June 3rd. I got a text from an unknown number. I opened it, and read that it was my mentor introducing herself to me, and invited me to start my internship on the 5th. In two more days, I was to report to a hospital before 7:30 am to observe surgeries with an anesthesiologist. I'm in a program that allows students to intern at their dream jobs to have a better understanding of the job and environment. Of course I used this to my advantage and hopped on board, and went through all the interviews and meetings it took to get in the hospital.
I was going in blind, I've never really been in a hospital, let alone find myself in an OR. My doctor was extremely nice, and guided me through all the processes and steps she went through to put a patient to sleep without harming them. I went in thinking I wanted to be a CRNA, but left on the first day wanting to be an anesthesiologist. If I'm going to do something, I'll do it all the way. I've always followed this policy I set myself, but college tuition doesn't allow much dreaming. Meeting all the doctors, and observing a 4 surgeries in a day opened my eyes to all the careers possible in the medical field, especially in the OR. My love for anesthesia has grown, as well as my love for the environment.
I've always envisioned hospitals as all white and quite depressing. Patients are sick, and doctors are trying their best to help, period. I was proven completely wrong. Yes, hospitals are deafeningly silent, but only where the patients are to accommodate their resting period. The OR is extremely lively, doctors cracking jokes and saying 'Hi' to any co-workers when they get the chance. The halls are bustling with surgeons, and PAs, and anesthesiologists, and RNs. It's extremely fascinating to see surgeons unfazed by heart surgery and talking about sports as if someone's heart isn't right there sewed down. They exude confidence, every single person in that room. I love that environment.
Not all was rainbows and sunshine though. I was left alone on my second day to figure this huge hospital. It took about 30 minutes before I found my way to the locker rooms and desk. Third day? 15 minutes. I know, I'm amazing. I almost had a break down today running in circles. I guess some nurses and doctors saw, because soon enough, help was on the way.
Even if it takes an entire hour every single day to find my way to my operating room, I've never been more sure of my decision to spend 12 years in school to become an anesthesiologist.
