I need track shoes

On some days this is true and recent shift was one of those days. My two patients were slow, so I read up a little on them, got things going, then my admission (one of several, so all RNs got one) shows up almost 2 hours early.

It was just run, run, run after that. One catheter works, one doesn't. Had to call in the catheter cavalry (our resource nurse) to get the  last one in. Not sure how the patient's home health nurse got a non-Coude in him, but I went with the resource nurse's suggestion of a Coude. Happily, we had one in his size. Much joy!

At least, I wasn't ordered to get urine drug screens on a few of our folks, like some of my coworkers. Apparently, the weather was so nice this weekend, a few patients found some interesting "herbs" in the nearby forest area. The doc on call was suspicious yesterday and he/she decided to make it a fun Monday by requesting the drug tests.

I also got a couple of other tasks since one of the nurses went home early, but got them done and out the door I went. It was just stupid.

Bubba decided not to go to baseball practice this afternoon. With the beginning of spring, we are now getting into the beginning of allergy season here in RehabLand.

More later...stay tuned!

How to perturb patients

These are just a few things I've picked up here in the SU.

1. Leave them in the waiting area forever. Yes, yo-yo unit secretary, once they're checked in,  you do need to call me or get me so I get them moving. I do have a lot more to do than read my e-mails and paint my nails (caught said secretary at that the other day).

2. Don't give them xx med. Oh, I told Dr. P. we need a sign outside that says, "If you want any of these, go away." and list Vicodin, Oxycontin, and every other short-acting opioid, and abusable drug on that list.

My favorite patient today had a pain level of 10/10, told me he really needed morphine and only morphine, since methadone, "just dehydrated me." then danced down the hall once his session was over at the chiropractor next door. Hmm....

3. I don't do this one, but Dr. P. gets the pleasure of sending out the "since you skipped your scheduled appointment, you violated your opioid agreement, so we're cutting you off." This usually means I get to schedule them for an "appointment" (with the good ol' urine drug screen) and they get a follow-up. Some people think the agreement isn't enforceable. Think again, kiddies.

4. Our secretary contributes to this one yet again...improper scheduling or omissions, or my personal favorite, requesting a time on one day, then scheduling patients on another day. On top of it, she can be rude. One of these days, I'll straighten it all out.


So glad this week is over! Enjoy your weekend, wherever you are.

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!