Good Morning!
It is 6:30am and I’m on my second cup of coffee. I was woken several times overnight, once by my toddler, and a few times by the resident doctor on call at labor & delivery. I don’t mind being called and can usually fall back to sleep quite easily. Our patient progressed quickly and I was called for delivery around 5:50am. I put scrubs on and put my hair up. I arrived to the hospital just in time for the patient to start pushing. A few moments later, a healthy baby girl. I’m smiling and I congratulate the parents and step out. My brain has one goal - coffee.
The nurses are chatting about a used book store that I have been meaning to visit. I let them know they can also check out my little free library.
I’m meeting with residents for OB lecture this morning so they text to find out what time works best for me. I’m also rounding with the medicine team at 7am and this is the moment I realize I’m double-booked. I don’t panic, it usually works itself out. Another text from the medicine team tells me there were no overnight admits. Nice that I’m not going to have to be two places at once.
I told the team if they got the eight discharges out of the door yesterday, I’d bring them a prize. After I meet for OB lecture I’ll see if I owe them or not.
I discharged all my other babies from the nursery yesterday so I won’t be rounding there today. I’ll see the adult patients and then go home to get ready for a work dinner with my husband and some new colleagues. That means I’ll have to do something with my hair. Not sure if I’ll have time for the gym today, but if I do it will be arm and back day because I still can’t walk right from leg day 3 days ago.
Just a few hours into my day and it is already a good day. Catching a baby is one of the best ways to start a day. I’ll spend a few minutes in the hospital garden area before it gets too hot (its already 78) and I’ll try to sit in silence and just breathe. At least for a moment. It helps me to have clarity for my day and remember why I’m here.
Hope you all have a quiet moment of clarity today!
RaeLeigh Payanes
