So far I’ve got 100 hours in as an ED Tech. Actually it’s a bit more since I’ve had to work past the official end of my shift a few times. Now if anyone has done the math and read a previous post, they’re probably curious how I got to the number 100 and why it’s not 96 or some other multiple of 12. The truth is, my normal shift is 12 hours. However, during my most recent 12 hour shift a text went out to all techs asking if anyone was available to work a “Crisis Shift.” I volunteered. Now the down side is, as an orient I’m not eligible for the bonus differential for a crisis shift (which I’ve been told is fairly nice). But I wasn’t doing it for the money. I was doing it for the experience. Normally my shifts are 11:00-23:30 (that includes in theory 30 minutes for a meal). Since this 4 hour shift started at 23:00, it meant I worked 11:00-03:00. Yes, you’re reading it right: I worked a 16 hour shift. This allowed me to experience the ED at a different time of the day than I’m used it. And I will say it was worth it. The overall “mood” is a bit different. It’s definitely a bit quieter.

And best of all, I survived the shift. Granted the next day I resorted to a dose of caffeine between class and lab in order to stay awake, but overall, it wasn’t too bad. On the other hand, if I were 30 years younger, I think it would have been a bit easier to recover from also.

I’ll probably pick up more Crisis shifts in the future, especially once I’m eligible for the Crisis Pay differential since it gives me the experience and pays decently.

Footwear

For my original shifts I pulled out some old shoes to wear. I figured if they got covered in fluids or something I could toss them. Sure enough, on my second or third shift I stepped in something very sticky. I looked down with dread and was relieved to see it was only some apple sauce the patient had spilled.

However, fairly quickly I realized how uncomfortable they were. The one weekend I should have gone shopping for new shoes I didn’t. It took me a few shifts and some thought to realize what the real problem was: lack of arch support. Hence the photo above where I added some impromptu arch support. It was an amazing difference.

That said, this past weekend I picked up a pair of Skechers to wear at work. One big advantage of them too is they’re machine washable. I suspect at some point I may have to take advantage of that ability, but so far I’ve been, apple sauce aside, lucky.

And now off to another shift (and two more this coming weekend.)

And of course the disclaimer that I in no way speak for my employer Albany Medical Health Systems in this post. That said, I do hope not to see anyone of you in the ED any time soon. Drive safe over this break and please do not drink and drive.