Miss Pressley

On Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:28:00 +0000

I've made a conscious decision to take a break from pursuing my dream at this time - all due to personal reasons. I hope those of you who continue to work towards your dream of becoming doctors stay on track, keep studying and make it work!!

Almost Done...

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 12:52:00 +0000

I am also done with the post-bac program. Boy, has it ever been rough! Since hindsight is 20/20, I have all of the answers now - how I'd study, what type of job I would have obtained - you know, all of the answers. I am just GLAD I only have about 1 month to go! It's been a challenge: working full time, dealing with my kids' little issues, having a headache that seems to have lasted a year (what a pain!), trying to understand why there weren't more hours in a day, having doubts about this direction in general... but, it will be over in a month. My classmates and I can't wait!!!

I'm a Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 01:44:00 +0000

For those of you who didn't sign in to the Student Doctor Network's Test Prep Week Giveaway (which wrapped up January 30th), you missed a great opportunity! I've gotten word I am the winner of Kaplan's Comprehensive MCAT Study Guide and also the winner of an Ipod Touch/Phone application from Modality, Inc.! It pays to play! Thank you, SDN!

Hospital Layoffs

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:01:00 +0000

Yes, it can happen at a hospital. This is the short version:

BUDGET CUTS - Hospital will reduce its budget to make up for a shortfall in patients and a jump in bad debt.

Here are the steps the hospital will take to cut its budget:

The hospital will lay off 32 workers and has not filled 21 positions in the past 60 days. More than 60 percent of the cost of running a hospital is related to personnel and benefits.

The hospital will delay the purchase of some equipment.

The hospital will reduce operating expenses such as memberships, advertising, consulting fees and agency personnel.

The hospital will institute a hiring freeze.

The hospital will close its Wound Care Center.

I have worked in healthcare since 1993 - all of that time for hospitals. There were rumors swirling all the time about possible layoffs, but I've never had the misfortune of experiencing such a devastating, life changing event. I hope patient care won't suffer (I guess it won't, since admissions are down 6%...). But, this happens often - http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hospitals-ill-from-more-bad-apf-13922466.html

I admire those who run and maintain hospitals and realize they don't have an easy job of adhering to all of the regulations, poor reimbursement, expensive equipment, and not to mention, the care of sick people. Trouble is, though, I don't believe the proposed upcoming changes in health care really address the issues involved in providing care by hospitals. Don't get me wrong, I am making an assumption (yes, I know what happens when someone assumes...) of course, as I have not read any of the proposals yet to be released by the government over their plans to fix healthcare. But, as complicated as the problem is, I hope they bear in mind it can't all be fixed by throwing money at it (that's being done for everything else). We'll see...

Merry Christmas and Pass the Healthcare IT!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:54:00 +0000

The term "healthcare IT" was thrown around a lot during the recent presidential election. I've worked in healthcare IT over the past 5 years (officially) and was an unofficial system administrator over the computer system in the RT department I worked for as well (for another 5 years). So, I think it's safe to say, I have a decent grasp on the issues and have made a few observations along the way.

My issue with healthcare IT becoming somewhat of a political football is two fold. One, I think it is a great idea and two, I'm not sure the breadth of the issue has been thoroughly thought out.

Why is it a great idea? Because information is literally at the fingertips of the clinician taking care of patients. Nothing beats having all of those labs, progress notes and radiology results all in the same place, right in front of you - without having to call medical records to get old charts on a patient. Lists of medications taken at home versus what is given at the hospital are reconciled to avoid life threatening errors and billing can be done electronically when procedures are performed, saving loads of time and money and reducing administrative costs (maybe...).

What should be considered further as everyone pushes ahead with healthcare IT? The concept is great for hospital systems. For example, hospital system A which has 4 hospitals and 100 physician practices can all share their information for the purpose of patient care - and it works. But, if a patient ends up in hospital system C for one reason or another, the information contained at hospital system A isn't electronically transferred to hospital system C - because they have two different hospital information systems, radiology systems, lab information systems and the list goes on...

