Thoughts of a brand new ECMO specialist anticipating his first "buddy run" on the pump:
One month ago, having just completed the course: "Ooo, ooo! I hope we have some ECMO again soon before I forget everything!"
Three weeks ago: "Come on, ECMO! Can't wait to get some pump time."
Two weeks ago: "Man! I can't believe I was off for three days and missed my chance at a short run in PICU!"
Two days ago: "Two patients went on the pump in less than twelve hours! I'm up to bat tomorrow!"
Yesterday afternoon, upon waking: "Oh my god. What have I done? I must vomit."
Driving in: "Maybe both of those patients will have inexplicably gotten better and they'll be off the pump when I get there."
Two hours into the shift: "Wow - my preceptor is so patient and this really isn't so bad. And I haven't thrown up yet. I can do this."
Ten hours into the shift: "Oh dear lord. Let me out!"
One month ago, having just completed the course: "Ooo, ooo! I hope we have some ECMO again soon before I forget everything!"
Three weeks ago: "Come on, ECMO! Can't wait to get some pump time."
Two weeks ago: "Man! I can't believe I was off for three days and missed my chance at a short run in PICU!"
Two days ago: "Two patients went on the pump in less than twelve hours! I'm up to bat tomorrow!"
Yesterday afternoon, upon waking: "Oh my god. What have I done? I must vomit."
Driving in: "Maybe both of those patients will have inexplicably gotten better and they'll be off the pump when I get there."
Two hours into the shift: "Wow - my preceptor is so patient and this really isn't so bad. And I haven't thrown up yet. I can do this."
Ten hours into the shift: "Oh dear lord. Let me out!"