Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Saturday, January 28, 2017

PSA: Healthy peepers

I didn't think I was at risk for glaucoma, until I ended up at the eye doctor, and he was looking at me funny. Needless to say, I'll never forget that Veterans' Day, when my doc gave me the news.

Why am I talking about this? Well, it's National Glaucoma Awareness month in January.  Almost three million Americans have it, and many, like me, don't even know it. You are at higher risk if you are African-American, male, diabetic or have a family history (even if it's distant like mine).

Glaucoma is known for robbing people of their sight. I had LPI to allow my eyes to drain properly, which also helped the pressure. Some people may also need medication or other surgical procedures.

Some folks put off or delay eye exams because they fear they're too expensive. I have had vision insurance for years, and I did not know that it (along with your medical insurance) can make regular check-ups reasonable. If you don't have vision insurance, check with your PCP for more options in your area.

Your vision is priceless. I know I couldn't be a good parent, wife and nurse without it.

What are you waiting for? Go visit your favorite ophthalmologist today.

More to come...


Friday, November 18, 2016

Dysfunctional families at work

It's not just the patients at the Hotel who have dysfunctional families, but the employees act like a dysfunctional family, too.

Your boss decides to tell your office mate he/she is a "downer and never has anything good to say". Said nurse is always doing more than expected, unlike a large portion of the staff we work with. Said nurse is also stressed by an HR department that "forgot" his/her promotion (which means no more money on the payroll as promised, which is nice during the holidays or any season) and who is genuinely feeling awful. I finally convinced Neighbor to see the new PCP at the Hotel after failed attempts with one in another system who never returned calls. Neighbor has some scary symptoms that don't warrant a hospital stay, but are concerning nevertheless. Crossing my fingers that a specialist appointment (or two) is on his/her appointment list soon.

I had the distinct pleasure of participating in a facility-wide job fair. It's a good thing they rented out hotel space because we were mobbed. I participated in over a dozen interviews for nursing staff. It was amazing the amount of people we got to show up. I hope the nursing recruiter  has learned: be prepared for CNAs. They seem to always be looking for a job and freebies. A few were exceptional, a couple were good, but only about half were recommended for hire. It would have been nice to have another group to interview these folks, because we had so many people show up, it took FOREVER.

My partner was another nurse from our department who I don't see a lot. She is Ms. Right as in "I'm always right"and is well-known for spending most of our staff meetings fighting with the boss. She has years of experience, but sometimes doesn't act like it. She thinks what she thinks is more important than following policy, procedure or even, evidence-based practice. She came from another high-intensity area and sometimes, she needs to go straight back. She's gotten comfortable, though, in her role, so short of a egregious error of judgment, she'll never leave before she gets her advanced degree. I really wish her graduation date was soon...

The good thing: some of our staff scheduled appointments for me. This meant I had to show up, so I spend the last hours of my day taking care of them, reviewing what happened this week and it was pretty darned good. We had one of the best weeks ever for SU encounters. It was a bright spot to this Supermoon crazy kind of week. I'll take it.

May your weekend be full of joy. Don't let the turkeys (or Ms. Rights) get you down!

'Til next time...

Monday, July 25, 2016

A little this, a little that

I've been escaped from the office and I've been busy. Dahey and I got Bubba from camp and took him on a road trip.

We're not the Griswolds, but we had a similar adventure on this trip. I inadvertently only read some reviews of the Hotel Hell we stayed at. I missed the good ones that said "Don't ever stay here."

It was really, really hot where we were. I packed lots of drinks in the truckster just in case.

The first clue we were in Hotel Hell was the neighborhood once we got off the highway ramp. It was sketchy. The lobby of HH looked decent, but I'm always a little concerned if they have doors to the outside, especially if the neighborhood is not so good. When you have to ring the doorbell to get into the lobby at night, it's not good.

Next, we got a non-smoking room with cigarette burns in the comforter. And if that wasn't enough, crumbs were on the floor (between the beds).

The room had a slightly musty odor and the air conditioning wasn't on. We turned it on, I inspected some more. There were no bedbugs or any other visible bugs and the in-room fridge looked new and was COLD. I got the extra strength Febreeze out and sprayed the room. I knew it would come in handy someday (have carried it, but never used it). I figured it would get better. It didn't.

All night we heard noise from the AC the room temp never went below 85 degrees. It was horrible. On top of that, there was a lot of noise from the parking lot. When that got quiet, the trains came by.

