Helping a patient after many months in the hospital has been a trialing and rewarding experience. I have three nights off and I hope when I go back on Saturday this patient isn't there anymore. Hopefully they will have finally gone home.
I almost gave up; I almost stopped. I probably should have-but I just kept going. Another learning experience. But to know this patient is walking out of the hospital soon is the greatest feeling. To have gone from holding their hand and thinking that this may be "it"; you know, that moment...to only a week later and we might be sending them home...it reaffirms that reason for me going to work. It took many, many days but I finally accomplished my goal of helping this patient get well and go home. :o)
The night before last was rough. Four isolation patients and two were admissions. Don't ask how that happened-it's a long story and not all that important. But it was frustrating. And overwhelming. And I walked out of a room and said "Oh my god! I hate this place!"
I don't really. I was burnt out. Burnt out on taking care of my patient (see above) and from always having four patients regardless of the team and always getting the admits and on and on. Even if it isn't quite always, it just felt that way. That night and that moment was the final straw.
It's been emotionally draining the past few weeks and I just needed to have that moment. Have an outlet for my frustrations. See, I actually really like my job and I like my patient's quite a bit too. Most of the time. ;o) What I needed even more was to get that news that my patient was going to get to go home. Such a rewarding moment that I promptly shared with everyone I saw. Almost everyone on the unit has cared for this patient and knows the story; I know that a few of the other nurses were pleased as well.
I can't help but wonder what would have happened last night if I hadn't gotten that news...
Decision:
The decision was to stay on 6SAC. I figure I'll stay and get more experience and in the next 3-6 months apply where ever I want: one of the ICU's, CICU, or ER. I'm happy on 6SAC. I just got there and I'm not ready to leave. Being in school and trying to orient to a new unit, an ICU at that, might not be the best idea. And so I'll wait...and make another decision in 3-6 months.
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Ramblings of a Night Nurse: Decisions, decisions...
Yesterday morning I marked down on my sheet of paper what my decision was for the upcoming changes to my unit. See, we are moving to a Neuro ICU and eventually (though no one knows when) 6SAC will be no more. I, of course, think that my unit is the best in the entire hospital and that I work with the best people one could work with, so I'm sad to see it end. They are breaking up the ICU into Medical, Surgical, and Neuro, we were given the choice of those three or stay on 6SAC for while it remains. My goal has been to get to ICU, but being a nurse for 6 months makes me a little nervous to jump into ICU. I'm just now comfortable with working step-down and still find myself with many, many questions. But maybe I should just take the leap?
After flipping back and forth on my decision for many weeks I finally checked my box and signed my name. I just hope that my decision works out for the best.
I have started picking up and working hours for people and I certainly don't mind it and I really don't mind the extra money. But I'm burnt out now-I haven't had many days off in the past month and I'm anxious for it. I've got some long breaks in shifts coming up-once I even have 6 days off in a row-and I can't wait! I should be sleeping now since I'm back tonight. But my brain is just reeling. Too much going on.
During my never ending time at the hospital lately, I have gotten to help other new nurses. Kind of scary that there are nurses that are newer than me, huh? But it's very gratifying to have a nurse come to me and ask my opinion or ask what we do when ___. What's even better is that I often have some kind of helpful hint or bit on information that helped me along the way. I hope I'm helping them the same way that my wonderful preceptors and the great nurses on my unit have helped me.
I was honored last week with a mention in a family letter:
"Elena Soppe was dad's nurse on the dayshift Friday and Saturday. She was very sweet and friendly, taking time to answer our questions. And again, she didn't make us feel rushed, and she stopped by and checked on all of us frequently."
How rewarding! Sometimes we don't always hear from patient's that we did a good job taking care of them; I wouldn't expect to either. I'm not in this for the "thank you's" and "good job's" but it's so nice to hear that I am doing something right. What's really great about this is that I remember this patient and I remember his family. His daughter (who wrote this) is a nurse in my hospital, so that makes it a little extra special in my mind. The letter is posted on the unit so when I start to feel a little run down I go sneak a peak to raise my spirits and remind me of why I'm there. Even if it is the third in a row after one day off from the previous third in a row. Or after working 12 hours with a very trying or challenging patient. Don't know what I'll do when they take it down. :o) I also feel so lucky to work for a hospital that has such great employees throughout the organization; the family also thanked techs, transport personnel and environmental personnel for their kindness and smiles.
One other decision I need to make is whether I will continue being a primary nurse for a patient I've been caring for. This patient has been in the hospital for some time and I've taken care of them since shortly after they came on my unit. This patient, due to diagnosis and the other goings-on, is just draining to take of. Very pleasant and a very nice person but it just takes everything out of you. And when you have two or three other patients. Sigh. This is another decision I have flip-flopped on. Usually I just make a decision and stick to it. I guess it's just another way this situation is draining me.
Well I better get to bed now. Maybe. Or maybe I should fold the laundry. Ugh-I really suck at decisions lately.
After flipping back and forth on my decision for many weeks I finally checked my box and signed my name. I just hope that my decision works out for the best.
I have started picking up and working hours for people and I certainly don't mind it and I really don't mind the extra money. But I'm burnt out now-I haven't had many days off in the past month and I'm anxious for it. I've got some long breaks in shifts coming up-once I even have 6 days off in a row-and I can't wait! I should be sleeping now since I'm back tonight. But my brain is just reeling. Too much going on.
