circumcision~ 'tis the season

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Few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I signed up as volunteer-nurses for a free circumcision in the college school where we graduated from as nurses here in Davao city, Philippines. We went to different parishes and organizations where we will have to operate. It was painful to wake up early in the morning. But, at the end of the mission, it was relieving to feel productive, to have helped boys to manhood and to have learned something. I was first assigned to the pharmacy. My, it was the busiest role among the pack. You have to record each boy who were circumcised, dispense drug and give the first dose of anti-biotic and pain killers, and make sure they don't go home bleeding from their genitals. After that day, I swore I'd never want to be in the pharmacy/recovery section. The next day, we have to assume the same post though. It was double the fun because from 30 patients, we catered 100 patients this time. Good thing, I was relieved from my post and assumed as a circulating nurse half way. One doctor allowed me to observe and do the suturing for one patient. It was nerve-racking since it was my first time and i was fearful to make mistakes since the boy (patient) will suffer the consequence, not me. i don't want him going home with a deformed genitalia. So, I was shaking to death until my second patient. I learned to control my shakes and tightened my ties. This day was our third day. Thank God, I was not assigned again in the pharmacy/recovery section. I was assigned to one doctor to assist first, then, I sutured. After another patient, she let me do the actual circumcision. At first, I was hesitant to cut the foreskin. After two patients, I became more confident and worked faster too. I'm also happy to have done it without much aggression from my patients. Some cried, but not too much. Tomorrow will be our free day. Then, on Saturday, I'm looking forward to performing the induction of the anesthesia. It's the most crucial part of the minor scrub. So, wish me luck;)