Yes, I'm a little behind, but I've been saving up so many goodies I've found, I thought this would be a better use of my time at this very moment, instead of getting ready for work.
Here are a few of the items I've found out on the 'net and in the blogosphere while meandering. Hope you enjoy!
Tips and tricks
Ian from impactEDnurse has a great little video about keeping air bubbles out of your IV
lines.
Not Nurse Ratched has an informal tip for you (or your patients) experiencing nausea. Not sure where it came from, but would be happy to do the research. The Hotel is full of smells, particularly on evenings.
While it's not a specific trick, this PBS segment on Dr. Atul Gawande's book, The Checklist Manifesto, talks about using checklists in hospitals and health care.
Jo has a survival guide to the night shift at her blog, Head Nurse.
Check 'em out
If you work odd hours, such as evenings, nights and weekends, you need to check out Life in the Trenches: Nursing at Night and on the Weekend. This blog is a part of Dr. Patti Hamilton of Midwestern State University's RWJF funded research project about nursing at these times of day and what happens.
We've heard a lot about the Haiti earthquake's wake lately, and one thing, you don't always hear about is how to meet the psychosocial needs of patients after disaster. Somehow, I stumbled upon this interesting CEU article called Psychiatric Emergency: Caring for Patients in Crisis.
The OMG section
Rehab is predominantly a low-tech area of nursing, because patients need to get up and running with a minimal number of devices. As an escaped techie, though, I never cease to be amazed by all the technological prodecures and devices that are on the market or will be there soon.
Liver transplants that do their job, then fade away is about a transplantation procedure, used primarily in kids, featured recently in the NY Times.
Coping
Bravo Roger! I found the Well blog article over at the NY Times which discusses life for Roger Ebert since his cancer surgery. Appearance is not everything. You might just blurt stuff out, as your wife says, but sometimes they are things we just need to hear.
Scuba diving accessible to people with disabilities? Check it out here in this article. (from www.pva.org)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Prognosis
Some things change, and some things stay the same. And while some appear similar, life will never be the same for one of our patients.
Mr. X came to us for a sore that wouldn't heal. This is not exactly a big deal with many of our patients because, due to the nature of their various injuries, slow-healing wounds are not uncommon. Some people have them on and off for years, as did our patient.
One day, the doc comes in and tells patient, "I don't like that wound. We need to do a biopsy." I accompany one of the providers from the service that day and he does the biopsy and sends it off.
A few days later, on the next rounds, Doc tells him, "You have a malignancy. We will have to evaluate you to see what we need to do." A few specialists later, they evaluate the plan and Doc tells Mr. X that he has options. "One, they can operate. It is not without peril, since about one third of patients don't survive the surgery. Two, they can let it go and do nothing."
While my account may seem terse, Doc explained the patient's options very slowly, carefully, and most of all, very compassionately.
Mr. X says, "I want to do something." Doc tells him he'll have more information for him by next week.
So he waits...
Mr. X came to us for a sore that wouldn't heal. This is not exactly a big deal with many of our patients because, due to the nature of their various injuries, slow-healing wounds are not uncommon. Some people have them on and off for years, as did our patient.
One day, the doc comes in and tells patient, "I don't like that wound. We need to do a biopsy." I accompany one of the providers from the service that day and he does the biopsy and sends it off.
A few days later, on the next rounds, Doc tells him, "You have a malignancy. We will have to evaluate you to see what we need to do." A few specialists later, they evaluate the plan and Doc tells Mr. X that he has options. "One, they can operate. It is not without peril, since about one third of patients don't survive the surgery. Two, they can let it go and do nothing."
While my account may seem terse, Doc explained the patient's options very slowly, carefully, and most of all, very compassionately.
Mr. X says, "I want to do something." Doc tells him he'll have more information for him by next week.
So he waits...
Monday, February 22, 2010
You want what?
The story of my days recently.
1. You want to admit how many people today? Our usual is one per MD during normal business hours, but we went way over the limit on a recent day. No wonder they were snapping so much!
2. You want what kind of lunch? We're all out.
Don't you just love it when the dietician says, "I wish they'd put Ms. X on her colonscopy prep early. We're out of xx food item she needs."
3. You want to get up everyone 250+ lbs. plus today on a stretcher? It just seemed that way for a while...my back's still hurting.
4. You want my evaluation? I've already sent it.
Now please put me on the list for a pay raise, and I'll forget all about how many times you asked for and I e-mailed my information that you requested over and over!
Stay tuned...it can only get better!
1. You want to admit how many people today? Our usual is one per MD during normal business hours, but we went way over the limit on a recent day. No wonder they were snapping so much!
2. You want what kind of lunch? We're all out.
Don't you just love it when the dietician says, "I wish they'd put Ms. X on her colonscopy prep early. We're out of xx food item she needs."
3. You want to get up everyone 250+ lbs. plus today on a stretcher? It just seemed that way for a while...my back's still hurting.
4. You want my evaluation? I've already sent it.
Now please put me on the list for a pay raise, and I'll forget all about how many times you asked for and I e-mailed my information that you requested over and over!
Stay tuned...it can only get better!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Splat! Gold!
I love watching the Olympics on TV. Swoosh! Bam! Slide!
One of my patients who's a big WWF wrestling kind of guy is just enamored of curling. I can barely pry him from the TVs when it's on.
A whole lot of hoisting, lifting and swinging people around. One of these days rehab nursing will be equated to Olympic sports, because somedays, you need that Herculean strength to manipulate the poses, lifts and cushions to get people going.
More to come...
One of my patients who's a big WWF wrestling kind of guy is just enamored of curling. I can barely pry him from the TVs when it's on.
A whole lot of hoisting, lifting and swinging people around. One of these days rehab nursing will be equated to Olympic sports, because somedays, you need that Herculean strength to manipulate the poses, lifts and cushions to get people going.
More to come...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Technobabbly
Can I just say that I need to read a little more on nursing terminologies and start making a flash card game or a map to keep it all straight?
Thanks, I knew you all would understand. (whew!)
Life at the Hotel Rehab is still the same. The sights of patients going here and there to therapy. The smells...thankfully not of vomit, although a few flowers would be nice. (Hint: no one bought us any flowers this year. Where's Mr. Romantic when you need him...Indiana?) The sounds were of all those rolling people laughing and smiling and hanging out with people coming in for our regularly scheduled lunches by one of the organizations.
And I escaped...just so I could spend time at school with Bubba, when he got his citizenship award. Aww...I'm so proud. You only get so many of these moments in life, so I am going to savor them.
Stay tuned...I'll be back!
Thanks, I knew you all would understand. (whew!)
Life at the Hotel Rehab is still the same. The sights of patients going here and there to therapy. The smells...thankfully not of vomit, although a few flowers would be nice. (Hint: no one bought us any flowers this year. Where's Mr. Romantic when you need him...Indiana?) The sounds were of all those rolling people laughing and smiling and hanging out with people coming in for our regularly scheduled lunches by one of the organizations.
And I escaped...just so I could spend time at school with Bubba, when he got his citizenship award. Aww...I'm so proud. You only get so many of these moments in life, so I am going to savor them.
Stay tuned...I'll be back!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Not quite...
Nursing school ready, and certainly not Hotel Rehab on evening shift ready....
Bubba tells me about his day at school.
"Mom I puked at school today."
"Okay," I ask, "what happened?"
"Something smelled really bad in the boys' bathroom and it really made me sick."
"How are you now?" I ask.
"Much better, thanks. " says Bubba.
The joys of school...makes me wonder if the custodian threw sawdust down on the floor.
Bubba tells me about his day at school.
"Mom I puked at school today."
"Okay," I ask, "what happened?"
"Something smelled really bad in the boys' bathroom and it really made me sick."
"How are you now?" I ask.
"Much better, thanks. " says Bubba.
The joys of school...makes me wonder if the custodian threw sawdust down on the floor.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Snow!
And if I didn't need another holiday gift...the powdery white stuff is all about.
Just may be sledding before I go to work, just after I clean off the car.
More to come...enjoy your day wherever you are!
Just may be sledding before I go to work, just after I clean off the car.
More to come...enjoy your day wherever you are!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Holiday weekend...
If there's not enough to do....
Birthday parties x 2.
Ice skating.
Mardi Gras
President's Day...and a little fella gets to spend the entire day with Mommy on Monday 'til Daddy gets home.
Chinese New Year
And yes, again, it's Valentine's Day tomorrow. The Hotel is happily decorated with hearts and lots of cards and drawings by the neighborhood kids.
This year, they've even covered some of the hallways. It's just too cute. The patients who get up are regaling us with some of their favorite ones and the rest are looking at their own-- "Look at that drawing.", "Aw, he can't spell, but it's so cute." "She put glitter on MY heart, Bob." To top it off, they've even scheduled a concert. Lots and lots of staff taking patients to a fun party.
And I suspect many of our people will be thinking of this quote, since they're away from home this year.
Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?
Richard Bach
Enjoy your day! Stay tuned...
Birthday parties x 2.
Ice skating.
Mardi Gras
President's Day...and a little fella gets to spend the entire day with Mommy on Monday 'til Daddy gets home.
Chinese New Year
And yes, again, it's Valentine's Day tomorrow. The Hotel is happily decorated with hearts and lots of cards and drawings by the neighborhood kids.
This year, they've even covered some of the hallways. It's just too cute. The patients who get up are regaling us with some of their favorite ones and the rest are looking at their own-- "Look at that drawing.", "Aw, he can't spell, but it's so cute." "She put glitter on MY heart, Bob." To top it off, they've even scheduled a concert. Lots and lots of staff taking patients to a fun party.
And I suspect many of our people will be thinking of this quote, since they're away from home this year.
Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?
Richard Bach
Enjoy your day! Stay tuned...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Great expectations
That's what I get for opening my mouth in class.
The instructor assigned me to quiz, query and otherwise get one of our guests to tell us everything we'd possibly want to know about a certain nursing terminology.
Oy! Off to my reading...stay tuned for more goodies!
The instructor assigned me to quiz, query and otherwise get one of our guests to tell us everything we'd possibly want to know about a certain nursing terminology.
Oy! Off to my reading...stay tuned for more goodies!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Not so sharp...
And I'm not talking about razors, either.
A recent admission: patient comes in for an evaluation by a specialist that he/she cannot get in his nearby hospital. Patient unpacks stuff and I notice three packs of smokes. Patient had a screaming fit when I advise him/her of our tobacco policy. Nevertheless, I had to do remove the smokes according to appropriate policies. Patient was counseled re: quitting. We offer appropriate support for those nicotine needs-- patches, gum, etc. Patient calms down and apologizes.
To assure his happiness, said patient also brings some snacks, and a few cans of soda. In addition to the soda, I notice the non-alcoholic beer. Another argument ensues (nicely of course), but I had to get one of our bosses to confiscate that. Patient just refused to part with the near beer without an authority present.
The ironic part: Admitting MD notes that patient would have come to us sooner had he/she not been busy cleaning up legal issues related to alcohol.
A recent admission: patient comes in for an evaluation by a specialist that he/she cannot get in his nearby hospital. Patient unpacks stuff and I notice three packs of smokes. Patient had a screaming fit when I advise him/her of our tobacco policy. Nevertheless, I had to do remove the smokes according to appropriate policies. Patient was counseled re: quitting. We offer appropriate support for those nicotine needs-- patches, gum, etc. Patient calms down and apologizes.
To assure his happiness, said patient also brings some snacks, and a few cans of soda. In addition to the soda, I notice the non-alcoholic beer. Another argument ensues (nicely of course), but I had to get one of our bosses to confiscate that. Patient just refused to part with the near beer without an authority present.
The ironic part: Admitting MD notes that patient would have come to us sooner had he/she not been busy cleaning up legal issues related to alcohol.
Friday, February 5, 2010
By hook or by crook...
I'm probably going to end up in Vegas this year...maybe for my anniversary! Dahey said we could renew our wedding vows there for fun at one of those chapels. I told him only if he wears an Elvis costume. I was told I have to be Priscilla...not sure if the blonde or brunette one!
Anywho...enough of me. The work week ended with much excitement. The docs obviously didn't think we had enough to do, so they gave us a few extras at the last minute, like getting a PICC line and blood cultures for my patient who slept most of the day, because he stayed up watching movies all night and ringing the light for candy.
Our boss decided to redo a presentation my conference companion and I had done for one conference and submit it for another conference. Of course, all of the information had to be done stat, because, the boss never wants to wait (and he/she has ADHD) and the deadline is 1201 EST. This conference is in Las Vegas, too.
Happily, right now I'm working on a group project in my class and it's going very nicely. We have a larger group and being the project manager, I'm having fun doing and doling out the work where needed. We will deliver on time, by golly!
So now, a couple of shots...of espresso later, I'm ready to go to bed. To sleep, perchance, to dream...of a free weekend.
Stay tuned....more to come.
Anywho...enough of me. The work week ended with much excitement. The docs obviously didn't think we had enough to do, so they gave us a few extras at the last minute, like getting a PICC line and blood cultures for my patient who slept most of the day, because he stayed up watching movies all night and ringing the light for candy.
Our boss decided to redo a presentation my conference companion and I had done for one conference and submit it for another conference. Of course, all of the information had to be done stat, because, the boss never wants to wait (and he/she has ADHD) and the deadline is 1201 EST. This conference is in Las Vegas, too.
Happily, right now I'm working on a group project in my class and it's going very nicely. We have a larger group and being the project manager, I'm having fun doing and doling out the work where needed. We will deliver on time, by golly!
So now, a couple of shots...of espresso later, I'm ready to go to bed. To sleep, perchance, to dream...of a free weekend.
Stay tuned....more to come.
I love this job some days
Those are the days that click. I got to have fun recently. At Madison, nurses from Washington, our main hospital, come to the beautiful Hotel Rehab to hang out with us and see how we care for our patients in rehab. Our people sometimes strike the old school nurses as "needy", and some of them are, but some of their needs are not optional--they are necessary. Many of them see them when they're sicker than sick, or just before they come to us.
