Love me some Army Wife Bling!

One of the great things I love about working with kids is that the hospital gives us a little more leniency on our dress code.  All nurses are to wear any combination of Royal Blue and White, but since I work in the Peds ED we are allowed to wear printed tops as long as the main colors are white or royal blue.  We also have the freedom to wear whatever closed-toe shoes we want.  Not all hospitals are this lenient, so I consider myself lucky.  Another way we can show our individuality is on our badge reels.  Many of the nurses have animals that make noise, Disney princesses and school mascots.  I desperately wanted one that said Army Wife.  While not every Army Wife wants to parade it around, I'm proud of my husband and the opportunities the Army has afforded us.

So, I started searching for the perfect badge reel, and was immediately overwhelmed by how many people make them.  I didn't seen exactly what I wanted, so I decided to contact 7 or 8 sellers and see if they could come up with something that would work.  A few responded right away, which is always appreciated, but only one really impressed me with what she had posted AND her prices.

Her prices were so great (and she doesn't overcharge on shipping) that I went ahead and ordered one for my fellow nurse AND Army wife, Lora, and an Army Mom for my mother.  Here's how it turned out:

I LOVE it and was so excited to wear it!  I've already had co-workers and patient mother's comment on it.

So check her out!!  Laura doesn't just do badge reels, and just shoot her a message if you have a special request. 

I can see clearly now the rain is gone...

To say I've been in a funk lately is a vast understatement. My patience is thin & my attitude needs a makeover. As we get into the busy season at work, I've been finding it harder and harder to paste on a smile after the millionth case of emergency vomiting. On an exceptionally trying day my manager handed me an envelope that was sent to the hospital & addressed to me. I planned on scanning it, but my scanner has decided to die...so here is what is said.

*Outside of card*
"Thanks!"

*Inside*
"...for making my life suck just a little less. :)"

"Dear Mary,

My name is **** **** and I was in the Pediatric Emergency Room on **-**-**. I was there because I needed to have my appendix removed. I wanted to say thank you for EVERYTHING you did for me. You truly are the best nurse in the world! :)
You made me feel comfortable when I felt at my worst!
*Mary, Mary quite contrary*
I will never forget you!
-Your Patient,
**** ****

"Mary,

Thank you for making our time in the ER bearable. Keep doing what you do, you're truly gifted. **** ****"

I've been carrying around this card in my work bag ever since. It makes me cry every time I read it. Knowing that I made a difference on a person's horrible day is the greatest gift I could ever receive.

So, take the time to thank those who you are truly grateful for, it will make a world of difference on their day!

Give 'em the pickle!!

When I was starting orientation for my current employer, back in May, we had to watch a video entitled, "Give 'em the pickle." The title catches your attention, but so does the content. The short explanation was a customer always asked for an extra pickle and had always received one without any charge, but one day a new employee refused & wanted to charge the customer for the extra pickle. The customer was infuriated and wrote a letter to the owner, Bob Farrell, who wrote back & started the catch phrase "Give 'em the pickle."

The principle is simple, if going the extra mile causes a small loss in profit BUT satisfies the customer, DO IT! Keeping customers happy is what keeps them coming back.

Today, more than any other day, I wish this video was part of the AAFES employment orientation. Commissary shopping with the boys is one of my very LEAST favorite things to do. That being said, I've found that if I go to Charlies (in the PX food court) and get them fries (which come in a paper cup), they stay almost completely preoccupied during my grocery shopping and it is a better experience for everyone. I always order a regular fry, costing $1.99, and ask for an extra cup so I can split it between both boys & the can hold them on their own. I've done this at numerous fast food places, and have never had a problem. Well today, there was an employee in line behind me and as I asked for an extra cup, she says to the employee behind the counter, "she can have a paper tray." I turned around and looked at her and said, "I just want a cup so my kids can hold the fries without spilling them," to which she replied (with a head whip) talking too fast to comprehend fully, but that those cups cost more money than the trays, so if I wanted another cup, I would have to order more fries. The confused girl behind the counter gave me a tray and I walked to the other end of the counter to some other employees and said, "All I want is a stupid cup, how much do I have to pay for an empty cup?" They were also confused and a girl went over and grabbed a plastic water cup and gave it to me. I said thanks & turned to the employee in line and said, "was that really so hard?"

