Day 1 clinicals
Today was my first day of clincals in Austin Hospital.
We had to wake up at 630am to catch the 713am tram and breakfast starts only at 7am! That left us exactly 2 minutes to spread butter on the bread, 2 minute to toast it, 4 minutes to eat it, 2 minutes to clear our plates off the table and 3 minutes to get to the tram station.
And guess what! We missed the that tram. The next one was scheduled to come 4 mins later, and it did. (Something which Adelaide’s bus couldn’t afford.)
Some confusion happened when we were to board the train which would take us to Heidelberg, where Austin Hospital is located. Like many larger cities with extensive train network, we have a city loop which goes round the city. For some reason, the morning train goes in the opposite direction compared to the evening train!
We used to walk to uni, 15 minutes and free. From now on, we have to take a tram and then train, which is 1 hour per trip. That’s 2 hours per day! Everyday!! On top of that, $5.30 for the tickets! x 3.03 now! Arrgghh!!
Still, we got there 10 minutes early. All we see are new faces. We left sem 5, and we’re joining sem 8 now. A whole new batch of students.
These are the people whom I will be working with! I prayed that I would be able to fit in and learn as much as possible from everyone around me. :o)
Darren’s my buddy and there are 4 other people in my group. Co-incidentally, one of them is my neighbour in Sunway Damansara! I met her and her buddy in the train back to the city and they all turned out to be wonderful people! :o)
Back to the lessons, the whole morning we had lots of intro lectures, proper lectures and and intro to cardiovascular system PE. Started from 830am all the way till 1pm, with only 15 minutes break in between. Since I only had 5 hours of sleep yesterday and 2 hours the day before, I could hardly keep my eyes open.
1pm to 5pm. ‘Tag a nurse’ program. I was assigned to a nurse and my job was as described in the name, tag along her!
I was assigned to the Peads wards! I have always had a special spot for Paeds in my heart. And voila! Peads wards! My first rotation! :o)
And the nurse, named Catherine, was amazingly hospitable. Besides bringing me around and teaching me new things, she introduced me to all the staff in the ward. It was such a friendly environment. Everyone from the doctors to the ward clerk to the cleaner-lady know each other very well. Thank you Catherine.
In his Intro lecture, the Dean said: If Austin is your first choice, congratulations. If it’s not your first choice, you have been put into a very good choice.
So true. My first day has been a very pleasant one. I’m looking forward to the many days ahead!
Jas 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
