The sun is shining, the birds are singing and it's not yet 100 degrees. The rain has cooled things off for a bit, but the weatherman says it will get hot again.
I feel as if a load has been lifted from my shoulders since school is over. Now, I'm working on some fun projects and will enjoy my respite between classes that don't start again for six weeks.
The Hotel's actually come down in temperature a bit, so we can't say we've got a sauna in it anymore. Unless, of course, you enter one of the shower rooms that never seem to cool off until the dead of winter.
I took care of three people and some other tasks last night. The patients were great...couldn't have asked for better. We sent one of our patients out to Washington last night. I won't miss him, though. He's very angry at everyone over every thing. I'm sure he'll come back, but I'm hoping it won't be until next week...when I'm off.
The staff are still the staff...whispering and muttering about people coming and going and all of the customer service "gestapo" out there. But some should fear the customer service wrath, because they're all in tryouts to be the next Nurse Ratched (no offense Terri! I'm talking about the movie one...) because they like to inflict their personal ideas, whims, or peculiarities on people to their advantage. It's not happening because the patients are spilling their guts to the powers that be at the Hotel and it ain't pretty. And when it ain't pretty, the boss is furious.
It doesn't bother me, though. As one of my fellow nurses pointed out, if we just follow the Golden Rule a little more often, we wouldn't have too many problems with a lot of these complaining patients.
And she's right.
Stay tuned for more excitement...
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Bittersweet
Coming back to the Hotel made me feel that way yesterday.
Bitter: Oh, the boss was bitter and it was obvious. We had a meeting and he/she was really going. Never saw a boss quite as shaken as that. And...we're getting Press-Ganeys...what joy!
The lecture is a no-brainer, but unfortunately, the people who need to hear it were absent for one reason or another. Maybe he/she should send them an e-mail so they can read about it.
Thankfully, while my boss was perturbed, he/she was nothing like my team mate's boss. Said boss is in proceedings to get her fired for a trumped up charge and is playing the hellion with the rest of the staff. Note: this is a brand new nurse manager. Said NM was told that he/she had to be a manager to get advanced to the next level. Nothing like breaking the troops once they're under your command. Mutiny, anyone?
Sweet: Got to see that some of our long-term patients went home. Got to talk to people getting ready to go home who are absolutely excited. Three to four people will be leaving the Hotel in the next four days. Sure, we'll get more, but we'll just have to wait and see.
My classes finished. Hooray! All assignments and evaluations complete, which now leaves me time to pursue other fun things like writing, housework and redecorating.
More later...
Bitter: Oh, the boss was bitter and it was obvious. We had a meeting and he/she was really going. Never saw a boss quite as shaken as that. And...we're getting Press-Ganeys...what joy!
The lecture is a no-brainer, but unfortunately, the people who need to hear it were absent for one reason or another. Maybe he/she should send them an e-mail so they can read about it.
Thankfully, while my boss was perturbed, he/she was nothing like my team mate's boss. Said boss is in proceedings to get her fired for a trumped up charge and is playing the hellion with the rest of the staff. Note: this is a brand new nurse manager. Said NM was told that he/she had to be a manager to get advanced to the next level. Nothing like breaking the troops once they're under your command. Mutiny, anyone?
Sweet: Got to see that some of our long-term patients went home. Got to talk to people getting ready to go home who are absolutely excited. Three to four people will be leaving the Hotel in the next four days. Sure, we'll get more, but we'll just have to wait and see.
My classes finished. Hooray! All assignments and evaluations complete, which now leaves me time to pursue other fun things like writing, housework and redecorating.
More later...
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wild (and wet) Wednesday
No, it wasn't raining, but the humidity was so heavy this morning, it looked like fog burning off. I walked a mile before 9AM and I thought I was going to have to wring out my shirt by the time I got to my destination. Thankfully, I hitched a ride back and picked up my car from the oil change place.
They recommended tires on the left and maybe tires on the right. The tire place kindly pointed out that the ones on the right were dry rotting. What does this mean? The Wild Bullet I drive got a brand new set of tires and an alignment thrown in. Happily, Ye Old Tyre Shop is right next to a strip mall...and a couple of good restaurants. So while it was early, I decided to get lunch before they finished.
Then it was back to working on the final project. I saved it in some obscure directory. I thought I deleted it. Oh thank you patron saint of lost causes! I really thought I toasted my three hours of work when I turned off the laptop to come home.
Now, I'm just going to relish every minute of freedom I have before I go back to work...me and a cold beverage
Stay tuned....