During my never ending time at the hospital lately, I have gotten to help other new nurses. Kind of scary that there are nurses that are newer than me, huh? But it's very gratifying to have a nurse come to me and ask my opinion or ask what we do when ___. What's even better is that I often have some kind of helpful hint or bit on information that helped me along the way. I hope I'm helping them the same way that my wonderful preceptors and the great nurses on my unit have helped me.
I was honored last week with a mention in a family letter:
"Elena Soppe was dad's nurse on the dayshift Friday and Saturday. She was very sweet and friendly, taking time to answer our questions. And again, she didn't make us feel rushed, and she stopped by and checked on all of us frequently."
How rewarding! Sometimes we don't always hear from patient's that we did a good job taking care of them; I wouldn't expect to either. I'm not in this for the "thank you's" and "good job's" but it's so nice to hear that I am doing something right. What's really great about this is that I remember this patient and I remember his family. His daughter (who wrote this) is a nurse in my hospital, so that makes it a little extra special in my mind. The letter is posted on the unit so when I start to feel a little run down I go sneak a peak to raise my spirits and remind me of why I'm there. Even if it is the third in a row after one day off from the previous third in a row. Or after working 12 hours with a very trying or challenging patient. Don't know what I'll do when they take it down. :o) I also feel so lucky to work for a hospital that has such great employees throughout the organization; the family also thanked techs, transport personnel and environmental personnel for their kindness and smiles.
One other decision I need to make is whether I will continue being a primary nurse for a patient I've been caring for. This patient has been in the hospital for some time and I've taken care of them since shortly after they came on my unit. This patient, due to diagnosis and the other goings-on, is just draining to take of. Very pleasant and a very nice person but it just takes everything out of you. And when you have two or three other patients. Sigh. This is another decision I have flip-flopped on. Usually I just make a decision and stick to it. I guess it's just another way this situation is draining me.
Well I better get to bed now. Maybe. Or maybe I should fold the laundry. Ugh-I really suck at decisions lately.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Ramblings of a Night Nurse: Sometimes...
I'm becoming painfully aware of the fragility of life and the importance of my job-but what's more painful is that sometimes, regardless of what I do or say, people will die. I fortunately have not lost my patient's while I'm on shift but last week I saw that four people that I cared for had passed away...in the same week.
I like to think that I'm a good nurse. I do all those things that a good nurse does. I use good nursing judgment and help make decisions for the care of these patients. But sometimes things are lurking that can't be avoided. Sometimes not everyone catches everything. And sometimes, I guess it's just time for people to die.
Two of the four patients, although it's hard to say, I'm glad they are finally at peace. They had to struggle with very long illnesses and weren't themselves anymore. I never thought I'd be saying or thinking "Oh thank goodness" when it came to someone's death. But then I think about how sick my Grandma was and I think "Oh thank goodness." People just shouldn't have to suffer.
We had a lady who was dying the other week and she was getting all the Palliative Care treatment, including a lot of pain meds. She was a DNR-Comfort Care and for some reason the nurse's had felt it wasn't appropriate to give her pain meds because her blood pressure was too low. Good nursing judgement physiologically but this poor woman was dying. She was in pain. Sometimes people are afraid to give the meds because they think they are "killing" the patient. But sometimes people are ready to go. They should go in as little pain as possible. I can't imagine spending my last hours on Earth in such horrible pain.
The other two patient's had no reason to die. They were young and could have gotten well. I did a lot to try to help both of them. I called doctor's a lot. I tried everything I could to let other nurse's know that something was going on. But sometimes all we have is intuition; something that no machine or lab test is going to pick up on. And how do you tell a doctor "I just know something is wrong"?? Sometimes there is nothing we can do because there is nothing to be done...even if we think there should be.
Sometimes all of this makes a nurse wonder if it's worth going into work that night-is what they do really going to help another person? Are they going to be alert to slight changes that occur in a patient and catch them fast enough? Is there anything to catch? Or is the inevitable just painfully prolonged?
And then something happens at work that lets the nurse know that she's right where she's meant to be. That maybe you can't help everyone but sometimes you can help more than you think. Sometimes people just need you to be there, to be in the room, to hold their hand, to comfort them, to provide the little bit of care that you don't think much of-but means the world to that patient. Sometimes a nurse knows that she was Born For This.
I like to think that I'm a good nurse. I do all those things that a good nurse does. I use good nursing judgment and help make decisions for the care of these patients. But sometimes things are lurking that can't be avoided. Sometimes not everyone catches everything. And sometimes, I guess it's just time for people to die.
Two of the four patients, although it's hard to say, I'm glad they are finally at peace. They had to struggle with very long illnesses and weren't themselves anymore. I never thought I'd be saying or thinking "Oh thank goodness" when it came to someone's death. But then I think about how sick my Grandma was and I think "Oh thank goodness." People just shouldn't have to suffer.
We had a lady who was dying the other week and she was getting all the Palliative Care treatment, including a lot of pain meds. She was a DNR-Comfort Care and for some reason the nurse's had felt it wasn't appropriate to give her pain meds because her blood pressure was too low. Good nursing judgement physiologically but this poor woman was dying. She was in pain. Sometimes people are afraid to give the meds because they think they are "killing" the patient. But sometimes people are ready to go. They should go in as little pain as possible. I can't imagine spending my last hours on Earth in such horrible pain.
The other two patient's had no reason to die. They were young and could have gotten well. I did a lot to try to help both of them. I called doctor's a lot. I tried everything I could to let other nurse's know that something was going on. But sometimes all we have is intuition; something that no machine or lab test is going to pick up on. And how do you tell a doctor "I just know something is wrong"?? Sometimes there is nothing we can do because there is nothing to be done...even if we think there should be.
