This is a catch up post, since I have only recently decided to blog my experience. August 30th marked the beginning of my second year as an x-ray student. The previous year I began my studies and found that I enjoyed the medical field more than I could possibly imagine. Shortly after the start of second semester last year, I decided that simply being an x-ray tech would not be enough for me. As a student, in clinic, I took part in the usual patient contact and standard x-ray procedures that would be expected of a board certified tech. I learned a ton. Soon I noticed a great deal of repetition from day today, and also took part in procedures where I was more of an onlooker than a doer. Quickly I decided that I wanted to become the doer, simply being the "back up" was not enough for me.
During this time, my younger brother was finishing up his last clinical semester in PA school. Hearing all the stories he told about his experiences, and seeing how much he had learned in such a short amount of time, truly inspired me to reach even further. I'm not saying that a radiography tech isn't a good job to have, I'm saying that it simply isn't for me. In a nutshell...its too easy...I'm capable of much, much more.
So thus begins my journey. By may of 2012 I will have completed my studies in x-ray, and will be applying to PA school. If all goes according to plan, I will have a "gap" year while my applications are out, which will give me a great opportunity to work in the field and try to chip away at some of my financial aid debt. Depending on acceptances I will either begin my PA studies in January or September of 2012.
Past clinical experiences (this semester):
Friday, September 2nd:
Clinical Rotation - MRI
As a second year student, we are given the opportunity to learn and observe other areas of the x-ray field (specializations). My first rotation this semester has me working in the MRI suite. Sorry MRI suite, VIP tickets to the most amazing three days of music and company of my entire life, takes priority.
Why does this take priority over school? Because I'm slightly upset about these "special" rotations. As students, in rotations like this, we are simple observers. Little patient contact, and even less "doing." As an x-ray student, I am required to log a certain amount of competencies each semester in order to move on (competency = proving competent by performing an x-ray procedure of a certain piece of anatomy, without assistance). These specialization rotations pull us away from our usual surrounding where the potential for a competency is likely. While I see that discovering a new area or path can be interesting, I've found myself stuck with a clinical schedule that puts me in more of these areas that those where I could receive a comp. No comps, not doing much, and standing around most of the day, to me, is a waste of time.
Wednesday, September 7th
Clinical Rotation - Radiation Oncology
Interesting at first learning how this department works, the procedures performed, and all of the resources involved (equipment, workers involved (nurses, doctors, RO techs, and even physicists)). But, unfortunately after the first hour, I had seen and learned about all I was going to that day. The remaining 8 hours or so was spent watching people position patients (I could not assist due to the fact that, based on the procedures, everything needed to be precise) and then press buttons....Verdict - Waste of time
Friday, September 9th
Clinical Rotation - Ultrasound
I walked in dreading all the standing around I would do. Which was more or less what I did. However, I did end up working with patients in terms of transport and care during procedures. This day afforded me plenty of time to take care of some reading and studying for some of my other classes, which I did happily since my semester currently resembles a terrible nightmare. By the end of the day, after the last patient was "scanned" by the tech, I was asked if I would like to give it a try....I happily obliged and without any help or guidance at all, was able to find and collect a good image of the patients right kidney. Verdict....day not fully wasted, but still time taken away from actual x-ray
Monday, September 12th
Clinical Rotation - Walk-In Radiology Facility
I entered the office excited to finally be back and performing procedures on my own. Unfortunately this was not totally what happened. Since it was my first day at this facility, it was more of an orientation. I assisted the techs, and helped prepare patients, but when it came to actual x-ray positioning I did not do much. Even missed out on a comp because I "needed to learn their protocols before I could comp." Verdict.....not wasted but not productive. I was able to study for an exam the following day, as well as read up for another class.
Wednesday, September 14th:
Clinical Rotation - Walk-In Radiology Facility
More or less on my own today, which is what I wanted. Trouble today, was that patients were in short supply. I did a number of chest x-rays (boring), but nothing I could use to satisfy any of the other 9 remaining comps I require for this semester (we are required to have 16 by December, luckily I carried over 7 from last semester).
Friday, September 16th:
Clinical Rotation - Walk-In Radiology Facility
Even fewer patients today. Mostly chest x-rays and several other procedures that I have already comped on. I'm really looking to grab something along the lines of paranasal sinuses, or some kind of pediatric case, which is something I may be more likely to see at a place like this (the main department in the hospital yields more chest and abdomen x-rays than anything else). I used my down time today to study for a lab test next week. Also the supervising techs that I am working with at this location aren't the friendliest people I've ever met. This is a running theme I've noticed in this field. Many of the working techs seem miserable, caddy, and gossipy. This is not a quality I want to embrace upon completing the program, which is actually something I've noticed with many of the students in my class. The see the certified working techs acting a particular way begin to emulate their actions more and more as their confidence level rises. There's something to be said about this...although I don't know what...lol. Being a good tech does not mean you should be bitchy, impatient, give the appearance that what you're doing is so terribly difficult.....jussayin.
(I would like to clarify, because so far a lot of this sounds negative. I am not trying to appear jaded or "better" than x-ray with this blog / particular posting. This is simple a communication of my feelings. I am, finding it hard to concentrate on the present when the future is what I desire more. But I have to be here to get there...)
