7/15/19 8:00 PM-6:00 AM, 10 hours; 7/16/19 8:00 PM-6:00 AM, 10 hours; 7/17/19 8:00 PM-

6:00 AM, 10 hours; 7/18/19 8:00 PM-6:00 AM, 10 hours

Hours worked this week – 40

Total hours – 408/456

Monday

Routine things are routine for a reason. As my time in the ER approaches an end, I realize

that I am beginning to see the patterns in the healthcare issues that bring people to the ER, what

they can likely expect in terms of care, and usually what the patient’s response will be if they get

what they want or not. It is very interesting to listen and observe – people watching on both sides

of the aisle. I realize that I have learned a great deal, even though I sometimes felt out of place

because I have no clinical skills to participate with. I do have common sense. I am more tolerate

of the “regulars” and when they get loud, it is not as shocking or upsetting, neither is the patient

that my preceptor spent hours counselling last week, only to come back again this week with the

same issues. That has to be depressing, but she says it is part of the job – to find different ways to

impart the same information until somethings finally clicks. I guess it’s something like being a

teacher!

Tuesday

I am spending time at work speaking with various nurses, medics, radiology techs,

physicians and other advanced practice providers regarding my project. I want it to be beneficial

to them as well as the patient population that they serve. I am still doing some research on the

services available and how readily accessible that the data is. The lesson for the shift is that even

though school is almost over, no one gets to stop learning, researching or multitasking.
Wednesday

Still doing research in between patient visits and watching how the team interacts.

Usually the same key members work the same shift, but occasionally another fills in and the

rhythm changes – sometimes good, sometimes bad. Team work, collaboration, shared

experiences and different strengths and weaknesses all go into how a patient is best served. Some

providers can relate more easily to the patients than do others, and one’s own life experiences

can help to either uncover the issue or suggest a solution. Similarly, patient’s attitudes towards

healthcare providers also impacts how much assistance they are willing to provide. It is a two-

way street, and some people do not want to be helped.

Thursday

Yup, still researching. The presentation has me nervous, even though I will be presenting

by myself, I have started speaking to the nurses and providers in huddles in terms of what is

needed and what is available. I need to fine tune it given the extreme lack of free time that the

nurses have to get the information across to those who need it. The interview questions have me

equally freaked. I guess interviewing will improve with practice,