As I near the end of my JMS year, I reflect on my white coat. It is annoying and uncomfortable, not designed to fit anyone with breasts. It has voluminous pockets which both hold everything you need to carry, from your PDA to supplies for a complete dressing change, but also stick out like saddlebags, making you feel like a water buffalo. It is gray most of the time, only appearing white right after being soaked in a bucket of oxyclean for two hours. It is a badge of respectability, allowing unquestioned access to nearly everywhere in the hospital and fooling some people into thinking you actually are somebody, though for some patients, anyone female is always the nurse, no matter how you introduce yourself. It is short, which is the big difference between it and the long white coat of people who can sign their name MD. It is a germ factory, difficult to wash often enough as there is only one of it, and its a pain to take all your stuff out of the pockets.
The pockets really are awesome, though. Just a few of the items I carry; pens, penlights, highlighters, pda, ear buds, a stack of papers containing important information you should have access to regardless of what rotation you're on, like EKG interpretation, spare change, chapstick, nail clippers, caffeinated crystal light to go packets, reflex hammer, stethoscope, patient notes, alcohol wipes, tiny lotion container, and a little book of important reference stuff. Sometimes there is more. As I said, it kind of makes you feel like a water buffalo, but its really handy to have those things available.
No comments:
Post a Comment