Breath of fresh air

Week 2 of being at the new hospital. Good news it that I found the microwave. Even better news is that there are TWO microwaves. Hah, beat that old hospital!

Okay I admit, I caved and went back today. But only because I forgot stuff there! Okay, so maybe I was a little lonely. Maybe a lot. It's ironic that at the new place I'm surrounded by people in cubicles but you feel so lonely. And the unit? It's not as cozy. Totally fish out of water feeling.

But going back today was not all wasted. Along our travels to track down a patient, we happened upon one of the RTs (respiratory techs) who invited us to observe them 'decannulate' the patient's trach tube (basically taking out a tube that they put into a patient's trachea - windpipe - to help them breath). Again, awesome because 1) I had never seen this before & 2) I had contact with people! Hallelujah!

So they take this tube out pretty easily (it just slides out) and apparently the hole that's left behind will close on its own, sometimes literally in minutes. Skin, cartilage...everything closes. Cool huh? What wasn't so nice was when the patient coughed during the procedure, shooting out some projectile solids, I'd say maybe 5 feet away. That's one strong cough reflex! Glad I was standing on the side for that one.

Another really young attending is on-call this week. Apparently he attended the same med school Truffles, Cramberry and I are at; went through the residency program & fellowship I want, where I want; and is now doing his PhD at some fancy-schmansy world-renowed American Hospital. AND apparently, we really want him back too! So basically, he's living the life I want. Gosh, I love this guy! I hate this guy! So jealous. Do you think I can be like him in 10 years?? He's exactly 10 years ahead of us in training. It's a lofty goal, huh?