Second week in the PICU

Yep, second week in the pediatric intensive care unit. It was good to be able to see the same patients after the weekend, especially since so many of them took turns for the better and are being extubated, getting off TPN, moving to tube feedings or oral intake, and even better - being moved to the regular floor. Not one of my patients took a turn for the worse over the weekend. YAY!

So, since there's not much to report there, I'll talk about something else. For those who have applied for internships and are awaiting your fate in April, if anything, especially if you haven't started, start saving NOW. Remember the initial estimate of what my finances would result to by the end of the year? Yep, totally bypassed those a long time ago. I mean, it doesn't help that my initial estimate for the price of gas would be (at most, ha) $2.80 a gallon, and now it's rounding $3.60 a gallon. Plus, the many car repairs that I've had to endure are now coming to be about $1,200 for new brakes, oil changes, wheel bearings, tires, etc. And of course it doesn't help that the internship is unpaid. My average monthly gas bill is ranging around $180-220, but I can't complain because of the fact that I'm living with family and living for free.

But, ya know what - it's something every dietetic student must endure. Yes, some internships have a stipend, but many of those with stipends are in the most expensive cities in the United States. And...many of those with stipends require 6-8 years of commitment to the organization after you graduate, mainly internships with the military. Which, if someone is interested in that career choice or is already a part of the military, it works out perfect! I've heard great things about military programs and VA programs, and I've definitely always been interested, but, I know that the U of M internship would give me mounds more experience and exposure to disease states and cases.

Anywho, not to freak anyone out, but I know that when I was applying, I told myself that if I got my first choice internship, that I wouldn't work that summer and just completely relax. I did get my first choice, and I'm so incredibly glad that I decided to still get a summer job. It helped me feel a little less guilty about going out during the summer and my bank account loves it right now. Well, it's not exactly loving life right now, it's struggling a lot, but I have less than 4 months to go and (hopefully!) I'll be able to get a job and start building it up.

Real life of an intern - time is flying and bank account is draining - but I'm loving every minute :)

115 days left!