I probably slept about 4 hours all night. Needless to say, once the boys fell asleep, I booked another room in a nearby town for the second night. In the morning, I told the hotelier we were checking out.

We went off to see the sights and had fun. We even saw a movie while we waited for the check-in at the new hotel.

Our new hotel was an oasis. I checked everything then took a nice shower, so I could go out into the heat and sit at a baseball game.

It didn't matter. With more air conditioning and a clean room (and bathroom) I could tolerate anything.  Even a 110 degree heat index!

Now, it's back to staycation.  It's going to be fun.

Stay tuned!

Saturday, July 9, 2016

The weekend is here!

I'm not complaining one bit. I've been productive so far today. I had a nice, restful sleep and I woke up to make my breakfast, then to get my coffee and take my car, the family truckster, for an oil change.

After that, I headed to get coffee again (because one really ISN'T enough) and visit my sister. We enjoyed her patio in the gorgeous, only slightly steamy weather.

Now I'm back at home doing laundry and assessing all the tasks I have to do before work Monday.

Again, it's not a bad option, doing chores. I could be stuck doing something completely different.

Hope you enjoy your weekend wherever you are!

Monday, May 30, 2016

Memorial Day

I thank those who have gone before, leaving families, friends, babes in arms, children who would never know them except through photographs or home movies or stories told from the grieved spouses, siblings, brothers, sisters, parents and friends.

That sting of a lost loved one in the war was a pained expression I saw every year in my family. My grandmother next door wore it, some days with bearing and dignity, other days, with much distress.

These are a few of  the quotes that sum up what this day means to me.

I remember those brave men and women who answered America's call today and every day. I hope you will, too.

Until next time...

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

I'm still a kid

When I think of that day 30 odd years ago. I was on my way to school. I knew my mother was dying of cancer, but I didn't realize that I wouldn't make it there before she did.

I came into my grandmother's house and all I heard were laments. My father was silent and hugged us. He let my brother and I see Mom before my uncle called his friends at work (who were the undertakers). My father was always the one who was there, when his mother and his wife died.

My grandma was a mess. My mother was her youngest child.

There are a lot of things that are a blur, but a lot of things I will never forget. I learned much later that I could spend all my time thinking about the horrible things a teenager could have to witness (the stretcher, the body bag, the death rattle), or I could choose to remember the things my mother left me.

Her happy disposition despite many trials. Her stubbornness and relentlessness to see things right. Her wavy hair that always curled when you wanted and sometimes, when you didn't. Her enjoyment of the little things in life, like the salami sandwiches from our town's Italian section. The jello (red and green) that Santa left us at Christmastime.

My mother also left me her faith. Her faith that we are all actors in our own story and a little divine intervention never hurts. Sometimes we need to help and be helped. Those traditions of perseverance were more helpful than I ever knew later in life.

So while my mom is no longer here to be celebrated, I look every day for the places where she left her mark on my life. And I see her every day. I put a photo of happy times on my refrigerator, so I remember that. She and Dad took us to get family photos. It was the last group family photo we would get.

So I can mourn this day, or I can live it as Mom would want me to do. My mother always wanted me to be a nurse, so I know somewhere in Heaven she smiles. Even with my detours and stubbornness, she got her wish.





Sunday, April 3, 2016

RIP

Dahey lost a relative this week. It was one we never actually met.

R. was from the old sod, a place from which Dahey's ancestor had escaped (and occasionally returned) a long while ago. We met him through Facebook. One of his cousins actually met R. last year with her family. It was fun to see some of the family resemblance.

We knew he was a relative once we saw his photo, because he was a doppleganger for Dahey's uncle (so much so, it would have been fun to have a photo with the two of them in it). Dahey's dear departed uncle was one of those folks who traveled a lot and looked for his surname in the phone books wherever he went.

I'd suspect that's how he'd found cousin R.

An Irish blessing

May your neighbors respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.


Until we all meet again...

Friday, January 1, 2016

Happy New Year

A new day, a new year. Thankful for a warm, dry, home and healthy family and friends.

Let it begin!

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

So glad

Monday finally flew by at the Hotel. I went in early to check mail and messages, and my phone rang. One of our patients passed away over the weekend. It wasn't entirely unexpected, but that call really changed the tone of my day.

Mr. C. had a wonderful Christmas according to this relative. He even got to celebrate a major wedding anniversary. He saw family and friends and experienced the fun of the holidays with his immediate family around him. His grand kids all opened gifts at his house.

