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!!!)