Well this week I learned about the 80 hours, averaged over 4 weeks rule. My program is actually very compliant with duty hours, and both my chief resident and the program director are good about making sure I get out of the hospital at a reasonable hour.
Last week, however, was a different story. We ended up having the most patients that we’ve had during this rotation. We got up to 23 patients this week. It’s not so bad in the AM since we all split seeing the patients. It’s bad during the day when every patient needs labs, electrolyte repletion, specialty consults, CT scans, urine output monitoring, NGT placement… etc, etc, etc! Then I do afternoon rounds to gather all the vitals and round again in the afternoon.
With all of these patients the days just got longer and longer. There was one night when I was there from 5:15am until 8pm. Then, by taking call Saturday after a week like this put me at 97 hours this week!! I’m pretty exhausted and will be on call again on Friday… I’ll try to post when I can.
GOOD LUCK! 97hrs is unimaginable, im worn out with my minor 20hrs/wk lol
Hey medobsession!! I’ve been trying to stay in these books after traveling to a couple of conferences these past 2 weeks, but I had to catch up on you!! So I’m all caught up now lol. And I must tell you that I’m loving these posts even more than the med school ones!!! From the details of your shifts, to your sincere posts about losing your patients, I’m so motivated!!! I can’t wait until my day comes… but first I’ve gotta finalize what I’m going to do!! :/
Well good luck on the rest of your service, I’m super happy for you!!!
hi. im a medical intern in South Africa. Found your blog very interesting. take a look at mine when you get a sec. its pretty new though. http://www.spadestoothpaste.wordpress.com.
@Robyn – 97 hours is definitely not natural… however, I gradually built up the endurance through my med school rotations and then rotations as an intern. It’s not something that happens overnight!
@Courtney – thanks for catching up! I’m so happy that I survived the rest of Onc. You’ll have to tell me how things are going with you and school.