I got the pleasure of being shadowed by a nurse with way more experience than me. She has been a nurse almost as long as I've been alive. M. retired from World Renown Hospital, one of our nearby local university-affiliated trauma one centers. She saw the opportunities at Washington and said, "I want to try it."
M. and I discussed issues that come up with our people and all the rationale why these issues can be a big deal. I even gave her some of our patient ed cards so she had something to take back. On top of that, she actually thanked me for my explanations of our policies, procedures and how we operate.
It's lots of fun telling a willing audience about what you do and have them be interested.
I got the pleasure of being shadowed by a nurse with way more experience than me. She has been a nurse almost as long as I've been alive. M. retired from World Renown Hospital, one of our nearby local university-affiliated trauma one centers. She saw the opportunities at Washington and said, "I want to try it."
M. and I discussed issues that come up with our people and all the rationale why these issues can be a big deal. I even gave her some of our patient ed cards so she had something to take back. On top of that, she actually thanked me for my explanations of our policies, procedures and how we operate.
It's lots of fun telling a willing audience about what you do and have them be interested.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Change of Shift, February 4, 2010
Howdy all! I'm just back from a major cross-country road trip in the land of Dead Man's Wash and Bloody Basin. Only slightly saddle, or seat-sore from all the switchbacks, so I'm recuperating from beautiful but dusty environs, cactus pollen and the quirks of roadside hotel beds.
Sit on down at the bar, have a beverage of your choice, and enjoy the official, genuine authentic February 4, 2010 edition of change of shift.
Aaliyah Williams presents 10 Tips to Help You Take Control of Your Medical Records posted at MPH Degree, saying, "Your medical records, whether paper or electronic, are important documents that are generated or updated every time you visit a doctor."
Sit on down at the bar, have a beverage of your choice, and enjoy the official, genuine authentic February 4, 2010 edition of change of shift.
Aaliyah Williams presents 10 Tips to Help You Take Control of Your Medical Records posted at MPH Degree, saying, "Your medical records, whether paper or electronic, are important documents that are generated or updated every time you visit a doctor."
Faithe Jamse presents 17 Healthcare Trends that Are Actually Bad for Us posted at Masters in Health Care, saying, "Computerization, recession issues, the digital divide and even the price of gas all affect people and their health care. This list of seventeen healthcare trends and why they might be bad for us shows that some issues might be debatable."
Canika Jackson presents 11 Ways You Can Get Medical Care for Free posted at Radiologic Technician Schools, saying, "Medical care is an expensive proposition and any price discounts or freebies are hard to come by. However, if you donate the time and energy, you can find some surprising savings."
Janine posts about life and death and all the Shades of Grey on her similarly named blog. You'll never think about feet the same again after you read her post, My Big Toe.
Laney from over at Nursing Student Chronicles hits the nail on the head in regard to assessment and a new nursing student in her post, And then my head exploded.
Heartstrong presents Celebrate National Wear Red Day® this February with The Heart Truth®! posted at Healthy Hearts with Heartstrong.
That concludes this edition of Change of Shift back in the land of RehabRN. Thanks for visiting!
Submit your blog article to the next edition of change of shift at emergiblog February 18 using the carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Canika Jackson presents 11 Ways You Can Get Medical Care for Free posted at Radiologic Technician Schools, saying, "Medical care is an expensive proposition and any price discounts or freebies are hard to come by. However, if you donate the time and energy, you can find some surprising savings."
And since I've been travelling lately, Dean at the Millionaire Nurse blog has this timely post called Journey to Money Success--It Has to Start Somewhere. Be sure to read and think about this when you have to pay the tax guy coming up soon, or if you're one of the lucky folks who'll be getting a refund.
Janine posts about life and death and all the Shades of Grey on her similarly named blog. You'll never think about feet the same again after you read her post, My Big Toe.
Laney from over at Nursing Student Chronicles hits the nail on the head in regard to assessment and a new nursing student in her post, And then my head exploded.
Stefanie Kelly presents 57% Nurse Case Managers and Non-Clinical Nurses Look for New Jobs in 2010! Should You Be Looking Too? posted at Pathway Medical Blog, saying, "Survey shows 57% of nurse case managers and non-clinical nurses looking for new jobs in 2010."
Heartstrong presents Celebrate National Wear Red Day® this February with The Heart Truth®! posted at Healthy Hearts with Heartstrong.
the muse presents Nursing Orientation ? Good One or Bad? posted at the Muse, RN, saying, "Sorry! I may be too late, but I hope not. " Nope, you made it!
Mamatrauma tells us about a day gone awry in I hit my stride...then stumbled.
Mike King presents 100 Ways to Serve Others posted at Learn This, saying, "Nursing requires a strong attitude of providing care to others. This list outlines 100 ways to serve others in all areas of life, but certainly applicable to nursing as well."
Trish Torrey discusses How are nurses portrayed on tv? And why does it matter to us. in this about.com post.
That concludes this edition of Change of Shift back in the land of RehabRN. Thanks for visiting!
Submit your blog article to the next edition of change of shift at emergiblog February 18 using the carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Sick, tired and broken
Me, me and the major necessities of life. Thank goodness friends will come around when you need them!
Another good thing...Change of Shift...here...tomorrow.
Don't miss it!
Another good thing...Change of Shift...here...tomorrow.
Don't miss it!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Where has RehabRN been?
That crazy late 80s song is reverberating in my head, even if I haven't seen Michael J. Fox anywhere. All those darned signs make me want to look for prospectors or some cowboy to appear on the landscape.
We'll begin the drive back to RehabLand soon, so this show will hit the road.
Please keep those cards and letters coming...Change of Shift is here on February 4th.
We'll begin the drive back to RehabLand soon, so this show will hit the road.
Please keep those cards and letters coming...Change of Shift is here on February 4th.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Heard on the unit, volume 2
"RehabRN!" "RehabRN!" "RehabRN!" Patient #2
Remember him from our last installment? Yes, Mr. Demented proceeded to call out my name all weekend according to the night shift and he did it on day shift, too.
One of these days, we'll get those meds calibrated correctly, won't we smarty Dr. GeroPsych?
"Who is that nurse who looks like Gumby in pink?" Mr. Complains-a-lot.
All I can say is....I like Easter egg colors some times.
"If I had the middle covered up on this brace, (a TLSO) I'd paint a six pack on it." Mr. Renoir
Somebody really, really doesn't want to adhere to a diet that does not allow pie with every lunch and dinner. Said patient was outed to the dietician for eating seconds on pie this weekend, which is not part of his weight loss plan.
And if that's not entertaining enough, seen in orders....
"Record patient bowel movements to see if we need more forceful bowel preparations." noted for one of our patients being evaluated for colostomy.
We really like BM stories at the Hotel. We also get requests for frequency, color, and smell. We sent a C-diff for one patient after s/he suffered all weekend soiling the linens and the MDs wrote it off as a diet change....right!
School started recently so I'll be reading away.
Don't forget...the next Change of Shift will be right here at the Hotel Rehab on February 4th. Keep those cards and letters coming!
Remember him from our last installment? Yes, Mr. Demented proceeded to call out my name all weekend according to the night shift and he did it on day shift, too.
One of these days, we'll get those meds calibrated correctly, won't we smarty Dr. GeroPsych?
"Who is that nurse who looks like Gumby in pink?" Mr. Complains-a-lot.
All I can say is....I like Easter egg colors some times.
"If I had the middle covered up on this brace, (a TLSO) I'd paint a six pack on it." Mr. Renoir
Somebody really, really doesn't want to adhere to a diet that does not allow pie with every lunch and dinner. Said patient was outed to the dietician for eating seconds on pie this weekend, which is not part of his weight loss plan.
And if that's not entertaining enough, seen in orders....
"Record patient bowel movements to see if we need more forceful bowel preparations." noted for one of our patients being evaluated for colostomy.
We really like BM stories at the Hotel. We also get requests for frequency, color, and smell. We sent a C-diff for one patient after s/he suffered all weekend soiling the linens and the MDs wrote it off as a diet change....right!
School started recently so I'll be reading away.
Don't forget...the next Change of Shift will be right here at the Hotel Rehab on February 4th. Keep those cards and letters coming!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Just another reason why...
You don't want to go to the hospital alone. I will definitely heed my nursing instructors' advice if I ever end up in this situation.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Come on down!
It's your turn on the Price is Right...wait a minute! It's time for that perennial favorite...Change of Shift!
This week Kim's got a lot of CoS goodies over at emergiblog and on February 4th, you'll find Change of Shift right here, direct from the Hotel Rehab.
Use the BlogCarnival sidebar item on the right or e-mail them straight away to hotelrehab at nyms dot net.
Enjoy the latest and greatest...and get those fingers typing!
This week Kim's got a lot of CoS goodies over at emergiblog and on February 4th, you'll find Change of Shift right here, direct from the Hotel Rehab.
Use the BlogCarnival sidebar item on the right or e-mail them straight away to hotelrehab at nyms dot net.
Enjoy the latest and greatest...and get those fingers typing!
Lucky ducky
Yes, I am lucky.
So lucky that both of the codes I was called to today were resolved (or very near that) by the time I went to them.
First one was a fire code that I ran in the rain to get to the building. No smoke, no nothing. Just a whole lot of people standing around saying, "Okay, which smoke alarm was it?"
Next, was the code I got called to by the charge nurse, who said, "Come with me." in one of those voices that makes you think 1)one of the patients just did something horrible, or 2) someone just died. Happily, neither of those scenarios materialized. Visitor fainted in the parking lot by another building and was assessed by the folks there.
Walk back, wait, and it's time to go home....an exciting way to end the day.
So lucky that both of the codes I was called to today were resolved (or very near that) by the time I went to them.
First one was a fire code that I ran in the rain to get to the building. No smoke, no nothing. Just a whole lot of people standing around saying, "Okay, which smoke alarm was it?"
Next, was the code I got called to by the charge nurse, who said, "Come with me." in one of those voices that makes you think 1)one of the patients just did something horrible, or 2) someone just died. Happily, neither of those scenarios materialized. Visitor fainted in the parking lot by another building and was assessed by the folks there.
Walk back, wait, and it's time to go home....an exciting way to end the day.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Nuggets for January 20
Yes, it's Wednesday again and here's the latest and greatest goodies on the 'net. Enjoy!
Editing takes all the fun out of it
I was really stunned when I initially saw this story on the BBC website about how blonde women were more aggressive. The story must have pretty inflammatory (and they removed the Margaret Thatcher photo), so it was revised to reflect the researcher's actual research. Darn, it would have been fun posting this at work when it was about hair color!
A little rehab
We talk about lots of conditions that can cause you to end up in rehab at the Hotel--brain injury, spinal cord injury, and especially stroke. This article from this past weekend's NY Times is about strokes in children called Children Don't Have Strokes? Just ask Jared, which is a great article about this not-so-uncommon problem in pediatrics.
Battle of the sexes
As Gilda Radner used to say, "It's always something." Here are some recent articles of interest about men and women, inequality, housework and marriage.
Female Scientists Do More Housework (from the Chronicle for Higher Education) The first line is one of the best mental pictures for this type of article.
More Men Marrying Wealthier Women (from NY Times) It's an interesting trend.
Health and informatics
2 Nurses emerge as leaders in informatics A press release from AMIA, the American Medical Informatics Association.
Finally, just start jogging away from the desk right after you read this: Experts: Sitting too much could be deadly (from AP via Yahoo!)
Editing takes all the fun out of it
I was really stunned when I initially saw this story on the BBC website about how blonde women were more aggressive. The story must have pretty inflammatory (and they removed the Margaret Thatcher photo), so it was revised to reflect the researcher's actual research. Darn, it would have been fun posting this at work when it was about hair color!
A little rehab
We talk about lots of conditions that can cause you to end up in rehab at the Hotel--brain injury, spinal cord injury, and especially stroke. This article from this past weekend's NY Times is about strokes in children called Children Don't Have Strokes? Just ask Jared, which is a great article about this not-so-uncommon problem in pediatrics.
Battle of the sexes
As Gilda Radner used to say, "It's always something." Here are some recent articles of interest about men and women, inequality, housework and marriage.
Female Scientists Do More Housework (from the Chronicle for Higher Education) The first line is one of the best mental pictures for this type of article.
More Men Marrying Wealthier Women (from NY Times) It's an interesting trend.
Health and informatics
2 Nurses emerge as leaders in informatics A press release from AMIA, the American Medical Informatics Association.
Finally, just start jogging away from the desk right after you read this: Experts: Sitting too much could be deadly (from AP via Yahoo!)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Oh happy day!
Time to clean and work on lots of paperwork...why is all that paperwork appearing? Nothing like tax season and the start of the semester for the senseless murder of trees.
For my resource-obsessed coworker, S: Look, blog uses no paper! S is a little different...she brings her water in an aluminum bottle from home, which makes me believe she thinks the Hotel water (a mere five miles from her house) is poisoned. Nothing like a paranoid person to deal with when you work. Thankfully, we rarely work on the same shift. I hear of her exploits from the other folks.
One of my New Year's resolutions is not to talk about people much at all, even in terms of whether they were at work or not. I'm beginning to think that military truism of only having the absolute necessary information to work is better with one's coworkers. Some things I'd rather just not know.
I had a little time last night to look up a few topics and so did a couple of other people, so we were Google dueling for a while. Someone picks a condition and we google it to see who comes up with the best information first, without getting info from Wikipedia.
It's always interesting on the evening shift.
For my resource-obsessed coworker, S: Look, blog uses no paper! S is a little different...she brings her water in an aluminum bottle from home, which makes me believe she thinks the Hotel water (a mere five miles from her house) is poisoned. Nothing like a paranoid person to deal with when you work. Thankfully, we rarely work on the same shift. I hear of her exploits from the other folks.
One of my New Year's resolutions is not to talk about people much at all, even in terms of whether they were at work or not. I'm beginning to think that military truism of only having the absolute necessary information to work is better with one's coworkers. Some things I'd rather just not know.
