Sick Day

Not that I wish anyone illness, but it was rather nice of my Professor to cancel lecture today due to his sickness.  I do actually enjoy that lecture, but I have a Med-Surg exam on Wednesday and housework that will definitely benefit from me not having a 5-hour absence to go to campus today.

This week has been a busy one, with a roller coaster of news.  I worked nights last weekend and will not be working any more until Spring - if I do it will be because of a last minute call out.  The money is good, but the adjustment to my sleepy clock definitely takes a hit every time.

My husband was in the process of changing work schedules from a Wednesday start of the week to a Friday.  So he got a few extra days off ... and went ice fishing ... with the guys.  He got last minute prep stuff done while I slept on Sunday, we had an excellent dinner, and then went to bed.  Yep, I was up at 230 am since I'd slept so well on Sunday.  I finally just got out of bed - hoping to be quiet - but of course that woke him up.  I worked on some school work while he was anxiously awaiting the arrival of one of his fishing buddies so they could leave.  I had to take our daughter to her orthodontist appointment at the main office (rather than their more local visits once monthly) due to conflict in schedule.  My mom was going to meet me there to run her to school while I went to school myself.  Good news - her teeth are doing great.  Bad news - next phase of braces cost $3000 with $500 due April 2nd then $175 monthly for 14 months.  We just paid off a whole bunch of things and were looking forward to saving more money for a graduation vacation in January 2013 ... ugh.  The guys successfully made it to camp and I got my agreed upon message, "Off the ice, love you babe."  What happens at camp stays at camp, but I just wanted to make sure that my husband didn't become an ice cube from falling through.  He asked me, "What did women do in the old days before cell phones and txt messages?"  I told him that we sat home and worried ... and I had enough to worry about with school, so that was the least that he could do.  I had only asked for "Off the ice" ... he added the endearing tidbit on his own ... Awe <3.

Tuesday was a day of its' own, wow.  I went to clinical as scheduled, but what my instructor wrote for an assignment versus what she said was completely different.  I started my shift, and right before I starting documenting, an RN asked me if the assignment had changed.  Luckily, she caught that ... so I ended up assessing 3 patients, before I could actually get to morning medications.  That flustered me, but I got it under control.  It was just the time wasted could have definitely been used going over the bucket list of meds that one patient had.  But, it all worked out, finally.  Plus, my very bestest friend was on the ambulance that picked up my patient for discharge so I got a hug.  And, I was able to do what she complains that nurses do constantly, call her an Ambulance Driver.  She looked at me like a) "You're lucky I love you," and b) "Just for that, you will be running your butt off on your next shift, I curse you here and now."  I told the patient and his wife that the crew they had that day were definitely more than ambulance drivers, but I get to tease them since I work with them on a rig.  The wife thought we made a great trio and it eased a bit of her anxiety.  See, laughter is therapeutic.  
Background:  We've known each other since we were in grade school.  She has worked on an ambulance since she graduated high school, either through her town volunteer service or now her full time position on a service.  She does A LOT of transfers ALLLLL day long since she's designated a "transfer truck."  Nurses will constantly walk into their patient's room and say, "Your Ambulance Drivers are HEERRREE.  Now you get to go [insert place here]."  When I entered the ER almost 4 years ago, I became interested in the field work by EMS.  I did some ride-alongs and became addicted - to the point that I got licensed.  I now work with her on that volunteer service while I complete nursing school.  I plan to progress to Paramedic level eventually.  EMS is a family ... we have a loathing of being called Ambulance Drivers, that's only part of our job.  
That night, I got the "Off the Ice" txt, which was reassuring.  What I also got was surprising ... we don't drink often, and since we've been together for 8 years, he's never gone out drinking with just the guys.   Well, apparently my husband is a drunk txter.  LMAO, that definitely started my Wednesday out well since I was down for the count when he was sending them at 130 am.  Wow, I love my husband.  :)

Wednesday brought 3 hours of story time, I truly despise that lecture.  It's not "This is what you need to know to save a life," it's "This one time at clinical rotation, I had this student that [did something horribly wrong and we were lucky to catch it.]  They did go on to be a wonderful, competent nurse."  Yes, people learn from their mistakes, but wow.  I'm starting to wonder about the competency of her instructing if her students were so bad.
My husband also returned from ice fishing camp that day and I brought home pizza since we both weren't in the mood to cook.

Thursday brought Psych Clinical.  I'm definitely getting more comfortable with the routine of the facility and going to the rec room has been very beneficial.  Not only am I getting work with my break and pool shots, I'm also entering into the realm of therapeutic conversation during FUN.  The clients do not even know that us students are getting the low down during our games, they are just socializing and having fun.  Some students (and the instructor!!) even went so far as to sing Karaoke.  I wish I'd had some popcorn.  It was hilarious.  We took some guidance from one of the OT guys and are planning a group activity for one of our sessions.  It explores the 5 senses and the bonus is you get to eat the final product (COOKIES!). 

