Lessons Learned

Pediatric Rotation: CHECK!

The pediatric rotation has finally come to a close. It was a big disappointment because we didn't get to experience the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the pediatric ICU, the Oncology ICU, or even a general acute pediatric population. Most of our patients at the rehabilitation facility had had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or an anoxic brain injury (lack of oxygen to the brain). I can't really say the word "recovering" from, because the sad truth is that most of these children will never recover. They will never again be able to talk, to communicate, to wiggle their toes, or even blink their own eyes. They are perpetually mechanically ventilated and fed through a gastrostomy tube. (See my previous post, "The Ethics of It All" for more).
However, this is not to say that I didn't learn anything from this rotation...on the contrary!
I learned:

1. ALWAYS wear gloves when handling the g-tube, lest you get curdled stomach contents on your bare hands
2. Snot/phlegm/mucous is way more disgusting than blood
3. When suctioning a tracheostomy, always cover the trach. Projectile phlegm is not cool.
4. Make sure all valves on the gtube are closed when feeding, otherwise it ends up in the bed.
5. Bring lots of homebaked goodies for the staff - especially the ones who change diapers for your patients
6. Be thankful for each time you are inconvenienced with having to get up to use the bathroom, at least you can still go!
   ...and finally
7. NEVER get used to seeing these kids in such horrible conditions and NEVER take the life you live for granted!