Area of interest

Hmm... I think I need to decide fast which are my area of interest before HB and HL call us for our CE3B and 3C placement.

Seriously to think about it, as some of my classmates had mentioned,

"We may like children but it does not mean we can work with them."

Hmmm... this is true.... this reminded me of some of the kids I took for tuition before..... I wonder if I can really handle them too.... though I can be fercious with kids (as a Cadet Inspector la) but for peds.... there must be alot of patience.... am I up to it? I have no idea....

Perhaps exploring acute neuro?

Mental health is a MUST la... since I have never been to a mental health placement..... maybe.... MINDS? Combination of peds and mental health... one stone kills 2 birds....

But in any way, I think I still like community. =)

Must make up my mind soon.... any suggestions?

Workshops

Today, we are very fortunate to attend Dr Carolyn Baum's workshops FOC!!!

There were 3 workshops - Rehabilitation Issues in a Changing Stroke Population, Creating a Continnum of Care to Maintain Health and Participation of Older Adults and Minimizing the Impact of Low Vision on the Everyday Activities of Older Adults.

It lasted from 1330hrs - 20 30hrs.....

We were very honoured to have a tea session with her too in the afternooon.

It is very inspiring to see her in the OT Profession for 41yrs!!! *wondered where and what will I be 41yrs down the road... I will be 62+ then......*

Tomorrow's workshop will be on A Global Occupational Therapy Approach to Autism.
And there is another workshop after that: The Changing Health Environment: Opportunities for Occupational Therapists.

hmm..... another long day tml....
Hmm...

1st day of school

Hmm... long day for mon-thu (0900 - 1700 hrs )... except I can go to sch at 1300hrs on Friday!!!

Anyway today is Monday. Monday is Applied Physiology and Biomechanics Day. Bascially the whole day is Applied Physiology and Biomechanics except 1010 - 11 00 (OT Project)

Haven't get our topic for OT project yet.... hope it will be interesting.... maybe peds or geri will be nice... (isn't this 2 extreme??)

Okay.... today we did measuring of BP and HR la... while at rest and performing tasks....

Oh... it wasn't much of a problem... all thanks to the experience I have during my CE3A!! =)

Memories of CE3A

so CE3A has been a very enriching experience for me. Other than the knowledge that I have gained, friendships build, memories are the only thing that left with me......

These are the photos taken on the last day of my clinicals. Enjoy!

Me with my supervisor's TA, Yati
It has always been nice working with Yati. She is always there to assist us when we need her. All the best to her and may she has the best of health!Looking forward to meet up with her soon!

Yati and us, with the roses we gave her



TA Myat Su and us
It is nice working with Myat Su too.... she has been very helpful to us. All the TAs there are all very nice!!! =) Too bad didn't get a chance to take photos with all... :`` (

Sarah and us
This is Sarah, the PT that is in charge of the ward we are in. It is nice working with her. =)

Lindy and us
This is Lindy. She is kind enough to answer our requests for seeing her patients. Thanks. Anyway did I say that she is my friend's secondary school classmate? =)Told her on the last day, although I knew it like on the 2nd week? ;)

Lindy and me
Oh, I wanted a personal photo with Lindy. It is nice talking to her too... ;)


With Gim Hoon and Lee Ling
Thanks Gim Hoon for her comments in our presentations. Really appreciate it!Well, must thanks Lee Ling for accepting us for our CE3A. It is nice to have such people around. =)

Last but not least, how can we not have a photo with our supervisor?

Us, with our supervisor, Daniel

With Daniel

It is really nice to have Daniel as our supervisor. That is why we have headache as in what to give him. We didn't know what he likes too.... But I remembered he mentioned about some play station thingy, so I thought we could give him "stimulated" play station game.
So I came out with this game call "30 days @ St Luke's Hospital." This idea came from the PS1 game that I played before - Theme Hospital.The description of 30 days @ St Luke's Hospitalis as follows:
30 days at St Luke is the most challenging and adventure game. You get to assess patients, plan and implement treatments on the patients. On top of that, you have to document on every patient that you see. And you must be prepared that your patients may reject therapy and that you have to try all means and ways to ask them to continue therapy.


