Monday 31 August 2015

My first post as Doctor!

So it's started. And I'm afraid as a consequence I've not done much sewing.

So what's it really like being a doctor?
terrifying? fulfilling? heartbreaking? stressful? frustrating? Thought provoking?
All of those.
And more!


My first day was a shocker but I have to say that no one died on my shift and I survived. I might have had a wee cry when a nurse hugged me. You know what is like. You're fine until someone hugs you!


Since then I've learnt so much each day. I've had to do things I never thought I could. Consoled the dying. Broken heartbreaking news to relatives. Stuck endless needles into people, often without success. Confirmed death. I've had to ask for help so many times I can't keep count. I've stared blankly at my seniors when they've asked me questions. I've felt incredibly proud when I've done something right. It's been a mixed bag for sure.

What do I enjoy the most? Not the challenge. Not the science. It's the human contact. I love talking to my patients and colleagues. I love trying to make the worst period of someone's life just a teeny but better. I've not got a clue if I've succeeded. I hope I have.

Either way, if you're in a UK hospital any time soon, look out for us baby faced new doctors and tell us how we are doing, good or bad. We are just starting out and feedback is only ever useful. We can  nip any bad habits in the bud!! We're new so please forgive us if we aren't up to scratch yet!

This is a pic of me post nights, yes I look a little bit mental, but in fairness it was 4am!

On the topic of good doctoring, it is two years since Dr.Kate Granger started the #hellomyname is campaign. If you haven't heard of it, it's a campaign where medical professionals try to introduce themselves properly to patients who see a crazy amount of staff everyday! I know from my few experiences in hospital that it is both disorientating and scary spending time on a ward and the simplest things make a huge difference. I try and remember this when I'm called to see a patient at 3am and introduce myself, explain why I'm there and generally try and orientate the patient to the situation. I try to remember what I would feel like being examined and jabbed with needles in the early hours.

Anyway, just a short update to let you know I'm still here and struggling through the first month of doctoring!

I've got a few days off now so I'll be hopefully sewing a few treats! I'll let you know!

Medic and sewing love
Dr.Sutures
#hellomynameis charlotte and I'm a junior doctor

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