Sometimes all of this makes a nurse wonder if it's worth going into work that night-is what they do really going to help another person? Are they going to be alert to slight changes that occur in a patient and catch them fast enough? Is there anything to catch? Or is the inevitable just painfully prolonged?
And then something happens at work that lets the nurse know that she's right where she's meant to be. That maybe you can't help everyone but sometimes you can help more than you think. Sometimes people just need you to be there, to be in the room, to hold their hand, to comfort them, to provide the little bit of care that you don't think much of-but means the world to that patient. Sometimes a nurse knows that she was Born For This.
Friday, May 14, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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)
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)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Ramblings of Night Nurse
I'm half way done with night shift orientation-so far so good. I had my first rough night on Monday. I've had days where I just couldn't wait to get home but Monday night was something else. I wanted to tear out of that place. I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry. I wanted to call all of my best nursing friends and say, "I know it's 9 in the morning, but let's have a beer."
I picked up my team at 2300 instead of 1900 because we were going to a unit council meeting after report in the morning. I think that's where the trouble started; you just don't get in the right groove when you do that. You've missed the first assessment and you're actually coming in at a relatively busy time on the unit, especially when you have the heavier patients. I had one easy patient, she was already asleep and just needed assessments and meds and pain meds every four. I had one to come and two in isolation down the other hall. One is unresponsive and is a complete care and the other was doing well...until we found out we needed to start blood on her. So I start calling docs and putting in orders for type and crossmatch and transfuse 2 units PRBC's. They didn't type and cross until 0100 and then the blood wasn't ready til 0230, which was in the middle of my admission (with a heparin drip) for my 'to come'...about the time I was getting ready to go get the blood, something happened that caused me to have to rush down to blood bank and get the blood and rush back up and start the blood. My lunch (lunch is more scheduled on nights because of the cafeteria only being open from 0145-0345) didn't start until 0330 and then I ate as quick as I could to get back to everything. As soon as I got back, my other patient's PEG tube was clogged and we had to fix that. I got so busy and just trying to stay caught up, I forgot to draw labs on one of them and that put my even further behind. I didn't get off the unit until almost 0800. Just a lot of little things-and a few big things-that added up to make me very frustrated and very flustered.
But I went back on Wednesday night. And Thursday night. And since my preceptor was team leader she tweaked the assignment so I'd have at least one of the heavier patients I had before. I got the unresponsive one who began having blood pressure issues on Wednesday around 1500. They bolused and she was ok. Until 2100. Sigh. So all I did all night was do one bolus after another, trendelenburg and back up, BP checks every 3-5 minutes, all that fun stuff. I had the same team Thursday night and it went much more smoothly. Thank goodness.
I like 6SAC. ICU step down is great. We do have some patient's that aren't appropriate for the unit, either too medically stable or not stable enough but sometimes we can't transfer them out. Seems like people go bad on nights the most. But 6SAC is great because there aren't a lot of ego problems; nights wraps up what they can and so does days and no one is blaming anyone else for anything that wasn't done. Nights does a lot of the "housekeeping" type of stuff. Making sure that things are ready to go for days, paper work, strips are ready to be printed, people are cleaned up for the day shift since they tend to be busier. And I found out that I can apply to ICU (in a year, of course) and only do 6-10 weeks of orientation. That's all 6SAC nurses usually need. The other units have to do 6-12 months. Yikes!
Life is different on nights. I can't do the switching back and forth very well. My goal on my nights off is usually to go to bed around 0300 but this last week it's been 0600 which is kind of irritating. I sleep all day. I eat one meal while I'm at work and eat a piece of toast before. I drink a ton of water and lots of Amp and Diet Dr Pepper. But I wake up when the kids get home and see them for about an hour before work. I'm not as rushed. I have been able to go to swim lessons and play outside with them pretty much every day. The house is quiet while I do school work at midnight. I get all the laundry and dishes done while they're sleeping. I just wish Eric would put it away-it's hard to put laundry away in the dark when everyone is sleeping. haha! The worst part is feeling lonely. No one else is awake and most of my friends are day shift so I don't have anyone to call at 0200 when I feel like chatting.
School is going well. 100% in Sociology so far and a 98% in my NSG class at OU and I just have one more week of that class. Then I have a week off and start my Nursing Management course and continue on for a few more weeks of Sociology. I'll be so glad when that class is over. It's more work than my 5 credit hour nursing class, which I find to be quite ridiculous. I think I'll stick to just Nursing for a little while and fit my nutrition and English in at a later date. One year and I can have my BSN. :o)
One final thought-
Note to self: make sure my husband and family know that I am to be a DNR if I ever become unresponsive d/t brain injury. Do not, ever, trach me, PEG me, and leave me at a nursing facility. Do not stick a foley and dignicare in me; unless it's for comfort. I'm all about palliative care. Do not make me a full code if I have had a cardiac arrest that leaves me with an anoxic brain injury that leaves me unresponsive. What was the point in bringing me back the first time, let alone a second? Do not let me grow hairs on my chin-this is more of a general statement. If I am 100 years old sitting around my house, somebody better bring the tweezers over and take care of the old bearded lady. The do's: Please do help me put make up on when I'm old and have lipstick on my teeth. Send me to hospice if I'm terminally ill or unresponsive. Tell the nurses what I like to do at home. Come play music for me. Tell me stories. Bring pictures. Bring old friends to say good-bye. Say a prayer if you like. And when I die, please donate my organs. Donate my body to the med students or hang my skeleton in a class room somewhere. Let something good come from my death.