I had a little time last night to look up a few topics and so did a couple of other people, so we were Google dueling for a while. Someone picks a condition and we google it to see who comes up with the best information first, without getting info from Wikipedia.
It's always interesting on the evening shift.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Over halfway through...
I can hardly believe January has gone by this quickly. So many things on the horizon...road trips, birthdays and grad school starts again.
The time is just flying again...more to come, so stay tuned!
The time is just flying again...more to come, so stay tuned!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Heard on the unit...2010
I haven't really had too much in a long while for this segment, but it's getting better and better everyday.
Here's a few I've had recently...
"Please call the minister. I want to let him know what I want for my funeral." Patient #1
He's not even dying yet, but this guy wanted us to do everything to get the chaplain on the unit right away recently. Chaplain had already left for the day, so we left the service a message. Now if he starts dreaming about the dead relatives and the farm...that's a whole other story!
"Is that a beer bottle over there on the shelf?"
"Where's my good luck kiss before I go in the ring?" Patient #2
This patient is demented and his worst periods often happen in the middle of the night. No, there is no beer bottle, but the flashlight we keep there sure can look like one in the dark.
I get the pleasure of reorienting him back to the hospital, which isn't nearly as exciting as his career in the Marines, the boxing ring, or as a bartender.
Stay tuned for more goodies!
Here's a few I've had recently...
"Please call the minister. I want to let him know what I want for my funeral." Patient #1
He's not even dying yet, but this guy wanted us to do everything to get the chaplain on the unit right away recently. Chaplain had already left for the day, so we left the service a message. Now if he starts dreaming about the dead relatives and the farm...that's a whole other story!
"Is that a beer bottle over there on the shelf?"
"Where's my good luck kiss before I go in the ring?" Patient #2
This patient is demented and his worst periods often happen in the middle of the night. No, there is no beer bottle, but the flashlight we keep there sure can look like one in the dark.
I get the pleasure of reorienting him back to the hospital, which isn't nearly as exciting as his career in the Marines, the boxing ring, or as a bartender.
Stay tuned for more goodies!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Welcome back!
Things you always want to see on your first night back from vacation:
1. Patient who is given a bottle of magnesium citrate, just as your shift starts. Load up the pads, towels and cleaning supplies.
2. Patient who goes from obnoxious all day to threats to assault to taking a swing. Security!
3. Patient who remembers your name and yells it out every single time you walk past his/her room, just to see if you'll come in.
Maybe I should have just given him the night shift charge nurse's name, instead.
1. Patient who is given a bottle of magnesium citrate, just as your shift starts. Load up the pads, towels and cleaning supplies.
2. Patient who goes from obnoxious all day to threats to assault to taking a swing. Security!
3. Patient who remembers your name and yells it out every single time you walk past his/her room, just to see if you'll come in.
Maybe I should have just given him the night shift charge nurse's name, instead.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Help Haiti
Here are a few links if you're interested in helping those affected by the Haitian earthquake yesterday.
For nurses and other first responders, check out this page at nursingworld.org.
For more information on contacting relatives, etc., check out the Department of State blog.
Here are charities actively working in Haiti who need cash donations now to help their already established organizations there:
American Red Cross
Cross International
Food for the Poor
St. Boniface Haiti Foundation
For nurses and other first responders, check out this page at nursingworld.org.
For more information on contacting relatives, etc., check out the Department of State blog.
Here are charities actively working in Haiti who need cash donations now to help their already established organizations there:
American Red Cross
Cross International
Food for the Poor
St. Boniface Haiti Foundation
Nuggets for January 13
Yes, it's Nuggets...the post-holiday edition. Sit back and enjoy wherever you are. The regularly scheduled holidays may be over, but if you want to make up your own holiday, check out some of the items below.
So what is January 13, anyway?
Just go nuts...or maybe Knuts would be more appropriate today, which is St. Knuts Day in random parts of Scandinavia. Want to know more? Check out this page about St. Knut's Day.
Nurse vs. IRS
Nurses are very smart people, and sometimes they need just a little more education to do their jobs effectively. This Wall Street Journal article called Nurse Outduels IRS to Deduct M.B.A. Tuition tells a great story you may need to use later. Lori Singleton-Clarke, you are my hero! Hope you get a book deal!
J. Lo --the ideal woman?
Tired of chubby buns and thighs? Never fear! Salvation is here. According to this BBC News story; Having a big bum, hips and thighs 'is healthy'
For all the parents out there...
Take heed if you have a leaky lad or lass. All is not lost. The 18 and under section of the NY Times health blog has a great story about bedwetting among kids over 5. Read the whole thing...the last paragraph is priceless.
And for all the corrections nurses...
This one's for you. Jeffrey Rosen has a great story called Prisoners of Parole, which was discusses alternative ways to keep certain offenders from reoffending and going back to prison.
So what is January 13, anyway?
Just go nuts...or maybe Knuts would be more appropriate today, which is St. Knuts Day in random parts of Scandinavia. Want to know more? Check out this page about St. Knut's Day.
Nurse vs. IRS
Nurses are very smart people, and sometimes they need just a little more education to do their jobs effectively. This Wall Street Journal article called Nurse Outduels IRS to Deduct M.B.A. Tuition tells a great story you may need to use later. Lori Singleton-Clarke, you are my hero! Hope you get a book deal!
J. Lo --the ideal woman?
Tired of chubby buns and thighs? Never fear! Salvation is here. According to this BBC News story; Having a big bum, hips and thighs 'is healthy'
For all the parents out there...
Take heed if you have a leaky lad or lass. All is not lost. The 18 and under section of the NY Times health blog has a great story about bedwetting among kids over 5. Read the whole thing...the last paragraph is priceless.
And for all the corrections nurses...
This one's for you. Jeffrey Rosen has a great story called Prisoners of Parole, which was discusses alternative ways to keep certain offenders from reoffending and going back to prison.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
I love allergies
No, I don't wear an allergy band, but if I did, they'd probably have to print it in very small font.
You'd think that all the mold in this place would finally be frozen with the oh-so-low temps we've been having lately. No way...that's why the maintenance guys have turned up the heat.
Welcome to the house (or hotel) dust storm! A-choo!
More to come...stay tuned.
You'd think that all the mold in this place would finally be frozen with the oh-so-low temps we've been having lately. No way...that's why the maintenance guys have turned up the heat.
Welcome to the house (or hotel) dust storm! A-choo!
More to come...stay tuned.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
New Year's Resolution: Another club to join
We don't have any of the biggest and baddest of these in our neck of the woods, but we do have a 50 story monster I took on this morning in a test climb.
Skyscraper 0, Nurse 1.
Just like doing the upstairs rounds at work, only several times over...now it's march, march, march until D-day, the day of the climb.
Skyscraper 0, Nurse 1.
Just like doing the upstairs rounds at work, only several times over...now it's march, march, march until D-day, the day of the climb.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Late Nite...
It's the latest version of Change of Shift up at emergiblog, silly. Who knows where or what Letterman is doing.
Go check it out!
Go check it out!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Nuggets for January 7
Happy New Year, all! Welcome to the very first edition of Nuggets for the new year.
Lots and lots of goodies out there on the 'net and in the blogosphere for your enjoyment. If you're snowed in and at work, like me, take a break, take a load off and enjoy a moment to yourself, 'cause that shift may last a LOOOONG time if relief doesn't get there!
More new year's resolution stuff
Here are a few goodies I've run into on this front, if you're up to a change:
How to keep your new year's resolutions (from Time Magazine)
Swissballs - info on one balance ball maker
Thinking of going to graduate school? Check out this article, if you're thinking about the humanities: Just Don't Go. (from the Chronicle of Higher Education)
Nursing, technology, etc.
It's in the news all the time...here are some interesting items recently.
Nursing: we take care of the whole family as our patients, including some unusual family members: Nurses take care of man's seeing eye dog (from the Lincoln, NE Journal Star)
Technology: The merger of these two health record systems may be a noted as a major accomplishment one of these days: VA, Kaiser to share health records (from Sign On San Diego)
Love story: Yes, it's not necessarily nursing-related, but it is a good story nevertheless, so go ahead and read it. Could I forgive him one last time? (from the NY Times)
Lots and lots of goodies out there on the 'net and in the blogosphere for your enjoyment. If you're snowed in and at work, like me, take a break, take a load off and enjoy a moment to yourself, 'cause that shift may last a LOOOONG time if relief doesn't get there!
More new year's resolution stuff
Here are a few goodies I've run into on this front, if you're up to a change:
How to keep your new year's resolutions (from Time Magazine)
Swissballs - info on one balance ball maker
Thinking of going to graduate school? Check out this article, if you're thinking about the humanities: Just Don't Go. (from the Chronicle of Higher Education)
Nursing, technology, etc.
It's in the news all the time...here are some interesting items recently.
Nursing: we take care of the whole family as our patients, including some unusual family members: Nurses take care of man's seeing eye dog (from the Lincoln, NE Journal Star)
Technology: The merger of these two health record systems may be a noted as a major accomplishment one of these days: VA, Kaiser to share health records (from Sign On San Diego)
Love story: Yes, it's not necessarily nursing-related, but it is a good story nevertheless, so go ahead and read it. Could I forgive him one last time? (from the NY Times)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Decade, what decade?
"Time flies when you're having fun." anonymous
I was reading Maha's post the other day about the last decade, and it got me thinking about my own whereabouts.
My decade...in a nutshell.
2000: Maybe they should have called it --Y2K, your life. My life: family deaths, weddings, and a job change all in one year.
2001: Job is cool and all of a sudden on my way to a meeting, hundreds of people are in the lobby. Whoa, some meeting, I think. 9-11 is happening on the screens as I go by, which was so surreal. Next, go to the meeting, come out, get ready to go to another meeting, and find out the people I was supposed to meet cancelled for a very good reason. They were called in to their Army Reserve jobs immediately. Project delayed.
2002: Things were very different after 9-11. Projects on hold. Market tanks and old, venerable company has first layoff. Out I go. I enjoy unemployment so much, I get pregnant. Dahey promptly leaves town for work.
2003: Almost like 2000 again: good things (baby, new job) and bad things (literally and figuratively crazy relatives, wacko real estate deal). Lots of stress going back to work. Dahey is out of job for much of the year, which actually turned out to be a good thing. Can you say Mr. Mom?
2004: Love/hate relationship with job. Lots of stuff in head...go do MBA or take nursing prereqs? Start prereqs, since they're cheaper.
2005: Find out boss is shopping my job to contracting firms. Very, very pissed. Start looking for other jobs. Relative dies, which actually turned out to be a good thing. Relative is best friend of godfather, who works at same company. Boss realizes this and out of the goodness of his heart (with tail between his legs to boss, since he now had some explaining...) rescinds job search for my position. In retaliation, I find a job with better pay and benefits and give two weeks notice. Finished nursing prereqs. Apply to several nursing programs in two states.
2006: Freak out when I get acceptance letter from PrivateU's nursing school. Pay deposit and wait six months. Oh.My.Freaking.Heavens. Give notice at job before start of the year of living dangerously in an accelerated program. One of my coworkers tells me before I leave, "That is the best kiss-off letter I've ever read!"
2007: Graduate from nursing school. What an experience! The overachievers there made business school look like kindergarten! Work at Saintarama in my first job. Have fun, learn lots and have a sore back from all the heave-ho.
2008: Decide I need to leave Saintarama. Was wanted in a bean-counting job, but just couldn't do it, for all the tea in China (way too much hassle, even if it was "education".) Get job at Madison with so much less and so much more. Less driving and hassle and more money. Still have fun with rehab patients. Learn about government bureaucracy. Go to my first conference ever in my career. Have a blast and decide to pursue certifications.
2009: It's a good at the Hotel Rehab. I get pay raises, certifications, an award, and a chance at a desk for that clock/radio I got for nurse's week. Okay, so I don't have the desk yet, and the clock part doesn't work, but it was an effort. Started grad school as a new hobby...sometimes I wish I liked needlepoint like my friend S.
And now it's 2010. We'll just have to wait and see...
I was reading Maha's post the other day about the last decade, and it got me thinking about my own whereabouts.
My decade...in a nutshell.
2000: Maybe they should have called it --Y2K, your life. My life: family deaths, weddings, and a job change all in one year.
2001: Job is cool and all of a sudden on my way to a meeting, hundreds of people are in the lobby. Whoa, some meeting, I think. 9-11 is happening on the screens as I go by, which was so surreal. Next, go to the meeting, come out, get ready to go to another meeting, and find out the people I was supposed to meet cancelled for a very good reason. They were called in to their Army Reserve jobs immediately. Project delayed.
2002: Things were very different after 9-11. Projects on hold. Market tanks and old, venerable company has first layoff. Out I go. I enjoy unemployment so much, I get pregnant. Dahey promptly leaves town for work.
2003: Almost like 2000 again: good things (baby, new job) and bad things (literally and figuratively crazy relatives, wacko real estate deal). Lots of stress going back to work. Dahey is out of job for much of the year, which actually turned out to be a good thing. Can you say Mr. Mom?
2004: Love/hate relationship with job. Lots of stuff in head...go do MBA or take nursing prereqs? Start prereqs, since they're cheaper.
2005: Find out boss is shopping my job to contracting firms. Very, very pissed. Start looking for other jobs. Relative dies, which actually turned out to be a good thing. Relative is best friend of godfather, who works at same company. Boss realizes this and out of the goodness of his heart (with tail between his legs to boss, since he now had some explaining...) rescinds job search for my position. In retaliation, I find a job with better pay and benefits and give two weeks notice. Finished nursing prereqs. Apply to several nursing programs in two states.
2006: Freak out when I get acceptance letter from PrivateU's nursing school. Pay deposit and wait six months. Oh.My.Freaking.Heavens. Give notice at job before start of the year of living dangerously in an accelerated program. One of my coworkers tells me before I leave, "That is the best kiss-off letter I've ever read!"
2007: Graduate from nursing school. What an experience! The overachievers there made business school look like kindergarten! Work at Saintarama in my first job. Have fun, learn lots and have a sore back from all the heave-ho.
