The Beginning...Of a Never-Ending Journey?

The date was June 25, 2008.

I finally received a (much anticipated) letter from the Respiratory Care Technology department at a local community college. It read, "Congratulations! You have been accepted into the Respiratory Care Technology Program which begins in Fall 2008." As I continue to read on, I think about all of the countless days of indecisiveness between respiratory therapy and nursing. My thoughts are re-directed toward the bottom of the letter, when I see two check boxes in which I am supposed to indicate whether or not I will be enrolling in the program. Is this what I really want to do? Sure. Would I be happy doing it? As far as I know, yes. Would I rather just wait until January and submit another application to the nursing program? Nope.

There. Done. It took less than a minute to place a check mark next to the word "Yes.".This is what I want to do, and I am most certain that I will be happy doing it. I mean, the profession itself is fascinating and I know there is a vast array of knowledge related to the respiratory system. In speaking to different therapists, I know that I will be busy and there is variety in this field of medicine. I have a problem with becoming bored, so that works. I've found out that RT's play an active role in both Code Blue and Rapid Response Teams, and I'm what I term a "Trauma Junkie." These are what I call people that are almost addicted to trauma, or critical care, if such is possible. Anytime a patient is heading south, I'm there the second I know about it, and I'm only a measly CNA. There really isn't a lot I can do during a rapid response or a code besides run for supplies, sit back and watch, or do chest compressions when someone else becomes worn out. But I love to watch, because you can learn so much through observation. Also, it's a rush. A feeling of intense euphoria and adrenaline...and I want nothing more than to play an active role in this sort of situation.

That sounds a bit sick, doesn't it? Who knows.

At any rate, I'm looking forward to this experience. I've heard so many times in life that everything happens for a reason, but I've never been the type to accept that sort of reasoning. I'm going to try a different approach this time around.

Hopefully, all will go in my favor. Updates to follow...