On My Own

I'm finally off orientation! Sunday was my first day on my own and it went pretty well. Just felt a little overwhelmed for it being my first day. I had three really heavy patients, all in isolation, and they all had something going on. I think I called docs on all three of them that night. And then I worked Monday and that went much better. Not that Sunday was bad or anything just Monday was better.

I came home Tuesday morning, grabbed a couple of hours of sleep and then packed up and headed out for Illinois for my little sister's graduation. I'm so proud of her!! And for so many reasons but to keep embarrassment to a minimum, we'll just say that I'm proud. I got to Illinois around 11 local time on Tuesday night. My new car sure makes the trip easier and more comfortable so I am so very greatful. Rachel got into town on Wednesday and it made Mom's house pretty crowded. Eric didn't get here until Thursday afternoon and I was missing my boys pretty badly. We got a hotel so as to not overcrowd my mom's house anymore and that's where I am now. Got a couple of hours of sleep last night and now I can't sleep anymore. Complication of night shift, I think. I couldn't sleep the last two nights and got very little sleep anyway. Now I slept at night so who knows how I'll be come tomorrow night. This is the first time I've switched back to days and I must say, I don't like it.

You know what else I don't like? People from Illinois. They are the rudest, nastiest people I've ever been around. I'm walking through the door way last night, like actually entering the door, and this lady out of nowhere walks right in front of me, like I wasn't there and never said a word. We had to park a few blocks away and walk to the school, not a problem. But I have little kids that I need to keep out of the street. These people were pushing my kids out of the way...and into the street. People let their kids kick us in the back while we were in the stadium. I know that a certain amount is to be expected but I always correct my kids and have them apologize. Apparently that is not the way they do things in Illinois, they just let their kids kick you as much as they want until you have to turn around and look at the kid yourself and then the parents go, "Oh, was she kicking you?" No "sorry" they just wanted to clarify I guess. Oh, and they weren't shy about hitting us either. Mom must have whacked me with balloons a dozen times. And the best part is, they had the whole row to themselves and could have spaced out.

Ugh. Ok. I feel better now.

So now I'm sitting in the hotel with Eric snoring away next to me. We hardly sleep at the same time anymore so I'm not used to it. I think he has sleep apnea. Actually, I'm sure he does. He just went 30 seconds without breathing and then out comes this giant snore. He's laying on his back; it's better when he's on his side. He doesn't get restful sleep so that's why he's such a grump. Even after 10 hours he's still tired. I'm sure we'll have a pleasant trip home. haha!

Well the boys are starting to toss and turn. It's time for them to wake up. I'm going to spend some time with them and then we're going to go see my brother at his place, my mom at work, and then my sister for her awesome present. :o) Then we're heading home. Who knew that I would miss Ohio so much.

Interesting...

Just some of the interesting things that have happened to me:

Can I have another Ambien?
Sorry the doctor ordered only 1.
Well, you just give him a call and ask him for another.
(Looks at clock...12midnight) Suure...

I want my Ativan at 7, Vicodin at 8, and bring me all of the Morphine (4 mg) at 9. Just wake me up if I'm sleeping, that's fine.
Suure...

NURSE! HEY NUUUURRRRRSSSSE!! (screaming down the hall)
Walking in, Whatcha need?
Just wanted to make sure you could hear me if I needed you.
Guess who got a lesson on the call light?

What kind of hospital doesn't have chocolate ice cream?!
(Ok, since when is it a requirement that hospitals have chocolate ice cream?)

I never should have come to this hospital. All you guys have done since I've been here is poke me and prod me. You won't give me anything for pain or to help me sleep. The nurses run off and never come back. This is a sorry excuse for a hospital.
(Went on doing what I needed to do, the patient just kept going).
And just when are you going to bring me my Percocet??? It was due 3 minutes ago!! I've really had it with this hospital....

Put my head up! Not that high. What's wrong with you? Put it down.
Tell me when it's comfortable.
Right there! OH, you went too far again! You know, this really isn't that difficult. Now put that pillow under my head. No not that pillow, I need the fluffy pillow under my arm and the flatter pillow under my head.

I walked in to a non-isolation room to find my patient wearing an isolation mask.
Me: Honey, you don't have to wear that mask.
Oh, I need it. One of you people are bound to give me a bug!
(Says the lady with community acquired pneumonia.)

I answered the call light at the nurses station:
Me: how can I help you?
I just made a mess! It's everywhere!
Ok, I'll send your PCT in.
Tell 'em to come quick. There's SHIT everywhere!!
(Lo and behold, the PCT went in to find it literally everywhere.)

I walked into a patient's room to find the patient sitting in his chair picking at the stitches that were holding his central line in. Were holding.
He says: Ouch! Ouch! With each tug.
Oh, what happened honey?
I don't know. This thing's not supposed to be here. And it keeps hurting when I do this (and he pulled it again!!)
Well yes it was supposed to be there. Now we have to take it out though. (He had pulled it out about 2 inches).
Oh yeah? Hahahaha! Did I do that?
(I swear!)

Can I get some fresh water?
Sure, is there anything else I can get for you?
No that's it.
Here's your water.
Oh, great. How about some of those graham crackers?
Sure, do you want some peanut butter or anything?
No, just the crackers.
Here's the crackers.
Thank you. I meant to ask for some jello too.
(Sigh.)

I think that patient's tend to forget that health care workers are fallible and forgetful at times as well. They don't mind when they forget and ask for something else even after we have already asked. They don't mind sending us out of the room several times in what could have been one trip. But they sure do get upset when we forget to bring the graham crackers they asked for. I'm not trying to be rude about it at all. I love my job and I love taking care of patients but sometimes you just have to laugh. ;o)