2nd day...and LOTS more to do.

So, it was my 2nd day in Milbank now. My mentor won't be there till tomorrow...so I guess I'll meet her then. Today I was supposed to be hanging out with one of the therapists and getting more patient exposure, which happened for the first half of the day. Shortly before lunch however, one of the other PTs asked if I would take his afternoon schedule, as he was not feeling well. So, me being the "pitch in and help out type" that I am, I agreed. Keep in mind that I have only had a hint of the documentation process and no much of a clue on any of their company policies on billing etc. They have not transferred to electronic records yet so I had to do some paper chart stuff, and...I had to dictate!...(dum dum dum...). For those who don't know what dictating is or is like...imagine talking about your job and having someone type up what you say verbatim. Its rather intimidating. I know PTs have been dictating for years but I was dreading it! I prefer to type on a computer so I can look back and edit it. At least that way I can sound like I have half a grasp on how to use the english language. I survived it...three times! I probably still sounded like a preschooler, but I survived.

Its a strange feeling as a new graduate, to be able to treat patients, alone! Especially medicare/medicaid patients! I have spent the last three years being told that I am not allowed to treat them without my instructor there and I have to get the okay from my instructor to do stuff (initially anyway). Now, when the office staff were trying to decide if I could see patients, it was a matter of:

 "Does she have her SD license?" 

"Yup." 

"Okay, then she can see patients if she wants."

Its just such a weird feeling, now that the rules have changed for me. I also feel more responsibility to stay busy. I didn't mind sitting around playing on my phone as a student, but now, since I'm being paid, I feel like I need to do more to earn it.

Today I mailed the final documents to the MN board of PT so I can get my MN license. The board meets on specific dates to got through and review all applicants, so those looking to get a MN license, watch those dates closely if you need your license by a particular date.

The next headache I'll have is to get my name changed. 

I've never heard of anyone enjoying the process.

Not only do I have to have all my IDs changed, but I also need to submit an application to each state to have my licenses changed too!...remind me again why I got married!?!?!?!....

Oh yeah...now I remember. Handsome devil isn't he!!! :-)

I think the only good advice I have to give today, is the same advice I gave last time. Get to your location a day early to get unpacked and do any grocery shopping (unless you plan on living off fast food). I am yet to grocery shop and I think I've spent as much in food this week as I could for 2 weeks of groceries...and my waistline isn't enjoying it any either. I just feel like garbage when I each junk food constantly so I will be doing some shopping this weekend, since I am going to my parents this friday after work. (I get to pick up my wedding pictures on saturday!!!)

Just Beginning!

HELLO ALL!!! It has been a while since I posted last...I haven't been doing much working or work related travel the last month. I have been occupied with wedding plans. Here we are!

Hello from Mr. and Mrs. Griffin!

(For those who are wondering, that is my mom's '64' mustang behind us.)

 





So since we have been married for a whole 10 days, it was time for me to head off to my first assignment as a traveling therapist.

Monday was my first day of orientation training at corporate head quarters. Since I recently got married, they weren't sure which name to use...so they gave me both! HAHA!

My first Big Stone gear! I'm excited to get to work!

 

 

My living situation I figured out about 2-3 weeks ago. Since I will only be in this area for 3 weeks in Milbank SD, an apartment lease just wasn't feasible. So, I am doing an extended stay at a local motel.

For being a tiny, out-of-the-way place, its pretty nice. Complete with microwave and mini fridge.

 

My first day in the clinic was today in Milbank. It is a mixture of many settings: OP ortho, SNF, LTC, and acute. I expect to get a lot of good exposure here. The primary purpose of my 3 weeks here is to help me develop a mentor relationship with the clinic manager here. Once thing I really appreciate about Big Stone is their emphasis on professional development! They offer lots of free continuing education classes and ensure that each new grad coming in feels ready to be on their own.

 

Currently, I am licensed in SD and ND but I am still working on my MN license. For anyone who is looking to get licensed in any of these states, my deepest empathy goes out to those for MN. I think they sat around and tried to think of as many pieces of paperwork as they possibly could to include in this process! Not fun! Thankfully, however, Big Stone reimburses for licensing, so I will get a nice check soon. I'll consider it payment for the headaches I have developed trying to keep all three states applications straight.

 

So, I don't have much advise to give yet. I did discover though that it is best to arrive the day before orientation to get settled and figure living logistics out. I got here the morning of my orientation and didn't check in to my motel till the evening, when I was tired and hungry and didn't want to worry about anything. So needless to say, I got very homesick for a few hours since I hadn't unpacked yet and had no idea where to find food. So in the future I will be arriving at least one day early to get settled and unpacked so I feel at home when I get done with work and just want to relax.

Now that I am working and have a consistent schedule, I will be posting much more frequently with new tid bits and such.

Hope everyone had a fantastic and safe summer! See you again soon!