I've supported radiology systems (RIS and PACs), cardiac echo PACs, pharmacy, transcription and dictation and whatever else was needed at my former job. If a patient came in with a CD from a different hospital containing radiology images and reports, we had to deal with: making sure the person placing the CD in one of the PACs computers had administrative rights (I know this is a per application/system issue. We had the computers locked down - and rightfully so...), we had to decide if we were going to store the outside images in our database - or, if we could store them - but, why would we? And, what about the report and oh, what if the CD didn't come with a viewer - what happens now? Should the doctor, who is interested in diagnosing and helping the patient have to deal with all of the weird computer issues involved in looking at an X-ray from outside of their hospital's PACs system? Sounds like it would be easier to have sent the films along with the patient and not that CD...

I think it would be a shame to believe that the influx of healthcare IT for doctors offices and hospitals is a cure all, especially if the sharing of that information is limited. I can go on about other things, but I won't right now (sending patient information over the Internet?...); but, I hope you kind of understand where I'm going with this.

Well, it looks as if the outgoing Secretary for HHS, Mike Leavitt feels the same way. I'll end with his perspective on the issue:

Connecting The Medical Dots

By Mike Leavitt
Monday, December 22, 2008; A21

Congress is considering adding money for health information technology to January's stimulus package. Doing so could spur a critical mass of the nation's doctors to finally enter the information age, but unless the funds are tied to standards for the interoperability of health IT systems, the expenditure could do more harm than good.

Before lawmakers act, they need to think: If stimulus money supports a proliferation of systems that can't exchange information, we will only be replacing paper-based silos of medical information with more expensive, computer-based silos that are barely more useful. Critical information will remain trapped in proprietary systems, unable to get to where it's needed.

Health IT systems produce value when they are interoperable. When they're not, doctors who invest in electronic health records cannot share information with each other or add lab results to your file or send electronic prescriptions to your pharmacist. They would have to use handwritten prescriptions and paper files in addition to their electronic files.

That's not the way 21st-century health care should work. Today, specialists on a patient's team need to use interoperable systems that share medical records, prescription histories, lab results, imaging and clinical notes. System standards are needed to protect privacy and ensure that content -- such as patients' diagnoses, allergies, medications, lab tests and medical directives -- is standard for every patient, every time.

We're already on the road to a system that is universally accessible and secure. Health information experts, with coordination by the Department of Health and Human Services, have been working on foundational health IT standards and have made substantial progress. Congress has approved our request for higher reimbursement rates for Medicare doctors who e-prescribe. The Institute of Medicine has estimated that more than 1.5 million Americans are injured annually by drug errors. E-prescriptions can greatly reduce that number.

We've also established an independent, voluntary, private-sector certifying body, the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT). This body provides "gold standard" certification that electronic health records meet existing interoperability standards. Any stimulus money for electronic health records should go only to those with CCHIT certification.

Likewise, "infrastructure" investments should go only toward supporting exchanges of electronic health information that are compliant with nationally recognized standards. Indeed, supporting health information exchange would be an infrastructure investment that would accelerate public-private cooperation in standards harmonization and certification.

It is important that standards be vendor-neutral. Government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers.

Despite the urgent need to move beyond paper records, simply offering up funds in the stimulus package will not get the results we want. Instead, it may set our efforts back. Systems will be isolated; data indecipherable; health-care quality unimproved.

If we're going to build a 21st-century health infrastructure, we need to do it strategically, continuing the careful work on harmonized standards that will create one nationwide, interoperable system. That's the only way to make an investment in health IT produce value for providers and patients and improve the quality of health care overall.

The writer is U.S. secretary of health and human services.

I am Certified!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:42:00 +0000

OK - I can now take studying to become an EpicCare Certified System Administrator off my list of things to do! I received the news earlier this week - and boy, is it even a relief. One less thing to study for... I just have to get ready for my organic chemistry final now. That's what I'll be doing this weekend (along with a couple of lab write-ups).

Sometimes it seems work is never done! But, being able to draw a line through a completed task just makes you feel good! Have a great weekend!

Kudos to CDO!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:07:00 +0000

I want to give a "shout out" to Sarah, Linda and others at Chromosome Disorders.org for putting together a video to bring issue of children with rare chromosomal disorders to the forefront! Click on the link to go to the website to view the video.

My daughter was born with a 2q- abnormality. It was incredibly difficult to navigate the "system" with a child whose disorder was so rare the doctors were stumped. Thank goodness for CDO and all the work they do. I didn't become aware of the group until well after my daughter passed away. The group is a great resource.