I normally have an exuberant amount of patience for poor customer service, but COME ON! To those few military wives that read my blog, I'm sure you can attest to the continued poor customer service at EVERY commissary, PX, BX, or NEX. I rarely find an employee that doesn't act like I'm disturbing them if I ask a question. My favorite is when I have to stand there waiting, while they finish up their personal conversation with another employee or on the phone. The only exception to this is the baggers at the commissary. They almost always are polite and go the extra mile because they know their positive attitude reflects directly on the tip they receive from the customer (since they work ONLY for tips).

I really try to keep this concept in mind at work, especially when dealing with people on the worst day of their life. I always bring an extra popsicle/juice/crackers for the patients siblings or parents. It's the little things that can make a bad situation more tolerable.

So, was I overreacting or making a point? I'm still debating that one.

**************************************************
Medicare reimbursement is becoming contingent on patient customer satisfaction surveys, and many hospitals (especially Emergency Departments) are getting poor ratings.

So here's some facts to consider before you head to the ED. The National average waiting time (just in the waiting room) is 4 hrs. You aren't seen in the order in which you arrive, you're seen by the severity of your issue. If your child has a fever, give them medicine BEFORE you get to the hospital (and know what medicine you gave) since you may be waiting awhile to see a Dr. And, seeing as it is an EMERGENCY department, be kind to your nurse...you never know WHY they haven't been in your room in almost an hour. When you have a patient that isn't breathing, it kind of trumps an ear ache.

Tip of the Hat & Wag of the Finger

Okay, I totally stole this concept from the Great Stephen T. Colbert, but it's for a great cause! Since starting my new job I've come in contact with more people than I could have ever imagined. And in doing that, there are a few things I'd like to point out.

A Tip of the Hat to...

parents that know what medications (and dosages) their children are taking...and what times they take them.

parents that understand that we have their child's best interest at heart. I've yet to meet a nurse that won't question an order if they truly feel there's a better way for the child.

parents that care about their kids & show compassion when needed.

parents that truly attempted to make a doctor's appointment or get a referral to urgent care before coming straight to the ER.

parents that allow the staff to bribe their children with popsicles.

parents that know their limits & will either step out or stay talk with their child or help distract them during a procedure.


A Wag of the Finger to...

parents that bring their child to the ER for a fever, but don't own a thermometer or fail to try to medicate their child for said "fever."

parents who's children have SEVERE life-threatening allergies to medicine or food, yet don't have an allergy alert bracelet on their child. This is a pet peeve of mine!! Do you really want to run the risk of someone accidently giving your child a medicine or food that could kill them! There are a million different options for bracelets, anklets or even necklaces so ANYONE can clearly see your child has an allergy.

people who state their allergy to morphine is "it makes me tired." Really...really??

people who come to the ER to get a prescription for tylenol or motrin (b/c medicare/medicaid pays for it), yet they are carrying a Coach diaper bag.

parents who bring their kid to the ER for an ear ache, but complain about the wait time. If anyone is unaware, the patients in the ER are not seen in order of arrival, they are seen in order of who is the most sick/unstable/needs the most procedures.



All that being said, I really do love my job!! I'm learning so much & getting exposed to so many different people, which is always great.

What do you love & what would you change about your job?

Some people have too much time on their hands

Dear Nosey Neighbor,

I realize that you must have too much time on your hands if you felt the need to notify my property manager (which I'm assuming you did b/c you know the owner...or you are just THAT nosey) that "although [my] lawn is being mowed, the flower beds are in need of weeding."

Seriously...SERIOUSLY!!

Did you ever think that I might only have 1-2 hrs on my days off that I can manage to mow my lawn (while the boys are napping)!!

I'm not saying that I didn't need to pull some weeds, but thanks for ignoring the VACANT house next door that I was mowing their front yard because, you know, it's the NEIGHBORLY thing to do.

Whatever. Be a wimp.

Oh, and in case you weren't aware, YOU SUCK!

The Geographical Single Mom,

Mary

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So, for the followers I have left, I've been a little busy. Eric was able to come home for 30 days, and I chose to spend that time with him...and unpacking...and pulling weeds.