They recommended tires on the left and maybe tires on the right. The tire place kindly pointed out that the ones on the right were dry rotting. What does this mean? The Wild Bullet I drive got a brand new set of tires and an alignment thrown in. Happily, Ye Old Tyre Shop is right next to a strip mall...and a couple of good restaurants. So while it was early, I decided to get lunch before they finished.
Then it was back to working on the final project. I saved it in some obscure directory. I thought I deleted it. Oh thank you patron saint of lost causes! I really thought I toasted my three hours of work when I turned off the laptop to come home.
Now, I'm just going to relish every minute of freedom I have before I go back to work...me and a cold beverage
Stay tuned....
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Interesting vacation ideas
Some of my friends have the knack for finding cool things to do on vacation. Giacomo, my chaplain friend, told me today he's setting off for the wagon routes to the west that the '49ers used to get to gold country.
He'll have modern conveniences, but it still sounds like a very cool adventure.
More to come...
He'll have modern conveniences, but it still sounds like a very cool adventure.
More to come...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Full moon Monday
And to think, I'm not at the Hotel! Darn!
Ah, but it was crazy enough here. Bubba did not want to spend the day with momma and daddy and go to the Kidsmuseum with all the climbing stuff, dinosaurs, animatronics, etc., you can think of, so off he trotted to day camp, where he cried a river before Dahey dropped him off. Not just bawling, but the whole throw yourself on the floor drama queen spectacle. Glad I missed that one. He was still crabby by the time I picked him up this afternoon. Now he's sulking with a root beer float and watching the Yankees play whoever. My child a Yankees fan...eek! That's not kosher in this part of the country, son, but at least he's not asked for an A-rod jersey or a cap yet.
I vegetated and then Dahey and I went to lunch. Didn't end up where we should have, but got lunch nevertheless. Fancy schmancy ethnic was closed, as it is on Mondays, so we went to another nearby eatery owned by Mom and known citywide for her sandwiches. The smell of the marinara drew me to the meatballs...yum!
Dahey went to transact some business. He's an inveterate shopper--goes to auctions, trolls Craigslist, you name it. He drove far away looking for the ever elusive antiques. No dice. Nice man on craigslist who said, sure go to lunch with your wife got a better offer minutes before Dahey arrived and sold the stuff as he was driving up. Pissed off husband ensued.
Nevertheless, I had a lovely day. My partner and I worked on our group paper and got most of it done. At least we have time to give it a thorough look over for all those APA pitfalls.
A little more bliss, maybe some rain, and hopefully, an interesting lunch or two. Stay tuned....
Ah, but it was crazy enough here. Bubba did not want to spend the day with momma and daddy and go to the Kidsmuseum with all the climbing stuff, dinosaurs, animatronics, etc., you can think of, so off he trotted to day camp, where he cried a river before Dahey dropped him off. Not just bawling, but the whole throw yourself on the floor drama queen spectacle. Glad I missed that one. He was still crabby by the time I picked him up this afternoon. Now he's sulking with a root beer float and watching the Yankees play whoever. My child a Yankees fan...eek! That's not kosher in this part of the country, son, but at least he's not asked for an A-rod jersey or a cap yet.
I vegetated and then Dahey and I went to lunch. Didn't end up where we should have, but got lunch nevertheless. Fancy schmancy ethnic was closed, as it is on Mondays, so we went to another nearby eatery owned by Mom and known citywide for her sandwiches. The smell of the marinara drew me to the meatballs...yum!
Dahey went to transact some business. He's an inveterate shopper--goes to auctions, trolls Craigslist, you name it. He drove far away looking for the ever elusive antiques. No dice. Nice man on craigslist who said, sure go to lunch with your wife got a better offer minutes before Dahey arrived and sold the stuff as he was driving up. Pissed off husband ensued.
Nevertheless, I had a lovely day. My partner and I worked on our group paper and got most of it done. At least we have time to give it a thorough look over for all those APA pitfalls.
A little more bliss, maybe some rain, and hopefully, an interesting lunch or two. Stay tuned....
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Harmless habits
I'm working on a couple of these habits. I keep telling my friends we need to get together more often, so now I have something for them to think about.
Back to cooking, studying, and writing, as Dahey jams the stereo with north of the border tunes, from Gordo to BNL.
Stay tuned. More from Vacationland to come...
Back to cooking, studying, and writing, as Dahey jams the stereo with north of the border tunes, from Gordo to BNL.
Stay tuned. More from Vacationland to come...
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Simmering Sunday
It may well be that later. Our simmering heat is getting pounded by massive thunderstorms flooding everything.
Since I'm on vacation, I've been cooking here and there (one of my favorite hobbies) and drinking up all the good liquor with Dahey, since I can sleep in every day. (not to excess mind you...gotta keep some for later!)