The organization is a 501(C)3 non-profit group and accepts donations. They provide great support and advocacy for parents and children with these rare disorders.

Chromosome Disorder Outreach, Inc. (CDO)
P.O. Box 724
Boca Raton, FL 33429-0724
http://www.chromodisorder.org

Chromosome Disorder Outreach, Inc. is a non-profit organization, founded, supported, and run by parents just like you. Our children are affected by a wide range of chromosome disorders, including deletions, duplications, trisomies, inversions, translocations, and rings. Sometimes these disorders are so unusual that doctors tell us, “You’re the only one out there.” But now using our newly introduced web application we have the capability to specifically categorize chromosomal karyotypes and finally begin to understand more about the genes involved in each rare chromosome rearrangement. We hope to eventually improve specifically tailored treatments to help affected individuals.

T-Day

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 03:28:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving day. I had a great time with my family! In fact, I was able to save the turkey I overcooked with the use of fat-free, low sodium chicken broth. Good stuff...

I'm winding down with school right now. The next exam will be the final for organic chem - which is causing me to shake in my boots a bit. The exam after that will be for biochem in January, after I return from training in Wisconsin.

That reminds me, I still have a third (and final) exam to take for work this coming Friday. And, I need to polish up the project I handed in for a higher grade (got a 90% - working on getting 100%). A project I will be working on at the hospital is taking off, so I will be very busy over the next few months.

In between studying organic chemistry (...nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions...), and studying for my exams at work, I try to read for pleasure (is there such a thing anymore?...). I found a book a few months ago named, Hospital: Man, Woman, Birth, Death, Infinity, Plus Red Tape, Bad Behavior, Money, God and Diversity on Steroids. It's going to take me along time to read because of everything else going on, but the story is centered around the author's experience in Maimonides Hospital in New York. She spent a year at the hospital documenting as she went along. I like to book so far. The author is very good at presenting the players (and playees - I'm sure that's not a word, but just work with me for now...) involved in a huge hospital that is more diverse than anything I could imagine. If you've worked in a hospital for a while, those stories will resonate with you.

I'd also like to read Why Black People Can't Lose Weight: The Psychology, The Challenge, and The Solution To Overall Wellness. African Americans have a serious problem with obesity. I'm curious to find out what the author has to contribute to solution. Maybe I'll get to this book in April or so.

Well, that's all for now. I am going to buckle down and study tomorrow - organic chem is the priority. Then I'll work on organizing my notes for biochem. Have a good one!

CNN Report on Primary Care Physicians

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:36:00 +0000

The complexity of healthcare in this country continues to remain an issue. It should come as no surprise that system resources remained strained for one reason or another. I wonder at times whether or not some of the causes for the strain are being taken seriously. The article below discusses a survey done by primary care physicians who state (for the most part) how they would leave their profession in the next three years, if they could.
________________________________________________________________

Half of primary-care doctors in survey would leave medicine

Doctors cite red tape from insurance companies, government agencies
Med school students shy away from family medicine
Shortage of primary care physicians predicted to be 35,000 to 40,000 by 2025

By Val Willingham
CNN Medical Producer

(CNN) -- Nearly half the respondents in a survey of U.S. primary care physicians said that they would seriously consider getting out of the medical business within the next three years if they had an alternative.

The survey, released this week by the Physicians' Foundation, which promotes better doctor-patient relationships, sought to find the reasons for an identified exodus among family doctors and internists, widely known as the backbone of the health industry.

A U.S. shortage of 35,000 to 40,000 primary care physicians by 2025 was predicted at last week's American Medical Association annual meeting.

In the survey, the foundation sent questionnaires to more than 270,000 primary care doctors and more than 50,000 specialists nationwide.

Of the 12,000 respondents, 49 percent said they'd consider leaving medicine. Many said they are overwhelmed with their practices, not because they have too many patients, but because there's too much red tape generated from insurance companies and government agencies.

And if that many physicians stopped practicing, that could be devastating to the health care industry. Dr. Gupta: Watch more on the looming doctor dearth »

"We couldn't survive that," says Dr. Walker Ray, vice president of the Physicians Foundation. "We are only producing in this country a thousand to two thousand primary doctors to replace them. Medical students are not choosing primary care."

Dr. Alan Pocinki has been practicing medicine for 17 years. He began his career around the same time insurance companies were turning to the PPO and HMO models. So he was a little shocked when he began spending more time on paperwork than patients and found he was running a small business, instead of a practice. He says it's frustrating.

