I'm doing a little thinking out "cyber" right now. I'd value any comments anyone might want to make.
My former boss, Kathy, taught with me last night because Jan had another committment. So, it was nice, not only to work with Kathy again, but also to have a bit of time to catch up with her.
One of the things we talked about was a potential new program that may be opening up at work. This much I know: a request has been put in to open nine or so new phlebotomy lines. These are intended to be "dedicated" lines, meaning the phlebs hired will work in the same area every day, working with the same staff and doctors, etc.
What I don't know is if they are full or part-time, or a combination of both.
What I knew is that these lines are supposed to be in peds.
What I didn't know is that the peds they're talking about is NICU, or NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit.
That caught my attention. Neonates, those most fragile of all, are mainly heelsticks when it comes to venipuncture. Although there can sometimes be actual venous draws, most of these little ones have central lines to draw from, for they are far too delicate; imagine how tiny those veins are! And, their medical conditions can change from minute to minute, so I can understand the appeal of having a phlebotomist right there, ready to draw them at a moment's notice.
I'm interested...very, very interested. Yes, I'm the same person who had ballyhooed high and low that I don't want to do peds. But, somehow this is different.
Maybe I have some inflated notion that I can do a heelstick on a little soul fighting for its chance in this world. These fragile beings are some of the bravest Warriors of all. I think it would be an honor to assist in their care and healing.
I've got to think about this hard...very hard. I have to make sure I'm considering it for the right reasons, not some misguided notion of being heroic, or looking for recognition from whoever.
I haven't had a chance to talk to the person who requested the additional lines. It may be that there won't be a good work option for what I want. I'll need to hear from her, and then find out as much as I can. It may be that the decision will have to be made in 24 hours or less.
I just don't know what to do, or how to think about this yet. But, my mind won't be silent; it's picking away at me, asking questions, considering ideas.
If any of you have thoughts about this, please share them with me, okay?
2 comments:
I haven't had a chance to talk to the person who requested the additional lines. It may be that there won't be a good work option for what I want. I'll need to hear from her, and then find out as much as I can.
If i'm understanding this... until you hear back from this specific person and find out what the options are, there isn't much that can be done decision wise, so worrying about that isn't going to be very helpful until you get all the needed details.
Working in NICU would possibly (probably) be a very mentally and emotionally draining position. Are you up to that?
The little ones are the biggest warriors but they are also the hardest to hold and lose. On the other side of the coin they are some of the most beautiful to watch when they triumph. (I know i'm not much help there)
Either direction they go it's still a huge draw on the people involved in their care. Even those that are in contact only peripherally still are affected. Is that something you think you'd be okay to deal with?
Kate, your answer lies in your heart. I think you'd really love to work with these little angels, the question is as Tracers posed it: could you bear the loss of those wee ones who don't make it?
I wish you much luck hon, I have a feeling this is a much larger opportunity than meets the eye. Perhaps you're feeling it's time for a change, or perhaps you aren't but life is bringing it to you anyway? So much to think about!
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