The challenge is also to communicate with other healthcare professionals and to report patients’ progress during MDM.


On top of that, you have to prepare case presentation in the department and in school. Be prepared and put on your best bullet-proof shirt.


Try to use different dialects to communicate with your patients and you will begin to enjoy every moment of it.


Few of the things that you can look forward to is having a nurturing and good looking therapist as your supervisor. The other therapists and TAs are nice too once you know them.


But most importantly in the 30 days at St Luke Hospital, as code of ethic, whatever you do, above all, do no harm.


Good Luck!

Oh... the game is actually a PPT with our thoughts and feelings and interesting encounters....

Haha.... cute right?? Didn't know I can be soooo creative... lol (*bhb*)

What else are there?? =)

I believe a picture speaks more that a thousand words...... so.... there it is:

This photo is courtesy from Daniel. =)(Feel so bad that have to ask him help me take a photo of it after we have given him)Too busy in preparing the gifts that I forgotten to take a picture
Oh, Lee Ling called this "survival kit"We didn't have a name for it. Maybe survival kit suits too.... since there are cereals and milo for breakfast or tea break, "PS game" for boredom, Strepsils for sore throat ......Haha.... Well, there is also a paper film and a key chain... ;)
Anyway, if you all wonder why cereals? Beats me too... I thought Daniel may like since he drinks cereals? Just some linking or instinct or 6th sense or clever guess if you may call it.
As for milo.... hmm.... haha... there is a story to it... but think I am not going to mention here la... =)
Oh, if Daniel ever read this and if you wonder why there are only 4 out of 6 packets of cereals,The reason is because,



We took the remaining 2!!!!=)HAha..... and if you wonder where did I ever find the time to do all those....well.... it is time mgt you see.... haha... lolz.....No la... I started doing some at the end of 5th week.... during the weekends.... Cos whether we do well or not in clinicals, we must still thank supervisor mah.... =)
Oh I think I am already missing the place and everyone!*hmmm... wonder if any of them misses us.... the TAs say they will la... ;) *
As well as my everyday must have HERBAL TEA!!!*think I am falling sick soon....haha*

*hmmm.... actually if I were to receive these gifts, 我可能不 舍得吃喔。*

Personality Tests

I've just realized that I haven't been doing personality tests all these while..... so perhaps tonight, I can do some..... so.. there you are:

What makes me a real beauty?

Xiu Ling, your Intelligence makes you a real beauty

Extracted from emode

There's nothing more beautiful than a good head on your shoulders. Witty and wise, you're never short on interesting conversation or an informed opinion. You like to stay on top of what's going on around you. From world events to local hot spots, you don't wanna miss a beat.But all those smarts don't mean your nose is in a book all day. You're a friendly soul who knows how to have a good time and whoop it up. From grabbing a casual dinner with friends to checking out a hip, new art exhibit, you're not afraid to have a little fun. What could be smarter than that?

***************************

And I re-do another test on:

Why are you still single?

Xiu Ling, you're single because you don't want to settle.

You, more than others, have a fairy tale fantasy of how things should be. Ever since you were a kid, you've probably dreamed of the perfect wedding, coming home to a white picket fence, dog, and 2.2 kids (how does that work, anyway?).

When someone asks what you're looking for, you don't skip a beat: You're likely to have a handy checklist that details your perfect partner.

Hair and eye color, height, religion, education, career, interests, the list goes on.While it's great to have standards — Hey, you shouldn't have to settle, after all — there's one slight glitch in your master plan: No one has made the grade in real life — at least not yet.