More night nurse ramblings coming soon...
I picked up my team at 2300 instead of 1900 because we were going to a unit council meeting after report in the morning. I think that's where the trouble started; you just don't get in the right groove when you do that. You've missed the first assessment and you're actually coming in at a relatively busy time on the unit, especially when you have the heavier patients. I had one easy patient, she was already asleep and just needed assessments and meds and pain meds every four. I had one to come and two in isolation down the other hall. One is unresponsive and is a complete care and the other was doing well...until we found out we needed to start blood on her. So I start calling docs and putting in orders for type and crossmatch and transfuse 2 units PRBC's. They didn't type and cross until 0100 and then the blood wasn't ready til 0230, which was in the middle of my admission (with a heparin drip) for my 'to come'...about the time I was getting ready to go get the blood, something happened that caused me to have to rush down to blood bank and get the blood and rush back up and start the blood. My lunch (lunch is more scheduled on nights because of the cafeteria only being open from 0145-0345) didn't start until 0330 and then I ate as quick as I could to get back to everything. As soon as I got back, my other patient's PEG tube was clogged and we had to fix that. I got so busy and just trying to stay caught up, I forgot to draw labs on one of them and that put my even further behind. I didn't get off the unit until almost 0800. Just a lot of little things-and a few big things-that added up to make me very frustrated and very flustered.
But I went back on Wednesday night. And Thursday night. And since my preceptor was team leader she tweaked the assignment so I'd have at least one of the heavier patients I had before. I got the unresponsive one who began having blood pressure issues on Wednesday around 1500. They bolused and she was ok. Until 2100. Sigh. So all I did all night was do one bolus after another, trendelenburg and back up, BP checks every 3-5 minutes, all that fun stuff. I had the same team Thursday night and it went much more smoothly. Thank goodness.
I like 6SAC. ICU step down is great. We do have some patient's that aren't appropriate for the unit, either too medically stable or not stable enough but sometimes we can't transfer them out. Seems like people go bad on nights the most. But 6SAC is great because there aren't a lot of ego problems; nights wraps up what they can and so does days and no one is blaming anyone else for anything that wasn't done. Nights does a lot of the "housekeeping" type of stuff. Making sure that things are ready to go for days, paper work, strips are ready to be printed, people are cleaned up for the day shift since they tend to be busier. And I found out that I can apply to ICU (in a year, of course) and only do 6-10 weeks of orientation. That's all 6SAC nurses usually need. The other units have to do 6-12 months. Yikes!
Life is different on nights. I can't do the switching back and forth very well. My goal on my nights off is usually to go to bed around 0300 but this last week it's been 0600 which is kind of irritating. I sleep all day. I eat one meal while I'm at work and eat a piece of toast before. I drink a ton of water and lots of Amp and Diet Dr Pepper. But I wake up when the kids get home and see them for about an hour before work. I'm not as rushed. I have been able to go to swim lessons and play outside with them pretty much every day. The house is quiet while I do school work at midnight. I get all the laundry and dishes done while they're sleeping. I just wish Eric would put it away-it's hard to put laundry away in the dark when everyone is sleeping. haha! The worst part is feeling lonely. No one else is awake and most of my friends are day shift so I don't have anyone to call at 0200 when I feel like chatting.
School is going well. 100% in Sociology so far and a 98% in my NSG class at OU and I just have one more week of that class. Then I have a week off and start my Nursing Management course and continue on for a few more weeks of Sociology. I'll be so glad when that class is over. It's more work than my 5 credit hour nursing class, which I find to be quite ridiculous. I think I'll stick to just Nursing for a little while and fit my nutrition and English in at a later date. One year and I can have my BSN. :o)
One final thought-
Note to self: make sure my husband and family know that I am to be a DNR if I ever become unresponsive d/t brain injury. Do not, ever, trach me, PEG me, and leave me at a nursing facility. Do not stick a foley and dignicare in me; unless it's for comfort. I'm all about palliative care. Do not make me a full code if I have had a cardiac arrest that leaves me with an anoxic brain injury that leaves me unresponsive. What was the point in bringing me back the first time, let alone a second? Do not let me grow hairs on my chin-this is more of a general statement. If I am 100 years old sitting around my house, somebody better bring the tweezers over and take care of the old bearded lady. The do's: Please do help me put make up on when I'm old and have lipstick on my teeth. Send me to hospice if I'm terminally ill or unresponsive. Tell the nurses what I like to do at home. Come play music for me. Tell me stories. Bring pictures. Bring old friends to say good-bye. Say a prayer if you like. And when I die, please donate my organs. Donate my body to the med students or hang my skeleton in a class room somewhere. Let something good come from my death.
More night nurse ramblings coming soon...
Monday, April 5, 2010
A little of this, a little of that
So my life has been a crazy mess for the last week. Last Monday I worked 7a-730p, had a job interview at 2p and started classes at Ohio University and Sinclair. I found out that my Sinclair class had due dates of Friday mornings at 0800...well, I had class Tuesday and worked my 12's on Thursday and Friday which gave me one day to get a weeks worth of work done. I don't know how I did it, but I did! I'm now slowly progressing through week 2. My NSG course at OU is pretty straightforward-I'm sure Amber will be pleased to know that.