Friday, I had a hair appointment (YAY, ME TIME!), but my husband called and asked me if I wanted to ride with him to one of his destinations.  I absolutely love to spend time with my husband, but wow wasn't my hair getting shaggy.  So I was able to reschedule my appointment for earlier and still get to go with him.  YAY!  Best of both worlds.

I worked the whole weekend at the ER, just days this time.  I honestly think the city decided to "puke" on us ... as in, everyone in the greater city vicinity either came to our ER or the other one that is 1.4 miles away (driving distance).  Whether is was via rig or POV (personal car), they sought treatment.  Living the life of an ER worker ... and I love it (even if I didn't love it at the time).

I finally got caught up on my sleep this morning, only to find out that class was cancelled.  Awesome, now I'm rested and can get my To Do List done.  Well, if I ever finish this post. 

Not Just An Ambulance Driver

I have no idea where my friend got this from, but I copied it from his fb.  Remember when you see those flashing lights and hear those sirens, someone's grandpa/grammie/wife/husband/son/daughter life is at stake.
---------
Standing in chest deep water, freezing rain falling and stinging as it hits the
exposed parts of my body.  Holding her head above water to keep her from drowning until rescue could get there to cut her free---
BUT I'M JUST AN AMBULANCE DRIVER

Comforting a 89 year old woman who just watch me and my partner cover the face of her husband of 64 years as he lay dead in their bathroom floor---
BUT I'M JUST AN AMBULANCE DRIVER

On scene at an MVA with mom trapped upside down in her car and her dead sons body laying on top of her, without a second thought for my own safety I crawl into the wreckage to take C-spine control and calm the frantic lady---
BUT I'M JUST AN AMBULANCE DRIVER

Called away from my just prepared meal to respond to the middle of nowhere to a house with No numbers, No porch light on, Nobody waiting to signal us in and they bitch because we took too long only to find out the patient left POV 10 minutes ago...so we smile and walk away from the verbal lashing only because we are
JUST AMBULANCE DRIVERS

Standing in the middle of the street at midnight on the wrong side of town trying to patch the holes and stop the bleeding of a 19 year old shooting victim with the occasional bullet whizzing past our heads we never break stride because this kid's life is in our hands---
BUT I'M JUST AN AMBULANCE DRIVER

Doing chest compressions on a 16 year old girl who decided this life was more than she could take. Her family screaming at us to help as though we are the ones who did this to her. Her lifeless body flailing about as the tube goes in and IV's being started, My arms and back burning from the pain of 30 minutes of CPR, never once giving up, hoping she would make it through and over come whatever lead her to this bad decision----
BUT I'M JUST AN AMBULANCE DRIVER

Death is all a round me and still I go home to live my life

I get kicked, hit, spit on, bled on, puked on...

I look into the eyes of a lifeless child at 7 am and by 8 am I'm holding my child a little tighter and they know nothing about what happened.

I have hundreds of hours of classroom time

Years of in the field experience

I have challenged death and won

I've helped the helpless

I've neglected my family for yours

I find comfort in complete chaos

I eat cold meals if I eat at all

I work with no sleep for days at a time

I miss birthdays, holidays, and school functions

I put myself in harms way for a total stranger on a daily basis

ALL BECAUSE I AM JUST AN AMBULANCE DRIVER

I AM AN AMBULANCE DRIVER!!!  I drive 90 MPH through congested traffic full of people who refuse to yield right of way while my partner stands unrestrained in the back of this screaming land missile saving your loved ones life!  Never once does he question my driving, he knows that at the end of this shift, he will go home to him family safely because I AM AN AMBULANCE DRIVER.

If you know anyone who works or volunteers in EMS - Please Thank Them. And remember, no matter what they will always be there for you in your time of need.

My Head Hurts

Tonight, I think that the hamsters have given up fighting over the wheel and are either a) fighting each other; or, b) attempting to fight their way out of my head.  Oh. My. Gosh.  I wish I were as artistically inclined as JSchro so I could illustrate that. 

Plus, I'm working the night shift again this week and I walked into complete and utter chaos.  Typically there is a systematic, controlled chaos ... nope, not tonight.  Aaaaannnnnnddddd, oh wait ... it's psych night - as in the majority of patients that have come to us tonight have mental health concerns.  If you have any doubts about the phases of the full moon and how it affects a person's mental status, work in an ER.  Worst part is, the true full moon isn't until the 7th, so tonight is almost like a preview as to what is truly to come.  An appetizer, if you will.  Thankfully, I won't be working more than tonight and Saturday night.

I also have a 7-page study guide for an exam on Wednesday and a draft of a clinical patient care plan to write that's due for Tuesday.  Ugh, just thinking about those makes my head throb.  