Why am I drinking? You would if you had your nose buried in these spreadsheets. Class will be over soon, class will be over soon, I keep telling myself.
More later.
Since I'm on vacation, I've been cooking here and there (one of my favorite hobbies) and drinking up all the good liquor with Dahey, since I can sleep in every day. (not to excess mind you...gotta keep some for later!)
Why am I drinking? You would if you had your nose buried in these spreadsheets. Class will be over soon, class will be over soon, I keep telling myself.
More later.
An interesting dilemma
One of my team mates in my grad school class is getting married. We've been invited to the engagement party and wedding, even if it will resemble this one.
Wish I had enough vacation to attend the whole thing!
Wish I had enough vacation to attend the whole thing!
Friday, July 23, 2010
I am...
Free...freed from the cares of the Hotel for nearly a week.
Wet, from careening down a mega three stories high water slide with a big swirly tub at the end. Talk about being disoriented! I entered the water head first!
Happy...Bubba and Dahey and I could attend a Cub Scout event together. (I usually miss them due to work).
Almost finished...with this class I'm taking. I need to collect my thoughts for the final paper, but I know they're coming.
Done...good night, all. See you next time...
Wet, from careening down a mega three stories high water slide with a big swirly tub at the end. Talk about being disoriented! I entered the water head first!
Happy...Bubba and Dahey and I could attend a Cub Scout event together. (I usually miss them due to work).
Almost finished...with this class I'm taking. I need to collect my thoughts for the final paper, but I know they're coming.
Done...good night, all. See you next time...
Heat and hurricanes...
Can't stop the latest edition of Change of Shift up over at emergiblog. Go check it out!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
One, just one....
Only one admission for me. I took it so another nurse could deal with her patient, who can really be a pain. Said patient was the victim of a horrible mess a few months ago and is still just getting his/her bearings.
My people were good. One was pouty due to circumstances beyond our control. Hopefully, he can stay up for activities tonight, because he's really crabby. The others were out for tests most of the day so I didn't do much.
The usual battle of doctor vs. nurse is alive and well on the unit. It's getting old, so I'll really appreciate escaping.
I only had to admit one patient, who came back to us from Washington and a procedure. Love those slam dunk admissions!
One of our Gen Y nurses is quitting. He/she didn't tell us, but had the tact (or lack) to do the exit interview on the phone in the nurses' station. I'm just waiting to see if security comes when he/she leaves for the last time...
One more day...the excitement continues, so stay tuned.
My people were good. One was pouty due to circumstances beyond our control. Hopefully, he can stay up for activities tonight, because he's really crabby. The others were out for tests most of the day so I didn't do much.
The usual battle of doctor vs. nurse is alive and well on the unit. It's getting old, so I'll really appreciate escaping.
I only had to admit one patient, who came back to us from Washington and a procedure. Love those slam dunk admissions!
One of our Gen Y nurses is quitting. He/she didn't tell us, but had the tact (or lack) to do the exit interview on the phone in the nurses' station. I'm just waiting to see if security comes when he/she leaves for the last time...
One more day...the excitement continues, so stay tuned.
One more day
I have my work cut out for me. An unscheduled lazy day or two and the rest is work.
It's been fun at the Hotel recently...so much with the crazy, stormy weather here that I feel like I'm getting the dreaded summer cold.
What a way to celebrate some time off!
More later...stay tuned.
It's been fun at the Hotel recently...so much with the crazy, stormy weather here that I feel like I'm getting the dreaded summer cold.
What a way to celebrate some time off!
More later...stay tuned.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Countdown
At the end of the week, I will get a long weekend away from the Hotel with my boys. It's not much, but I'll take every single second of it.
Some days are better than others. I was cruising into an uneventful end to my stint on the late shift recently when the quiet was replaced by pandemonium.
First, one patient spikes a ridiculous temp. Said patient's had problems before so we call our MD on call. Get orders. Rush about doing tasks. All is good, even if we have to harass some of our night pharmacists to get what we need.
Next, patient #2 does the same thing. Patient #2 has more pre-existing issues the MD worries about, so we call MD, get orders to have local MD see patient, and he doesn't show up. Nor does he call our MD or do whatever she asked me to ask him. Nope. He says "wait until tomorrow." Our MD is pissed. We had an issue getting the labs to this doc, so with some luck, we managed to do it (not everything is automated at the Hotel) and MD orders an IV.