"I had no business training, as far as how to run a business, or how to evaluate different plans," Pocinki says. "It was a whole brave new world and I had to sort of learn on the fly."

To manage their daily work schedules, many survey respondents reported making changes. With lower reimbursement from insurance companies and the cost of malpractice insurance skyrocketing, these health professionals say it's not worth running a practice and are changing careers. Others say they're going into so-called boutique medicine, in which they charge patients a yearly fee up front and don't take insurance.

And some like Pocinki are limiting the type of insurance they'll take and the number of patients on Medicare and Medicaid. According to the foundation's report, over a third of those surveyed have closed their practices to Medicaid patients and 12 percent have closed their practices to Medicare patients That can leave a lot of patients looking for a doctor.

And as Ray mentioned, med school students are shying away from family medicine. In a survey published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in September, only 2 percent of current medical students plan to take up primary care. That's because these students are wary of the same complaints that are causing existing doctors to flee primary care: hectic clinics, burdensome paperwork and systems that do a poor job of managing patients with chronic illness.

So what to do? Physicians don't have a lot of answers. But doctors say it's time to make some changes, not only in the health care field but also with the insurance industry. And they're looking to the new administration for guidance.

One of President-elect Barack Obama's health care promises is to provide a primary care physician for every American. But some health experts, including Pocinki, are skeptical.

"People who have insurance can't find a doctor, so suddenly we are going to give insurance to a whole bunch of people who haven't had it, without increasing the number of physicians?" he says. "It's going to be a problem."

Taking More Time

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:50:00 +0000

I apologize for being soooo slow in posting! I've decided to take a quick break before checking to see if I can take my org chem quiz again.

So, let's see - what have I been doing since August?

I'm still transitioning at work and attended two more training sessions since August. I have two more tests (out of three) to take and pass, along with a project to complete before I am deemed certified to work in the system.

Then, there are the post bac classes. I completed Chem 2 and Bio 2 and started physics, cell biology (biochemistry) and organic chemistry. Three lectures per week, labs every other weekend and exams during those weekends (physics exams for sure, biochem is spread out more and organic chem exams are take home for now - yes, I am frightened of the organic chemistry final...).

I had some trouble getting books because I was trying to "save" money by shopping around on the Internet. The physics book took longer than I expected to arrive, but by that time I was behind the eight ball. So, long story short, I have dropped physics for now.

I like organic chem and have a decent grade in there so far and I'm hanging in there with biochem - I feel I can manage the full-time job along with these two classses. Taking all three of the classes and working was just not a good thing to do - there aren't enough hours in the day!!!

Other than that, I am managing and looking forward to getting this done!!

BTW - Hope everyone had a chance to vote today! Participation is the key!!!

Whew! What a Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:35:00 +0000

It has been months since I posted! Here's a brief explanation of what I've been doing since April:

Remained in the post-bac program at Penn State Brandywine
Attended the OPM Conference in D.C. and met some really cool people
Started a new job at a different hospital
Traveled to Wisconsin for training (for the new job - that's where I'm updating the blog)

Notice that none of the bullet points say anything like, "vacation" or "beach" or "visit relatives in other states...". Yes, it has been that busy.

The post-bac program really takes up most of my time. Boy, this program can be pretty intense and working full-time makes it more difficult. But, I'm making my way through. I've taken the time to speak with my bio professor about the pace and to just talk about the future... She's a great lady and very encouraging. So, I'm still in and moving along.

My new job requires me to become certified in the application I will be working in - so, I have three tests and two projects to complete for that to happen. The balancing act between the job and school can be more than challenging! And then, there are those clothes to wash, those darned bills to pay - and, oh, folding the washed and dried clothes - that should be done, too. Believe it or not, though, folding clothes can be quite calming and restful.

It'll be a while before I post again, because of all of the stuff I have to do! I'm taking Physiology and Chem 2 and will be done in the middle of September. Then, Physics, Organic Chemistry and Biochemisty start. Dear God, give me strength!

BTW - my kids are doing well. My daughter is in her sophomore year and plans to obtain her Associate's degree from the college she attends. Her goal is to then attend a college to major in music technology. My son is working and interested in moving in the music technology direction as well. So, we're all hanging in there and moving along! Thank God for that!

