It is half past seven in the morning; I am the first one to arrive at NYU Radiology. My colleagues, who make up our exceptional team, doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants and administrative employees, will begin to arrive later but for now, I am left with my thoughts.
My footsteps have been the same for the past seven years as I make my way unerringly through the unlit city streets to the medical center. As I reached the Radiology Department, I mentally tick through the tasks I must see to before the arrival of the first patients. I am confident and comfortable as I go about my tasks; all the while mulling over a recent patient’s results.
The previous day he came in for a Cardiac CT scan. There were no observable EKG changes from his baseline reading, nothing to suggest any irregularities. He performed well on CT scan without any problems. However, I was startled when assembling the computer-generated scintillation for his report. From what I can tell, his entire anterior wall was ischemic so I immediately sought out the doctor to confirm my findings. Without delays, a flurry of actions began to take hold as the doctor, physician assistant and nurses take the steps required to set the patient up for a cardiac catheterization the following morning. As I watched what was unfolding, I was left wondering if I can make a larger difference in more lives.
Although my current position allows me to play an integral part in a multifaceted system of healthcare, it has only heightened my desire to be involved in more levels of patient diagnosis and care. For this reason, I admire the hands on approach that the nurses take when treating their patient. They are present from start to finish, and one of the first ones to assess the situation; in this way they are essential supports for the doctor and even more vital in providing a higher quality of care for the patient.
Being a CT technologist has been a very fulfilling stepping-stone. I find myself eager to enter the medical center each morning knowing I am able to interact, comfort and assist my patients for the few short hours that they are in my care. I look forward to providing when the patients are in need, and soothe when they are apprehensive. My experiences have broadened my horizons and strengthened my nurturing ability and now I am eager to apply what I have learned on another level.
These are my individual strengths that I have carried from one profession to another
