Week 8:
The Data Entry is Finally Done

August 8, 2017

Week 8 was a big week for my project. I finally finished all the chart review and data entry! I still have work to do on the project, but we have to wait for an outside company to send us some essential opioid data. For now, I can start preparing for the presentation as well as beginning background research for the paper.

Even more exciting than being done with chart review was getting to explore more of Colorado. On Friday, a bunch of coworkers and I went to a Rockies game as a department social event. I have never been to a professional baseball game, so this was a new experience. While I am not a big baseball fan, I could not complain about the views from Coors Field. Watching the sunset over the mountains is breathtaking and easily one of my favorite sights. I had a lot of fun getting to hang out with the other interns and research assistants!

Earlier in the week, I had some more visitors arrive. My boyfriend, Mikey, came back, but this time brought his brother along, too. His brother Matty had never seen the mountains before. We spent the weekend in Colorado Springs and the Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park.

On Saturday, we drove to Colorado Springs. After grabbing lunch, we headed out to find the start of the trail to Pike’s Peak. Pike’s Peak is one of the 14,000 foot high mountains. We were determined to reach the top. Sadly, our GPS lead us astray and we were unable to find the trails. So, instead, we headed to Cave of the Winds. We were able to go on a tour of the caves found within the mountain, which were amazing. Before the tour, though, we took advantage of the outdoor activities like rock climbing, ropes course, and a mountain side slingshot-like ride. Since I am terrified of heights, I almost chickened out. I am so happy I overcame my fear and did them anyway; I had a blast!

Sunday was for Estes Park. Estes Park is home to part of the Rocky Mountain National Park, which was the main reason we went. There is a cute, touristy town that we explored first in an attempt to find hiking trials. Just like our time in Winter Park, the weather changed and started to pour. I was more prepared this time having packed a rain coat, so it wasn’t quite so miserable. Nonetheless, we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Since it was cold and rainy, we drove through the park and up the mountains. We stopped along the way to explore and get pictures. Being cloudy and rainy, we drove through clouds and fog, so we couldn’t see down the side of the mountain. It was amazing yet terrifying at the same time. We drove up over 12,000 feet. Once above the clouds, we had some spectacular views. When up that high, the temperature can drop 20-30 degrees from the temperature at the base, so it was pretty chilly. This was by far one of my favorite adventures since moving here, and I cannot wait to go back to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Next week is presentation time. Our symposium is on Tuesday, where I will present my research to the research assistants and physician’s and surgeons. Just a little bit of an intimidating crowd, I’d say. On Friday, I have another shadowing opportunity in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.