Ms. Relative thought he was getting a cold and was possibly getting sick. Mr. C. said, "No, I just need some sleep." Mr. C. went to sleep smiling, she said, because he had so much fun seeing his family. When she went to check on him later, he was gone.

Considering the wild, crazy last few years Mr. C. had, this was the best way for him to go: at home in his sleep.

I worked a lot with Mr. C. and his family in the last year, I'll miss him, too.

More later.


Sunday, December 27, 2015

Back to reality

It was fun, but too short. Yes, vacation is nearly over. It was fun though, spending time with Bubba and Dahey and some of the other assorted relatives who were roaming around Rehab Land.

I saw some movies. Between Redbox, our local library, the movie theatre and cable TV, I saw lots of stuff: things I haven't seen in years (Elf, Scrooged), things I see every year (It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story) and movies I wanted to see this summer (Trainwreck, Inside Out).

My trip to the movie theatre was not for Star Wars (I was busy being an elf while that was going on) but with Bubba to see Daddy's Home. While it's not for everyone, it is a good one for kids, and per usual Will Ferrell movies, there is a big dance scene.

I wanted to see more holiday lights, but the weather of late has not cooperated. Tornado watches and rain ruined any chances of that.

Being away, however, when you are with people you want to be with, is priceless. While it was a lot of work, it was worth it.

I hope you enjoy your holiday season and the new year to come.

Stay tuned.


Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving

What I'm thankful for this year:

1. Furniture at the Hotel. I have been shuttling around taking care of patients, and now I'm back home...at a desk.

2. Health. It's something so many people don't have. Health really IS wealth.

3. Family and friends. Some of them passed away this year. I am so glad to celebrate with the ones here today.

4. A family photo. We finally got one outside this year. It's going on the Christmas cards.

Wishing you much health, happiness, and good food today wherever you are.

More to come...

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Heartbroken

I just cannot believe it. One of my childhood friends asked me a while ago about getting another heart surgery. She had had several strokes in the past and wanted to get her problem fixed. I mentioned to her that ANY surgery is risky and to consider that in her plan. She agreed.

She went in for that surgery, and never came out. Her husband and four children, the youngest is Bubba's age (a preteen) are left behind.

She was almost 46 and a half years old. One year and months older than my own mother when she died.

The last time we saw each other was at a funeral for a relative of one of our classmates. We said we'd get together after she had some time to process her own loss. That time will never come.

I hugged Bubba tighter today. And tonight, I pray for all of them.

Hug your kids (and friends) today. You just never know...

Monday, June 8, 2015

Why you need insurance

***SOAPBOX ALERT**** (aka something to consider)

There are lots of insurance products out there: life, homeowners, renters, automobile, motorcycle, health, disability insurance you name it. Some are required by law, like automobile insurance, or homeowners, because they protect a valuable asset (your home or your car). This is mostly required by creditors. Life insurance protects you and your family. We know that nursing is a hard, sometimes dangerous profession. Disability insurance is another thing to consider, since nurses are very likely to be injured on the job vs. to die at work.

However, many nurses practice without insuring something just as valuable. They practice without nursing malpractice insurance. In the few years I've practiced, I've heard a lot of stories about lawsuits and the judgments that often come with them.

Many people rationalize why they don't want insurance. They are not "those people". If they buy insurance, they'll be sued. The hospital will protect me, since I've been a good employee and never disciplined. My state board will protect me.

Unfortunately, those people or nurses who get sued are very nice people just doing their jobs like you are. If you are like me, you live in an "at will" state. You can be fired at any time (and you can leave at any time). This means even with your stellar record, your facility could let you go. Finally, most state boards may discipline you if you are found negligent. If you lose your license, you lose your livelihood.

If you love your job, your family, your house and your car, you need to consider carrying malpractice insurance, too. There are many good firms out there, some specifically for nurses. Seek them out.

Your career may depend on it.

More to come...


Friday, May 29, 2015

Another Memorial Day

Many years ago, when we got home from a trip, we got a phone call. My father-in-law passed away. We had just seen him days before.

This year, we didn't go anywhere on Memorial Day, but we got the same news. Dahey's aunt passed away this time. A different date, a different year, but still on Memorial Day.

We will miss you Aunt M. You lived a good, long life with many children, friends and neighbors.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Memorial Day

It was one of the most costly wars in terms of lives lost. In our family, my mother's brothers and my father's uncles all went to war.