Until next time! -- LM

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.
Langston Hughes

http://www.inspirational-quotes.info/dreams.html

Can't Talk Long...

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:38:00 +0000

Ok - I'm now official and taking Bio and Chem. Tests are every two weeks and we just had our first. It's been quite a busy last two weeks - in brief, we are moving at a frenetic pace with the material! Gotta go - talk to you later!

I've Been Accepted!!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 01:26:00 +0000

It's official! I'm a Penn State student again! Go Lions! I received my acceptance letter today and I am pretty ecstatic about it! I'm on my way! Woo hoo!!! The program looks exciting, intense and steady - but, I believe I can do well!

Wish me well!

The Open House

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:44:00 +0000

I left work at about 4:30p yesterday to travel to Penn State Brandywine. I gassed up my car and hit the turnpike! I was so excited about this trip and attending the school's open house, I had remember the speed limit (disclaimer: the previous statement is not an admission of reckless driving, disregard for the law or of any guilt implied or otherwise, so forth and so on...).

Long story short - it was dark, I got lost and the front tire, driver's side seemed to be losing pressure... I even called On-Star to upgrade my service so they could direct me to the college. By the time the transaction went through, I found I was on the right route anyway! But, I eventually made it - it was late, but I made it.

I met some really cool faculty members who seem to be genuinely committed to making this program work.

I spoke to the director of continuing education who informed me my application was finally complete! The application needed required one more set of eyes before a decision would be made about acceptance. So, I'm expecting to hear from them by mail either Saturday or Monday. They explained the cohort size is usually 15 students (16 at the most) and the next cohort only contained 12 students so far. Keep your fingers crossed!

All of the classes are online, and campus visits are twice a month - on a Saturday. Talk about convenient! I don't know if it gets any better than that!

I Won! I Won!!!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:09:00 +0000

StudentDoctor.net recently ran prize drawings for their Annual Test Prep Week 2008. And, I won a prize! The MCAT VisualAid from Audiolearn.net! I am psyched about winning the prize because I'm going to need all the help I can get to study for the MCAT! Thanks, SDN!

OldPreMeds Conference 2008!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:44:00 +0000

Taken from the website!

The National Society for Non-Traditional Pre-Medical & Medical Students (OldPreMeds) 2008 Conference is scheduled for June 19th thru June 21st 2008 and will be held at The Radisson Hotel at Reagan National Airport.
OldPreMeds was able to obtain a special rate of $139 per night for both single and double rooms. This rate applies to June 19th, 20th and 21st.The hotel offers a complimentary (free) shuttle from Reagan National Airport (DCA) and is only 1.5 blocks from the Crystal City Metro Station!If you share a double room it's only $69.50 a person per night!
We will have a forum up soon where attendees can coordinate room sharing. For reservations call 1-800-333-3333 or 703-920-8600 ext.273. Tell them you will be attending the "OldPreMeds" conference.

App Is In The Mail!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:37:00 +0000

I actually took the time to finish the application for the post-bac program I'm interested in - and boy it took a while. The most difficult part was the personal statement requirement; but, I got it done! I appreciate everyone who helped me figure out what in the devil I was trying to say! You know who you are! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The app in going in the mail tonight, along with a bunch of bills and transcript requests! I'm still planning to visit the campus on the 24th. I really hope this works out for me. If nothing else, they'll have my app early and I'll be able to find out in ample time in order to get financial aid, etc. We'll see!

Information Sessions, Away!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:45:00 +0000

Time to gas up the car! I plan to visit a few colleges over the next three months. I'm headed to Penn State-Brandywine, Drexel and PCOM to explore post bac and/or Master's program. I'm looking forward to the chase again! They all seem pretty interesting and I can't wait to visit!

I want to send a shout out to KD for her words of wisdom regarding this journey and the different options available. Keep up the good work!

Well, time to get back into I.T. mode - have to go into work tomorrow. I've been off for about 7 days - oh, I can't wait!

Curses, Foiled Again!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:07:00 +0000

Well, a plan I was working on to try to begin online courses has failed! But, I'm going to keep working on my plan until it pans out. I'm re-evaluating my path and hope to come up with something else shortly. I'm not worried though - just driven. BTW - Have a Happy New Year!