Next time you're out with someone, keep yourself from mentally checking that list, and give love — and others — a chance. That special someone who you've written off may be perfect for you after all...

***************************

I was doing another test when I discovered this phrase on Sagittarius:

"If you are looking to meet a Sagittarius, remember they're

adventurous wanderers who can be forever asking questions.

The Archer can be found at pretty much any social event,

but this sign isn't likely to have a regular hangout. The Sagittarius can often be found outdoors and will usually be the one who has more questions than answers."

Hmmm... no wonder I have so many questions to ask during my last attachment.....

I guess it is my Saggittarius personality ba......

*******************************

What makes you amazing?

Xiu Ling, your Sweet Spirit makes you amazing

Have a heart? You certainly do. Thoughtful and warm, you make other people feel at ease and welcome whether you're hosting a party or just attending it. You can't help it — you're a sweetheart who's a great friend to just about everyone.Sincere and kindhearted, you look out for those you love and will often put the needs of others before your own. It's no surprise friends and family look to you for advice and a shoulder to lean on. Helping other people makes you happy. That's the best super power any hero could have!

********************************

NE Show

I went to NE (National Education) show today. Thanks Kee Leng and Ma'am for the tixs....

I have always enjoyed attending NE Show, as you can hear almost everybody sings the national atheme loud and clear. You can hear everyone cheering with joy. And reciting the pledge with pride.

This is also the time for me to reflect how lucky I am to be in Singapore. I am always proud to be a Singaporean.

Singapore Lions

Singapore Flag flying through the air

Kee Leng and me

FireWorks

More Fireworks

The day that I hope it never comes

Today marks the last day of my enriching clinical xperience.

I dragged my feet to work today... not that I dread about it but I always hate the last day where you had to bid good bye to all....

Furthermore, I do not know whether will I get similar xperience the next time round. So I treassure that very last moment

Well, we took cab down.... cos I was erm... alittle late for train and by taking cab we could also put the gifts into the cupboard and stuff.....

The day turned out to be very fast today and soon it was already time for lunch. LPK turned up for our lunch invitation. He treated us with Rojak, a drink @ coffee shop and a bottle of MUST have herbal tea everyday.

We get to know more about him other than the usual conversations about patients.

The time passed very fast, esp. after MDM. We went to check and ensure all documentations are countersign.... I also went to bid good bye to my patients but missed out my youngest and the most independent patient as I didn't see him today.

The moments that I always hate - saying goodbye to them send a sadness down to my heart. At that moment I thought that perhaps I could do more with my patients if know them better earlier. Or rather, if I were more competent earlier. Maybe if I were, patients could be better but anyway, I bid farewell to this patient of mine who has increaing dependent attitude in his ADLs, esp. feeding. I told him that I am leaving and that ask him to take care of himself and try to feed himself whenever possible. He promised. It is that moment that I felt I was appreciated.

Other patients that I went to bid farewell, all wishes me well in my studies. I wanted to go and see my dementia patient but I wonder will she know what I am saying. In the end, I didn't.

Nevertheless, I wish all of them well.

Now I need to change my habit pattern all over again.... like will I get used not to drink herbal tea every weekdays? Will I get used not to rush for train every morning. Will I get used to ............ student life again?

But for sure I know, I will miss each and every one of them I met there....

(Photos will be uploaded once I got hold of them.)

Last Day tml

Tommorrow is the last day of my clinical. A day that I will always look forward to in the past BUT today, I hope it will never come.......

Little things can brighten my Day

Sometimes, small little things can jsut brighten my day.

One of my patients knowing that Friday is my last day, will ask me to remember to see him the next day after each therapy. So sweet isn't it?

Then one of my patients who sometimes refused therapy, didn't refuse today. Instead, he refused blood test for anaemic. But I managed to convince him. =)
He did 45 mins of therapy today, compared to previous few time which is 15 mins only.

These are the patients that can brighthen my day.....