On top of this all ... my not-yet-12-year-old daughter has been overcome by hormones.  I'm at a loss as to how to deal with this.  Even with all my nurse training, I am just dumbfounded as to what I can do to guide her but not lock her up in her room until she's 18.  That has been a major temptation, I hafta admit.  My nurse friends who have successfully raised teenage daughters (into their 20's now) tell me, "This too shall pass."  Yeah, I'm sure it does ... but what can I do in the meantime besides the aforementioned locked room?  They laugh ... thanks ... my head hurts.

The Night Shift

So tonight is the first night shift that I've worked since August ... I work in an ER.  Put 2+2 together and you (may?) figure out that it's a creepy place to work at night.  Especially a Friday night.  I *LOVE* it when the night starts out with people strung out on [whatever drug is handy].  If you didn't interpret that statement as sarcasm, you've got issues.

My shift was brightened, though, by a fellow blogger JSchro who decided to honor my recent clinical experience with her skills in MSPaint.  I laughed so hard that I cried ... she's AMAZING!! 

After I wrote my nursing diagnoses for my most recent care plan, I've been reading through her blog history to see what I've been missing.  Her post about bacon is hysterical.  I know my male co-workers enjoyed her suggestion for the "best way to a man's heart."  My co-workers already think I'm odd, but my sudden outbursts of laughter throughout the night have increased their suspicions.  Of course, I am doing my job as it's presented to me (I answer phones, page doctors, and deal with charts), but I'm definitely not as busy as everyone else.  This allowed me time to peruse all the other blogs I've been introduced to by Jen's blog love. 

http://www.storagesystemsul.com/store/cart.php?m=product_vendor_list&v=16

FYI, JSchro, that is a CODE Cart.  It's a cart they use in real life, that is depicted in shows like Grey's and ER as the only equipment for to save a life.  "Charge to 200!  CLEAR!"  In reality, there's a lot more to it than just the paddles ... but I have to admit, your "Emergency Box 'O Supplies" sums it up quite nicely.

Escape From the Psych Ward

Ok, so today was not as bad as I thought it would be.  This is typically the case, but it WAS the first clinical day jitters, so of course I was nauseated.  Plus, this clinical is Psychiatric/Mental Health ... and I have an aversion to that WHOLE topic.  I've had quite a few experiences in my job that make me uncomfortable with this population.  Luckily, today was a success!

First, we have badges and keys to enter/exit the facility.  When I heard the click of the door behind me, I had to remind myself that I had the key to exit - I was NOT a patient.  I found my way around pretty easily, I've always had a good sense of direction.  We met our instructor, went over guidelines, were divided up into groups, and were sent on our way.  The staff was really welcoming and helped us with our scavenger hunt ... ("Where are the fire extinguishers?"  "Hmmm, hopefully we don't need the CODE cart, but at least we know where it is!")  Then it was socializing time ... [insert awkward silence here]

Patients did eventually approach each of us after they became accustomed to our presence.  I sat in the day room and appeared to be watching TV, they came in and started conversations with me.  NCIS was a good ice breaker.  It was an old episode ... gotta love Gibbs and DiNozzo, McGee as a Proby, but I like Ziva better than Kate.

Luckily, our instructor let us out early since it was the first night.  I packed my bag so fast and was practically running for the elevator.  It was a relief when my badge worked for the exit.  They hadn't turned it off to keep me committed - this time ....

I can only imagine what JSchro's pictorial representation of my night (from nausea to exit) would have been.  It makes me smile. 

Addiction

Yes, I have found a new addiction ... blogs.  Omigosh, I have not had so much fun perusing the 'net in a LONG time. 

Admittedly, I used to like fb ... not so much anymore.  Being a wife, mom, FT college student, and working really puts a damper on my social activities.  Especially last summer, I got jealous seeing all my friend's posts about the beach (etc) while being stuck working. nights. every. weekend.

Today, Jen suggested blog love.  Oh, how I have loved.  I have been exploring blogs all day and have hardly made a dent in the people that have left their links in her comments.  I cannot read just one entry, I keep going (and laughing), and going (and almost crying - from laughter).  Of course I knew online communities and blogs existed (I'm not from the Stone Age), but I've just never really explored that realm.  Plus, I hadn't shared the existence of my blog with anyone until today, at Jen's suggestion. 

I am thankful that I did not know what an "Elf on the Shelf" was and that I had to Google it.  Without that Google search, and subsequently stumbling upon Jen's blog, it may have taken me much longer to stumble upon all the wonderful blogs I've read today.  This year is already going better than it started!

A Momentous Occasion

I. have. a. follower.  [dramatic pause]  WOW!  As I expressed (today in fact), I had never put a link to this blog anywhere.  Plus, their blog is hysterical.  I love pictures and their depiction of day-to-day life makes me smile. 

This is one of their drawings from their relationship with IT 

I did that kind of jig when I found out I had a follower.  My hair is a lot shorter, but still.  I'm new to this blog stuff and I'm learning as I go.