One more week of Peds...

Some things I've learned whilst doing my pediatrics rotation:

• You can never write too many notes.
  
• There's always something you will forget to do or ask on history.
  
• The kids *are* cute, but don't go sticking the otoscope in their ears at the beginning of the exam.
  
• ++social issues
  
• It's spelled "paediatrics" in New Brunswick.
  
• Lectures via teleconference are of variable usefulness. We like the mute button though.
  
• You will sleep at least a bit while on call.
  
• You get used to taking first call quickly. Just call the staff.
  
• Residents enjoy giving advice.
  
• Late night grilled cheese (on whole wheat of course) is the best part of call shifts.
  
• Clinics are sometimes interesting, but the floor is always better.
  
• Nurses make excellent conversationalists day and night.
  
• Handover is the most important part of the day... especially when you're handing over to yourself, or would be if you weren't post-call.
  
• The "post-call" day can still keep you at the hospital til 5. That's afternoon teaching for you.
  
• Code White announcements occur with alarming frequency. You will have come close to calling one.
  
• The parents range from wonderful and congenial to... not so much. They are stressed and worried, though.
  
• Normal babies spit up a lot.
  
• A baby is always better heard crying than not.
  
• Taking initiative is encouraged and welcome but may not be noticed.
  
• There are lots of constipated kids out there.
  
• Call room beds are extremely uncomfortable.
  
• Scrubs are extremely comfortable. And wearing them all day makes up for having no effective post-call day.
  
• NICU is a weird place. Especially since many of the babies don't have names chosen.
  
• The staff are nice. So is Journal Club.
  
• You may technically work as much as 100 hours one or two weeks of a six week rotation. Usually not nearly that bad.
  
• An online system which includes orders and vitals is sublime. It will be missed.
  
• Lastly, you will never want for homemade baked goods, candy, chocolates, or popcorn while working on the floor.
  
• Oh, and boil water orders are annoying.