Yuck! I'm in surgery all this week. Not my favorite place to be. Although watching some of the surgeries like lap choles and IM roddings, I really prefer doing general x-ray exams or fluoro. As an X-ray Tech in surgery, you seem so removed and disconnected from the patient. For me, it also seems to be made up of long periods of boredom, broken up by short bouts of extreme nervousness and awkwardness on my part.I'm not that great with the C-arm. I'll just admit it. And I think my CI knows that, so he keeps putting me in surgery every other week. I guess its good.....in a way. It forces me to get to know the C-arm and the quirks of each doc, and will ultimately make me a better tech, but man, do I hate being down there.
Firstly, I am stressed out the entire time, just waiting for the doc to get pissed cuz I did something wrong or I'm not doing something fast enough (e.g. I actually had the doc grab the head of the C-arm today and shove it out of the way, almost taking out a table to sterile instruments in the process! Jeez, ever hear of something called patience! I'm new here buddy!!).
Secondly, as you have all heard me complain about before, I've had chronic back pain for more than 7 years now, and wearing those lead aprons all day really takes a toll on the old "espalda".
Thirdly, F$%# it's cold in there. Why do they keep it so cold!!??.......Well, I know why....to keep down infection and all that good stuff, plus I think the docs get pretty hot in their sterile gowns. But could they bump the thermostat up a degree or two, so I don't turn in to a block of ice in blue scrubs?
Anyway, sorry for using this posting to complain so much. But it's my right, as a student, to complain, especially since we don't get a paycheck at the end of the week!! :-)
3 comments:
Dude I SO know how you feel. I'm sorry you're having a tough time, but really the more you do it, the easier it gets. It's a slow process, but still. It'll get better...
We have one orthopod who ALWAYS grabs the c-arm and moves it around. I just leave all the locks off, and let him go to town. He's also the only Dr to have yelled at me before... But he *almost* smiles at me in the halls, so atleast he recognizes me....
Hang in there, and vent away, it helps!!!
Hey there friend!
Do not dispare it does get easier. I have always really enjoyed the OR which I guess is a good thing since I now work full time as an OR tech. I must say the C-arms are easier to control the doctors.
**Note about the docs**
Just remember if you make a mistake it could me your job. If they make a mistake it could mean thier carreer. (Still I make no excuses for yelling, screaming, cursing, or projectile surgical instruments. Yes! It's true.)
If you can get your hands on a two piece lead apron your back might fare better albeit you might not want to have your girlfriend catch you wearing a skirt.
As far as being cold ask for an OR paper jacket. They even have pockets to slip a book in for those bouts of OR solitude.
And... when the doc calls for X-ray it's show time. Get in there and follow the mummbled commands to a tee!
Pep talk over.
Hey there Dustin! You know, I haven't been to surgery once yet! Several of my classmates have but not I but that's ok with me! It makes me nervous just thinking about it. I worry about the docs...like the one you mentioned. I can just see that happening to me. Oh well, it's all part of the learning process I suppose. I don't do my surgery rotation until next April I think.
Anyway, so when do you graduate? Should be pretty soon I think? I have 1 year left and believe me I am counting down the days!
Have a good weekend!
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