IVT Completion at the NKTI: Day 1

As promised earlier, I'll be narrating my 3-day (supposedly 5-day) IVT completion at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute along East Avenue in Quezon City last week. Of course, I'll try to squeeze my brain cells so hard in order to extract every ounce of memory I had at the said institution. Here goes nothing...

Day 1: Varicose Veins

Varicose Veins - Distended and protruding veins that appear darkened and torturous are evident. Vein walls weaken and dilate, and vales become incompetent.

Yes, you read that word correctly. That medical term would be the most definitive and precise word that would exactly sum up my first day at the NKTI since majority of the entire 9-hour completion was dedicated to standing and waiting for patients. Haaay.

I arrived at their office at around 7 AM (call time at 8 AM) due to my mother's persistent reminders of courtesy and respect. Because of that (my courtesy plus respect), the completion coordinator, Ma'am Jarry, was very pleased as to assign me to the Emergency Room (ER). Amazed, I gladly accepted her offer and thanked her for her kindness and generosity. After which, I wrote all my personal details on the identification card and pasted my 1x1 picture. Then, she explained how I should accomplish my IVT form. Blah. Blah. Blah. She also gave me some hints on how I could maximize my completion days by helping the medical and nursing staff with their duties. Yehey! :)

Upon arriving at the ER, we (I was, unfortunately, accompanied by 2 super perky ladies, also for their IVT completion) were introduced to the soon-to-be head nurse (I forgot her name but she seriously looked like Wendy Anne Semana of FEU) of the ER. Then, she sort-off oriented us at the ER's unique set-up. Of course, we all know that the ER is a special and fast-paced area, where life and death duel each other out for supremacy. Haha. Anyways, after the short but semi-sweet quasi-orientation, I then started my hunt for veins, or so to speak, around the borders of the ER. Haha. :)

Of course, with this area's character, there were numerous patients at the ER for initial assessment, early diagnosis and prompt intervention. Obviously, most of which are patients with kidney disorders (ESRD, AGN, CGN, etc) or a sequale of Hypertension and/or Diabetes. One of my patients, 1A, was nice enough to answer some of my questions. 1A said that the reason why he/she was brought to the ER is because he/she missed his/her dialysis last week. Wow, talk about poverty and neglecting one's health. Sheesh.

After about an hour or so, 1A went into Ventricular Tachycardia. Prepared E-kit. Emergency Intubation. Ambu. bag hooked to Oxygen (I personally did this one). Called for a Respirator. Gave 6 rounds of Epinephrine. Delivered 3 shocks of 200 Joules from a Defibrilator (CLEAR!). Relentless cardiac compressions from the Nurse-Aide. After 18 minutes, 1A died. :(

In other news, I was able to finish 2 IV medication administrations and 2 Blood transfusions. Nice. I'll be on my own the following day since the perky ladies have completed their cases. Nice again. Moreover, I was able to help out with the nursing and medical staff (Dr. Jose E.Y. Montoya was UBER NICE!) and generally refresh my stagnant nursing knowledge and awaken my sluggish nursing skills. I seriously can't wait to practice my beloved profession in this sort of setting. Yipee! :D

Overall, I had a fruitful and awakening day. I definitely and seriously need to reread my books AGAIN STAT in order to rejuvenate my awareness and understanding of my chosen field. Whatever it takes! Grrr.

Coffee, Dr. Montoya? Haha. :D