On the upside, I knew in the interview that I had the job. And it became official by Wednesday morning. :0)
So, in about a week I'll be starting my position on 6SAC (6 South Advanced Care)...on nights. Dun dun dun!! I'm nervous about getting sleep during the day but I suppose it'll all work out, it'll just take time. You can do anything for a year, right? And the extra pay will surely be nice. The plan is to work every Saturday and Sunday night and then a Wednesday or Thursday. That's even more money. Gotta get a new car!!
Mommy Update:
Austin finally came out of Terrible Two's to enter the even more Terrible Three's. He has decided that "I don't care" is his favorite phrase...after, only, "You want a piece of me, Punk?!" Which I have no clue where he got that from. He can also spell his name and he can count to 36. Do not prompt him to count higher because he will get mad and ask you the above mentioned new favorite phrase. Well, either one of them really. Funny story though: We were out to dinner with grandma and as soon as we got there, I took him to the bathroom. We were getting ready to leave and some how according to Eric's logic, it was my turn (??? can someone explain that one to me???) again. So I tried to take him. He stops in front of me, puts his hands up and says "NO! Just my Gamma take me!" Alrighty then. Gamma takes him and she comes back giggling and all I can think is OMG, what did he do now? She says that he didn't want to go potty but wanted to play in the sink so she decided to go while he washed his hands. As she turned to sit on the toilet, Austin turned and said "OH GAMMA! What a big butt you have!!" And then went back to washing his hands. So now my mother in law is known as Gamma with the big butt. Kids say the darndest things, right? (I swear, I did not prompt him to say bad things about his grandma!!)
Ryan is doing well in school. His teacher thought maybe he didn't like her because he's always so serious. She was quite worried, because she really likes him and tries to do special things for him because he is always so good and he does everything he's supposed to do. So when she has to move his boat (their warning signs, like getting your name put on the board) she has a tough time with it. And Ryan remembers everything anyone has ever said to him. He still talks about how I put him in time-out one time and he didn't even do anything. Well, at the time I didn't know that and I apologized later but I guess I need to apologize for the rest of my life. I thought he was doing so much better. Eric and I joke a lot but Ryan always has taken things so seriously. He's finally started joking back and saying stuff like, "I know you're just kidding me." It's been a lot of fun. Ryan is on Spring Break this week-I'm taking him to day care tomorrow so I can catch up on school work and then he's staying home with me all day Thursday and going to Grandma and Papa's house on Friday. He's pretty excited. He's also quite excited about becoming a soldier. It's all he talks about. He's only 6. And this soldier kick isn't going away, it's already been here for two years.
A good reminder of why I love being a nurse:
Holding my patients' hands. It's the best feeling in the world. Not just for me either, but for them. It's not for every patient; but for those who benefit from it, it makes all the difference in the world to them. A lot of times, it's the older female who needs it most. They are very scared and feel so out of control. Just sitting down and talking to them does a lot. I can't do it with every patient and I can't do it every day. But if I feel like my patient really needs it, then I deal with the consequences of trying to catch up. Charting vitals every hour is not what is best for my patient, but making sure they are safe and comforted is. How's this for the day from hell: 4 patients and three of them have MRI's that day-one at 0830 (I get report at 0730) and the other at 1000. The third has not been scheduled and I have to complete the questionnaire. Along with a patient with discharge pending physical therapy (and a few other minor details), 0800 assessments and morning meds. The phone never stopped ringing and my pending d/c patient was not very nice. But I did it. I made it through the day. And without pulling my hair out. Woot! And I still had time to stop and answer her questions and hold her hand while she cried. Man, I love this job. Or is it profession? Question of the week for NSG class last week-is nursing a profession or job? What is the distinction and why?
Well, I had planned on writing some of my paper but it's almost done anyway so I think I'll spare myself tonight and finish it up tomorrow morning. Guess I'll read my Sookie Stackhouse book instead. Finally on book 6! Gotta hurry up cause book 9 is coming out this month and book 10 will be out in May. They are easy reads and a great way to get my mind off the rest of this crazy world.
On the upside, I knew in the interview that I had the job. And it became official by Wednesday morning. :0)
So, in about a week I'll be starting my position on 6SAC (6 South Advanced Care)...on nights. Dun dun dun!! I'm nervous about getting sleep during the day but I suppose it'll all work out, it'll just take time. You can do anything for a year, right? And the extra pay will surely be nice. The plan is to work every Saturday and Sunday night and then a Wednesday or Thursday. That's even more money. Gotta get a new car!!
Mommy Update:
Austin finally came out of Terrible Two's to enter the even more Terrible Three's. He has decided that "I don't care" is his favorite phrase...after, only, "You want a piece of me, Punk?!" Which I have no clue where he got that from. He can also spell his name and he can count to 36. Do not prompt him to count higher because he will get mad and ask you the above mentioned new favorite phrase. Well, either one of them really. Funny story though: We were out to dinner with grandma and as soon as we got there, I took him to the bathroom. We were getting ready to leave and some how according to Eric's logic, it was my turn (??? can someone explain that one to me???) again. So I tried to take him. He stops in front of me, puts his hands up and says "NO! Just my Gamma take me!" Alrighty then. Gamma takes him and she comes back giggling and all I can think is OMG, what did he do now? She says that he didn't want to go potty but wanted to play in the sink so she decided to go while he washed his hands. As she turned to sit on the toilet, Austin turned and said "OH GAMMA! What a big butt you have!!" And then went back to washing his hands. So now my mother in law is known as Gamma with the big butt. Kids say the darndest things, right? (I swear, I did not prompt him to say bad things about his grandma!!)