We were able to spend our birthdays & 10 year anniversary together. It amazes me how far we've come over the last decade!!

Oh, and I got a new car....a car I've always wanted...in my favorite color!!!

Meet the Mini Cooper S Countryman!!She is a thing of beauty, and drives like a go kart!
I want to give a HUGE shout out to Alan @ Flow Mini in Raleigh for his extreme patience as I test drove 4 different Mini's and working out the trade in for my Honda. All the staff were amazing & everyone had such a positive attitude!!! I'm loving my new car, and Eric can comfortably fit too!!

Work has been great. I'm learning a TON, but I'm also spending most of my time studying for numerous certifications. I'm off orientation the second week in August & I'm excited, but also scared. I'll talk more about that later.

For the few readers I still have left, thanks for sticking around. More help is headed my way in September and should be around until Eric is finally able to be with us again next spring. I am stalking without commenting, but I do try to drop a line every once in awhile.

I hope everyone is having a great summer, and I have a great post brewing about some tips on how NOT to be a moronic parent! Stay tuned!!!

Why I love my job

It took me MANY years to decide what I wanted to do with my life. Eric was VERY accomodating and afforded me the time to sort things out by not pressuring me. I finally decided that I wanted to go into Nursing while he was deployed in Iraq for 13 months (I had a lot of time on my hands). I had the wonderful opportunity to be very involved with the FRG (Army's Family Readiness Group), and found true joy in serving others, even if it was just allowing a stressed wife time to vent.

Throughout Nursing School I was conflicted about what type of nursing I wanted to do. I fell in love with the ER due to the pace & the continual variety of people you see. Then, the summer before my 2nd year I was able to spend quite a few days in Labor & Delivery, and I fell in LOVE!

It is truly what I thought I wanted to do, but I new that being a new graduate the chances were slim to non that I would be able to work in that area. While in my last few weeks of nursing school I was able to interview for a position in Pediatrics. Due to the way my hospital works, this would not only allow me to work in a specialty area, but also float to the med-surg & post-surg which I took as a bonus so I would be able to stay well-rounded.

Over almost the past 2 years I have fallen in love with Peds. As in any career, sometimes a series of events can be disheartening...but then the sun comes out, and like in this book made for me by one of my patients, the rainbow brings hope!

"At the end of the storm, comes a beautiful rainbow."

"The magic rainbow is magic because it didn't rain first."

"The rainbow is beautiful"

"The flowers grow tall under the rainbow"

(close up of her message at the end)

So many things to be thankful for!

Staying positive isn't always easy for me, but over the last few weeks I've tried very hard to see the blessings in situations that would normally bring me down.

Last week I cried at work, for the first time in a year and a half. There were too many frustrated people, and I seemed to be in the middle without a way to please anyone. I've bumped up my status at work, and am working a lot more, with a lot less help at home. But, at the end of the day, I was told by a co-worker that I had done all I could do, "and you just can't fix stupid!" This not only made me smile, but having an outsiders perspective helped me realize that I had done my job.

Also, later in the week, a new nurse (who is new to the hospital, but has years of experience) told me that she enjoyed working with me, and that I should be a preceptor. It was just what I needed to hear at the end of a long work week!

I am thankful for a career that allows me to work with the public in a way to better their lives, along with meeting amazing people that I learn from on a daily basis! I also love seeing people I've taken care of at Wal-Mart (I live in a small town) and getting hugs from them!

I am thankful for a babysitter that keeps my mind at ease, and sends me cute photos of the boys during my shifts. And, I'm especially thankful for those fill-in sitters that step up at the last minute, and lighten my load!

I am thankful for my Sexy Beast, Best Friend, and love of my life! He works, and sacrifices, for not only his family but also his fellow man.

I am thankful for my beautiful boys whose smiles, laughter, and experiences make me smile when I think I have nothing left.

I am thankful for ALL my family! This includes immediate, extended, in-laws, and my many adopted families that I've met through my travels!

And, of course, my friends. My travels have allowed me the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people that have changed my life forever! There is something so comforting about knowing that wherever we get stationed, there is a friend nearby!

Right now, I am so thankful that Eric has been granted a pass to come home for Thanksgiving. The boys are growing so fast, and seeing the pain in his eyes was almost too much the last time we were in Georgia, and he was recognizing all the new things they were doing, that he had missed out on.