2008: Decide I need to leave Saintarama. Was wanted in a bean-counting job, but just couldn't do it, for all the tea in China (way too much hassle, even if it was "education".) Get job at Madison with so much less and so much more. Less driving and hassle and more money. Still have fun with rehab patients. Learn about government bureaucracy. Go to my first conference ever in my career. Have a blast and decide to pursue certifications.
2009: It's a good at the Hotel Rehab. I get pay raises, certifications, an award, and a chance at a desk for that clock/radio I got for nurse's week. Okay, so I don't have the desk yet, and the clock part doesn't work, but it was an effort. Started grad school as a new hobby...sometimes I wish I liked needlepoint like my friend S.
And now it's 2010. We'll just have to wait and see...
Back to basics
Keep It Simple, Stupid, or the KISS principle as it's known in IT circles has been the story of my days lately.
Lucky me, the grad student, got nominated by the boss to be on the IT committee for the unit for some redesigning work and a special project. What does this mean? In addition to my regular duties keeping everyone happy at the Hotel, I've been working on analysis of some of the upgrades that are coming. (See, some of those classes really do come in handy!)
Now I just have to manage to herd the other RN on this project into more meetings and get my boss to cooperate in letting me off the floor for said meetings.
It should make this an interesting few months...stay tuned.
Lucky me, the grad student, got nominated by the boss to be on the IT committee for the unit for some redesigning work and a special project. What does this mean? In addition to my regular duties keeping everyone happy at the Hotel, I've been working on analysis of some of the upgrades that are coming. (See, some of those classes really do come in handy!)
Now I just have to manage to herd the other RN on this project into more meetings and get my boss to cooperate in letting me off the floor for said meetings.
It should make this an interesting few months...stay tuned.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Another fun evening
Yes, today's the first business day of the new year, and we're looking forward to the booking agents filling up all the empty rooms in the Hotel again. Our census has been low, low, low, so now we have to start combing the hospitals, homes and clinics hither and yon, to fill up the place. Should make things exciting this week.
Happily, I've been enjoying having less people, because I've been able to spend more time with my patients. One is confused. He's getting better, but why is it that all the confused people, who sometimes can't remember where they are, can remember down to the minute, when they get their next pain pill (and badger me until they get it)?
I'm praying the prosthetic people bring one of our amputee patients his stump shrinkers. He sure needs them. I can't properly wrap his stumps with ACE wraps, and it's driving him (and me) crazy. He finally believed me when the charge nurse told him we weren't really wrapping his stumps according to the book protocol (with ACE going around the waist).
Outside of that, I finally got my grades sent off and am awaiting next semester's bill to submit. Let's hope the education people don't run out of money!
Stay tuned...more to come from the exciting land of Hotel Rehab.
Happily, I've been enjoying having less people, because I've been able to spend more time with my patients. One is confused. He's getting better, but why is it that all the confused people, who sometimes can't remember where they are, can remember down to the minute, when they get their next pain pill (and badger me until they get it)?
I'm praying the prosthetic people bring one of our amputee patients his stump shrinkers. He sure needs them. I can't properly wrap his stumps with ACE wraps, and it's driving him (and me) crazy. He finally believed me when the charge nurse told him we weren't really wrapping his stumps according to the book protocol (with ACE going around the waist).
Outside of that, I finally got my grades sent off and am awaiting next semester's bill to submit. Let's hope the education people don't run out of money!
Stay tuned...more to come from the exciting land of Hotel Rehab.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy New Year
I got to spend New Year's Eve at the Hotel working with patients, and as I was driving home, people in the neighborhood were blowing fireworks off, lighting up the already bright blue moon sky.
So, I've been recreating here and there in between shifts and sleeping. Never can get enough sleep.
I woke up disoriented this morning thinking it was a day ahead, and somehow the paper people forgot my Sunday paper. Alas, it's only Saturday. Now, it's time for work.
Stay tuned...more to come! The year awaits...
So, I've been recreating here and there in between shifts and sleeping. Never can get enough sleep.
I woke up disoriented this morning thinking it was a day ahead, and somehow the paper people forgot my Sunday paper. Alas, it's only Saturday. Now, it's time for work.
Stay tuned...more to come! The year awaits...
Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Year's Eve
"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us."
--Hal Borland, American author
Enjoy your goings on today.
--Hal Borland, American author
Enjoy your goings on today.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Nuggets for December 30
The last version of Nuggets for 2009 (aka the Golden Nugget version). I'm always mining for the best of the rest of the blogosphere and beyond.
If you're on a break and will be toasting with non-alcoholic sparkly stuff because you're working New Year's Eve, this version's for you! I'll be doing the same thing at the Hotel Rehab, looking for the Blue Moon. (Yes, this once in a blue moon--full moon twice in a month-- is New Year's Eve).
Hope you enjoy!
The gifts that keep on giving
Christmas is over, but the spirit lives, before and after in this story of giving in Philadelphia. (from www.nbcphiladelphia.com)
The fmylife.com folks have stories of woe all the time. Another site, using the same script (sorry, the nerd in me comes out occasionally...), is called Gives Me Hope. Check out the equally interesting stories there, when you need a lift and proof there really are good folks out there.
Science non-fiction
A Dissection Project in California Aims to Create A Search Engine of the Brain (from www.nytimes.com) Henry Molaison, known worldwide as H. M., an amnesic who collaborated on hundreds of studies of memory died last year at age 82. His brain will be used for this project.
Resolutions
Yes, the New Year is upon us, so make a difference. Check out this article from Dr. Oz at www.nytimes.com called Realistic Resolutions, about resolutions to get healthy.
The Goals Guy, Gary Ryan Blair has a whole section of his website devoted to New Year's Resolutions. Check it out!
If you're on a break and will be toasting with non-alcoholic sparkly stuff because you're working New Year's Eve, this version's for you! I'll be doing the same thing at the Hotel Rehab, looking for the Blue Moon. (Yes, this once in a blue moon--full moon twice in a month-- is New Year's Eve).
Hope you enjoy!
The gifts that keep on giving
Christmas is over, but the spirit lives, before and after in this story of giving in Philadelphia. (from www.nbcphiladelphia.com)
The fmylife.com folks have stories of woe all the time. Another site, using the same script (sorry, the nerd in me comes out occasionally...), is called Gives Me Hope. Check out the equally interesting stories there, when you need a lift and proof there really are good folks out there.
Science non-fiction
A Dissection Project in California Aims to Create A Search Engine of the Brain (from www.nytimes.com) Henry Molaison, known worldwide as H. M., an amnesic who collaborated on hundreds of studies of memory died last year at age 82. His brain will be used for this project.
Resolutions
Yes, the New Year is upon us, so make a difference. Check out this article from Dr. Oz at www.nytimes.com called Realistic Resolutions, about resolutions to get healthy.
The Goals Guy, Gary Ryan Blair has a whole section of his website devoted to New Year's Resolutions. Check it out!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Surprise!
Fun thing to do to the specialist rounding on your patient...make him work on the floor.
Patient has small, nasty wound requiring mechanical debridement, since the enzymatic debriding agent is not working well anymore.
Said specialist, also the chief of specialty service, comes with his own assistant and the whole medical staff of Hotel Rehab, including our chief, follows him around on rounds recently. Specialist, however, does not bring tools or other goodies from Washington, while slumming at Madison with us.
Yours truly sees the group moving from room to room, then dives into supply closet and packs a debridement tray, scalpels and extra gauze into scrub pockets, and gets back to room just as the pack of doctors comes by.
All my goodies for the patient's wounds I hadn't yet dressed were all set up on the table. Specialist sees this and checks out patient really well. "Looks like it needs debridement," he says, motioning to the nasty, necrotic wound.
"Do you need a kit?" I ask.
"Why, yes, I do."
"Well, here you go." I say to specialist, fumbling for my pocket and coming up with the debridement kit.
Specialist just shakes his head. Rest of room of MDs just look.
"And would you like a #10 or #11 scalpel?" I ask.
"No 11." says the assistant. "He only uses 10s."
"Did I tell you I was thinking of being an OR nurse, once?" I use to change the subject. No dice.
Specialist proceeds to debride my patient, on his first meeting. He grouses, he gripes, because we didn't have the hemostats, etc., that he likes. "You know we don't get the good stuff down here, remember?" I say repeatedly. He still works, carefully removing the dead stuff and providing his assessment to the rest of the medical staff in the room.
"As for you," he says pointing at me, "I'll remember this."
"Me, too. " I say and smile. "See you next year."
Nothing like making the doctors work on the floor.
Patient has small, nasty wound requiring mechanical debridement, since the enzymatic debriding agent is not working well anymore.
Said specialist, also the chief of specialty service, comes with his own assistant and the whole medical staff of Hotel Rehab, including our chief, follows him around on rounds recently. Specialist, however, does not bring tools or other goodies from Washington, while slumming at Madison with us.
Yours truly sees the group moving from room to room, then dives into supply closet and packs a debridement tray, scalpels and extra gauze into scrub pockets, and gets back to room just as the pack of doctors comes by.
All my goodies for the patient's wounds I hadn't yet dressed were all set up on the table. Specialist sees this and checks out patient really well. "Looks like it needs debridement," he says, motioning to the nasty, necrotic wound.
"Do you need a kit?" I ask.
"Why, yes, I do."
"Well, here you go." I say to specialist, fumbling for my pocket and coming up with the debridement kit.
Specialist just shakes his head. Rest of room of MDs just look.
"And would you like a #10 or #11 scalpel?" I ask.
"No 11." says the assistant. "He only uses 10s."
"Did I tell you I was thinking of being an OR nurse, once?" I use to change the subject. No dice.
Specialist proceeds to debride my patient, on his first meeting. He grouses, he gripes, because we didn't have the hemostats, etc., that he likes. "You know we don't get the good stuff down here, remember?" I say repeatedly. He still works, carefully removing the dead stuff and providing his assessment to the rest of the medical staff in the room.
"As for you," he says pointing at me, "I'll remember this."
"Me, too. " I say and smile. "See you next year."
Nothing like making the doctors work on the floor.
Hit the road
Travel is a vanishing act
We're booking a lot of trips out of the Hotel Rehab in the next few days. Some people have to get out before the insurance runs out. Some people just have plans to be anywhere but with us for the new year.
I'll miss some of these people. We've had some really nice folks lately. Mr. S is the guy, who escorted me and a co-worker to the door late one evening when we got a strange call on the intercom, along with his roommate. "Don't worry, girls", he said, "We're coming with you." Mr. C. is going home with his daughter. I know his roommate will really miss him, too.
The second best comment I've ever gotten as a nurse came today, from Mr. Q., who will also be leaving soon. "You know, you should really be a teacher," he told me, "because you're good at it." I replied, "Mr. Q., did you know that's part of my job as a nurse? We all teach folks how to do stuff, like your ostomy care." I did thank him for the compliment. It's nice to be appreciated and for the patient to be able to perform a task after you demonstrate it and let them do it.
As I watch all the vignettes on the news and on the internet of the famous people who have passed away, I think about more than a few of our people. Two folks died on the unit, and I had taken care of both of them for a good while and grew to like them. A few of the ones who got away and discharged also passed away. A couple just had the look, the look of the despaired, that vacant look that tells you they don't really want to live. Living was a burden from which they wanted relief. They got their wishes, and the rest of us just wonder.
More later. Stay tuned...
Monday, December 28, 2009
Rolling into the end of the year...
The cold air is coming, and boy, can you feel it! They're turning up the heat in the Hotel and inside, it's so, so hot!
I went back to work, and it's still work. I realize that it is a feat sometimes to chart as you go so you don't get stuck trying to finish at the last minute. I took care of people I'd taken care of before, so happily, there was no learning curve to figure out who wanted what and when. One of my peeps will hopefully be rolling out of here before the end of the year, so he's happy. The other one could be with us for awhile...yet again. He's tricky medically and strategically, so it's always fun to see what will happen with the situation this time.
Despite all the complications, I'm trying to keep the holiday outlook of goodwill alive. It can be hard when you'd really like to do otherwise, but I've noticed that if I'm calm in the face of the many little adversities in my life, they proceed better. "What, Doc? You want another test after I just sent that boatload? Sure, I'll get it." Kvetching provides momentary release, but is really a waste when you think about it.
The decorations for the holiday came down today, since we expect inspections in the new year. The sparkle and snow and frosty trees were put away, hopefully for another year.
Tomorrow is another day and I'll work on getting all my extra paperwork done. We'll see how it goes. Stay tuned.
I went back to work, and it's still work. I realize that it is a feat sometimes to chart as you go so you don't get stuck trying to finish at the last minute. I took care of people I'd taken care of before, so happily, there was no learning curve to figure out who wanted what and when. One of my peeps will hopefully be rolling out of here before the end of the year, so he's happy. The other one could be with us for awhile...yet again. He's tricky medically and strategically, so it's always fun to see what will happen with the situation this time.
Despite all the complications, I'm trying to keep the holiday outlook of goodwill alive. It can be hard when you'd really like to do otherwise, but I've noticed that if I'm calm in the face of the many little adversities in my life, they proceed better. "What, Doc? You want another test after I just sent that boatload? Sure, I'll get it." Kvetching provides momentary release, but is really a waste when you think about it.
The decorations for the holiday came down today, since we expect inspections in the new year. The sparkle and snow and frosty trees were put away, hopefully for another year.
Tomorrow is another day and I'll work on getting all my extra paperwork done. We'll see how it goes. Stay tuned.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
And it is merry...there is life and love everywhere. I can enjoy it, since I don't have to go to work today. That itself is a wonderful gift. Thanks, Boss!
Recently, we sent one of our cancer patients to the hospice unit. He came back today. He always talks to me when he sees me, because I admitted him to the Hotel when he came to us from Washington.
He was all smiles. From the looks of him, you'd never know he was dying. He was all bundled up in his wheelchair with a seasonal green corduroy baseball cap atop his head. He was happy. He was even more happy when the nurse behind the desk found his smokes. Now he can go to the smoking area and light up. He wished us a Merry Christmas and went on his way.
