Pinky Problems

So I've complained before about feeling awkward doing things and today definitely surpassed all the rest. Today we learned all about ergonomics, instrument grasp, and fulcruming (yes, I just made up that word). When they explained it all to us and showed us the how to's it seemed fairly simple until I tried it myself. I would be focusing on my grasp on the instrument then all of sudden my neck would be craned, my back slumped, and my pinky flaring out to who knows where. I was quite the sight to say the least. After a little bit of practice though I started to kind of get the hang out of it, I still felt slightly awkward but with more practice I better get the hang of it. Fulcruming (yes, I'm going to use my made up word again) was kind of hard for me- Not only does my pinky have a mind of it's own but my ring finger didn't want to cooperate too well either. I might need to do a few exercises to strengthen him up, he's a bit weak. But once again, my patient was a gem. He didn't utter one word of complaint even though I poked him and stretched his cheeks out far too many times. He's a gem. Actually, I like him so much I brought him home with me and a few instruments and if he'll stay open for me I think we will be having a date this weekend! I can't wait :) Oh and I also passed off my exposure control and set up PE so that's nice to have out of the way. Now I just need to master the exposure control post-appointment and equipment maintenance PE,  the patient/operator positioning, and the instrument grasp and fulcrum process evaluations then I'll be good- That is until we get another one! Well I think that's about it for today and although I've considered chopping my pinky off today was good and I started feeling a little more comfortable with a little time. We don't have clinic for a week so I better study up! And guess what? I'm still smiling :)