Hail Mary Doctor
I just got home from a long day of CPEP (psych ER) call. I worked 12 hours and saw many patients, including a former patient of mine who I’d discharged weeks ago.
I realized today that I don’t flinch anymore when I hear people call me “Dr. Campbell.” I thought it would take me longer to get used to this, but it turns out that 3 months does the job. I’m certainly no expert doctor. But I definitely do feel more like a doctor, and it doesn’t make the butterflies stir in my stomach when I hear people call me one.
I had a patient who was a prisoner today. He was handcuffed to the gurney for the duration of my shift. It wasn’t the first handcuffed patient I’ve experienced, but it certainly does change the doctor-patient relationship. I learned again that police officers are not psychiatrists. No offense to all you police officers out there, but in my limited experience, hair stylists seem to have better patient interaction and communication skills.
On my way home, it started thundering and lightning (is that the correct verb?), so I promptly ran the rest of the way home. It was a good thing, too, because minutes later it started HAILING huge, golf ball sized hail. It sent shivers down my spine. Photo above is my crappy attempt at capturing the moment out of my window.
It’s after 9:00 p.m. and I have to get up at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow, as I am going to attempt to walk 10,000 miles and subway to work instead of driving (and going insane), so this is peace out for now!
Favorite patient quote from today:
“No I don’t hear voices…why, do you think I’m gay?”