Working in PGH so far

The new PGH logo was presented to the PGH community by Director Carmelo Alfiler during the flag-raising ceremony held January 7, 2008. The change in the official symbol of the hospital is part of PGH’s modernization and bench-marking efforts as the country’s National University Hospital enters its next century. The PGH Logo Contest was organized as part of the hospital’s centennial celebrations. The winning entry of Dr. Mark Marinas, a fourth year surgery resident,came from a pool of 145 entries submitted by 73 contestants. The new logo, bearing in the university’s official colors of maroon and green, features the UP Oblation and the facade of the hospital. To highlight the relationship of PGH with the University, the words “University of the Philippines Manila” was included. The winning entry was chosen by a panel of judges composed of UP College of Fine Arts Dean Tina Colayco, National Historical Institute Chair Ambeth Ocampo, professional photographer Isa Lorenzo, art gallery owner Albert Avellana and Dr. Armand Crisostomo, chair of the PGH Centennial Celebrations. The new logo was approved by the UP Board of Regents during its 1228th meeting on December 19, 2007. (www.pgh.gov.ph)

        It’s been almost a week since my last post here in my blog. I had been quite busy and exhausted that I wasn’t even able to check emails. Anyway, we had our GOP (general orientation program)  and we are 11 in the batch. Even though I got sick last Thursday to Friday, thank God I still managed to finish the entire week’s orientation. So far, I enjoy working in PGH and it’s been a fun and worthwhile experience! (”,)

        Indeed there are a lot of things to be thankful for. I realize now that I’m really meant to work in PGH rather than in TMC.  I’m sorry I might disappoint some of my co-trainees, clinical instructors and probably even the nurse manager of TMC, once they knew it, for not pursuing with them after I finished and passed the nurse adaptive training. But it had been my resolution to myself and I had also prayed for it, that whichever calls first and hire me, it’s where I should be. I thank the Lord for it; He has been so good to me ever since!

        I’m happier there despite the meager resources and the toxic environment. I suppose it’s because of the homey feeling that I sense everytime I’m there (well, we had our clinical duties there from second year to fourth year) and I feel I’d really have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. Psychosocially, I could extend myself and reach out to poor, sick people, coming from across the Philippines, needing due, quality care. In terms of honing my skills and knowledge, there’s no doubt I would be more adept through repeated practice of nursing procedures. I would be encountering complex medical cases, which I’m sure would develop more my critical thinking and decision making skills. Likewise, the best physicians in the country are there and I hope to learn from them through queries, patient rounds, mere observation and analysis of their ways. Having been assigned in the pay ward, 5th LCB1, I just pray I wouldn’t have an unpleasant encounter with terror consultants (oooh, a scary thought!).

        My area of preference during the panel and final interview was also answered. I asked to be assigned either in 5th LCB1 (because it was there where I had my staff and head nursing in my fourth year) or CI (Cancer Institute). By the way, the 5th LCB1 is presently being renovated, so I’ll be assigned elsewhere in the pay wards. Nevertheless, I guess it wouldn’t take long and I’d soon be back there. 

        The pay is not that much but there are a lot of benefits. It’s fine by me for I know the nature of my work is service-oriented. True enough, no money could amount to the rewarding experience of saving people’s lives. In the self-awareness workshop that we had, I indicated in the portion, the best part of my profession: seeing my patients get well and the worst part: being accountable for the lives of my patients and losing your license. Going back about pay, there are deductions for PhilHealth, GSIS and PAG-IBIG but I see it as a good thing, sort of an investment also. I’m also applying to be a member of the UP Provident Fund, and I’m glad it’s through it that I could somehow save for the future. It would automatically deduct 5% of my salary (with my consent) and it’s like I wouldn’t feel it at all. I am further challenging myself towards frugal living so that at the same time, I could give my share to my family (”,).

        It follows that PGH would be my second home for the next 3-4 years and I will give it my best. I hope to enjoy and learn more despite the toxicities (”,). After a year or so, I may decide to take up a master’s degree in Nursing (it’s more realistic now than pursuing med school).

        I sure would be challenged, exhausted and even weakened at times but I pray I wouldn’t be burned out. God bless all nurses!

 

           I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)