentleman not even an hour ago...and checked on him with a nurse like 20/30min previously before I went back to the office. I find a nurse - just to double check - and was told he died 10min ago!

Now, I'm aware that this is not at all funny...but I really could not help the desire to start laughing - at the incredulity of the situation!

And anyway...what doctor speaks of a patient expiring???

Go grab lunch...tell my supervisor patient died. She burst out laughing...so I felt less bad after that. I guess it's just one of those things. She then said at least it was practice - true.

Head back to the ward after lunch - to pick up new referrals - find out that patient died on the commode.

Not a very dignified way to die.

I don't think anyone was expecting this gentleman to die today. The doctors saw him on their ward round and discussed tube feeding with him and everything...but I guess it's all part of the job!