I am a vascular ultrasound technologist, working at the University of Washington Medical Center. I see outpatients from clinics, inpatients on regular medical floors and in the ICU, patients from the Emergency Department, pre-op and post-op patients from the Operating Room, etc. The patients' cognitive abilities vary, ranging from completely lucid and "normal" (we call them "walkie talkies"), to incoherant because of medical issues or pain medications, to intubated and sedated. In addition to the ptaients we encounter, there are multiple family members and friends, as well as any of the hospital staff.
Needless to say, all of this makes for a pretty interesting work environment...you never know what you're going to get. Most of the time, I love it! As anyone here in our vascular lab -- or any other vascular lab or hospital department -- will tell you, there are some great stories. Some are funny, some touching and heartwrenching, many too good to not share.
It is important that you know, dear reader, where my heart is in these posts. I have tremendous compassion, respect and concern for all that patients, their families and friends are going through during their time here at the hospital. I train my students in these values as well. It's a frightening time for people, no matter one's current state of health. I also understand the pressures that healthcare providers are under...we do our best for each and every patient, taking on a great deal of responsibility in their care. Lastly, nothing I post here will reveal identifiying information about the patients, friends or family, ensuring patient confidentiality.
Coming up next...Patient Story #1.
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