What does this mean? I get to call pharmacy again and listen to the deep sighs when I tell them I have a stat order. It's as if they've never gotten one. I am so glad I'm not right there to see their faces. I really hate that "Oh, I can't do this because I don't want to do it" entitlement attitude, because I'm a crappy poker face and my thoughts aren't hidden for long.
Charge nurse got everything done because, for the most part, we worked as a team. I just wish all of our team would have cooperated without the attitude.
Outside of that, my grad class is almost done and for a short class, it's had it's share of drama, too, especially for my entire team. Every single solitary one of us has had something going on this semester that's been distracting, even life-threatening. My favorite team member, T., has problems now that may mean she won't be back next semester. I hope they can get resolved. I will miss working with her if she's not around.
Now, back to the grind, and on to the rest of the week. Stay tuned.
Some days are better than others. I was cruising into an uneventful end to my stint on the late shift recently when the quiet was replaced by pandemonium.
First, one patient spikes a ridiculous temp. Said patient's had problems before so we call our MD on call. Get orders. Rush about doing tasks. All is good, even if we have to harass some of our night pharmacists to get what we need.
Next, patient #2 does the same thing. Patient #2 has more pre-existing issues the MD worries about, so we call MD, get orders to have local MD see patient, and he doesn't show up. Nor does he call our MD or do whatever she asked me to ask him. Nope. He says "wait until tomorrow." Our MD is pissed. We had an issue getting the labs to this doc, so with some luck, we managed to do it (not everything is automated at the Hotel) and MD orders an IV.
What does this mean? I get to call pharmacy again and listen to the deep sighs when I tell them I have a stat order. It's as if they've never gotten one. I am so glad I'm not right there to see their faces. I really hate that "Oh, I can't do this because I don't want to do it" entitlement attitude, because I'm a crappy poker face and my thoughts aren't hidden for long.
Charge nurse got everything done because, for the most part, we worked as a team. I just wish all of our team would have cooperated without the attitude.
Outside of that, my grad class is almost done and for a short class, it's had it's share of drama, too, especially for my entire team. Every single solitary one of us has had something going on this semester that's been distracting, even life-threatening. My favorite team member, T., has problems now that may mean she won't be back next semester. I hope they can get resolved. I will miss working with her if she's not around.
Now, back to the grind, and on to the rest of the week. Stay tuned.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Another one bites the dust
It's not enough that people are becoming injured at horrendous rates lately, but the staffing mix is obviously convincing some the grass IS greener in another department.
Another staffer checks out of the Hotel in two weeks. I guess the boss will have some 'splainin' to do soon as Lucy gets home.
Stay tuned...
Another staffer checks out of the Hotel in two weeks. I guess the boss will have some 'splainin' to do soon as Lucy gets home.
Stay tuned...
Monday Friday
I love Mondays when they follow the weekend I work. The moon was huge last night, in between those storm clouds, but not full yet.
Can't wait until this day is over...not long now!
Can't wait until this day is over...not long now!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
A little delusional
Delusion (from www.m-w.com)
Something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated b : a persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary; also : the abnormal state marked by such beliefs
Oh, that was the story of my life on a recent night at the Hotel. What sorts of delusions you ask? Plenty...
1. One patient, when asked the date, stated that it's 1893 or 1954, he/she couldn't decide. Same patient also said spouse was dead and could a couple of nurses please jump in bed with him/her so he/she could warm up. I don't think so...
According to the notes, spouse thinks patient may have Alzheimer's and cannot drive an electric wheelchair anymore due to too many accidents, running into people while shopping.
2. Another patient, with an alcoholic liver will be discharged soon. Patient says she's going home. Family says otherwise. The bus is coming, but no one's 'fessing up to the destination, especially not the POA.
According to the notes, doctor's not disturbing this delusion, either. Gotta thank the doc for this. This girl is a handful when perturbed, and our staff have the stories to prove it.
3. Maybe delusion, maybe not, but one of our patients actually likes the limb splints we have to put on at night. "Hey where are you?" I heard on the intercom. "I want my thing put on, it's time."
If it makes you happy and isn't harmful, let's go! And off to sleep he/she went. Hooray!
Stay tuned...
Something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated b : a persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary; also : the abnormal state marked by such beliefs
Oh, that was the story of my life on a recent night at the Hotel. What sorts of delusions you ask? Plenty...
1. One patient, when asked the date, stated that it's 1893 or 1954, he/she couldn't decide. Same patient also said spouse was dead and could a couple of nurses please jump in bed with him/her so he/she could warm up. I don't think so...
According to the notes, spouse thinks patient may have Alzheimer's and cannot drive an electric wheelchair anymore due to too many accidents, running into people while shopping.
