Dreams

Yes, they sure can seem like reality, at least, that's what one of my patients told me recently.

Mike (not his real name) was snoozing away with his CPAP on, when I came by to ask him when he wanted to get ready to get up. He blinked and looked at me with eyes as large as saucers and said, "I'm so glad you woke me up. My brother just got shot."

I had heard it was a rough night in his room in report and he told me, "No, I just had a dream I was out hunting with my brother and he had just got this huge buck and then someone shot him in the chest." Needless to say, I was a bit stunned.

Mike continued and said he wanted to get ready, so I set him up to do so. I have to help him wash his legs and feet and as I was doing that, he told me, "You know, I've had those near death experiences."

"Really?" I said. "Was it like they say it can be with the light and all?" Mike shook his head and said it was, and one instance, he said, "It was the softest, sweetest light I have ever seen. I felt so peaceful. But I couldn't go."

So I asked him why not. "Well, I could tell my girlfriend was in the room and I asked if I could take her, and they said no. So I went back, woke up, and there she was, holding my hand."

Thankfully, Mike didn't dream about his own death. That is a story that really scares me. Over the short period of time that I've been a nurse, I've only had three patients tell me they dreamed about dying and or seeing dead people in their dreams.

Those same three are no longer with us. They died within months of those dreams. It kind of scared me at first, but I realized, in all of them, that it was not a fearful dream, but rather a comforting one, because they were not alone.

Fantasy becomes reality

Lots of good and potentially not so good stuff going on today, so some fantasies readily become reality and some we wish would just go away.

First, one of our patients who was very depressed during his/her stay came to us in a very good mood. Said patient has a goal--to go hunting this fall. All patient needs is a letter from us so patient can get a special permit from our nearby state to participate in a special program. We wished patient well and hopefully, this fall, we'll see some venison sausage and lots of smiles. If only we could convince more of our patients to participate in the Wheelchair Games!

Second, lots of things were discussed recently with our team, which includes the nurses. One of the worst patients the place has ever seen may be returning to the unit. Said patient is so abusive and mean to staff that some long-serving nurses have threatened to quit if said patient is brought back. It's all about policy and paperwork, so we'll see what happens.

Third, my patient who's been wanting to get out of bed for days got his wish. His bowel problems resolved enough that I was able to get him out of bed for his allotted hours. He went to therapy and worked his arms so much he was tired by the time he got back, so I put him to bed.

Finally, our facility is cutting more costs. Our own "Chainsaw Al" is willing to burn and pillage to make a name. We can only wait to see what happens next, as I pretty much kiss any hope of anything extra for school or certification goodbye.

Maybe that lottery fantasy comes true, so while I wait, I'm still filling out scholarship forms. It's a long shot, but at least, most scholarships have better odds than the lottery.

More later...