Today we worked at the hospital from 7a.m. - 3p.m.. It was Serena's turn to drive us. While we were driving, I kept an eye on landmarks in order to prepare for when I had to drive. I realized that the route that we take to get to the hospital goes through Middleburg. Once we arrived at the hospital, we headed to the cafeteria to eat breakfast, and wait for Thomas. We all had a Chick-Fil-A biscuit sandwich which was delicious. While we were waiting for Thomas, some of Mrs. Scanlons nurse friends sat with us and spoke of funny stories they have while working in the hospital. Once Thomas arrived, he took us back to the storage rooms. He explained that all the machines in the entire hospital have to be checked every couple years. So, he must map out a minimum number of machines he has to test and calibrate to ensure that they are safe to use on a patient. Thomas explained to us almost all of what the equipment does. After Thomas explained a lot of the equipment, he gave us the task of putting together a head receptor, and making sure that all of the parts were there. It was challenging at first, but we got the hang of it. We had to check of each part was there, and look at the directions in order to see how all the parts of the receptor fit together. We ended up being successful in putting together the receptor and handrest!! Today was again an amazing experience. I have learned so much in one day, and I am so grateful that I have this opportunity.
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Today was the first day of my internship at the Winchester Medical Center hospital! I worked from 7a.m. to 3p.m.. Since Ryan Scanlon and Serena Thapa are also doing the internship, we are all carpooling. Today, Ryan drove because we followed behind his mom because Mrs. Scanlon is the one who set up the internship, and works at the hospital. When we arrived, Mrs. Scanlon gave us a tour of the downstairs of the hospital. First, we passed the doctors offices and walk in easy surgical care. Then, Mrs. Scanlon showed us the Cafeteria. Thomas, the biomedical engineer that we all are shadowing, was going to meet us in the cafeteria. Mrs. Scanlon went over the general guidelines with us before Thomas arrived. She explained that the hospital is near a prison; so, sometimes if a prisoner needs medical care, there will be lights that signal to beware of your surroundings because they could be transporting the criminal down the hall. Also, she said that in certain hallways and rooms, we would have to keep our hair nets, masks, and glasses on at all times. Then, Thomas showed up! Thomas took us to the OR section of the hospital. He gave us a grand tour. We walked passed some rooms with neck, back, and even heart surgery. Also, there were storage rooms at the ends of the hallways with a lot of equipment that wasn't being used. When we were in the room, we went over every piece of equipment that was in the room. Thomas explained to us that today he was giving us the grand tour, and the next couple times we would come, he would explain in greater depth what his job entails, we would witness a couple of surgerys, and go down into the ICU. After the long day of touring the hospital, we ended the workday with nice Chick-fil A-nuggets from the cafeteria. Today was one of the most informative interesting days of my life. I was able to shadow someone that does exactly what I want to do in the future. It was so enriching to be able to see hands on what it is like to do this job. Today, I had to gather everything to be ready for the start of my internship tomorrow.
Mrs. Scanlon told us that we need to wear scrubs with no undershirt and running shoes. So, Serena, Ryan, and I went out and bought the clothes that we needed. Also, we are not allowed to bring into the hospital with us bags. So, we will be putting our phones, pens, and gum in the pocket of our scrubs. I will post at the end of this blog a picture of what the scrubs look like. While talking with Mrs. Scanlon, the person who helped arrange getting us these internships at the hospital, she told Ryan, Serena, and I all about the biomedical engineer we will be shadowing in the hospital. His name is Thomas. Thomas has been working in the Winchester Medical Center for 12 years now. Mrs. Scanlon says that he will have a lot of good information to tell us about the biomedical engineer work-field. Also, in order to volunteer/work in the hospital we must have some vaccines and tests done to determine that we are not likely to spread certain illnesses to the patients. I went to the doctor last week to get my tuberculosis check and update my vaccine paperwork to give to the hospital with my records. I am so excited for this amazing opportunity, and I cant wait for it to begin. This is my first post for the capstone project. So far, I have already learned so much by creating the website and researching for my statement of intent. Additionally, I got a 98% on the test which was administered by the Valley Health organization that is needed to prove ones ability of health information to volunteer. Since I past, I am know officially able to do my internship in May after I am cleared by my doctor. I made my doctors appointment for the checkup today! I am very excited to begin this amazing opportunity.
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Author: Ali AdamsI am a senior at Freedom High School. I will be attending Virginia Tech for Engineering in the fall. Archives |