My maternal uncle went to France as an Army medic. He was stationed near Paris for two years after the Allies captured the city. He missed his chance to be a professional baseball player, but he was a father and a grandfather.

My paternal great uncle was not so lucky. He had survived the Battle of Anzio, moving up through Italy, and then his Army unit went into Eastern France. Before he could get to the Battle of the Bulge, he was killed crossing a bridge, struck down by a mortar.

When I visited France, I visited the town where he died. I will never forget him, or the sacrifices he made; the family he left behind.

Today, I remember all who gave their lives in gratitude. Freedom is not free. It was paid for by those we lost.

Thank you doesn't seem like enough.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Every parent's nightmare

One morning, your kid leaves home, never to return. This recently happened to one of my therapy coworkers from Saintarama. We also know Marci and her kids, since Bubba is in school with them.

It was hard. We squeezed each other tight and prayed at the memorial. Bubba and the kids went off to look at the many pictures of their dear, departed brother and look at some of his stuff, which was also on display.

A life just begun as an adult was extinguished early one morning on the road.

Hug your kids today and everyday. I know I will.

More to come...

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Happy Mother's Day

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.
Irish Proverb


So Bubba and Dahey took me to brunch today, they bought me roses, and when we got home (since our brunch location doesn't do liquor) I got my mimosas.

I almost completed my vow to not do any laundry (or other housework) today, but I spilled one mimosa on my favorite tablecloth, so I washed it.

Hope you enjoy your day (and your mom) wherever you are! Not everyone is able to do so. I still miss my mom, who has been gone for many years now.

More to come...

Saturday, March 21, 2015

The joys of spring

Yes, RehabLand is warming up for the moment. The neighbor's daffodils are up and looking bright. I'm going to be trapped inside, since I got invited back to MegaConference nursing section. I'm not going to lie: I was a second string presenter, but since they found a bigger room, they decided to invite me. This year, MegaConference is not far away and Dahey can visit lots of friends and relatives. It was a no-brainer.

Bubba had fun on his spring break. I don't think he'll like going back to school, but it will be over soon enough. Getting a kid to do homework when the weather is nice is challenging.

Dahey finally got a new (used) car. Hallelujah! I'm just hoping this former grandma mobile can handle him driving it all over the place.

So I'm going to stop for now. Thank goodness we have a printing group who works on short notice (and mine is very nice). I'm going to be busy doing my homework this weekend.

More to come...

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

What we will do for the ones we love

My Bubba has a cold. I went and got him a treat.

My sister needed a ride home from the hospital recently. I took her  home, and even offered her favorite thing, Starbucks.

Dahey likes sweets, so I made some banana cake for him to take with him to work today.

My widowed aunt asked me to "go along to a presentation" by a company here in RehabLand that sells nutraceuticals. They work with a soy product that will "save your world." where every member of the audience (she and I were the crowd) who used the product (6 different people) had a testimonial about how it cured everything from rheumatoid arthritis to depression and some forms of cancer.

Since it was snowing, not many folks showed up, even though Warren Buffett owns a network marketing company.

Some things are easier to do than others.

Good night!

Sunday, January 18, 2015

It's beautiful outside, but it's sad

This past week's been a doozy. I'm hoping I never repeat some of it again.

Work was work. We had our yearly inspection and I survived. The inspection team had some new and some old folks, so it was interesting to watch them.

Outside of that, one of my mother's in-laws died. I hadn't seen her (or any of her kids) in ages. I like this family, so it was pleasant. The crazy relative didn't show up for the wake. Still don't know if he/she is alive or dead. 

I was just getting ready to go to bed when another relative called me. Her son didn't answer calls as usual that day, so she went to the apartment complex where he lived near her. No one answered when she knocked and one of the neighbor's let her know she could see inside the apartment from outside, since Max left the curtains open when he worked from home. (He had a job that could be done remotely, and hadn't worked in an office in years.)

When they looked in, Max appeared hunched over his desk. My relative watched, but Max didn't move. She knew Max was probably dead. While it wasn't a surprise (Max had problems), it was sudden.

So, since Max's family (girlfriend and teen child) was out of town and she didn't have a key, she had to call the police to break down the door. She found Max dead. He was in his early 50s. It was sort of a circus arranging the apartment, having the police roaming around, lots of questions, and waiting. Happily, things calmed down before I could get dressed and leave.

Now, we're just waiting for Max's family to get back to complete the arrangements, and for the medical examiner to do his/her part.

Stay tuned...