A beautiful mind

I'm using my knowledge of neuroanatomy and learning more every day I'm on the Sister Unit. Consequently, I thought the photos in this latest book were absolutely fascinating.

Off to work I go...more to come.

RIP Leslie Nielsen

Lt. Frank Drebin (from the Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear)
Go ahead, threaten me like you have the American people for so long! You're part of a dying breed, Hapsburg, like people who can name all fifty states! The truth hurts, doesn't it, Hapsburg? Oh sure, maybe not as much as landing on a bicycle with the seat missing, but it hurts!

Oh, it was a crazy sort of day today. Frank Drebin, we could have used your logic to figure out why our unit had no electric all day when our neighboring unit across the way had lights for all those meetings I could see from the window.

And finally...
Lt. Frank Drebin:  Looks like the cows have come home to roost. 

More to come...stay tuned.

A sweet tribute

I love Cake Wrecks. As an amateur cook/baker/decorator, this is one of my favorite sites out there.

So I really enjoyed the latest version of Sunday Sweets, where they feature really cool cakes. Check out this week's version dedicated to police, fire, ambulance AND medical personnel, including nurses.

Hope you do too! More later...

Burnin' down the house

I wasn't just thinking of this song...I had a rack of spare ribs browning in the oven, when a little too much grease met a little extra broil power. Kitchen fires are just not my thing.



Thankfully, everything survived intact. The smoke alarm didn't even go off. Boy, it sure made my safety director Dahey jump, though.

Santa Claus is comin' to town...

And Bubba will be seeing him at a local charity Breakfast with Santa. Hopefully, he has a good time, and all of Santa's beard stays on this year.

Stay tuned...

The kindness of strangers

Yes, I was enjoying my day off shopping on this Black Friday. We shopped early, but enjoyed the lull between the early shopping crazies and the lunchtime shoppers. Bubba had a blast.

When we rested for a short time, I set down my purse. I didn't even notice it until later in the day when I went to look for my cell phone, which also happened to be the most valuable thing in there. (I keep my wallet and keys on me at all times). I started calling around to the stores I was in, to no avail.

Later, I went back to the stores tracing my path. Lo and behold, I found the purse at the bookstore. The lady told me someone found it in the back. I had been trying to call the phone four or five times before I got it back.

"Honey, it's been so loud in here, we never noticed."

Profuse thanks to the bookstore staff. We frequent the store often and will continue. You are all the best.

Happy Thanksgiving

Greetings!

I am so thankful to be off today. Please do not forget the coworkers, friends, and neighbors who may also be working today, especially your favorite nursing staff.

I will be raising my glass at high noon to all of you and hoping you all get out early or on time. Cheers!

I'm not coming back!

That is, until Monday. Oh, the joy I will have, until, of course, I have to submit the class paper that's due on Monday, very early since I have to work.

I was busy, busy  all day and the special lunch we were going to have was canceled, so I just started the Christmas spirit by dressing one of the department skeletons in holiday attire. It's all been approved by the director, and since one skeleton is in his office, thereby sanctioned, and can be easily hidden in a large closet should the PC police come around.

Our patients showed up for the most part and I got to do my first random drug screen. It was interesting to say the least. I was happy that I was not required to accompany the patient, nor was I required to find someone to accompany the patient.

Finally, I got to see a lot of patients rolling around on the sister unit going to therapy and getting lost. It was a lot of fun. More than one of them told me they miss me there.

Happy Thanksgiving all! Off I go to cook and prep!

Stop, drop and roll

Stop

I did not want to jump down the unit secretary's throat today; although I thought about it. I calmly took breaths every time I felt the urge to strangle her. It helped. We made some headway. I am so happy.

Drop

You know the doc you're working with loves the new sterile gloves so much that he's dropping things, just so he can change them.


Roll

Out with one piece of equipment, in with another, and so it goes all day long. At least, I get my workout moving furniture! Patients in and patients out and we did really well today. What a team.

More to come...stay tuned.

Yes, it is Monday

Yes, it is a short week. How  is it that people who just had a short week last week don't want to work this week?

I just don't get it.  I'm going to go soak...Calgon take me away!

Truly lucky me

 Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.  ~Theodore Roosevelt

One of my friends pointed out that nearby big city made it to this list: Worst Cities for Finding a Job.It's just one big reason I am thankful this Thanksgiving.  Another is that I am actually going to meet one of my classmates this semester and potentially another when both are nearby for the holidays and business. Taking online classes is fun, but I do miss meeting your classmates in person. Hope all of you out there have plenty of blessings and things to be thankful for this year.

I'm also reminded of the sign one of my supervisors used to have on her desk: Be thankful for the things you didn't want, and didn't get.

Stay tuned....

Countdown to T-day

Since I'm not working this year, I'm getting the battle plans set for Thursday. This means an assault on the home and checking all the cabinets, etc. to purge old items and get ready for the new onslaught of foodmania.

