And then there was one...

I started the day with two patients and I ended up with just one, and I'm not even in ICU! Woo hoo!

First, I had to send Mr. R. to a nursing home in a nearby state. It's probably the last time any of us will ever see him. I got his big dressing done and was very careful with it. It was really messy because it was leaking all over the pad he was on when I got to him. Just before that, I had to do a dig stim on him, too, since he didn't get his bowel routine (daily suppository) today. I did this in an attempt to get him cleaned out a little before he left. I cleaned him up, put his theraboots on and a clean gown so he'd be ready to go.

He's not doing well. He was stable, but we don't know how long that will last. He didn't tell us today, but I know he knows he's going home to die. I think it was bittersweet for him and A. was upset that she forgot to say goodbye since she was busy with another patient. I packed all his stuff carefully, put his AM snack in with his lunch and made sure the paramedics knew where everything was. He should see his family today, or so he told me. I hope it all works out for them. We know we did a decent job because he told us he'll miss us. I pray for my patients and he'll be one of the ones on my list. I'll never forget him.

Once I got all Mr. R's paperwork done, Mr. HIJ #1 was my patient for the rest of the day. He was needy as usual, but I got his bath done, his dressing and then I hooked up his IV. He wanted a soda, since none of the volunteers came around today with any, so I went downstairs and bought him one. I even caved in and bought myself one while I was at the machine.

Our boss was gone today, so most of the staff scattered from the nurses' station for most of the day. The slackers, including the Slug, never came near the nurses' station, because you might end up doing some work if you hang out there. I don't care. I'd rather do work than spend my whole day hiding just so I can do nothing. Our charge, P., was busy ordering blood and going with the docs on wound rounds this morning. Thankfully, we don't have tons of people to be inspected, so this went quickly.

I ate my lunch in peace around 1130 before the trays came and I set Mr. HIJ up when his lunch arrived. A the NP and I planned our itinerary for our conference in November. It should be fun. We're on the same flight and we plan on getting some sightseeing done near our hotel before the conference starts. We'll have to start out from here really, really, early, but I think it will work out well.

By the afternoon, I even remembered the other stuff I had forgotten earlier, so Mr. HIJ was happy. He was feeling hot (but afebrile) by the end of the day, so I got him all situated with his fan and everything in his room and he got very comfortable and fell asleep. After that, I finished off as many orders in the computer as possible and then I went on my way home.

Back tomorrow...we'll see how many admissions we really get (supposed to be five!).