Our other cancer patient will get treatment until next week. After that, he's going home. Meanwhile, he left today to go spend time with his family. He is such a sweet, kind man. No matter what, we will miss him. He's become our mascot of sorts. He has a gentle personality and a wobbly gait, but we've grown to love him (we don't get too many walking patients). Many of our patients are very angry when they come to us for multiple reasons, but not this character. Despite everything that has happened in his world, he is kind and gentle. He gets up in his wheelchair and rolls next door to see his neighbor every day. The end of the year draws closer and his discharge date is coming. We will miss him.
More later...have yourself a Merry holiday today!
Recently, we sent one of our cancer patients to the hospice unit. He came back today. He always talks to me when he sees me, because I admitted him to the Hotel when he came to us from Washington.
He was all smiles. From the looks of him, you'd never know he was dying. He was all bundled up in his wheelchair with a seasonal green corduroy baseball cap atop his head. He was happy. He was even more happy when the nurse behind the desk found his smokes. Now he can go to the smoking area and light up. He wished us a Merry Christmas and went on his way.
Our other cancer patient will get treatment until next week. After that, he's going home. Meanwhile, he left today to go spend time with his family. He is such a sweet, kind man. No matter what, we will miss him. He's become our mascot of sorts. He has a gentle personality and a wobbly gait, but we've grown to love him (we don't get too many walking patients). Many of our patients are very angry when they come to us for multiple reasons, but not this character. Despite everything that has happened in his world, he is kind and gentle. He gets up in his wheelchair and rolls next door to see his neighbor every day. The end of the year draws closer and his discharge date is coming. We will miss him.
More later...have yourself a Merry holiday today!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Ho ho ho! It's CoS!
Yes, Santa's on his way and Kim's busy filling the blogsphere's stockings with goodies from this week's Change of Shift.
Head on over and enjoy...with your favorite spiked drink!
Head on over and enjoy...with your favorite spiked drink!
For everyone working the holiday...
Have a great one...wherever you are!
A Nurse's Christmas
________________________________________
Twas the night before Christmas.., and all thru the floor
Lasix was given, filling the foleys galore.
Stockings were worn to prevent emboli,
they came in two sizes, knee and thigh high.
The patients were nestled half-assed in their beds,
while visions of stool softeners danced in their heads.
We in our scrubs, and they in their gowns,
Fashions created to hide extra pounds.
When down in the ER it became such a zoo,
they called with admissions for me and for you.
They're coming, they're going, and they're all looking the same.
My patience for patients is starting to wane.
Now call lights are ringing, the patient 400 pounds, says-"
Didn't get my pericare, now send my nurse down."
And now delegation seems the best plan,
We try to send others, to the needs of this man.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Santa himself and 8 tiny reindeer.
He says he comes from Central Supply.
To bring us LR,NS, & D5.
The doctors then scribbled what no one could read,
Orders on patients, to measure their pee.
We try to decipher illegible words,
orders for patients, to guiac their turds.
The new shift arriving, our day is now through,
How did stool & emesis get in my shoe?
We give them report and pass on the facts,
and tell them of duoderm lining the cracks.
And the nurses exclaim as they limp out of sight,
"Ativan to them all, and to all good night.!!!"
A Nurse's Christmas
________________________________________
Twas the night before Christmas.., and all thru the floor
Lasix was given, filling the foleys galore.
Stockings were worn to prevent emboli,
they came in two sizes, knee and thigh high.
The patients were nestled half-assed in their beds,
while visions of stool softeners danced in their heads.
We in our scrubs, and they in their gowns,
Fashions created to hide extra pounds.
When down in the ER it became such a zoo,
they called with admissions for me and for you.
They're coming, they're going, and they're all looking the same.
My patience for patients is starting to wane.
Now call lights are ringing, the patient 400 pounds, says-"
Didn't get my pericare, now send my nurse down."
And now delegation seems the best plan,
We try to send others, to the needs of this man.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Santa himself and 8 tiny reindeer.
He says he comes from Central Supply.
To bring us LR,NS, & D5.
The doctors then scribbled what no one could read,
Orders on patients, to measure their pee.
We try to decipher illegible words,
orders for patients, to guiac their turds.
The new shift arriving, our day is now through,
How did stool & emesis get in my shoe?
We give them report and pass on the facts,
and tell them of duoderm lining the cracks.
And the nurses exclaim as they limp out of sight,
"Ativan to them all, and to all good night.!!!"
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Nuggets for December 23
In mere days, Santa's coming to town. Here are a few goodies I've found recently while surfing to tide you over. Have a wonderful holiday season whatever you celebrate.
Merry Christmas from Hotel Rehab, where we'll leave the lights on just for you! (No admissions, please.)
Science and random holiday fare
Everyone knows we get lots and lots of food out for the holidays, including various delicacies. Be careful what you eat. According to this NY Times article, Remarkable Creatures, you may want to steer clear of the puffer. Friends don't let friends eat tetrodotoxins.
Another reason to eat before you get on the plane: Safety of food at airports is spotty. (from USA Today)
It's a fluffy section of Yahoo!, but I really enjoy Shine. If the relatives are at your house now, or you survived the holiday party, this article called 5 Behaviors of Manipulative People may be just the thing you're looking for to get through someone's guilt trip (add your favorite relative).
Doctors, nurses and everyone in between
I've always wondered about this, but Cases in the NY Times health section talks about the etiquette of addressing patients in the exam room. Reminded me of more than a few of my patients..."don't call me Mr./Mrs. So and So. That's my mom/dad/grandpa/uncle/aunt, etc."
Heather Hicks, a Cleveland area CCU nurse, writes about Teamwork, planning and flexibility in her segment of A Nurse's Journal (a regular feature segment) in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Merry Christmas from Hotel Rehab, where we'll leave the lights on just for you! (No admissions, please.)
Science and random holiday fare
Everyone knows we get lots and lots of food out for the holidays, including various delicacies. Be careful what you eat. According to this NY Times article, Remarkable Creatures, you may want to steer clear of the puffer. Friends don't let friends eat tetrodotoxins.
Another reason to eat before you get on the plane: Safety of food at airports is spotty. (from USA Today)
It's a fluffy section of Yahoo!, but I really enjoy Shine. If the relatives are at your house now, or you survived the holiday party, this article called 5 Behaviors of Manipulative People may be just the thing you're looking for to get through someone's guilt trip (add your favorite relative).
Doctors, nurses and everyone in between
I've always wondered about this, but Cases in the NY Times health section talks about the etiquette of addressing patients in the exam room. Reminded me of more than a few of my patients..."don't call me Mr./Mrs. So and So. That's my mom/dad/grandpa/uncle/aunt, etc."
Heather Hicks, a Cleveland area CCU nurse, writes about Teamwork, planning and flexibility in her segment of A Nurse's Journal (a regular feature segment) in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The smells of the season
Off on vacation: (aka scenario 1)
1. Gingerbread...yum. Bubba had a blast with all of Grandma's cookie cutters. Must invest in a gingerbread man!
2. Beef barley soup.
3. Coffee. I love the way my car smells on the trip home from getting my pound of freshly ground coffee.
3. Bleach spray and Lysol, while trying to evade Dahey's cold he got at work from the guy who wouldn't stay home. Thankfully, he feels much better now!
Back to work: (aka scenario 2)
Case in point: patient asks nurse about a "funny smell" the other night.
Nurse: "What smell? (Looks down hall and sees hamper by clogged laundry chute they forgot to fix before we arrived for the shift.)
Charge nurse: "Oh, go by room xx. That's where it's coming from. (points down hall) Not all poop smells the same."
Patient rolls on down the hall, shaking head.
Hope your day is filled with the scents of scenario 1 instead of scenario 2!
1. Gingerbread...yum. Bubba had a blast with all of Grandma's cookie cutters. Must invest in a gingerbread man!
2. Beef barley soup.
3. Coffee. I love the way my car smells on the trip home from getting my pound of freshly ground coffee.
3. Bleach spray and Lysol, while trying to evade Dahey's cold he got at work from the guy who wouldn't stay home. Thankfully, he feels much better now!
Back to work: (aka scenario 2)
Case in point: patient asks nurse about a "funny smell" the other night.
Nurse: "What smell? (Looks down hall and sees hamper by clogged laundry chute they forgot to fix before we arrived for the shift.)
Charge nurse: "Oh, go by room xx. That's where it's coming from. (points down hall) Not all poop smells the same."
Patient rolls on down the hall, shaking head.
Hope your day is filled with the scents of scenario 1 instead of scenario 2!
Friday, December 18, 2009
It's the holiday season...
So while I'm vacationing, I'm...
Baking cookies and, of course, adding to the scar total. At least, this time, I burned the fingers. Just another reminder...don't drink and bake. Bubba and I hope to do some gingerbread before I go back to work all too soon.
Wrapped the gifts and hid very carefully. I always hate it when I wrap something, hide it well and then I can't find it. Not this year!
Made a trip to ye old Post Office and survived. All the relatives, in-laws and outlaws: your requisite goodies and Christmas letters are in the mail. Here's hoping you get them on time this year. (I love tracking packages online. I can tell when a certain brother-in-law leaves his at the post office until New Years' Eve, like last year). Don't say we didn't send anything...I have proof!
Did lots and lots of online shopping. The lines into the nearby HoleyMoleySpaceship Mall are ghastly. Would rather poke myself with knitting needles than get in line to go into the parking lot. Thank you online retailers and online photo processing places. I couldn't live without you (or at least it would be more painful).
Thanking my lucky stars that I am so lucky to be able to shop. So many people aren't. Besides shopping, I'm also upping my charitable contributions. I believe in paying it forward.
Hope you do too! More to come...stay tuned!
Baking cookies and, of course, adding to the scar total. At least, this time, I burned the fingers. Just another reminder...don't drink and bake. Bubba and I hope to do some gingerbread before I go back to work all too soon.
Wrapped the gifts and hid very carefully. I always hate it when I wrap something, hide it well and then I can't find it. Not this year!
Made a trip to ye old Post Office and survived. All the relatives, in-laws and outlaws: your requisite goodies and Christmas letters are in the mail. Here's hoping you get them on time this year. (I love tracking packages online. I can tell when a certain brother-in-law leaves his at the post office until New Years' Eve, like last year). Don't say we didn't send anything...I have proof!
Did lots and lots of online shopping. The lines into the nearby HoleyMoleySpaceship Mall are ghastly. Would rather poke myself with knitting needles than get in line to go into the parking lot. Thank you online retailers and online photo processing places. I couldn't live without you (or at least it would be more painful).
Thanking my lucky stars that I am so lucky to be able to shop. So many people aren't. Besides shopping, I'm also upping my charitable contributions. I believe in paying it forward.
Hope you do too! More to come...stay tuned!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Nuggets for December 16
Yes, it's Nugget Day, and since I've had some free moments, I've been busy roaming around finding goodies. Here they are, so sit back and enjoy.
The health and wellness section
LiveScience has an interesting article called 7 Thoughts that are Bad for You. As they say, temperament can impact a person's physical health.
Not sure how true it is, but some people claim this PowerPlate thingy can reduce cellulite and keep you in shape. If onlythey weren't so expensive...
One toy I have played with (note: I bought this...I didn't get it free) is the Clarisonic Mia. I love, love, love it. My skin feels much better, and is more cost-effective over time than salon facials (do your math--your mileage may vary). May just have to recommend it to the relative with rosacea.
Fun stuff
WebMD has an entire section (sponsored by EMD Serono, maker of Rebif) for MS patients in a game format called the MS Game center. It's a whole new way to check out treatment options and learn more about MS.
Strange but true
WARNING: If you have a queasy stomach, this may not be for you....
My friends over at Serenity Now Hospital have another good poop tale one that made me laugh just reading it, considering the amount of bowel routines we do at the Hotel. And yes, there is a rating scale: the Bristol stool scale.
The health and wellness section
LiveScience has an interesting article called 7 Thoughts that are Bad for You. As they say, temperament can impact a person's physical health.
Not sure how true it is, but some people claim this PowerPlate thingy can reduce cellulite and keep you in shape. If onlythey weren't so expensive...
One toy I have played with (note: I bought this...I didn't get it free) is the Clarisonic Mia. I love, love, love it. My skin feels much better, and is more cost-effective over time than salon facials (do your math--your mileage may vary). May just have to recommend it to the relative with rosacea.
Fun stuff
WebMD has an entire section (sponsored by EMD Serono, maker of Rebif) for MS patients in a game format called the MS Game center. It's a whole new way to check out treatment options and learn more about MS.
Strange but true
WARNING: If you have a queasy stomach, this may not be for you....
My friends over at Serenity Now Hospital have another good poop tale one that made me laugh just reading it, considering the amount of bowel routines we do at the Hotel. And yes, there is a rating scale: the Bristol stool scale.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Ahh...take a breath...
It's been busy the last few days with my class finishing up. The paper has finally been turned in, I'm officially registered for next semester and my exam is over and I passed! Hooray!
Now the fun of the holidays begins. The halls of ye old snowflaked and hollied Hotel Rehab are full of people going hither and yon to therapy and the reservation agents just keep filling the rooms (since they don't work holidays, anyway!). The holidays are usually a slow period for us, but this year will not be the case. Lots of people are eagerly anticipating the annual holiday party, so we'll see what happens. Last year I missed it, because I got the pleasure of working. This year is different.
Since I'm off today, I'm maintaining the fleet, otherwise known as making sure my car is ready for winter and I'm jamming in my favorite coffeehouse with A Very Special Christmas. With all this global warming, we'll probably end up with several feet of snow or 60 degrees for Christmas. Nevertheless, I'll be ready in my trusty old car, which turns double digits next year.
More to come...stay tuned!
Now the fun of the holidays begins. The halls of ye old snowflaked and hollied Hotel Rehab are full of people going hither and yon to therapy and the reservation agents just keep filling the rooms (since they don't work holidays, anyway!). The holidays are usually a slow period for us, but this year will not be the case. Lots of people are eagerly anticipating the annual holiday party, so we'll see what happens. Last year I missed it, because I got the pleasure of working. This year is different.