Wish me luck...at least the refrigerator's clean!

Stay tuned.

Very much joy

The Evil Accrediting Agency is gone, and to tell the truth, they weren't really evil. They were actually nice. Our surveyor actually gave us a stellar report, and I got to hear it all in the exit meeting. It was just too cool!

Our surveyor liked us so much he/she actually mentioned us by individual name from his/her notes, which really made the big boss puff up like a proud papa. Thankfully, as a result, he is giving us a get out one hour early card anytime before the end of the year, which is really nice. I was hoping for a raise for getting in the cross-hairs again of  the surveyors (i.e. being the chosen person for both JC and EAA), but alas, I'll take an hour here or there, especially to do some holiday shopping.

Black Friday is coming...so I can get out there in the mix and shop away for an extra hour. I'm still on cloud 9 after all the prep to get here, and my celebratory champagne is going to my head. More later...

EAA part one

Yes, the Evil Accrediting Agency came today, and thankfully, they send a relatively congenial inspector. He/she was observant and noticed only one detail out of place (relatively minor).Despite this, he/she kept telling us things looked good and the area has a bright future at Madison.

Yours truly got to escort the inspector and the intern with him/her to a special lunch on the unit the volunteers have on a regular basis. Inspector was impressed. We were, too. Lots of Thanksgiving food was out and everyone was having a good time.

Happily, the afternoon meetings passed quickly. I'm hoping things go well tomorrow on the final day 
of assessment.

Stay tuned...

A shout out to the A-team

No, not that one, but I have been noticing lots of visitors from A-named places: Austria, Australia, Aruba, Alexandria, Arizona and even occasionally Austin.

At this point in time, I wouldn't mind visiting any one of you...especially Aruba and Australia, since you all will be warm and toasty there compared to RehabLand.

As always, thank you for visiting. Off I go for a day of accreditation excitement. Me, my boss, and the chief nurse. Can't wait to get it over with...stay tuned!

Just say hello, goodbye

One patient, Mr. Smack, leaves, and boy, does he treat the nurses. A humongous box of fancy schmancy pastries and absolutely divine chocolate dipped brownies appear in the nurses' lounge. Can you tell his sister, who brought all this stuff knows how to butter up the nurses? It surely helps that she IS one.

Darlin' you and Mr. Smack have a good ol' time driving to Margaritaville, just keep him away from drunk drivers!

And Mr. X., who I checked in last week with my trainee came back. Nothing like a little crashing to send you out to the ICU. Thankfully, they cleared that all up. What's a little sepsis among friends?

Now, I wait for judgment, er, my trip before the accreditation people tomorrow. I'm going to celebrate by doing homework with P. and my group.

More later...

I pinch myself

Every day, when I realize the caliber of  my classmates, and even more so when one, with many years of experience, asks me for advice.

Thank you  S., for your confidence in me, even though, I feel like these guys...

Tired and still kicking....

How many IVs did I start today for the clinic? How many times did I say, "Hold still while I put on these EKG pads."?

Things really slowed down, though, when we had both the neurology resident AND the med student with us. Thank heavens our patients realize we're a teaching hospital!

So glad we got out on time...now I just  have to wait for Evil Accrediting Agency to show up this week. At least, the doc and I will have fun with it...if our boss doesn't intervene.

More to come...

Flying solo

So far, the sky has not fallen. My first day was pleasant, even if some of our administrative staff were not. Most of our patients arrived on time, and one was even early.

We will see how the rest of the week goes...more later.

Out and about

And listening to this album on my laptop on this windy, cool fall day.

Hope your day is equally exciting...stay tuned. My maiden voyage is coming!

Joy in the Hotel...

Yes, I know, we're not supposed to have Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but today was marked by lots of joy, and not just the "Joy to the World" medley I heard at Borders.

First, Bubba got a new cast and all his classmates signed it. When he came for an impromptu visit at lunch time today with Dahey, he also got a couple of nurses' signatures, too.

Next, one of our coworkers had her baby.  Her kids are thrilled with their newest family member, and so is the dog.

Finally, one of our patients ended a long period with a major piece of metal. Mr. Smack got his halo removed today. The neurosurgeon told him he could not shower his head, but our doc let me put a shower cap on him and hose him off, so the dirt that was stuck on him could be removed. Talk about joy! I thought he was going to dance around the Hotel, he was so happy.

No other day in November

"A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good." History of Veterans Day, from www.va.gov

Say thank you to a veteran today, and remember those who fought and died for our freedom.

Learning is so much fun

When you're out with the journal club, with good food and good companions. And I so loved the chocolate hazelnut bars for dessert....yum!

Gotta keep the tummy happy to keep learning!