Ryan is doing well in school. His teacher thought maybe he didn't like her because he's always so serious. She was quite worried, because she really likes him and tries to do special things for him because he is always so good and he does everything he's supposed to do. So when she has to move his boat (their warning signs, like getting your name put on the board) she has a tough time with it. And Ryan remembers everything anyone has ever said to him. He still talks about how I put him in time-out one time and he didn't even do anything. Well, at the time I didn't know that and I apologized later but I guess I need to apologize for the rest of my life. I thought he was doing so much better. Eric and I joke a lot but Ryan always has taken things so seriously. He's finally started joking back and saying stuff like, "I know you're just kidding me." It's been a lot of fun. Ryan is on Spring Break this week-I'm taking him to day care tomorrow so I can catch up on school work and then he's staying home with me all day Thursday and going to Grandma and Papa's house on Friday. He's pretty excited. He's also quite excited about becoming a soldier. It's all he talks about. He's only 6. And this soldier kick isn't going away, it's already been here for two years.
A good reminder of why I love being a nurse:
Holding my patients' hands. It's the best feeling in the world. Not just for me either, but for them. It's not for every patient; but for those who benefit from it, it makes all the difference in the world to them. A lot of times, it's the older female who needs it most. They are very scared and feel so out of control. Just sitting down and talking to them does a lot. I can't do it with every patient and I can't do it every day. But if I feel like my patient really needs it, then I deal with the consequences of trying to catch up. Charting vitals every hour is not what is best for my patient, but making sure they are safe and comforted is. How's this for the day from hell: 4 patients and three of them have MRI's that day-one at 0830 (I get report at 0730) and the other at 1000. The third has not been scheduled and I have to complete the questionnaire. Along with a patient with discharge pending physical therapy (and a few other minor details), 0800 assessments and morning meds. The phone never stopped ringing and my pending d/c patient was not very nice. But I did it. I made it through the day. And without pulling my hair out. Woot! And I still had time to stop and answer her questions and hold her hand while she cried. Man, I love this job. Or is it profession? Question of the week for NSG class last week-is nursing a profession or job? What is the distinction and why?
Well, I had planned on writing some of my paper but it's almost done anyway so I think I'll spare myself tonight and finish it up tomorrow morning. Guess I'll read my Sookie Stackhouse book instead. Finally on book 6! Gotta hurry up cause book 9 is coming out this month and book 10 will be out in May. They are easy reads and a great way to get my mind off the rest of this crazy world.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Health Care
I tend to just keep my mouth shut as Health Care has become more about politics and which side you're on than about providing care to people, but seeing as this bill is happening I must say something.
Health care isn't perfect-it's far from perfect but I don't see where this bill helps correct the problem. They are "fixing" a problem and creating many, many more. I just can't see where the math adds up to make this better than what we have now.
Coming from the perspective of a nurse, this is what I see:
Many doctor's are going to leave the profession, the workload would be too great and the taxes too high to continue (see this article: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/print/62812), I've talked to a few docs at the hospital who would agree with this statement. So doctors leave and we have more patients flooding the hospitals-yes, the problems will continue in ER with people receiving their health care there because those docs that are leaving are GP's-so private physicians are gone. Where else do you go then? ER. While the Dayton area has been flooded with nurses, it is a temporary increase and the rest of the country isn't experiencing this-they are still in a nursing shortage. So now we have few doctors AND fewer nurses (and smaller paychecks for the nurses who are left, I'm sure) but MORE patients to care for. What does that mean? Well, in Advanced Care (step down ICU) we take 3-4 patient's depending on severity and work load of the patients. If we have fewer nurses then the nurse:patient ratio changes; nurses will carry a heavier team.
Nursing is a hard job, there is so much to think about and caring for 3-4 patients (and on Med Surg floors it's 5-6 patients) is difficult. We want the best for our patients. We want them to be safe, we don't want sentinel events, we don't want to miss something because we're behind and we're trying to catch up. I know for me, I like to know about my patients and their families. It's not just assess patient, pass meds, document, repeat. Not for me. I talk to my patients, I learn about them and spend time with them. I love getting to spend time with families. It's especially comforting for me to spend time with family members of someone who is critical or who is dying. And it's a great joy to take care of someone who has gotten well and comes back to tell you "thank you." It's the best part of my job. I hate to think that this will be taken away because I'll be caring for 5 or more patients on a daily basis. There won't be enough time. I know some people wouldn't think that's important but nurses treat the whole person-mind, body and soul (or mental, physical and spiritual, if you prefer) and I'll feel like such a bad nurse if I don't.
Not to mention that if you give these nurses heavier assignments that they'll get burnt out and leave the profession, giving us an even bigger shortage. And do you think many people will be waiting to become a nurse then? Sinclair won't have a waiting list for it's nursing program anymore, that's for sure.
I'm not saying we don't need changes to the way insurance companies practice and run health care. But I'm saying this is such a drastic way to change. I don't understand why we can't do little steps? Allow the purchase of insurance across state lines for starters. Don't tax people who don't have "acceptable" coverage (see house bill here: http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf p 8 subpart A) {On a side note, I did hear that surrogates will be required to be covered under all insurance plans...not sure if that's a good idea or not...you'll start seeing surrogate companies pop up all over the place and a lot of people who shouldn't be doing it will be}.
Well, that's all I can post for now. Will follow up soon though. I'm still trying to read this stupid bill. It takes awhile! :D
More soon...
