My internal medicine rotation was at NSUSH. This rotation was a phenomenal experience where I was not only able to learn medicine but also do procedures.I was given the opportunity to do procedures such as  venipunctures, ABGs, insert foleys,  chest tubes and shadow TAVRs, colonoscopies and endoscopies.  I rotated in MICU for one week which was a very humbling experience. It was interesting to see how almost all aspect of the human body needed to be under observation while being admitted.  

An interpersonal challenge I faced during this rotation was how death is also a huge part of medicine. On my third shift in ICU, a patient coded. It was an overwhelming experience to be part of the team as I was given the task to do chest compressions. While the code was going on I was worried, scared and hoping that the patient would make it. Although he survived the code, he passed shortly after. His family was present at bedside. I observed how well put together and composed the providers were while talking to the family which at the time I could not imagine myself to do. It was heartbreaking to see the family. This made me realize that as a provider it is important to push your feelings and emotions to the side and be there for the patient’s family. I believe this will be a work in progress for me not only as a student but also when I become a fully licensed PA.  

A situation that I found to be difficult was when a patient expressed how he was being misheard and mistreated. He stated he never had chest pain, though the providers wrote that in his note. He was a very tall patient and the bed he was given was too small causing his legs to cramp throughout the night. He requested a longer bed multiple times, but was refused. Furthermore, he had urinated in his bed and no one helped him clean for 9 hours. The patient was admitted due to hypertension and while explaining the story to me I noticed how overstimulated he was getting to be. However, aside from an apology I could not think of what else to say or do to help him feel more comfortable. Thankfully, another provider arrived at the time and spoke to him. Rather than leaving, I stayed and observed how the provider calmed him down. She apologized, discussed his plan of care and also helped arrange for a larger bed. Going forward, I will try to implement the demeanor the provider used and actually try to get help for the patients.