Thanks to all of my readers, and to all the blogs I subscribe too! There is something very comforting in knowing that I'm not the only crazy one out there!

Self fulfilling prophecy

I often have patients comment on my positive attitude. Most are surprised, and I have to admit that my attitude would not be as positive if I didn't try so hard to convince myself that it IS going to be a great day, and that I really am Darn Skippy :o)

I must also confess that my attitude has a lot to do with where I'm working. I truly love being in Pediatrics. Whether I'm taking care of all kids, a mix of adults and kids, or only adults (due to overflow from the other floors). My patient load is smaller, and I really feel as though I can provide the care that I would want my family member (or myself for that matter) to receive while in a vulnerable state. I've had patients cry (and almost make me cry with them), I've had them feel comfortable enough to share their frustrations with their health or other situations they are dealing with, I've had them yell at me, I've had them apologize, I've received hugs, and cards of appreciation.

So many times I leave a shift feeling as though I have failed in my duty to provide the emotional care that so many people need...but when I start out trying my hardest to have a positive attitude, everything seems to work out a little better.

Lately I've really enjoyed work. I'm blessed that I have someone to watch the boys that I trust completely, and that work has been flexible with me to pick up shifts when I need to.

I'm trying to stay positive, in light of recent events, in hopes that whatever comes my way will not totally derail me. My inner mantra is: just keep swimming, just keep swimming...all in hopes that I'll be able to keep my head above water and not just survive, but thrive.

Never say Never

My distaste for cooking is something I don't try to hide. My sister even mentioned that she told her kids to be grateful they have one home cooked meal a day b/c they could be living with me!

It's just not something that I've ever really enjoyed doing on a regular basis. I've always seen it as a mundane chore, therefore I rebel, kick, scream barter to get out of it. I admit that I have, on occasion, enjoyed making dishes for parties or functions. But, the everyday need for this has made me despise cooking like the ever growing piles of laundry that spontaneously multiply (and consequently never makes it out of the basket).

However, I made dinner twice in the past 4 days (and made corn bread & banana bread). Eric has a 4-day weekend, so I signed up to work all 4 days, and I've enjoyed switching roles. Now, I didn't make anything fancy (today I made chicken stir-fry) but when given the option of taking care of the boys or cooking...I chose cooking.

It's nice to have a change of pace, and after 5 straight days of diapers, bottles, and crying...the stove and work was what I needed. (What am I going to do when Eric leaves in September for 3 months?!?!)

Don't be alarmed, this isn't something I plan to take on full time, but it wasn't so bad. After all, I am not ready to give up my throne as the Queen of TV dinners!

My week "off"

Last week was Eric's last week of leave, so I signed up to work 4 shifts. I knew that by signing up for 4 shifts, I would probably at least get to work 3 of them...and I did. I was able to work one shift in Peds, while the other two were spent on the Medical-Surgical and Post-Surgical floors. It was nice to work, but it was SO exhausting. When I was working that kind of schedule every week it wasn't too bad, but when I'm only used to working once a week, working that much really kicked my butt.

Eric, on the other hand, had high aspirations of cleaning out the garage, cutting the lawn, and many other household tasks that desperately need to be completed. He soon discovered that the boys take up quite a bit of time. Instead of me sitting on the floor with the boys when he got home, I would get home in the morning with one baby in the swing, and the other sleeping next to him on the couch. He hasn't given up hope of becoming a stay at home dad when he retires, but I told him the only way that would be fair was if I had a baby right before he retires, otherwise the boys will be in school all day!

We both managed pretty well, and I look forward to my paycheck since the boys are fast out growing the pack n play they are currently sleeping in. We're going to try only buying one crib for now, and sleeping the other one in the pack n play...but since they have always slept together, we'll have to play it by ear!

Here are some cute pictures of the boys! Cooper has turned into such a little smiley guy too!! And I think they know that I can't get frustrated when they are smiling...like when they only take 2 oz during the feeding, so they start smiling and cooing while spitting the bottle out. They have such different little personalities already!

I rested Carter in the Boppy after his feeding, and started washing bottles...when I came back this is how I found him, he had somehow slid himself over top of the boppy. He's going to be the one I'll be chasing soon!