Health care isn't perfect-it's far from perfect but I don't see where this bill helps correct the problem. They are "fixing" a problem and creating many, many more. I just can't see where the math adds up to make this better than what we have now.
Coming from the perspective of a nurse, this is what I see:
Many doctor's are going to leave the profession, the workload would be too great and the taxes too high to continue (see this article: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/print/62812), I've talked to a few docs at the hospital who would agree with this statement. So doctors leave and we have more patients flooding the hospitals-yes, the problems will continue in ER with people receiving their health care there because those docs that are leaving are GP's-so private physicians are gone. Where else do you go then? ER. While the Dayton area has been flooded with nurses, it is a temporary increase and the rest of the country isn't experiencing this-they are still in a nursing shortage. So now we have few doctors AND fewer nurses (and smaller paychecks for the nurses who are left, I'm sure) but MORE patients to care for. What does that mean? Well, in Advanced Care (step down ICU) we take 3-4 patient's depending on severity and work load of the patients. If we have fewer nurses then the nurse:patient ratio changes; nurses will carry a heavier team.
Nursing is a hard job, there is so much to think about and caring for 3-4 patients (and on Med Surg floors it's 5-6 patients) is difficult. We want the best for our patients. We want them to be safe, we don't want sentinel events, we don't want to miss something because we're behind and we're trying to catch up. I know for me, I like to know about my patients and their families. It's not just assess patient, pass meds, document, repeat. Not for me. I talk to my patients, I learn about them and spend time with them. I love getting to spend time with families. It's especially comforting for me to spend time with family members of someone who is critical or who is dying. And it's a great joy to take care of someone who has gotten well and comes back to tell you "thank you." It's the best part of my job. I hate to think that this will be taken away because I'll be caring for 5 or more patients on a daily basis. There won't be enough time. I know some people wouldn't think that's important but nurses treat the whole person-mind, body and soul (or mental, physical and spiritual, if you prefer) and I'll feel like such a bad nurse if I don't.
Not to mention that if you give these nurses heavier assignments that they'll get burnt out and leave the profession, giving us an even bigger shortage. And do you think many people will be waiting to become a nurse then? Sinclair won't have a waiting list for it's nursing program anymore, that's for sure.
I'm not saying we don't need changes to the way insurance companies practice and run health care. But I'm saying this is such a drastic way to change. I don't understand why we can't do little steps? Allow the purchase of insurance across state lines for starters. Don't tax people who don't have "acceptable" coverage (see house bill here: http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf p 8 subpart A) {On a side note, I did hear that surrogates will be required to be covered under all insurance plans...not sure if that's a good idea or not...you'll start seeing surrogate companies pop up all over the place and a lot of people who shouldn't be doing it will be}.
Well, that's all I can post for now. Will follow up soon though. I'm still trying to read this stupid bill. It takes awhile! :D
More soon...
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Anniversary
What a great weekend! I had class til about 3 on Friday, came home and got ready for our night out. I bought a new dress to wear-deep teal-and wore it with my new short trench coat from Marshall's. Felt nice to dress up. :o) My MiL was supposed to be here at 1630 but didn't make it til almost 1700 so by the time we got to The Cheesecake Factory we had a one hour wait but since we went to The Greene, we walked next door to Bath & Body Works, then to Kay's Jewelers. I found the perfect ring for me!! So excited-and for a lot less than I was afraid it was going to be so I'm even more excited. Don't know when we're going to get it, still want to look around and see what else is out there.
Anyway, dinner was very good but portion was huge and I took home 2/3 of it! When we left we headed for Richmond (with the plan of stopping at iHop for breakfast in the morning) to stay at a hotel. We got a room with jacuzzi, which was fabulous after the very long week we both had! We slept in, which was great, but slept in so much that iHop was packed by the time we got there. Maybe in a few weeks we'll make a quick trip over there. So we came home. It was the perfect time for us! Nothing busy or rushed; just relaxing and enjoyable. I loved it.
We came home to a very messy house that I got cleaned up nicely over the weekend. Ryan stayed at Grandma's on Saturday night and that gave us some time with just Austin. <3 We never get time alone with either of the boys so when the occasion comes up we take full advantage. I let him pick out a new toy and new pair of shoes. He even got some Toy Story bed sheets. He was the happiest little boy in the world, I think. Came home and played for awhile before bed. I'm trying to think of something we can do with Ryan on his Spring Break-he always loves the Air Force Museum so that might be just the ticket! I just need to figure out how to get some more of those "lunchables" that Seth had! haha! Can't believe how much he liked that thing.
Well, I think I'll be applying to 6SAC-I wanted to go for it and apply to Coronary but I just want to transition well through things, take my time and if I get to CICU then I get there. Advanced Care (6SAC) is a wonderful unit to start on. Unfortunately, the only jobs open anywhere in the hospital are on nights. Hopefully it will only be for 6 months to a year. I can handle that. Eric likes that idea better but I'm not sure why. I'm especially worried with our house being so small-how will I sleep on weekends??? And Eric will have to take time off for sick days and school vacation days anyway (at least on days I work). We'll figure it out. And the extra 10% will be nice for sure.
This week won't be quite as busy: class on Monday, work Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I start Neuro on Monday and unfortunately with the way her schedule falls, I work next weekend too. Once again, the extra money will be nice, but I'm going to be beat! I am actually hoping to talk to one of my educators and see if I can just apply to 6SAC and stay there and not finish out the internship on Neuro. We all know I won't want to stay there. haha! My goal for this week is to make it to the gym Monday, Wednesday and Friday and hit the park track on Sunday if it's not raining. I am aiming for -3#. I'm doing pretty good but this weekend (pasta and cheesecake, even if it was only half of each) took it's toll! I don't have too many errands to run this week so maybe I'll get to catch up with my girls on Wednesday or Friday? We'll see.