Since I'm off today, I'm maintaining the fleet, otherwise known as making sure my car is ready for winter and I'm jamming in my favorite coffeehouse with A Very Special Christmas. With all this global warming, we'll probably end up with several feet of snow or 60 degrees for Christmas. Nevertheless, I'll be ready in my trusty old car, which turns double digits next year.
More to come...stay tuned!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Nuggets for December 9
Good stuff below...enjoy!
Viral breast cancer video
If you haven't seen it, you gotta check out the Pink Glove Dance.
Fun stuff
Check out NeuroDojo and train your brain.
Forget Tiger Woods and all his girlies, I mean waitresses, for a while and check out this other important controversy with an older gal: The Sun-Maid Girl Makeover Sparks Controversy
The marketing dweeb in me just wants to know...did y'all do your research or what?
BTW I think the new, animated missy looks more like Penelope Cruz in a red bonnet than Julia Roberts! Whatcha think?
If you think your house or apartment is small, check out these digs in Manhattan. (from the NY Post).
Maybe we'll all get along at the holiday party...
In the spirit of the season, 12 things never to say to older or younger coworkers
And that's another edition of Nuggets...adios until later.
Viral breast cancer video
If you haven't seen it, you gotta check out the Pink Glove Dance.
Fun stuff
Check out NeuroDojo and train your brain.
Forget Tiger Woods and all his girlies, I mean waitresses, for a while and check out this other important controversy with an older gal: The Sun-Maid Girl Makeover Sparks Controversy
The marketing dweeb in me just wants to know...did y'all do your research or what?
BTW I think the new, animated missy looks more like Penelope Cruz in a red bonnet than Julia Roberts! Whatcha think?
If you think your house or apartment is small, check out these digs in Manhattan. (from the NY Post).
Maybe we'll all get along at the holiday party...
In the spirit of the season, 12 things never to say to older or younger coworkers
And that's another edition of Nuggets...adios until later.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Not enough time
So many things to do:
Run errands on your day off.
Get your car repaired.
Do Christmas/holiday shopping.
Study for that test.
Finish that darned paper for class.
And I go to work and time goes in spurts--slowly and quickly. Slowly when you look at the clock and say, "I'm ready to go home" and it says you still have four hours. Quickly when you look at the calendar...another year has come and gone.
Time concerns wear on your patients, too. One guy is antsy to go home to be with his family at the holidays. One patient wants time to find out when they can fix his wheelchair so he can get out of bed, because without that fix, he's grounded.
For some, no matter what we do, there will not be enough time. Not enough time to spend with them because they are so anxious and confused that they forget when we tell them we'll come back to see them.
Not enough time for the patients with cancer. One is calm and at peace with his fate--the Sword of Damocles has hung over his head for a while longer than anyone expected and he just savors ever moment...even if it's drinking his supplements while watching wrestling on the big screen all by himself. "I don't feel too bad. This is great!"
Another has the meter running and it's speeding up before our very eyes. If we don't move fast enough, he/she will die with us, not in the hospice unit nearby, not with his family nearby. It wears on us all. "This is no place to die," the doc says with much chagrin.
Never enough time, so enjoy your every moment. Off I go to mine.
Stay tuned...
Run errands on your day off.
Get your car repaired.
Do Christmas/holiday shopping.
Study for that test.
Finish that darned paper for class.
And I go to work and time goes in spurts--slowly and quickly. Slowly when you look at the clock and say, "I'm ready to go home" and it says you still have four hours. Quickly when you look at the calendar...another year has come and gone.
Time concerns wear on your patients, too. One guy is antsy to go home to be with his family at the holidays. One patient wants time to find out when they can fix his wheelchair so he can get out of bed, because without that fix, he's grounded.
For some, no matter what we do, there will not be enough time. Not enough time to spend with them because they are so anxious and confused that they forget when we tell them we'll come back to see them.
Not enough time for the patients with cancer. One is calm and at peace with his fate--the Sword of Damocles has hung over his head for a while longer than anyone expected and he just savors ever moment...even if it's drinking his supplements while watching wrestling on the big screen all by himself. "I don't feel too bad. This is great!"
Another has the meter running and it's speeding up before our very eyes. If we don't move fast enough, he/she will die with us, not in the hospice unit nearby, not with his family nearby. It wears on us all. "This is no place to die," the doc says with much chagrin.
Never enough time, so enjoy your every moment. Off I go to mine.
Stay tuned...
Monday, December 7, 2009
Remember, honor, teach
I'm working and reading my e-mail in between the final paper, but I couldn't not pass this one along. Thanks, sk!
Learn more about the Wreaths Across America project here which will decorate thousands of US veteran cemeteries this year.
Learn more about the Wreaths Across America project here which will decorate thousands of US veteran cemeteries this year.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
MIA
Only temporarily...lots of stuff with school sandwiched in between work, baking and the holidays.
One more week and hopefully, one less dramatic psychiatric episode. One day, highway suicide (not our patient), the next, hostage standoff (not ours, either, but on campus). Those weren't the exciting things I was asking Santa for this year!
Guess in this full moon week, I'll be happy with sedate campers watching movies on the big screen in the dining room.
Stay tuned...more to come!
One more week and hopefully, one less dramatic psychiatric episode. One day, highway suicide (not our patient), the next, hostage standoff (not ours, either, but on campus). Those weren't the exciting things I was asking Santa for this year!
Guess in this full moon week, I'll be happy with sedate campers watching movies on the big screen in the dining room.
Stay tuned...more to come!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Nuggets for December 2
Today's nuggets are decidedly not healthcare related (okay, maybe one or two) nor holiday related, but they are interesting tidbits I thought I'd share.
Hope you enjoy!
Healthcare news
No, it's not Public Option, but the government (local and state) just may get involved in your medical procedure if you're visiting your friendly, neighborhood plastic surgeon. Gotta ask our regularly visiting specialist about this one of these days.
My boss would like this one
This recent BBC news article discusses the Bad Sex in Fiction awards (yes, there really is one).
If they won't read the legalese...
Maybe they'll read a cartoon, as the Madagascar government releases information about changes in their constitution in another fine BBC article.
In the spirit of the season
Having a bad day? Don't like surly customer service people? Check out this convenience store's answer to a new type of employee in Clearwater, Florida, and it's not a robot.
Hope you enjoy!
Healthcare news
No, it's not Public Option, but the government (local and state) just may get involved in your medical procedure if you're visiting your friendly, neighborhood plastic surgeon. Gotta ask our regularly visiting specialist about this one of these days.
My boss would like this one
This recent BBC news article discusses the Bad Sex in Fiction awards (yes, there really is one).
If they won't read the legalese...
Maybe they'll read a cartoon, as the Madagascar government releases information about changes in their constitution in another fine BBC article.
In the spirit of the season
Having a bad day? Don't like surly customer service people? Check out this convenience store's answer to a new type of employee in Clearwater, Florida, and it's not a robot.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Heard on the unit
Patients, some of our coworkers, and even the boss, can say the darnedest things.
Scenario 1 -Maybe he just likes me
Patients in our meeting room (where the big screen is) watching the Turkey Day football.
Me: "Look at all those guys in front of the TV asleep watching football. Too much Thanksgiving dinner."
Boss: "And are you going to say something stereotypical about that?"
Me: "No, I'll just keep it to myself."
Boss: (with glint in his eye)"I'm sure it's just tearing you up."
Me: "Of course, it is." (smirking in reply)
Replies you don't expect
Patient 1 in a double room is a big born-again Christian who grates on his neighbor's nerves (Patient 2).
Patient 1 is watching a Christmas movie. We talk about what Ralphie wants for Christmas, and what the patient wanted for Christmas.
Patient 2, exasperated by Patient 1 in general, replies, "How about an assault rifle, anyone?"
Fun surprises
Some of our patients spend a long time with us with very few calls. One patient of mine has had the opposite problem. "I get more calls now than when I was at home. One guy from my unit, who I haven't seen in years just called me. He told me he has my dog tags."
This particular branch of the service is famous for posting listings of members of particular units on the internet and they have lots of their own bulletin boards. Someone got his family info from an internet post and called a relative who passed along his hospital phone number.
Scenario 1 -Maybe he just likes me
Patients in our meeting room (where the big screen is) watching the Turkey Day football.
Me: "Look at all those guys in front of the TV asleep watching football. Too much Thanksgiving dinner."
Boss: "And are you going to say something stereotypical about that?"
Me: "No, I'll just keep it to myself."
Boss: (with glint in his eye)"I'm sure it's just tearing you up."
Me: "Of course, it is." (smirking in reply)
Replies you don't expect
Patient 1 in a double room is a big born-again Christian who grates on his neighbor's nerves (Patient 2).
Patient 1 is watching a Christmas movie. We talk about what Ralphie wants for Christmas, and what the patient wanted for Christmas.
Patient 2, exasperated by Patient 1 in general, replies, "How about an assault rifle, anyone?"
Fun surprises
Some of our patients spend a long time with us with very few calls. One patient of mine has had the opposite problem. "I get more calls now than when I was at home. One guy from my unit, who I haven't seen in years just called me. He told me he has my dog tags."
This particular branch of the service is famous for posting listings of members of particular units on the internet and they have lots of their own bulletin boards. Someone got his family info from an internet post and called a relative who passed along his hospital phone number.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Add a dash of excitement
This was the week that was:
1. Assigned to the now reigning heaviest patient on the unit all week (the absolutely heaviest patient went home). Shoulders are aching. Patient is sweet, though. Nothing like the mean, foul one we just sent home (see previous).
2. Requested, asked nicely, e-mailed and queried directly to see if I would get some time off this week. Reluctantly, boss gave in. One of my coworkers opined, "it's just like nagging your husband to do stuff around the house."
3. For a dash of excitement, we had a drug bust this week. No, there is not supposed to be anyone named Mary Jane; although we do have a Mary or two on staff. (tongue firmly in cheek). Nice. So glad I missed that one. Glad security got the pleasure of search and destroy on that one.
4. Neuropsychologists stick up for the nurses in front of administration on several patient issues. Amen! It's about time. Maybe those regular team meetings (aka the bitch sessions) are working after all.
1. Assigned to the now reigning heaviest patient on the unit all week (the absolutely heaviest patient went home). Shoulders are aching. Patient is sweet, though. Nothing like the mean, foul one we just sent home (see previous).
2. Requested, asked nicely, e-mailed and queried directly to see if I would get some time off this week. Reluctantly, boss gave in. One of my coworkers opined, "it's just like nagging your husband to do stuff around the house."
3. For a dash of excitement, we had a drug bust this week. No, there is not supposed to be anyone named Mary Jane; although we do have a Mary or two on staff. (tongue firmly in cheek). Nice. So glad I missed that one. Glad security got the pleasure of search and destroy on that one.
4. Neuropsychologists stick up for the nurses in front of administration on several patient issues. Amen! It's about time. Maybe those regular team meetings (aka the bitch sessions) are working after all.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Change of Shift - Thanksgiving edition
Yes, Kim's slaving away...check out the latest edition of Change of Shift over at emergiblog.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Oh, let it be the day...
I get some work done on my paper.
I get a turkey for Thanksgiving.
I get a nap.
I get a few other things done.
And last but not least, let it be the day that we get rid of a few patients so the inn is not so full. We've been bursting at the seams lately, and with people on vacation, it gets a little crazy.
I'm just praying today the uber-pain in the arse, as one of my coworkers calls this patient, gets on the plane and gets out of Dodge. We certainly must have made it on Santa's good list for taking care of that one!
I get a turkey for Thanksgiving.
I get a nap.
I get a few other things done.
And last but not least, let it be the day that we get rid of a few patients so the inn is not so full. We've been bursting at the seams lately, and with people on vacation, it gets a little crazy.
I'm just praying today the uber-pain in the arse, as one of my coworkers calls this patient, gets on the plane and gets out of Dodge. We certainly must have made it on Santa's good list for taking care of that one!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
An anniversary
One of my patients reminded me what today was while I was working: JFK anniversary. Said patient actually met JFK while on an honor guard detail.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Nuggets for November 19
Theoretically, I'd like to post these weekly on the same day, but darn it, if something doesn't pop up and distract me!
Anyway, here are a few of the goodies I've been saving all week to share with you. Enjoy this pre-Thanksgiving feast! It's calorie-free!
News of note
Pregnancy outcomes good for MS patients (from www.reuters.com)
Some of my people are really going to like this one. Overall, MS seems to get better in a lot of women while pregnant.
On another MS note, I found this interesting blog called Fingolimod and Me by a woman who's participating in a drug trial for fingolimod, aka FTY720. I enjoyed the subtitle the most: A hypocondriac joins a clinical trial...
I wish I worked here
This NY Times article discusses a company with a no gossip policy: Workplace gossip? Keep it to yourself
Amen, sister!
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius weighs in on the mammogram debate in this nursezone.com article.
Mystery resolved
I enjoy reading a good mystery novel now and again, but this story I recently read is not fiction:
Mystery of Bangladesh's mass arsenic poisoning solved. Let's hope fixing it will become a priority!
Goodies in the blogosphere
I really enjoy reading LaTonia Denise Wright. Who would think she could make legal discussions interesting...and downright funny? This nurse barrister surely can turn a phrase, and while the topic's a serious one, I enjoy the presentation. Check out her More Drama for your Mama post.
Ian from impactednurse.com has a great article on Mindfulness that's worth your time. I have to remind myself often to take care of myself for my patients, especially while working.
Finally, Mother Jones tells it like is in her Listen to your doctor, Uncle Sam post. Don't miss it!
Anyway, here are a few of the goodies I've been saving all week to share with you. Enjoy this pre-Thanksgiving feast! It's calorie-free!
News of note
Pregnancy outcomes good for MS patients (from www.reuters.com)
Some of my people are really going to like this one. Overall, MS seems to get better in a lot of women while pregnant.