Another classic Eric posing

This is my new favorite picture of them!

Cooper flexing his muscles

Getting better everyday...

The boys and I are starting to get into a nice routine. I put them down at night between 7-9, and they wake up for another feeding between 12-2, then wake up for the day between 6-8. In the beginning I spent most of the day staring at the clock and waiting for Eric to get home. Now, both the boys have started smiling and the PT I'm doing at home with Cooper seems to be helping with his head lag.
The boys LOVE the mobile in their pack-n-play and it always produces quite a few smiles and coos. I find myself smiling much more now because I'm sleeping a lot better, and you can't help but smile, no matter how frustrated you are, when the boys are sporting a huge open-mouthed smile.
Eric left Thursday morning to meet up with the guys he plays Call of Duty & Battlefield Bad Company with on the computer...aka...geek convention. It was initially scheduled to be held in Nashville, and the boys and I were going to go with, but the resort we had booked got flooded, and they ended up moving the event to Ohio. So, so far so good. The boys are still alive, and I'm not too sleep deprived. It has been a good test run for when Eric will be gone for OCS (26 Sept-16Dec).

I've also found a great website, thanks to Molly, coupons.com and saved $24 on my last purchase of diapers and wipes. Every little bit helps!

Work has been great, even when I'm not in my unit. There really are a great bunch of nurses at my hospital! And I've learned that without a nap, a 12hr shift is possible, even without any sleep when I get home...it's call RockStar Juiced :o) I'm so blessed that I am physically able to work, and that I work at a place that allows me to pick up shifts that are convenient for me (i.e. when Eric will be home to watch the boys).

**Clihk here to view my photos of the boys on Facebook**

Getting back in the saddle sure is a pain in the butt!

After a very short 7 weeks, I headed back to work on Sunday. Even though I am scheduled in Pediatrics, there weren't enough kids for 2 nurses so I was out on the Medical-Surgical floor. They were nice enough to take into consideration that I hadn't worked in almost 6 months, so I only had 4 patients...but that was more than enough. I was working with a great bunch of people that took the time to answer my silly questions and give me a hand whenever I needed it. My legs were shot by the end of the day and I definitely prefer night shift more than days, but I survived.

I came home exhausted after 12+ hrs on the floor, and as soon as I walked in the door Eric says, "don't hate me, but the boys slept all day." I just groaned because I knew they would be up all night...and they were.

The next day wasn't too bad and work called at about noon to see if I could possibly work in Peds that night because the nurse scheduled had called in sick (the unit had been closed, but if someone was admitted I would have to work). I called Eric and he agreed that I could work and I went about my day.

At about 2pm I started having bad stomach pains, which by 4pm turning into puking. I called work and apologized, but there was no way I could work. I had to run and wake Desiree up to watch the boys until Eric got home because whatever I had caught, I didn't want the boys to get sick.

I HATE getting sick, especially puking!! Things quieted down by about 5am but I couldn't sleep because my entire body hurt. My back was the worst, I couldn't get into a comfortable position and finally when I was no longer nauseated I took some Tylenol...but it didn't seem to help much. I started feeling better at about 5pm, so I came out of quarantine and got to see my boys.

It is amazing how much I missed holding them. Normally I'm frustrated because they both want to be held at the same time, but not holding them for 24 hrs just about drove me crazy!

So far there are no signs of anyone else in the house getting sick, so keep your fingers crossed. One of my friends said her kids were sick this weekend, and a friend that was working at the hospital on Sunday with me, in a different unit, was puking too...so there is definitely something going around!

Let's just pray that I won't catch anything else on my next shift!

Mary, out!

I had my last shift Monday night, and I was lucky enough to work in Pediatrics. As my belly has grown, and my body changed, it had become increasingly difficult to work on a normal medical-surgical floor and have up to 8 patients in my care. I really enjoyed working with a majority of the staff in these other departments, but I really like Pediatrics.

I am a HUGE believer in patient education/teaching, and make it my personal mission to answer every question posed, or find the answer. In my experience, as a patient, I often forget to ask the doctor questions during appointments and the military has more of a reactive approach to patient care. So, when I got this card in my box last month I was completely giddy!There are so many times that I attempt patient teaching and either the patient doesn't care, or I'm not as clear as I would want to be. It was also nice to run into the family, that wrote this, at Walmart 2 weeks ago, and they remembered my name and asked about how I was doing, and were excited to show the progress in their family.

