New Rotation Blues and Makeup Staples for the Acute Setting PT Girl

Details are listed below!

It feels odd not going to work today. My schedule with my new rotation is non traditional - 4 days a week 10 hour shifts! However I LOVE this rotation at UTMB and my CI inspires me (and it's only been one week in) so I actually don't mind. Because I'm one of those people who gets bored rather easily the acute setting has been so AWESOME because I see such a variety of cases and a huge span of ages (but knowing me, as long as it's PT I'm a happy camper. I love this profession!). Not to mention the PTs here are multiple board specialists. I only have 3 skills to check off my list and I will for sure be able to get it checked off! I love the learning environment and UTMB really upholds it. However the biggest con is that I found myself burnt out like crazy towards the end of the week.

I have time to adjust, however comparing this rotation to my last two where it was the typical 8 hour 5 day setting and the measly 8-10 minute drive with free parking next to the facility, it's a definite change! I travel roughly 50 minutes (that's a drive and a 10 minute walk) to the hospital in Galveston and 50 minutes back... so  ~2 hours of transportation every day, roughly 70 miles of driving. I guess my title is misleading because in honesty the pros outweigh the cons --- if I only lived closer!



I've been listening to audio books (which is awesome -- special thanks to my friend Kristine for the tip!) to help me somehow multitask. Current audiobooks in queue are the entire series of A Song of Fire and Ice (aka Game of Thrones) and Outliers. I bring a copy of Outliers just in case I can whip it out to read a page or two... it's a great book! I'm planning to read Gladwell's other works.

As with studying, my neuro and ortho affils prepared me well for this rotation however I study extra for the burns and wounds part -- which I find a bit intimidating. Speaking of, because I have less time to get ready due to the driving and because I'm in a setting where wearing makeup (or at least lots of it) is tedious, I found a way to balance out both.

I'm not into putting on a full face of makeup when I go out, but I would like to look awake and alert (and yes, makeup helps me feel like I'm alive). I have listed my bare essentials on what I use to put on everyday to share with you. My number one rule for the makeup is: Long lasting and waterproof! This routine lasts me all day and I sweat through it on multiple occasions... and it doesn't break me out!

Items Used:
1. Lancome Beinfait Suncreen SPF 50 - Everyone MUST use sunscreen, I cannot emphasize that enough! This particular one works as a moisturizer and sun block protection -- and smoothes out your face -- in one!

2. NARS Creamy Concealer in Ginger - I use this to cover up any blemishes. My acne has calmed down so usually I put this under eyes and over my hyperpigmentation spots

3. NARS Eye Primer -- this stuff allows my eye shadow and liner stay on forever!

4. Lancome Single Eye Shadow in Mocha - the perfect barely there neutral shade (for my skin tone at least), I put it on all over my lids

5. Lancome x Alber Elbaz Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof Mascara - The best plumping mascara, 'nuff said! On days when I feel like I only need to do bare minimum this mascara is the only thing I need.

6. Marc Jacobs Eye Liner Pen - This isn't marketed as waterproof, but it doesn't budge. Sometimes when I don't feel like it or if I'm in a hurry, I skip this product. It very pigmented and I often do cat eyes with it!

7. theBalm Cabana Boy Blush - The best neutral peachy pink color! This gives a slight iridescent glow to your cheeks!

8. Smith's Rosebud Salve - I put this stuff on when I'm on the go

Everything is compact and purse ready! --- And it doesn't weigh much!

With this setting less is more. Burn units are often kept at a higher temperature so when we work with patients it's HOT. And even with other floors or units you can still sweat when you are working like crazy! I've been told that makeup is useless on certain units...but I find that the makeup I use stays on well. I also use little products that I can carry with me in my small purse if there should be any reason for me to touch up. And hey if the nurses can wear full face of makeup, why can't I? ;)

I see her from time to time just sitting on the stairs staring outside. So cute!

Laters,

Jacq