u/sweetpotatoez12

Hi guys. I'm an MS4 applying to general surgery this year and was putting in my first central line last week with the ICU PA guiding me. I got the needle into the IJ but felt so warm because I was struggling to get it to break skin in the first place as it's my first time. The stopper (idk if that's what it's called lol) was also stiff so I had trouble aspirating once it was in too but eventually got blood when i pulled the needle out slightly. I usually can tell when I'm about to faint so I let the PA take over and finish the rest of the procedure.
I know this is normal and he reassured me afterwards that I did great, but also feel discouraged since placing central lines is a big part of residency. Did you all have a similar experience the first time you did a central line?
Lol hoping to have more opportunities to try again though. I guess this is good experience before I start my aways.

what's usually the formatting for this section with the 300chr limit? how ~quirky~ can we be in this section- do people usually just have a flat out list or have you guys seen people have fun with it? what are you guys personally planning to do? I was planning to list:

Long-distance running/marathon training

Portrait photography

Hiking

Playing cello and piano

Making matcha at home

Collecting squishmallows

i've thought of writing them more creatively instead of just plainly listing them out but im not sure if that's risky. applying gen surg if that helps/do some specialties seem to prefer humorous vs more straightforward responses?

edit: just wanted to add i'm a pretty average applicant in terms of activities- we all have leadership, service, and research right?! I want to make sure I do this section right so I can stand out and come across authentically!