Journal
This rotation week there weren't any surgeries taking place nor will be for the remainder of January. Despite the lack of medical activity we were able to talk to the employees and learn about their career paths and careers in general. There was a very nice and talkative women who helped us distinguish between nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. They are similar career position yet both have differing characteristics. The women, who was a nurse, explained the different responsibilities of each career and how specialization is easier as a physician than as an assistant . There are more practitioners than assistants and have a slightly larger salary. Both need masters degrees and certification. A physician assistant are licensed to practice medical care with physician supervision. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced education and training in a clinical specialty who can perform delegated medical acts with physician supervision. The woman also explained how the current health law is affecting the demand for employees while also increasing the letting go of physician assistant. Although I am not interested in pursuing either career, I now know the difference between the nurse practitioners and physicians assistants which is sure to help me in my future. Despite the slowness of the OR we took advantage of our situation and learned more than we thought we could. 
LTC
This week I was in the activities room and had a good time with the residents. We played bingo and had fun and they won prizes. I enjoyed seeing how much fun the residents had and how some were engaged and others were not. I have observed a lot about the residents and learned how differently people can age. Some were really into the game while others were distracted or uninterested. I enjoy giving the residents something fun to do as some of them seem bored or sad. A few residents are eager to participate while others want to be left alone. We learn the different personalities of the residents and what they enjoy. The employees are very friendly and responsible. They seem to have fun too which I think helps the residents and makes everyone happy. I was impressed by a certain employee who was very engaging with the residents and energetic which I felt was important characteristics to have for the position. I enjoyed activities this week and I am happy that our class can entertain and make the residents happy.
