DC Take 2-New Jobs Take 1

Sorry we have been blogless for a couple of days, we figured our moms needed a break from their addiction. We are back for another fix. We went back to DC on Monday and had a full day of walking all around town. Our feet were so sore by the end I actually gave Aaron a foot rub( yikes! I hate feet) We saw every memorial we could find including Washington, Arlington Cemetary, WWII, Vietnam, Korea, and my favorite Mr Lincoln. At Arlington, we saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which was full of cool tradition and military rituals. We also saw the original Bill of Rights, Constitution, and Declaration of Independence. We asked if there was a treasure map, but they just looked at us funny. The most impressive (and depressing) thing we saw was the Holocaust Museum. It was amazing to see everything that people during that time suffered through. The exhibit is incredibly comprehensive and gripping. I thought it was amazing and cried most of the way through it. After that museum we needed a beer, and ate at a nice little restaurant in downtown DC. Across from our restaurant was the international spy museum, which made Aaron's inner nerd go crazy. However, the 17 dollar admission made Aaron's inner penny pincher beat up his inner nerd. So we walked to the Capitol instead. We had a lovely day despite our $22 parking garage fee.

Now the moment you have all been waiting for, yes we have actually started our jobs that we came here to do. Since I actually have a real job I get to go first :) I am working in a small but very understaffed labor and delivery unit. What they lack in the patient census they make up for in not hiring enough nurses. Last night was my second night, I was completely on my own working with two other nurses both of whom were travelers. That's right, none of the nurses there last night actually work for that hospital. It's a little crazy. I am the only white girl among the nurses and the patients, it's pretty fun. I have met some nice people that I enjoy working with. only 19 more shifts to go...

Ok, my turn. I have worked three shifts so far (one more than Charity ha!) and they've all gone well. As Charity will quickly tell you, they roll out the red carpet for medical students hoping they'll stay and become interns. Again, WE HAVE NO PLANS TO STAY IN BALTIMORE! But it has been fun and very different. I have not spoken Spanish in 2 weeks and I'm afraid I might lose it. The patients here are very different and many of them have some disease called Sickle Cell Anemia. In Tucson, we had a name for the local Sickle Cell population: her name was Carol. In Baltimore, there are lots of Sickle Cell patients and I have no idea what to do with any of them. But I'm learning. The attendings, residents, and nurses are all great. It's pediatrics and Emergency medicine, the two most laid back specialties in medicine. Everyone's great. I'm really enjoying it and think it will overall be a great experience.

We can't post any pictures from work due to HIPAA violations (not to be confused with HIPPO violations where patients are larger than normal land mammals). So, you'll have to be satisfied with cheesy tourist pictures.

Love Aaron and Charity