2. Another patient, with an alcoholic liver will be discharged soon. Patient says she's going home. Family says otherwise. The bus is coming, but no one's 'fessing up to the destination, especially not the POA.
According to the notes, doctor's not disturbing this delusion, either. Gotta thank the doc for this. This girl is a handful when perturbed, and our staff have the stories to prove it.
3. Maybe delusion, maybe not, but one of our patients actually likes the limb splints we have to put on at night. "Hey where are you?" I heard on the intercom. "I want my thing put on, it's time."
If it makes you happy and isn't harmful, let's go! And off to sleep he/she went. Hooray!
Stay tuned...
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Summertime
Only means one thing: lots of vacations. None yet for me. I'm still low enough on the totem pole to have garnered only two, count 'em, two weekdays off for all of the summer months.
I'd have to kill a relative soon in order to get any more time.
Fun...back to work.
I'd have to kill a relative soon in order to get any more time.
Fun...back to work.
Friday, July 16, 2010
What is it...
That makes some of the people I work with not give pain meds? What makes them the judge and jury on pain when a patient who had major (and I mean major, serious, as in World Renown Hospital screws up royally on a simple slam dunk procedure) abdominal surgery asks for a pain med?
To top it off...no history of abuse. Another thing...what's with telling them they can't have their PRN med when they ask for it (which, by the way, was within the time parameters).
I just want to scream sometimes. Thankfully, I have more creative outlets.
Stay tuned...it's always a blast at the Hotel, even without fireworks!
To top it off...no history of abuse. Another thing...what's with telling them they can't have their PRN med when they ask for it (which, by the way, was within the time parameters).
I just want to scream sometimes. Thankfully, I have more creative outlets.
Stay tuned...it's always a blast at the Hotel, even without fireworks!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Hot and steamy
The sauna has moved out of doors here in Rehab Land....yuck! Welcome to summer.
Just stay away from the doorways as all the mobile people who freeze in the AC, roll frantically outside to "warm up" , as I drip into a puddle onto the floor.
More later...and I'm hoping the more is actually less heat!
Just stay away from the doorways as all the mobile people who freeze in the AC, roll frantically outside to "warm up" , as I drip into a puddle onto the floor.
More later...and I'm hoping the more is actually less heat!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Do you really think...
I need my house cleaned? Not anymore!
Left to her own devices, RehabRN got out the vac after work, terrorized WildDog by putting him in his room (so he would stop chasing the vacuum), mopped and made dinner all before the guests arrived. Don't worry...he got his cookie for relaxing in his room (he just tries to make me feel guilty!)
Whew! Now for another scoop of pistachio ice cream...I worked hard!
Hope you day went just as well. Traveling partner's been working on the next trip. Who knows...maybe we'll see Elvis.
More later...stay tuned.
Left to her own devices, RehabRN got out the vac after work, terrorized WildDog by putting him in his room (so he would stop chasing the vacuum), mopped and made dinner all before the guests arrived. Don't worry...he got his cookie for relaxing in his room (he just tries to make me feel guilty!)
Whew! Now for another scoop of pistachio ice cream...I worked hard!
Hope you day went just as well. Traveling partner's been working on the next trip. Who knows...maybe we'll see Elvis.
More later...stay tuned.
Preview
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Open letter to the soon-to-be "not new" nurses
Dear New Nurses,
Can you believe you've been signing your name with RN behind it for nearly a year? We can't either. It's always nice to have new people on the unit.
Don't forget...
Speed will come. It gets even faster as you go along.
You will still learn something new every day. That's why K., the charge nurse, who's been here 30+ years is still here. Never a dull moment.
Your new ideas are still new and fresh. Keep learning and don't forget to share what you know.
Just remember...
This is work. Not an after-school gathering at a watering hole as some people seem to make it. Yes, work is a four letter word. Not a bad one, just happens to have four letters. Work never killed anyone.
Help is also a four letter word. Don't be shy. Ask people if you can help them when you're free (which, incidentally is also four letters). Feel free to do stuff people like, but don't always have time to do--stock supplies, get iced water, empty urinals and report the results.
Don't be a slug. We already have one (two, three...) already. That job is already taken, and will not endear you to management. It may not get you much at all, outside of acquiring a bad habit and an eventual pink slip.
Dream and dream big. Make your plans and go for them, be it climbing mountains, climbing the stairs, or even going into management. This may mean more work and/or school or liberal combinations of both, but don't rely on your youthful looks forever.
“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” Greg Anderson
I'm glad you're here to do it with us.
Sincerely,
RehabRN
Can you believe you've been signing your name with RN behind it for nearly a year? We can't either. It's always nice to have new people on the unit.