And of course, I have 1 cute dementia patient who offered to buy me milo and biscuits with her tissue papers..... lol.... =)

How would life be without these patients when I go back to school? i think I will miss them....

2 more days.....

3 more days....

3 more days ... ...

Should I be happy or sad?

5 weeks at placement - thoughts and feelings

It is amazing how our views and feelings have changed due to experiences that we have ... ...

Before this current attachment, I was thinking how am I going to survive this 6 weeks attachment, the longest attachment I ever have. How am I going to survive the long journey to work? I am like the Monkey God - Journey to the west.

How am I going to survive with barely any new knowledge learnt since my last attachment in Feb-Mar.

How am I going to survive in a setting where I have barely any handling skills on patients on transfer, etc before?

Will I have a nuturing supervisor? Much better than the one I have before? I really dread having a non-nuturing supervisor....

Having attachment coming to an end soon, I have alot of feeling and thoughts ... ...

I do not know since when, I no longer dread of going to work, despite the long journey......
Perhaps is because of the nurturing environment that I have. My supervisor is nuturing, trying all means to teach us and giving us lots of hands-on. Even to the extend of "getting" patients from other therapist to let us see.

The therapists here are all very nice. Nice to talk to and even joke to. The TAs are nice too. I think even now as I blog, I can feel that I am going to miss them. How would life be without such people in life for this attachment.

I believe it is also because of this nuturing environment that I have, I decided to make full use of it and create my own learning environment. This is the first attachment that I do alot of read up to enhance my learning. This is the only attachment that I told my supervisor what I want to learn or what I want to see. I wouldn't want to waste such a good opportunity as I know this type of opportunity are hard to come by.

Perhaps, I was also due to the "not so nice" experience in my last attachment that I really treasure this experience and that really spur me on to create my own learning.

The thought of me working in a geritrics setting never comes to my mind, or it had but just passing by. Currently, I feel that I like working in a geri setting too.... perhaps maybe I work better with them than with peds? I dunno.... let me see if the lecturers can put me in a peds setting 1st before I decide where I like most.

I really enjoyed the time with the patients. The time that I can really be with my patients and know more about them and to help them. This is a luxary that I don't have in my previous placement. I think that is the reason why I like this setting alot. Or perhaps is because like what my classmates say, I like to talk. haha.

This placement has also increase my confidence in handling patients in transfers and implementing treatments. This is the time where I really sure of what I am doing and why I am doing.

This also makes me like what I am doing now. It also makes me a step closer to help me deicide what will I be after I graduate.

I will treassure my last week here at the placement. Will update again on the last day.

Heave a sign of relief

Finally, presentation @ clinical down.

Not too bad I suppose. But of course some of the credits go to Mr DANIEL .....
Must really thanks him for going through with us last week. If not, I wonder how many bullet proof jackets we must wear.....


Hmmm.... after this will have to formulate interview questions to ask the head of rehab for my mgt report.... then soon after, got to go back sch for presentation @ NYP on fri. Then it will mark last day of 5th week....


I think I will start to miss the place when I leave. Just as I got used to the pace, environment and people ........ it is the end of 6th week.....

haiz.... see how things go ba.... =)

4 weeks over, 2 more weeks to go

Yes, 4 weeks are over and 2 more weeks to go.

So far so good..... but guess have to think of more activities for my patients so as to not to do the same every day.....
And to think of ways to help my pt max potential in ADLs before d/c cos doc think that he has little rehab potential (as he was alrdy like that 2 yrs back).... perhaps some adaptations to devices will help.

Things to be done:
1) Edit my CRD with references and more references.... and Equip myself with a bullet proof shirt.
2) Read up MORE on NDT approach (therapist at my attachment setting and CSM are all NDT trained!!!! no room for me to smoke around..... )
3) YEC minutes
4) Mgt report

haiz.....

On the other hand, I took a little time off just now to watch SYF opening ceremony at kallang stadium..... = )