even the most tangential of connections. In class, this is a different matter. I am then outside the comfort zone. Tonight was a case in point. First of all, we were to bring our computers and sign up for the National Registry EMT exams. Of course, I ran into computer glitches. Of course, the instructor had to give me a hand.
Then, the instructor decided to double check my ability to take blood pressure. I am having problems with this because of my hearing. No fun, having to be tested on something that I’m not sure about.
Then, half the class was to do glucose readings – this meant being stabbed and stabbing a classmate with a lancet. I walked into the lab late because the two above-mentioned things took so long. I was the odd one out. There was no reassuring partner. Poking someone and being poked was bad enough – to have to find an accomplice just made me all that more anxious.
I left the room and joined the other group who were practicing moving patients. Again, I was the odd one out.
Scenarios were next. I was a patient in the first, and the responder in the second. Being a patient put me back in the comfort zone – being a responder took me out of it. I know how to do a medical assessment, and so I got through it.
Later, in thinking about it, I realized that the teacher, without realizing it herself, pulled me back into the comfort zone when I was doing the medical assessment. The patient, a group member, was suffering from affective schizoid disorder and had diabetes. He was so far out there that another classmate had to give me the information.
Now, I did not become rattled by the patient’s behavior – he kept insisting that he wanted to go to Mars and would not let me touch him. Instead, I said that we would be going to Mars together and that we’d leave after we took care of some preliminary stuff.
My teacher and a few of my classmates were watching this. After, she said that I did a good job – I know that she did not lower her high standards – but she did focus on the positive rather than dwell on the negatives.
I will have a practical exam on December 10th – and the NREMT practical exam on December 14th. I think I’m going to envision the proctor as being my teacher – this way, I will remain in rather than be out of my comfort zone.
Next: 308. 11/7/19: My Sister’s Sister |