Here's to a wonderful week!
Anyway, dinner was very good but portion was huge and I took home 2/3 of it! When we left we headed for Richmond (with the plan of stopping at iHop for breakfast in the morning) to stay at a hotel. We got a room with jacuzzi, which was fabulous after the very long week we both had! We slept in, which was great, but slept in so much that iHop was packed by the time we got there. Maybe in a few weeks we'll make a quick trip over there. So we came home. It was the perfect time for us! Nothing busy or rushed; just relaxing and enjoyable. I loved it.
We came home to a very messy house that I got cleaned up nicely over the weekend. Ryan stayed at Grandma's on Saturday night and that gave us some time with just Austin. <3 We never get time alone with either of the boys so when the occasion comes up we take full advantage. I let him pick out a new toy and new pair of shoes. He even got some Toy Story bed sheets. He was the happiest little boy in the world, I think. Came home and played for awhile before bed. I'm trying to think of something we can do with Ryan on his Spring Break-he always loves the Air Force Museum so that might be just the ticket! I just need to figure out how to get some more of those "lunchables" that Seth had! haha! Can't believe how much he liked that thing.
Well, I think I'll be applying to 6SAC-I wanted to go for it and apply to Coronary but I just want to transition well through things, take my time and if I get to CICU then I get there. Advanced Care (6SAC) is a wonderful unit to start on. Unfortunately, the only jobs open anywhere in the hospital are on nights. Hopefully it will only be for 6 months to a year. I can handle that. Eric likes that idea better but I'm not sure why. I'm especially worried with our house being so small-how will I sleep on weekends??? And Eric will have to take time off for sick days and school vacation days anyway (at least on days I work). We'll figure it out. And the extra 10% will be nice for sure.
This week won't be quite as busy: class on Monday, work Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I start Neuro on Monday and unfortunately with the way her schedule falls, I work next weekend too. Once again, the extra money will be nice, but I'm going to be beat! I am actually hoping to talk to one of my educators and see if I can just apply to 6SAC and stay there and not finish out the internship on Neuro. We all know I won't want to stay there. haha! My goal for this week is to make it to the gym Monday, Wednesday and Friday and hit the park track on Sunday if it's not raining. I am aiming for -3#. I'm doing pretty good but this weekend (pasta and cheesecake, even if it was only half of each) took it's toll! I don't have too many errands to run this week so maybe I'll get to catch up with my girls on Wednesday or Friday? We'll see.
Here's to a wonderful week!
Monday, March 1, 2010
What is your deal?
We went to the Y tonight right after work, I still had my uniform on and it reminded me to ask them about a discount for being an employee at MVH. I asked front desk girl and the Director of Marketing (aka being a giant whore to get her job) or Employee Relations or some made up job title, said, "what did she ask?" Ok, I'm standing right there. Then she says "you can just come over here and talk to me." So I very nicely went over and smiled and said that I had been told that the Y was one of the places I could use my employee discount (by one of the YMCA employees, BTW) and now that I was full time I'd like to look into it. She looked up my acct and starts by saying "You're right where you should be." Ok, that's fine. "Why did you not have this discount set up before? Didn't you know you could do that?" (Do you know how hard it is for me to have someone talk to me like an idiot. I have to try very hard not to get kicked out of places.) I told her I wasn't FT before and was told by someone that after FT status I could get the discount.
Continuing on, "you're account is being charged at the reduced rate since you made less than $40,000 and you're not eligible for a discount. You're already reduced." Great, thank you for the information. Thank you for also making me feel like poor white trash. She said, "IF (and she did place that much emphasis on the word) you start making more than $60,000 a year (which, dare I tell her that I make more than Eric now? haha! AND Eric has gotten a few raises since we signed up) then you'll be eligible for a 10% discount." Fabulous. That's all I wanted to know. Why so bitchy about it?? She wouldn't look me in the eye, she talked down to me. Seriously? Why such a bitch? I thought, gee, it'd be great to come in here in a few weeks and be like "BAM!" We make more than $60,000 now, please kiss my behind. Thanks! Then I remembered, it goes off of this past years W2's. I get the reduced rate for another two years anyway. Guess I'll get my "BAM!" moment in two years.
For the record, didn't like her before, definitely don't like her now, and she really did sleep with her boss to get her job.
Continuing on, "you're account is being charged at the reduced rate since you made less than $40,000 and you're not eligible for a discount. You're already reduced." Great, thank you for the information. Thank you for also making me feel like poor white trash. She said, "IF (and she did place that much emphasis on the word) you start making more than $60,000 a year (which, dare I tell her that I make more than Eric now? haha! AND Eric has gotten a few raises since we signed up) then you'll be eligible for a 10% discount." Fabulous. That's all I wanted to know. Why so bitchy about it?? She wouldn't look me in the eye, she talked down to me. Seriously? Why such a bitch? I thought, gee, it'd be great to come in here in a few weeks and be like "BAM!" We make more than $60,000 now, please kiss my behind. Thanks! Then I remembered, it goes off of this past years W2's. I get the reduced rate for another two years anyway. Guess I'll get my "BAM!" moment in two years.
For the record, didn't like her before, definitely don't like her now, and she really did sleep with her boss to get her job.
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