So happy I got to escape after a day of moving furniture and soothing uneasy souls at the Hotel. I love admissions and getting psych consults. At least, I had a trainee on the admission to help out. I think she's got it and will make a fine admissions nurse.

Stay tuned...

Nothing like a little rehab...

I love being a rehab nurse, but I'm starting to think people think I'm a drug rehab nurse, not a rehabilitation nursing professional. I leave the heavy-duty counseling to the professional counselors, and licensed therapists.

It is interesting, though, in the rehab clinic, since we deal with lots of issues, especially pain management. One of Madison's finest pharmacists, Mike, came over today to talk to some of the patients in afternoon therapy groups.

Not sure if anything will change, but you have to start somewhere...stay tuned!

In mere days

I will be flying solo in the SU, since my training period will officially be over. I've documented, documented, documented and I've run the systems and managed the patients on the last few days I've worked.

Telephone triage is still interesting, but I'm getting the hang of it. Thankfully, everyone seems to be helpful.

Crossing fingers as I get ready to fly solo.

More to come....stay tuned.

I'm so glad

They've made us get new high-tech ID cards. The photo on it makes my driver's license photo look like a glamour shot.

You'd think the old ones would be blurry and boring. Alas, no, but the new one sure is.

My favorite veterans

Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.  ~Michel de Montaigne

Working in the VA has its advantages in finding your very own favorite veteran, since you gotta be one to get in here.

In the short time I've been here at the Hotel Rehab, I've started adding to my list of favorite veterans. First, let me tell you about the war heroes and the major battle veterans. Mr. Z. was injured in a famous battle in Korea. He was a kind soul who brought an old-timer's perspective to his injury. Our newest veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan particularly appreciated his view point. He wasn't preachy, he was just a "give 'em the facts" kind of character, who always used himself as an example.

Mr. A., a large hulk of a man must have surely frightened our foes in the South Pacific theatre during "the big one" as he called World War II. Before he lost limbs to a land mine while on a reconaissance mission, he was a giant of a man, well over six foot four inches tall. He always made us laugh because he always said, "You girls are the best," all the time, much to the chagrin of some of the male staff.

My favorite Marine, I'll call Skippy. Skippy was a grunt in the Corps in Vietnam. Skippy is the party man, even though he's been injured a long time. Skippy's company always finds out when he's in the hospital, via phone, mail and internet, and they show up to see what he's doing. Skippy is a character  and has been a regular around our place for a while, and completed an extended stay when I first started. Skippy bonded with one of his roommates, Bob, and they now call each other at least weekly, if not daily. Skippy keeps telling Bob he's going to get a kangaroo and start a private zoo on a few acres he has.

My favorite sailor, was just like my veteran at home--a submariner. Mr. Tom taught me a lot of things and was thrilled to meet another silent service character (Dahey) while he was on the unit. Like Skippy, Mr. Tom's sub crew found him and kept him busy with phone calls, letters, and the occasional visit.

And finally, I'll never forget a couple of characters who are no longer with us. Pitt Phil (a major Steelers fan) was another WWII guy who didn't talk the first week he was with us, due to some trach issues. I remember getting him enthused about getting out of bed when he found out we had a big screen in the patient lounge. He got up every day after that. Mr. Ron yodeled our names whenever we were in the room. If I close my eyes, I can still hear his yodel. We got him all fixed up after a long stay. He went home for a short time, then got sick and died suddenly.

So as my career goes on, my list gets longer. I am honored to be a nurse who gets to call every day a Veteran's day in my job at the Hotel. If you don't have your own special Veteran and want one, go talk to your nearest VA and volunteer your time, talents or treasure. They'll appreciate it.

Juxtapositions

A wild night on the floor recently at the Hotel:

One of my patients (aka RR for Ring-Ring) rings the light constantly. He "acts" upset that I'm his nurse (not really--just for show). He gets his heart set on delivery food that was turned away once, and finally, when he's totally dejected and swears it'll never show up...in walks the delivery guy. DG gets a huge tip and RR gets the meal he's been dreaming about.

Even with RR, I'm able to work on homework, in between rounds, look up an article, write a review and study for my exam.

And on the way home, while throwing my book bag in the front seat, I pull a muscle in my back (yes, that book really is heavy, even if it's small!). Despite hot shower, massage and an Aleve, it's still sore.

So yours truly takes out the goodies for the open book test which ends on Sunday at midnight. And despite the pain, I get an A. Thank you P., my class partner, for encouraging me to take my time.

It was easy...the back still hurts. I'd be awake anyway tending it. Why not take a test at the same time?

More later....

Comings and goings

Sit still long enough on our unit and talk to a few people and you'll find out a lot of things in a short amount of time.

One of our long-time nurses is heading to one of Washington's outpatient clinics. He/she finally decided to go back to work full-time, after a long time part-time. The economy sure changes things, as well as our big boss.