On another MS note, I found this interesting blog called Fingolimod and Me by a woman who's participating in a drug trial for fingolimod, aka FTY720. I enjoyed the subtitle the most: A hypocondriac joins a clinical trial...
I wish I worked here
This NY Times article discusses a company with a no gossip policy: Workplace gossip? Keep it to yourself
Amen, sister!
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius weighs in on the mammogram debate in this nursezone.com article.
Mystery resolved
I enjoy reading a good mystery novel now and again, but this story I recently read is not fiction:
Mystery of Bangladesh's mass arsenic poisoning solved. Let's hope fixing it will become a priority!
Goodies in the blogosphere
I really enjoy reading LaTonia Denise Wright. Who would think she could make legal discussions interesting...and downright funny? This nurse barrister surely can turn a phrase, and while the topic's a serious one, I enjoy the presentation. Check out her More Drama for your Mama post.
Ian from impactednurse.com has a great article on Mindfulness that's worth your time. I have to remind myself often to take care of myself for my patients, especially while working.
Finally, Mother Jones tells it like is in her Listen to your doctor, Uncle Sam post. Don't miss it!
When's my next vacation?
I started thinking that after a hard day of lifting the other day. I really enjoy my job, which I could think about at home, sitting on the couch, reading a book in between the work I assigned myself to do at home. Boy, moving is hard work!
The hotel at Madison is nearing capacity. We're running out of room. People are coming in because the holidays are popular. Lots of volunteers visit us and drop off goodies. Some of our regulars have this routine figured out pretty well.
On top of that, I'm finishing my grad class...slowly but surely. I'm hoping my funding for next semester doesn't go away before I can get it again. I'm just going to have to put juggling on the list of things I do...and not for fun. Nurses juggle a lot, anyway, due to the nature of the business, but the juggling right now is somewhat beyond my control. I guess I'll be happy to see if the balls return again to the air.
So many things, so little time. Am off to make the most of it right now. Stay tuned!
The hotel at Madison is nearing capacity. We're running out of room. People are coming in because the holidays are popular. Lots of volunteers visit us and drop off goodies. Some of our regulars have this routine figured out pretty well.
On top of that, I'm finishing my grad class...slowly but surely. I'm hoping my funding for next semester doesn't go away before I can get it again. I'm just going to have to put juggling on the list of things I do...and not for fun. Nurses juggle a lot, anyway, due to the nature of the business, but the juggling right now is somewhat beyond my control. I guess I'll be happy to see if the balls return again to the air.
So many things, so little time. Am off to make the most of it right now. Stay tuned!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
One down, one to go
One online course is complete. Hooray!
Now it's just wait and see for the other one. Lots and lots of stuff going on this weekend and then they idyll is broken. Back to work...
Now it's just wait and see for the other one. Lots and lots of stuff going on this weekend and then they idyll is broken. Back to work...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Nuggets for November 11
So many goodies, so little time. For those of you who take care of America's veterans and active service personnel, this one's for YOU! If you want to learn more about military nursing traditions, check out this great page at medi-smart.com for a list of varied websites, from oral histories of military nurses in Vietnam to other military nurse resources.
I still can't get over what happened at Fort Hood. One of my coworkers recently lived there. I am still thanking the Big Man for the civilian police officer who took down the shooter. I was working at Madison when I read Nurse Ratched's account of working with the shooter, which gave me chills as I read it aloud to a group of coworkers. I just cannot imagine...
Compassion fatigue is common among caregivers of all stripes. It saps you of the energy you need to do your job, take care of people and continue along in a healthy manner. Dr. Charles Figley has an older article about this very topic, with lots of references.
The holidays are coming and yes it's stressful. This article called Choosing Happiness in Our Lives revisited discusses how to deal with some topics that just might creep up with all those relatives coming to town.
I still can't get over what happened at Fort Hood. One of my coworkers recently lived there. I am still thanking the Big Man for the civilian police officer who took down the shooter. I was working at Madison when I read Nurse Ratched's account of working with the shooter, which gave me chills as I read it aloud to a group of coworkers. I just cannot imagine...
Compassion fatigue is common among caregivers of all stripes. It saps you of the energy you need to do your job, take care of people and continue along in a healthy manner. Dr. Charles Figley has an older article about this very topic, with lots of references.
The holidays are coming and yes it's stressful. This article called Choosing Happiness in Our Lives revisited discusses how to deal with some topics that just might creep up with all those relatives coming to town.
One card
He opened it, and one line made the difference:
"Thank you for your service."
To all veterans today, I say thank you, too. Look around you, there are probably more veterans than you think. Some World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Cold War veterans, too, who stood watch, on the fronts of barriers and demilitarized zones, in the air, and in oceans deep, to keep us all safe.
"Thank you for your service."
To all veterans today, I say thank you, too. Look around you, there are probably more veterans than you think. Some World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Cold War veterans, too, who stood watch, on the fronts of barriers and demilitarized zones, in the air, and in oceans deep, to keep us all safe.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Food, cooking and a little spice
Well, since we're getting out of barbecue season now on our unit, everyone's thinking about Thanksgiving. Some of our patients and nurses, however, are always thinking about food and things spicy.
Our dietician has so much fun with many of our patients, who, not unlike a lot of the general population have high BMIs. What does this mean? This means that dietary will talk to patients about adjusting their diets. Of course, most people don't like the "adjustment" part, which usually means they get less sugar and fat.
One of our high BMI guys has done better since he's arrived, but we joke that if you go talk to him, by the time you leave the room he'll be talking about food. Mr. X is a bon vivant who developed his talents in the finest kitchens before he came to us, so he's very discriminating. We don't have the best hospital food by far, but Mr. X can tell you what they do well and what they don't. Mr. X has even been nice enough to share some of his favorite recipes (including one similar to this one) with the nurses and whomever would like them. He's working on a gourmet dinner before he leaves, so I'll probably miss it while I'm slaving away here at the ranch.
Finally, one nurse has added some spice to the unit in a different way. Since we're expecting some terror patients soon, she decided to get some sage on the unit. K. is not really a new age kind of gal, but since she's seen people who have used sage on our unit in the past, she got some and purified our empty rooms just in case. Only time will tell if it actually worked...or we'll have to call the chaplains in for further consultation.
More later...
Our dietician has so much fun with many of our patients, who, not unlike a lot of the general population have high BMIs. What does this mean? This means that dietary will talk to patients about adjusting their diets. Of course, most people don't like the "adjustment" part, which usually means they get less sugar and fat.
One of our high BMI guys has done better since he's arrived, but we joke that if you go talk to him, by the time you leave the room he'll be talking about food. Mr. X is a bon vivant who developed his talents in the finest kitchens before he came to us, so he's very discriminating. We don't have the best hospital food by far, but Mr. X can tell you what they do well and what they don't. Mr. X has even been nice enough to share some of his favorite recipes (including one similar to this one) with the nurses and whomever would like them. He's working on a gourmet dinner before he leaves, so I'll probably miss it while I'm slaving away here at the ranch.
Finally, one nurse has added some spice to the unit in a different way. Since we're expecting some terror patients soon, she decided to get some sage on the unit. K. is not really a new age kind of gal, but since she's seen people who have used sage on our unit in the past, she got some and purified our empty rooms just in case. Only time will tell if it actually worked...or we'll have to call the chaplains in for further consultation.
More later...
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Falling leaves
I think of this song every time I go outside these days...
The falling leaves drift by the window
The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sun-burned hands I used to hold
Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall
It's that time of year here, and while the leaves were falling slowly and picturesquely the other day, the gusts have put piles of leaves everywhere. And as usual, the critters are running around near Madison. Deer leaping out all over the place, skunks on the move, and yes, the field mice are heading indoors whenever it gets chilly.
Madison is still the same. We're getting into the holidays. As a peon, I'm pretty much expecting to work every single solitary holiday. I'm already on the list for Thanksgiving. So we'll see how it all goes. We'll also be planning the vacations for next year soon, so I'll expect to get mine at whatever time the boss sees fit again this year, not when my family would like to take a vacation. I don't mind right now, though. I got lucky and managed to get a week everyone suddenly lusted over.
So while I'm meandering around this time on vacation, I'll be studying and doing some work around the house. And posting about a few interesting things I've encountered lately. And hopefully, I'll be jumping into a pile of leaves once in a while.
Stay tuned...
The falling leaves drift by the window
The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sun-burned hands I used to hold
Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall
It's that time of year here, and while the leaves were falling slowly and picturesquely the other day, the gusts have put piles of leaves everywhere. And as usual, the critters are running around near Madison. Deer leaping out all over the place, skunks on the move, and yes, the field mice are heading indoors whenever it gets chilly.
Madison is still the same. We're getting into the holidays. As a peon, I'm pretty much expecting to work every single solitary holiday. I'm already on the list for Thanksgiving. So we'll see how it all goes. We'll also be planning the vacations for next year soon, so I'll expect to get mine at whatever time the boss sees fit again this year, not when my family would like to take a vacation. I don't mind right now, though. I got lucky and managed to get a week everyone suddenly lusted over.
So while I'm meandering around this time on vacation, I'll be studying and doing some work around the house. And posting about a few interesting things I've encountered lately. And hopefully, I'll be jumping into a pile of leaves once in a while.
Stay tuned...
Monday, November 2, 2009
The three D's
Ah, things I do when I should be reading more of my homework...listening to three D's right about now...
Dan Fogelberg
Denys Lable (and a couple of friends...)
and last but not least,
Declan Masterson
A little pipe music never hurt anyone!
Stay tuned...will be back!
Dan Fogelberg
Denys Lable (and a couple of friends...)
and last but not least,
Declan Masterson
A little pipe music never hurt anyone!
Stay tuned...will be back!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Fall weekend
It's so beautiful in our neck of the woods, even though the weather's been really weird for our part of the country. Most of our trees in the yard have turned red, yellow or orange. With all the wind, many of the leaves have fallen.
Bubba's had fun at the many Halloween parties he's attended. One more tonight and we're done! At least I can say we got our money's worth from his costume, which he picked out himself. He's quite the shopper--it was also on sale.
Dahey's driving again delivering goodies and swapping and trading hither and yon. Thankfully we have cellphones or I'd never know where he was.
And I'm here studying away before we start all the fun tonight. Should be an interesting weekend...stay tuned!
Bubba's had fun at the many Halloween parties he's attended. One more tonight and we're done! At least I can say we got our money's worth from his costume, which he picked out himself. He's quite the shopper--it was also on sale.
Dahey's driving again delivering goodies and swapping and trading hither and yon. Thankfully we have cellphones or I'd never know where he was.
And I'm here studying away before we start all the fun tonight. Should be an interesting weekend...stay tuned!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Run, jump, and play with scissors
That's been the story of my days, for weeks it seems.
Running...I do that all day long. And with the remodel, they plan on making my trip longer. We will have the entire building for our unit, so it will be a very long walk. I suppose this means they'll get those tracking devices again soon, for our own safety, of course.
Jumping...was what I did after I got all my notes written. If it wasn't someone coming in, it was someone going out to a test or procedure. One patient had a test and then was sent to acute to resolve an emergent issue. Yes, they do really happen that fast. Why no one noticed is beyond me. I've given up trying to figure out what other people think. My job is to think on my feet and call the cavalry when needed.
Playing with scissors...ah, the joys of teaching. I'm becoming the Queen of WoundVACs, promoted from Princess since the Queen has been on vacation this week. (We like to think we're royalty anyway.) The orientees were impressed. I was impressed with the way the sore I used it on is looking already, after two days of use. I never cease to be amazed at the way some things heal. And I can't understand when some of my coworkers say, "Well, we could just use a wet to dry dressing!" Not on everything you can't. It's just not the same.
I also got to dress and redress a couple other wounds due to various bowel and bladder accidents. Some people will never learn, nor listen to their nurses...arrgh!
More to come...
Running...I do that all day long. And with the remodel, they plan on making my trip longer. We will have the entire building for our unit, so it will be a very long walk. I suppose this means they'll get those tracking devices again soon, for our own safety, of course.
Jumping...was what I did after I got all my notes written. If it wasn't someone coming in, it was someone going out to a test or procedure. One patient had a test and then was sent to acute to resolve an emergent issue. Yes, they do really happen that fast. Why no one noticed is beyond me. I've given up trying to figure out what other people think. My job is to think on my feet and call the cavalry when needed.
Playing with scissors...ah, the joys of teaching. I'm becoming the Queen of WoundVACs, promoted from Princess since the Queen has been on vacation this week. (We like to think we're royalty anyway.) The orientees were impressed. I was impressed with the way the sore I used it on is looking already, after two days of use. I never cease to be amazed at the way some things heal. And I can't understand when some of my coworkers say, "Well, we could just use a wet to dry dressing!" Not on everything you can't. It's just not the same.
I also got to dress and redress a couple other wounds due to various bowel and bladder accidents. Some people will never learn, nor listen to their nurses...arrgh!
More to come...
Thriller CoS is on the rise
Check out the latest Change of Shift over at Reality Rounds if you dare...and no, Michael Jackson won't be there...BWAHAHAHA!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Nuggets for October 21
Yes, it's that time again, folks, so here's a roundup of the latest and greatest goodies I've found in between reading for grad school (aka the secret escape plan at your very own desk) and stuff from my daily life on the floor.
Medical goodies
In nursing school, you learn about all the different lab values. Some, like the various cardiac enzymes, are taken a little more seriously than others. Some values can be off. This article at www.medscape.com called False Positive Cardiac Troponin Results described my day recently.
Another interesting article, also on Medscape, discussed the Cutaneous Complications of IV Drug Use, which has been more apparent in some of our patient population recently. Note: there are photos with this one, and some are very graphic.
Reuters recently had an interesting article about stress: Stressful childhood may mean earlier death. And probably the best article, One pair of dirty hands equals many infections, describes what happens if one person doesn't wash their hands.
The Sneeze Sleuths are featured in a Wall Street Journal article about allergies.
Etc.
Want your husband to do more housework? Check out this article called the Sex-Housework Link from the folks at the Wall Street Journal of all places.
