The Sequel: the later months Posted on 10th Jul 2009, 1:00am by Alvin

It’s a wonder what one month can do. I feel as if I’ve moved between 2 different worlds - 2 floors separated, yet worlds apart.From the peaceful Haem-onco ward, to the hectic general paeds ward.

My 2^nd month was quite a culture-shock of sorts, to say the least. Getting used to a new working style and expectations, coupled with the burgeoning patient load, was initially quite demanding. My only consolations were my fellow colleagues who laboured alongside - each one of us knowing that we’re not alone in this; and the nurses who, witnessing the hours we put in, try to make life better for us.

Getting scolded seemed the norm - even if you’re alone at times and trying to manage the number of nurses calling out your name from all corners of the ward. Being omnipotent seemed a new essential skill-set to acquire.

Everyday, the pile of discharge summaries to be done grows steadily in the MO room. It didn’t seem to matter that we stayed up to even nine at night to clear them – they seemed to have a life of their own.

Seeking solace in keeping each other company into the night, we wolfed down packet dinners and macdonald meals while our fingers banged away furiously on the keyboards. We laughed as we puzzled over our indecipherable handwriting during a sleepy night call; frowned as we stared at patients’ new positive results; and smiled as we pored over the case notes of the patients we had sent home well.

Dawn blended into dusk, and night into day, as we lost ourselves in our work.

Life was reduced to waking, travelling, working, travelling, sleeping.

It was difficult to find God at times.

I thank Him for placing people by my side who constantly remind me of His presence. Be it my CMS juniors, or the CMG drs who never fail to remind me of Thursday cell groups - of which I’m most ashamed to say that I haven’t had the time to attend one recently - I thank Him.

I thank Him for the nurses who work alongside; for the patients, for the nice parents, for the demanding parents; for the good days, for the bad days. I thank Him for my friends who work with me.

And so it brings to mind, the lyrics of a hymn that is so familiar to each one of us…

“Thank you, Lord, for the trials that come my way. In that way I can grow each day as I let you lead,

And thank you, Lord, for the patience those trials bring. In that process of growing, I can learn to care.

…….

I thank you, Lord, with each trial I feel inside, that you’re there to help, lead and guide me away from wrong.

‘Cause you promised, Lord, that with every testing, that your way of escaping is easier to bear.

…….

I thank you, Lord, for the victory that growing brings.

In surrender of everything life is so worth while.

And I thank you, Lord, that when everything’s put in place, out in front I can see your face, and it’s there you belong.”