Another nurse and his family will be packing up the homestead this summer to head on out to a new location out of state. The unit is sad he's going, but he and family are excited.

And suddenly, one of the newer nurses will have a position on our unit, since we have comings and goings.

It all falls into place sooner or later.

The boss told me yesterday to enjoy the holidays this year, so since I'm in the SU, I'll be able to take vacation days whenever the staff there is off. I have my Christmas present already and the vacation requests are in the system.

'Cause next year, if I'm still in the Hotel, I'll be working the entire holiday season. Gonna enjoy what I have now!

Stay tuned...more later.

Fridays on the floor follies

Ah, I'll be playing the Hotel lounge (and a couple of rooms) this weekend for a limited engagement, before I'm sent off to toil the holiday season in the sister unit.

Today's entertainment...two skinny (thank you!) characters who have bowel issues. One's constipated, one's runny. Oh, the joy of bowel mania! Nothing a little chugged Miralax can't fix, unless of course you chug it in front of the med nurse so fast with that cold juice that you promptly vomit most of it up five minutes later. Next, same patient coughs so hard that it's coming out both ends. Happily, (if there is such a thing) this was not a bowel prep, and the volume was low.

Most of the characters are happy to see me back. Some of the floor staff, not so much. No vacation yet, but am planning to enjoy some of the holidays at home this year. It warms my heart just thinking of it.

More later, so stay tuned. The day has just begun.

EKG...

Check. Titers, check. All I need now is an assignment for the volunteer corps.

Back to studying for this week's test. After all the excitement of dealing with Dahey's car and running around town with a rental, I barely touched a book.

This is going to be interesting....stay tuned.

Now I know why...

Nurse K on the night shift posts signs all over a patient's room, intercepts the breakfast tray, and yells if she has to in order to keep people NPO.

If I'd have followed her lead, I would have remembered today was the day for all those tests...that required me to be NPO....arrrgh!

Better luck tomorrow...

Too ironic

Scenario 1 - Pills, pins and needles.

Today was an interesting day. The specialists are busy at the Hotel and you would have thought it was a full moon.

One patient called into the SU stating, "I need more pain meds and to fix my record. I am not a drug seeker." Also, the patient mentioned that he/she had a numb leg for the entire weekend ("all pins and needles"), telling me how many falls, etc., and how terrible it was, so couldn't we just fill the script.

I mentioned to said patient that it might be prudent to go straight to the ER. "Naw, I can't do that, my leg is numb."

"So how will you get to the drug store to get your script?" I ask.

"Aw," says patient, "I'll just get a ride. Or I'll wait until my appointment tomorrow up at Washington (our main hospital)"

Well, HELLOOO in there! If you can get a ride, you surely can get to the ER, can't you? What made you  wait three whole days to call?


Scenario 2 - My nurse is with me today

We had a couple of patients lately in the sister unit who came in with family members. We don't allow them in the room for procedures, but we allow them to talk to the doc and consent and ask as many questions as they desire.

One patient came in with his healthcare professional sibling (supposedly a nurse--no idea what kind). Patient stated in his/her last consult that they had issues and needed x,y,z intervention, all of which we do not do here. Patient still wanted to come. This seemed odd, but we do lots of odd stuff here.

Patient arrives at appointment happy and with sibling and all looks good, except patient has some doubts. This is where Dr. X shines. Dr. X was an internist in another life and he loves talking to people. If he wouldn't have been a doc he probably could have been a wonderful minister. He's folksy and honest and people just genuinely like to talk to him.

Doc excuses me and the trainer from the room and he and his resident talk to this patient and sibling. While we were away, sibling argued with Dr. X and made it sound like Dr. X was the world's biggest jerk. Dr. X. was very exasperated. Patient and sibling actually stormed off out of the room.

Weird thing...same patient called back breathlessly and wanted to talk to us while we were restocking. When I called him/her back, I got voice mail.

To be continued....more to come.

If you build it...

They will come. Thanks Shawn and Online Schools for featuring my blog.

Muchos gracias! Go have a look-see folks!

Jo, I feel for you

Yes, I am feeling the effects of all the assorted pollens hanging out in the air this year. After seeing my niece demonstrate nasal irrigation and how it's helping her allergies, I thought I ought to get one of those sinus irrigators. And I read Jo's post on the necessity of using this in her situation.

Let me tell you, this is not for the faint of heart. There are a million instructions with my particular model irrigator, and of course, I read them first, but missed an important part.

"Contact your physician if you have ever had ear surgery."

I have always had problems with one particular ear, despite surgery (mostly stuffiness). Now I get to nag the ENT to find out if I can continue to use this cool tool, which sure flushed the pollen out yesterday.

Ears feel fine, but I'd like to keep them that way...the joys of fine print.

More to come...only mere days before my move to the SU for a lengthy holiday stay...yes!