A lab tech's life: Sparta - Day 1
The first day is always the hardest. And rightfully, I had no idea what I was walking into or where I was going. What made the day worse was that Aerin was sick, probably with an ear infection (although no fever) and I dropped her off at the sitters and sent her to school anyways. When her dad picked her up, she was miserable, and he called me a vile person. It was just one of the choices I had to make as a mother, not a great choice, but one all the same.
When I arrived at the hospital, I checked in with Reception, figuring they'd give me directions to the lab, but instead she was going to call the tech I'd be working with, who just happened to be coming out with a patient right as I arrived. So win for me. Got settled, she gave me the option of trying some draws or just observing... I opted for the latter, at least for the first day. I needed some time to get used to the surroundings, the lab function, where everything was, etc etc etc.
It went swimmingly, although it was a long day. You'd think after working 12 hour shifts for three years, 8 hours would be a piece of cake, but it's not. The nerves being rattled makes me more tired that I needed to be.
I did some computer work and a couple practice draws, but the 'job' starts tomorrow... mainly processing and drawing to start with. There is a giant chem analyzer calling my name. And slides, so many slides, and microscopes and stain and lovely lovely specimens.
The amusing part of the day was we when we got a patient who called his veins "Old Faithful", never knew when or if you were going to get blood out of them.
Great staff... I feel like I'm in good hands. There is much learning to be had.
When I arrived at the hospital, I checked in with Reception, figuring they'd give me directions to the lab, but instead she was going to call the tech I'd be working with, who just happened to be coming out with a patient right as I arrived. So win for me. Got settled, she gave me the option of trying some draws or just observing... I opted for the latter, at least for the first day. I needed some time to get used to the surroundings, the lab function, where everything was, etc etc etc.
It went swimmingly, although it was a long day. You'd think after working 12 hour shifts for three years, 8 hours would be a piece of cake, but it's not. The nerves being rattled makes me more tired that I needed to be.
I did some computer work and a couple practice draws, but the 'job' starts tomorrow... mainly processing and drawing to start with. There is a giant chem analyzer calling my name. And slides, so many slides, and microscopes and stain and lovely lovely specimens.
The amusing part of the day was we when we got a patient who called his veins "Old Faithful", never knew when or if you were going to get blood out of them.
Great staff... I feel like I'm in good hands. There is much learning to be had.