Still Trying to Work it Out!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 04:08:00 +0000

Man, nothing worth anything comes easy! I'm still trying work different angles to take pre-reqs. Then I remembered about the UC Berkeley Extension offering online science classes as well as the University of New England. I have concluded, though, that financial aid can't be used for the distance education classes I'm considering. That means I need to come up with the money to pay for the classes...

I also checked back with Drexel's Evening Post-Bac program, just to see if they were offering an open house anytime soon. I'll drive to Philly to talk to someone about the program. I don't know what I'll do with what I find out about the program, but I'm just throwing it out there.

The thing that gets me is that there is a post bac program 15 minutes away from me, but all of the classes are offered in the day - when I can't get off of work to be there. I would need to quit my job in I.T. and work as a therapist again (most likely) for more of a flexible work schedule. I think I could get back into the grind of suctioning, obtaining ABGs and throwing on a breathing treatment on a more regular basis... Eight or twelve hour shifts... Ten hour shifts... I'd need to make sure I have health insurance for my daughter, who's in college right now-and myself, for that matter. Besides, I haven't thrown out the possibility of the nursing thing! I just want to make sure I have exhausted my options for the doctor thing first.

Either way I look at it, I'm looking at a major life change to accommodate my unending desire to become a doctor. I did it before (to obtain my BS degree in Information Systems), so I know I could do it again. My kids are older and pretty much on their own.

Gee whiz, you'd think I'd find something else better to do with myself. Oh, decisions, decisions!!

I Need to Get Moving!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:21:00 +0000

It's been quite a while since I posted here. But, I didn't because I felt somewhat defeated in reaching my goal! I was psyched when I started the chemistry class last year because I finally felt I was moving in the right direction. Then, I had to make changes that caused me to put the brakes on, again...

So, as I was sitting at home and mulling over my life, I decided to look at some websites in my Favorites folder that I hadn't looked at for a while. I began to think about my dissatisfaction with my job (I am basically bored...) and ran clinical career options through my mind. As I examined those options, I easily came to the conclusion that whatever option I choose, I need to be able to do the course work online (so I can continue to work - I have a kid in college).

I checked into a nursing program where I could take the nursing classes online to obtain an RN (its legit...). I figured that would satisfy my need to be intellectually stimulated and I could get a degree and find a different career ladder to climb. I looked further and came across a university that offers chemistry, biology and physics classes online (legit as well)! That means I can continue to work towards the physician route and not take time away from work to do so.

I contacted both programs and they have answered my questions - I have a couple more questions out to one of them, but they've been great about responding. I now need to go further to figure out which path I want to follow. Either way, I'm looking for a certain amount of satisfaction and purpose for the work I do - I've been able to do that as an RRT. I'm just looking to do that at a different level.

That's the latest! I'm making plans to get moving!

Inspiration - I just want to send kudos to my Tiromed family member Kawkaw! She took the MCAT in August and has since been interviewed and accepted by a med school! See, it can be done! I'd also like to send a shout out to Linda Wilson, from OldPreMeds. She has overcome many obstacles to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor and in doing so, has been an inspiration to me! You go, girl! -- LM

Where the Heck Have You Been?

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:22:00 +0000

I'm baaaack!!

Sorry for the LONG absence, but I've had a lot going on the past several months. The short story is I work for a new IT company now, I've finished my Chem2 class and my daughter has graduated from high school. A few life events that took a little out of me. The long story...

My colleagues and I from the IT department of the hospital found out in February we were going to be outsourced to a healthcare IT company. We were seriously shocked and couldn't believe it. We were called to a mandatory meeting at 0800 and we weren't told what the meeting was about. The next thing I see when I enter is the hospital CEO and COO and a bunch of suits sitting to the side. I'm thinking, "...OK - we're all getting fired...". And, I was right (to a certain extent).

The announcement couldn't have come at a worse time for me. I was going live with our PACs system and already stressed. Then, there was the chemistry class - I was falling behind because of my duties as the PM for the implementation.

Anyway, the day we now have dubbed "Black Tuesday" affected all of us. We were expected to continue our duties until we found out whether or not the new company would pick us up or not. The stress and anxiety was palpable. The plans I previously laid out to move towards attending medical school seemed to fade in the distance. I now had to rethink those plans in order to make sure my daughter's college plans wouldn't be jeopardized, etc.