Don't forget...
Speed will come. It gets even faster as you go along.
You will still learn something new every day. That's why K., the charge nurse, who's been here 30+ years is still here. Never a dull moment.
Your new ideas are still new and fresh. Keep learning and don't forget to share what you know.
Just remember...
This is work. Not an after-school gathering at a watering hole as some people seem to make it. Yes, work is a four letter word. Not a bad one, just happens to have four letters. Work never killed anyone.
Help is also a four letter word. Don't be shy. Ask people if you can help them when you're free (which, incidentally is also four letters). Feel free to do stuff people like, but don't always have time to do--stock supplies, get iced water, empty urinals and report the results.
Don't be a slug. We already have one (two, three...) already. That job is already taken, and will not endear you to management. It may not get you much at all, outside of acquiring a bad habit and an eventual pink slip.
Dream and dream big. Make your plans and go for them, be it climbing mountains, climbing the stairs, or even going into management. This may mean more work and/or school or liberal combinations of both, but don't rely on your youthful looks forever.
“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” Greg Anderson
I'm glad you're here to do it with us.
Sincerely,
RehabRN
Monday, July 12, 2010
Maybe they get it...
That I try to read my homework whenever possible, so I can get ahead. Yep, that's why. Every page read leads to one more assignment and to one more class to that graduate degree.
The journey of a thousand miles, truly, does begin with a single step.
The journey of a thousand miles, truly, does begin with a single step.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Endings
It's the weekend, so not only is it the end of the week, but it's been the end of a lot of other things.
One of our patients died late last week. It was a great relief. He/she was in hospice and the illness moved quickly. I'm glad he/she was there, instead of here, because that's the place he/she needed to be. It's quiet, peaceful and appropriate. Our house: noisy, often dirty, and just plain crazy. If I had to pick, I'd take hospice anyday. It's like a park there, it's so peaceful.
My summer class is getting close to the end. It's been a lot more work than it looked. Only two more summer classes before graduation. Not sure if that is a good thing, but at this point, with little to no support from my boss, I just can't handle two or three classes and working full-time. My family just likes to see me occasionally.
And the weekend now is nearly over...I wish they were longer. Summer lately has just flown by. I can't wait to get loose for a few days very soon!
Last but not least, I heard Brainscramble was ending via CoS. Good luck wherever you go! Now you know why I don't use my name. (just a tip for all you potential anonymous bloggers out there...)
But, even with endings, there are beginnings. Registration for the new semester starts soon under a new system. I'm just crossing my fingers that it all works without a hitch.
Stay tuned...never a dull moment here or at the Hotel.
One of our patients died late last week. It was a great relief. He/she was in hospice and the illness moved quickly. I'm glad he/she was there, instead of here, because that's the place he/she needed to be. It's quiet, peaceful and appropriate. Our house: noisy, often dirty, and just plain crazy. If I had to pick, I'd take hospice anyday. It's like a park there, it's so peaceful.
My summer class is getting close to the end. It's been a lot more work than it looked. Only two more summer classes before graduation. Not sure if that is a good thing, but at this point, with little to no support from my boss, I just can't handle two or three classes and working full-time. My family just likes to see me occasionally.
And the weekend now is nearly over...I wish they were longer. Summer lately has just flown by. I can't wait to get loose for a few days very soon!
Last but not least, I heard Brainscramble was ending via CoS. Good luck wherever you go! Now you know why I don't use my name. (just a tip for all you potential anonymous bloggers out there...)
But, even with endings, there are beginnings. Registration for the new semester starts soon under a new system. I'm just crossing my fingers that it all works without a hitch.
Stay tuned...never a dull moment here or at the Hotel.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
5 Alive
No, I'm not drinking. Go on over and check out the latest version of Change of Shift over at emergiblog.
And BTW happy 5th anniversary! Keep on rockin', rollin' and 'riting, all you nurse bloggers. Kim would love to see you over there in the next CoS!
And BTW happy 5th anniversary! Keep on rockin', rollin' and 'riting, all you nurse bloggers. Kim would love to see you over there in the next CoS!
It's 3AM...
And I'm not lonely, just suffering from sinuses that refuse to cooperate with standard medications. Might as well get some reading done, and maybe a blog post or two.
While I haven't done a book club review lately, I have been reading Francis Collins' Language of Life. If you want a behind-the-scenes from the view of a geneticist who knows how to talk to people, you have to read this book. Very current, compelling and easily comprehended.
Now back to waiting for the meds to kick in...or people to wake up around here.
More to come...