Wanna find out what telemarketing company is calling you? Check out whocallsme.com for more information on some of the phone numbers telemarketers like to use.
Medical goodies
In nursing school, you learn about all the different lab values. Some, like the various cardiac enzymes, are taken a little more seriously than others. Some values can be off. This article at www.medscape.com called False Positive Cardiac Troponin Results described my day recently.
Another interesting article, also on Medscape, discussed the Cutaneous Complications of IV Drug Use, which has been more apparent in some of our patient population recently. Note: there are photos with this one, and some are very graphic.
Reuters recently had an interesting article about stress: Stressful childhood may mean earlier death. And probably the best article, One pair of dirty hands equals many infections, describes what happens if one person doesn't wash their hands.
The Sneeze Sleuths are featured in a Wall Street Journal article about allergies.
Etc.
Want your husband to do more housework? Check out this article called the Sex-Housework Link from the folks at the Wall Street Journal of all places.
Wanna find out what telemarketing company is calling you? Check out whocallsme.com for more information on some of the phone numbers telemarketers like to use.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sliver of moon...
That's what I saw when I looked outside tonight. The new moon is nearly upon us.
Work is still the same old, same old, which will get more fun and exciting when the annual vacation schedule for next year is turned in soon. Lots of wailing and gnashing of teeth. Boss enjoys the position of keeping people in suspense, so we're still waiting to see who he's going to assign to work Thanksgiving, since everyone knows the nurse with the most seniority, S, is already off anyway, just like every other holiday (and day after, if she chooses).
It's always fun asking the specialists questions they don't expect...like why were using a product off-label. Thankfully, the guy I asked has a sense of humor. His boss, the chief, vacillates on humor on, humor off some days, so he doesn't always like to be asked. I did get an interesting answer, so I was happy I asked. Met one of the specialist's new residents who is really good. Now if they could keep her from writing goofy all acronym orders, that would be even nicer. No wonder JCAHO has a fit at our place all the time!
The Slug did an unusual thing today...missed a personal phone call during business hours. Yes, indeed, another sign the moon is changing!
I've had fun so far this week. I got to play with some new tools and get them to work after only a couple of uses. I'm one of the few people who use this product right now, but it's so much better than the old stuff. I can't wait until Santa brings us a couple more!
School is still school. I attended an optional conference via web today, so that was interesting, especially since my instructor was there, too. (She must attend all of them). Hopefully, my redone paper got a good grade.
On top of that, I've got my date for the my certification exam...just days after the semester is over. At least, I'll have a little time to celebrate.
More later...still tired from yesterday. Stay tuned.
Work is still the same old, same old, which will get more fun and exciting when the annual vacation schedule for next year is turned in soon. Lots of wailing and gnashing of teeth. Boss enjoys the position of keeping people in suspense, so we're still waiting to see who he's going to assign to work Thanksgiving, since everyone knows the nurse with the most seniority, S, is already off anyway, just like every other holiday (and day after, if she chooses).
It's always fun asking the specialists questions they don't expect...like why were using a product off-label. Thankfully, the guy I asked has a sense of humor. His boss, the chief, vacillates on humor on, humor off some days, so he doesn't always like to be asked. I did get an interesting answer, so I was happy I asked. Met one of the specialist's new residents who is really good. Now if they could keep her from writing goofy all acronym orders, that would be even nicer. No wonder JCAHO has a fit at our place all the time!
The Slug did an unusual thing today...missed a personal phone call during business hours. Yes, indeed, another sign the moon is changing!
I've had fun so far this week. I got to play with some new tools and get them to work after only a couple of uses. I'm one of the few people who use this product right now, but it's so much better than the old stuff. I can't wait until Santa brings us a couple more!
School is still school. I attended an optional conference via web today, so that was interesting, especially since my instructor was there, too. (She must attend all of them). Hopefully, my redone paper got a good grade.
On top of that, I've got my date for the my certification exam...just days after the semester is over. At least, I'll have a little time to celebrate.
More later...still tired from yesterday. Stay tuned.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Take a break...
Bubba and Dahey are doing the fun stuff and I'm theorizing here and searching for stuff for the next paper.
Arrrgh! So glad I'll get a break tomorrow at work!
And now for something completely different...the Nobel Prizes have already been awarded and so have the igNobel Prizes, but you've gotta love this igNobel one for the bra that will save your life.
Maybe if we run out of N95s at Madison, I could use one of these!
Arrrgh! So glad I'll get a break tomorrow at work!
And now for something completely different...the Nobel Prizes have already been awarded and so have the igNobel Prizes, but you've gotta love this igNobel one for the bra that will save your life.
Maybe if we run out of N95s at Madison, I could use one of these!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
You gotta go...
See this post at the Jage Page. Well said!
That is all...back to homework. More to come...stay tuned!
That is all...back to homework. More to come...stay tuned!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Neither rain...
Nor sleet, nor snow, or conference in Vegas will stop Kim from posting the latest version of Change of Shift.
Head on over and check it out!
Head on over and check it out!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Butter me up
I just couldn't resist passing this goodie along that I found at Serenity Now Hospital.
Gotta love a little gallows humor. Thanks Doc!
Gotta love a little gallows humor. Thanks Doc!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Crazy...?
I hope not...but who knows for sure.
Weather is frightfully cold this year. At the rate it's going, Bubba will have to go out on Halloween as a skier in a snowsuit.
Crazy patients were calmer lately. Could have something to do with actually scheduling anti-psychotics instead of making them PRN! I can leave the room being nice and still be nice to that same patient who thought I was back to kill him when I left for five minutes to go to the vending machine for his Coke.
I had free time to work on homework on my break.
May miracles never cease!
Weather is frightfully cold this year. At the rate it's going, Bubba will have to go out on Halloween as a skier in a snowsuit.
Crazy patients were calmer lately. Could have something to do with actually scheduling anti-psychotics instead of making them PRN! I can leave the room being nice and still be nice to that same patient who thought I was back to kill him when I left for five minutes to go to the vending machine for his Coke.
I had free time to work on homework on my break.
May miracles never cease!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Nuggets for October 8
Goodies too good to pass up...some I see every day and some I just see and pass along to you! Enjoy!
Cool toy
Since some of my grad work is on tools to do a better job in healthcare, we'll have lots of talk in class tonight about Microsoft's H1N1 assessment tool, created with a little help from their friends at the Emory School of Medicine.
Other toys in the medical world
We're always fixing up lots and lots of people with sores of all sorts. Wound clinics can have lots and lots of sores--diabetic sores, pressure sores, and good old generic trauma.
How do you fix them up?
Sometimes we use radio therapy devices. Or we may use a combination of things, such as WoundVACs and hydrotherapy, as noted on this page. If we can get access, we might use hyperbaric treatments, but due to cost, this is rare.
And if all of this stuff doesn't work, there are folks working on a mathematical model for wound healing.
Cool toy
Since some of my grad work is on tools to do a better job in healthcare, we'll have lots of talk in class tonight about Microsoft's H1N1 assessment tool, created with a little help from their friends at the Emory School of Medicine.
Other toys in the medical world
We're always fixing up lots and lots of people with sores of all sorts. Wound clinics can have lots and lots of sores--diabetic sores, pressure sores, and good old generic trauma.
How do you fix them up?
Sometimes we use radio therapy devices. Or we may use a combination of things, such as WoundVACs and hydrotherapy, as noted on this page. If we can get access, we might use hyperbaric treatments, but due to cost, this is rare.
And if all of this stuff doesn't work, there are folks working on a mathematical model for wound healing.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Freebies?
Oh, if only I could have a problem like this one mentioned in this article in the NY Times about bloggers and product reviews....
Hmm....and what would a rehab nurse be likely to receive or review?
I'd have to borrow some patients, because I surely would not review any bowel preparations. We have a character who comes to our place and preaches the miracles of this particular preparation.
I'm still a coffee girl (someone's got a mug that says "Coffee it gets you going"), so if Starbucks or some other really good coffee people come my way forcing samples on me (like they did the other night with that VIA when I was getting my latte), I'll gladly share some with my evening and night shift friends. (I stash my coffee in secret places at work). Shoes would be another weakness. Doesn't matter if it's high, low or in-between heel, sandals or boots. Work shoes would be welcome, but I'd have to practice wearing them at home first. No way do I wear shoes directly to work without hanging out in them a while to see what happens.
Now, if I could get a few samples of perfumes or chocolate truffles (or just about anything chocolate for that matter), I'd be in heaven.
And, of course, I'd share all my details with all of you.
More to come...back to papers and theory and paying bills...
Hmm....and what would a rehab nurse be likely to receive or review?
I'd have to borrow some patients, because I surely would not review any bowel preparations. We have a character who comes to our place and preaches the miracles of this particular preparation.
I'm still a coffee girl (someone's got a mug that says "Coffee it gets you going"), so if Starbucks or some other really good coffee people come my way forcing samples on me (like they did the other night with that VIA when I was getting my latte), I'll gladly share some with my evening and night shift friends. (I stash my coffee in secret places at work). Shoes would be another weakness. Doesn't matter if it's high, low or in-between heel, sandals or boots. Work shoes would be welcome, but I'd have to practice wearing them at home first. No way do I wear shoes directly to work without hanging out in them a while to see what happens.
Now, if I could get a few samples of perfumes or chocolate truffles (or just about anything chocolate for that matter), I'd be in heaven.
And, of course, I'd share all my details with all of you.
More to come...back to papers and theory and paying bills...
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday drifting
Its never easy
And its never clear
Whos to navigate
And whos to steer
So you flounder drifting ever near the rocks.
--Dan Fogelberg, Hard to Say, 1982
I knew something weird was going on when I awakened early in the morning after a lovely dinner at home with my family. I even got my paper all fluffed, buffed and edited and sent to my instructor. Dahey and Bubba had a nice day. It was one of those dreams that wakes you up and you can't go back to sleep. That was me, only I awoke to the smell of something cooking. I investigated and no one was cooking at my house.
Finally, cups of coffee later, I got Bubba out and rolling. Once I got in, the slowness of the hallway surprised me. Even at breakfast time, there's a rush at our place. Nurses feeding people, setting people up, giving meds. Today it was hushed. I found out why when I saw the code sheet at the desk. The procedure details told me something was up. I ran to one room and saw that patient was watching TV, with breakfast over. Once I saw him, I knew exactly who it was. I just didn't know the story.
Report comes in. It was my patient who I took care the last few weeks. The restlessness and dreams and the odd things said all came back to me. I felt like I was reading that book again. I was disturbed, so when I saw the chaplain come around, I talked to him. That helped.
Mondays at our place are usually nuts, so I went on and got my patient ready. Even with all the hubbub, it wasn't as bad as I thought it could have been. We talked amongst ourselves and laughed about this patient. He/she was just a character, and it was very evident in the last few days, as he/she got up and out of the room. Some days I just walked out of the room and chuckled to myself, "What a character!" And it wasn't just me, either, since he/she regaled the docs just as much as the nurses and staff.
Finally, I went home, and on the way, in the fall breeze, I just thought about how lucky I am...and how free one character is today.
Hope you two are enjoying that burger...wherever you are!
And its never clear
Whos to navigate
And whos to steer
So you flounder drifting ever near the rocks.
--Dan Fogelberg, Hard to Say, 1982
I knew something weird was going on when I awakened early in the morning after a lovely dinner at home with my family. I even got my paper all fluffed, buffed and edited and sent to my instructor. Dahey and Bubba had a nice day. It was one of those dreams that wakes you up and you can't go back to sleep. That was me, only I awoke to the smell of something cooking. I investigated and no one was cooking at my house.
Finally, cups of coffee later, I got Bubba out and rolling. Once I got in, the slowness of the hallway surprised me. Even at breakfast time, there's a rush at our place. Nurses feeding people, setting people up, giving meds. Today it was hushed. I found out why when I saw the code sheet at the desk. The procedure details told me something was up. I ran to one room and saw that patient was watching TV, with breakfast over. Once I saw him, I knew exactly who it was. I just didn't know the story.
Report comes in. It was my patient who I took care the last few weeks. The restlessness and dreams and the odd things said all came back to me. I felt like I was reading that book again. I was disturbed, so when I saw the chaplain come around, I talked to him. That helped.
Mondays at our place are usually nuts, so I went on and got my patient ready. Even with all the hubbub, it wasn't as bad as I thought it could have been. We talked amongst ourselves and laughed about this patient. He/she was just a character, and it was very evident in the last few days, as he/she got up and out of the room. Some days I just walked out of the room and chuckled to myself, "What a character!" And it wasn't just me, either, since he/she regaled the docs just as much as the nurses and staff.
Finally, I went home, and on the way, in the fall breeze, I just thought about how lucky I am...and how free one character is today.
Hope you two are enjoying that burger...wherever you are!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Not a hospital-sanctioned sport
Some people watch ESPN and pay attention to the sports.
Some people watch ESPN and pay attention to the commercials.
And some people who pay attention to the commercials and are pushing 100, ask their nurse how they can score some Levitra (which just happens to be on the commercial). Paging Dr. S.! Yes, indeed, Dr. S. is the man for any ED drugs at our place, after, of course, you get the "education" required.
I guess this means Mr. X is feeling better now, so it should be an interesting weekend!
Some people watch ESPN and pay attention to the commercials.
And some people who pay attention to the commercials and are pushing 100, ask their nurse how they can score some Levitra (which just happens to be on the commercial). Paging Dr. S.! Yes, indeed, Dr. S. is the man for any ED drugs at our place, after, of course, you get the "education" required.
I guess this means Mr. X is feeling better now, so it should be an interesting weekend!
Come on down!
Is it your turn on the Price is Right? It's is for me...thanks Bob! I mean Kim for inclusion in the latest edition!
If not, check out this latest edition of Change of Shift over at emergiblog.
http://www.emergiblog.com/2009/09/change-of-shift-vol-4-number-7.html
If not, check out this latest edition of Change of Shift over at emergiblog.
http://www.emergiblog.com/2009/09/change-of-shift-vol-4-number-7.html
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