We finally found out at the end of March if the company would keep us or not. Eight of us were "let go" and three left voluntarily (not willing to hang around to see what would become of us). Those were sad times for our department.

My performance in my chemistry class wasn't near as stellar as before. I was worried about my job, which I wasn't ready to give up at the time - because I needed the $$$ - and I spent alot of time updating my resume and trolling the 'net for jobs. I even considered relocating - which I really didn't feel like doing at this point in the game.

As a result, I came out of the class with a C+. What a bummer. It wasn't the material, it was inability to keep up with it. Missing class, lab - really started causing problems. I had to miss class because of work, fatigue from work... My professor was simply great and understanding, though. She's a great teacher and her enthusiasm and encouragement during this time went a long way with me.

Fast forward to the present...

I still have a job and got a raise on top of it. They believe in supporting employee's efforts towards education and training, so they will pay for classes I take. That's a good thing, because I've been paying for my classes up until this point. We (our new department) are going to be quite busy over the next year with new IT initiatives for the hospital I used to work for which will prevent me from taking another class for a while. I've just come to the realization, I can't do both, work and class, right now (due to the demands from the job).

My youngest daughter has graduated from high school! I am so proud of her! She received a few scholarships and other recognition. She's a good girl and I love her dearly! I appreciate her working so hard to accomplish something so great! She's on her way to college now. I can hardly believe it. It seems just like yesterday she was laying on my chest, sleeping soundly. They don't stay little for long...

That's all for now. I have to get ready to work as a therapist today! Talk to you all later!

Consequences of Socialized Medicine?

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 16:38:00 +0000

Hi all:
As the debate over the development of socialized medicine in the United States gains momentum, the realities of such a system for this Canadian couple should be considered:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_Rf42zNl9U&eurl. Interesting mini-documentary from YouTube.

Where Have I Been?

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:38:00 +0000

Hey everyone! I guess that's the question of the new year! I've been so busy, I haven't had time to wish everyone a new year! Hope all is going well thus far!

I've been busy indeed! My job has taken the biggest chunk of my time up to this point. We are continuing to move forward with implementing our PACs system. What a task that is turning out to be! And, as would be expected with any project, there are many snags, bumps and other issues that have to be dealt with along the way before going "LIVE". But, as a result of my involvement with this project, I was sent to Vancouver, BC for training... Feel sorry for me yet? Don't!

Vancouver is an incredibly beautiful city and it didn't take the whole week for us to find that out. The people were friendly and the food was great. They walk alot and carry a cup of coffee with them everywhere they go! Oh yeah, there seems to be a Starbucks on every corner... The time change was a little irritating to me, and I remember going through the same thing when I traveled to San Diego a few years ago (again, for training). It appears to be a little pricey to live there, but they all seem to be doing well up there in Vancouver!

Back on the home front - I've enrolled in my Chem2 class. They finally changed the schedule of the class to accommodate students who needed to take cell biology (because they both occurred at the same time). I will begin class tomorrow. Here I go again!

I revealed my desire to become a physician to one of the doctor's where I work as an RRT. I had held off on my pronouncement to any physicians because of my lack of confidence in many areas towards this move. I will say, though, he was only sincerely encouraging and he doesn't know how far his words went with me. He told me, "...when I met you some years ago, I always wondered why you had never gone to medical school. I always thought you were smart...". What! Me?!!! Get the heck outta here!!

That comment left me a little speechless. I really admire this doctor for his intelligence and clinical skills, not to mention how he has established himself in our community as one of the few African-American doctors in the area. I didn't know he felt that way, because he's gotten to the point of hollering for respiratory all the time and makes you think he's mad at you!

Others have told me that along the way and I don't want to discredit their observations about my "smarts", but that comment was just what I needed to go further.

I again, hope all is well with everyone as this new year moves forward. I hope to talk to you again soon!

Another "A"...!

noreply@blogger.com (MissPressley) — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 02:42:00 +0000

Hi all:
I had my annual performance review at work - and, I got an "A" for that too! I'm on a roll! Let's see if I can keep it up!

Did I also mention I'll be traveling to Vancouver, BC in January? Yep, I'm headed Canada! We're implementing a new system at my job and I will be attending training there. I tell you, this project is really starting to take on strange twists and turns, but it will be pretty interesting by the time we're done. Time for bed! Talk to you later!