While I haven't done a book club review lately, I have been reading Francis Collins' Language of Life. If you want a behind-the-scenes from the view of a geneticist who knows how to talk to people, you have to read this book. Very current, compelling and easily comprehended.
Now back to waiting for the meds to kick in...or people to wake up around here.
More to come...
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Planning
Lots of things in my life require planning.
1. Getting patients cleaned up. This sometimes is a mess. Luckily, I had one guy ready right as the docs came by and was able to talk to them about changing his dressing orders with the wound nurse. Why you ask? Because it's a whole lot easier to talk about what would be best, when an area is clean and you can see everything going on there.
2. Finishing my class for the semester. I talked to my prof yesterday as part of a planning meeting (see part of the theme) and realized that I really need to maximize the lunch time I get. How am I going to do it? I've got to escape..or go to lunch early. If I don't do that, I get shortchanged. Shortchanging right now is not a good thing.
3. Surviving the day, despite planning, can go awry pretty quickly. I just cross my fingers and go.
And off I go...stay tuned.
1. Getting patients cleaned up. This sometimes is a mess. Luckily, I had one guy ready right as the docs came by and was able to talk to them about changing his dressing orders with the wound nurse. Why you ask? Because it's a whole lot easier to talk about what would be best, when an area is clean and you can see everything going on there.
2. Finishing my class for the semester. I talked to my prof yesterday as part of a planning meeting (see part of the theme) and realized that I really need to maximize the lunch time I get. How am I going to do it? I've got to escape..or go to lunch early. If I don't do that, I get shortchanged. Shortchanging right now is not a good thing.
3. Surviving the day, despite planning, can go awry pretty quickly. I just cross my fingers and go.
And off I go...stay tuned.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday
One patient yesterday told me it was a nice Sunday. No Mr. R., it was actually Monday. It surely seemed like Sunday on the unit when I got there.
It quickly turned to Monday, however, since our doc on call started ordering labs here, there and everywhere, on healthy and sick patients.
So now it really is Tuesday...and I'm taking a breather. More later, so stay tuned.
It quickly turned to Monday, however, since our doc on call started ordering labs here, there and everywhere, on healthy and sick patients.
So now it really is Tuesday...and I'm taking a breather. More later, so stay tuned.
Monday, July 5, 2010
A sliver of life
AtYourCervix has a post about getting a Tylenol on her unit.
Come on over to Madison and add the following to your list:
Do you really think the docs might have a standing order to make this PRN for everyone like they did at Saintarama? Nooooo! That might imply that the nurses are DIAGNOSING a problem ahead of time. Just like that life-saving bowel med you won't let Mr. X have, either.
Yes, of course you could have liver or kidney issues (yes, lots of our people do), but do you really enjoy being awakened at 0300? If I need it, I really don't feel bad calling for it, if the patient has a fever or has been awake all night asking anyway.
Stop being so darned adversarial and I'll stop ranting. And yes, I do call you for the record...CYA baby!
Come on over to Madison and add the following to your list:
Do you really think the docs might have a standing order to make this PRN for everyone like they did at Saintarama? Nooooo! That might imply that the nurses are DIAGNOSING a problem ahead of time. Just like that life-saving bowel med you won't let Mr. X have, either.
Yes, of course you could have liver or kidney issues (yes, lots of our people do), but do you really enjoy being awakened at 0300? If I need it, I really don't feel bad calling for it, if the patient has a fever or has been awake all night asking anyway.
Stop being so darned adversarial and I'll stop ranting. And yes, I do call you for the record...CYA baby!
Monday mayhem
And please, don't say your patient is causing mayhem, even if his name leads you to believe it.
Dahey got a day off, courtesy of Uncle Sam and he's finding all sorts of craziness online, including Cows with Guns.
Dahey got a day off, courtesy of Uncle Sam and he's finding all sorts of craziness online, including Cows with Guns.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Craziness part 3
My life:
Less staff for holiday, some patients on one-to-one, which makes staffing even worse. The Slug with a serious attitude problem. And of course, my techs ain't happy, either.
I thought about disposing a colostomy bag in a very inappropriate place as retaliation...like in his/her trunk. The weather's been just right, so it would ripen quickly enough.
This holiday surely is no holiday. The patients for the most part are good. Mr. Pain, though, is still a pain. They can't get his meds regulated. It is a crying shame.
So glad I've got a grad school countdown going to keep me occupied!
More later.
Less staff for holiday, some patients on one-to-one, which makes staffing even worse. The Slug with a serious attitude problem. And of course, my techs ain't happy, either.
I thought about disposing a colostomy bag in a very inappropriate place as retaliation...like in his/her trunk. The weather's been just right, so it would ripen quickly enough.
