New Job!

Since early November, I've been working one day a week in Tampa General's outpatient pain management program to prepare to take over for a physical therapist who is now out on maternity leave. One day a week was such a tease because I really enjoyed it and then I'd have to spend the rest of the week in inpatient acute or inpatient rehab.

This past week I finally worked the whole week in my new job and I LOVE it. I see four types of patients: 1) injured employees of Tampa General, 2) outside community patients with chronic pain, 3) pelvic floor pain and incontinent patients, and 4) patients in a very structured "pain management program."

These last patients are the most complex because the program lasts 2 to 3 weeks and the patients come in every day M-F for about 5-6 hours to see me, a psychologist, a biofeedback therapist, a nurse for IV pain meds, and a neuropsychiatrist to manage all of their meds. These patients have already tried everything else and are finally willing to give themselves completely over to the program to reduce their constant pain and attempt to participate in a functional life again. The progress made by the patients and the teamwork attitude of all the clinicians are just awesome!

Also, this job involves more mental thought and creativity and very little physical strain, as I don't have to help patients out of bed like I did in inpatient. My mind and back are very thankful! Let's hope I keep loving this job and that, in 6-9 months when Cea (the PT I replaced) is ready to come back, we expand the program and job share!