This holiday surely is no holiday. The patients for the most part are good. Mr. Pain, though, is still a pain. They can't get his meds regulated. It is a crying shame.
So glad I've got a grad school countdown going to keep me occupied!
More later.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Holiday weekends get crazy
I'm only hoping it gets better.
The latest:
Crispy fried patient cuts up every night just before end of shift. "He was just fine at Saint Suburban and he was on antidepressants. "Well, if you consider missing a broken foot at Saint Suburban in addition to his myriad other crispy fried brain problems secondary to a touch of alcohol abuse "fine"...Haldol, take me away!
Fireworks went off at the party in the park next door. Just hope everyone with PTSD doesn't get too wound up (we made it with no incidents on a recent night).
The Slug will lead us for part of the weekend. Oh. Freaking. Jesus. I just hope his/her entourage (i.e. family) stays home and doesn't call a million times for updates.
Patients go home, and contrary to policy, some are returned to us. They just couldn't wait until the weekend was over. One more was transferred to us to keep the weekend hopping with the skeleton crew.
Troll IT (aka TIT) person freaks out one of my best nurses, F., because she made an error when creating and synching all her passwords. We called TIT person before it was too late in the shift, but once I talked to TIT it was obvious that TIT was 1) disturbed from a sound sleep, 2) was interrupted from a really fun party or 3) was just a typical antisocial character who managed to get into customer support to pay the bills and didn't really want to be there.
TIT actually called me a "security risk" because my nurse (nearly in tears) passed me the phone so I could talk to her. If TIT only realized that F. could save her life if needed, but now, F. is only waiting for the opportunity to run TIT over in the parking lot if she figures out who she is.
Hopefully, that won't happen on our shift. The boss would be slightly pissed.
Stay tuned for more (attempted) murder and mayhem tales...if only I were making them up!
The latest:
Crispy fried patient cuts up every night just before end of shift. "He was just fine at Saint Suburban and he was on antidepressants. "Well, if you consider missing a broken foot at Saint Suburban in addition to his myriad other crispy fried brain problems secondary to a touch of alcohol abuse "fine"...Haldol, take me away!
Fireworks went off at the party in the park next door. Just hope everyone with PTSD doesn't get too wound up (we made it with no incidents on a recent night).
The Slug will lead us for part of the weekend. Oh. Freaking. Jesus. I just hope his/her entourage (i.e. family) stays home and doesn't call a million times for updates.
Patients go home, and contrary to policy, some are returned to us. They just couldn't wait until the weekend was over. One more was transferred to us to keep the weekend hopping with the skeleton crew.
Troll IT (aka TIT) person freaks out one of my best nurses, F., because she made an error when creating and synching all her passwords. We called TIT person before it was too late in the shift, but once I talked to TIT it was obvious that TIT was 1) disturbed from a sound sleep, 2) was interrupted from a really fun party or 3) was just a typical antisocial character who managed to get into customer support to pay the bills and didn't really want to be there.
TIT actually called me a "security risk" because my nurse (nearly in tears) passed me the phone so I could talk to her. If TIT only realized that F. could save her life if needed, but now, F. is only waiting for the opportunity to run TIT over in the parking lot if she figures out who she is.
Hopefully, that won't happen on our shift. The boss would be slightly pissed.
Stay tuned for more (attempted) murder and mayhem tales...if only I were making them up!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Hot, hopping weekend
Oh, I'm expecting some hopping in the Hotel this weekend. We've always got the light on: the call light that is. One character likes to ring it over and over, even though his hands hurt. Perhaps from the pushing to ring? No, that can't be!
Some people are escaping the Hotel for good. Holiday weekends are a nice time to do that. One person was going to give a guy a ride across the state--actually the wife was going to do that--until we convinced them that wasn't a good idea for a number of reasons. Many small town folks just don't get it when we have to enlighten them that they're not in Kansas anymore, as Dorothy might say.
For those who remain, the BBQ people are coming to cook up a storm, and with all those sauces, I'm sure we'll have some diabetics with some high sugars soon.
Stay tuned...the weekend is just beginning!
Some people are escaping the Hotel for good. Holiday weekends are a nice time to do that. One person was going to give a guy a ride across the state--actually the wife was going to do that--until we convinced them that wasn't a good idea for a number of reasons. Many small town folks just don't get it when we have to enlighten them that they're not in Kansas anymore, as Dorothy might say.
For those who remain, the BBQ people are coming to cook up a storm, and with all those sauces, I'm sure we'll have some diabetics with some high sugars soon.
Stay tuned...the weekend is just beginning!
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