With all the crazies I have come into contact with over my very short nursing career, it is patients & families like this that make it all worth it.

I'm going to enjoy taking a break while on 'modified bedrest' (which is just a precaution), but I truly look forward to having the opportunity to work with the community as a nurse.

Yes, I already know I look tired

Some days I feel as though I should save the world a little trouble and start every conversation with, "I know I look tired/sleepy/in need of rest/like general poo." And, to everyone that feels the need to tell me this (every time you see me) it is getting harder and harder not to reply with "thank you Captain Obvious!"

As most of you know, I work nights. More specifically, my shifts start at 6pm (although I'm expected to be ready to receive report at 5:45pm) and end at 6am (which on a lucky day means I clock out before 6:45am). So, when you see me out running errands in the middle of the day, take a minute to think about how you would look functioning on 2-3 hrs of sleep. I have come to accept the dark circles under my eyes because I chose to work nights, and I understand it must be hard to look at me, but suck it up! I have never been one to wear make-up because I always considered the extra time it would take, which would cut into my much needed sleep...and I still don't plan to wear it.

I start my 'modified bedrest' next Tuesday, which means no more work. So, people of the world, please hold out for one more week. Hopefully once I am back on a normal daytime schedule, I'll stop being such a horrible sight!

P.S. I think most of the comments must be out of spite due to my rocking baby bump & ginorm rack. Being jealous makes my heart hurt!

Halfway There!

Today I am officially to the halfway mark, and I'm getting really excited. The closer I come to 24 weeks (the point of viability) the less stress I feel.

I have been feeling the babies, or at least baby A (the bottom one) move quite a bit over the past week, and it just makes me smile!

I'm still working full time in Pediatrics and floating when needed to the Post-op floor, and my lower back is starting to talk back. I was walking to the bathroom last night & felt my lower back pop & my right leg tingled for about the next 10 min. No worries, I haven't lifted or moved a patient since I found out I was pregnant back in July...but I've definitely started to slow down.

I have always been a natural speed walker, probably because I am an impatient person, so this has been one of the hardest parts. I take longer to do everything at work, and when you are so busy it is hard to accept that you can't do everything you used to. AND, I have always been able to keep up with Eric's long legs (he's 6'5"), and I frequently have to tell him to slow down, or I'll meet him there :o)

I put a poll on the side bar to vote on what you think I'm having, so VOTE!!! I get asked this question at work all the time, and I'm just as anxious to find out as everyone else!!

Thanks for all the thoughts, notes, and prayers. Sending out big hugs :o)

Rude or Just Plain Stupid?

I thought it was common knowledge that there are two things that one never asks a woman about: age or weight. These unwritten rules, as I have always understood them, also include making comments about either that could be construed as hurtful in any way.

That being said, you can understand my frustration earlier this week I was told by three people at work, "don't you think it's time for maternity scrubs?" First, I'm not clueless! I knew that when I put my top on that it was a little tight around my belly, but it completely covered my stomach and there was still plenty of room to fit everything thing in my pockets. And second, do you honestly think I haven't noticed my ever-growing baby bump? Did everyone forget I just came back from spending almost two weeks in Seattle for a funeral? Shopping for maternity scrubs was the last thing on my mind! Also, I knew the minute I put the top on I needed some new ones, but I had to go to work that night.

If that wasn't bad enough, Friday night a fellow nurse made an even better comment, "wow, the doc is going to have to put you on a diet soon, your getting huge!" To which I replied, "well, considering I've only gained 8 lbs, am still able to fit into the same scrub bottoms from before I was pregnant, and I'm 18 weeks along with twins...I think I'm doing ok!"

Both of these comments within a matter of a week has really gotten me down. But, I went to a wedding last night and most people couldn't tell I was pregnant until I turned sideways. And the bride, who I hadn't seen since before I was pregnant (and isn't one to hold back the truth) said I looked great, and the only thing she saw getting bigger was my belly...which I know I'm only a nurse, but isn't that what's supposed to happen when you have a growing baby!

Am I just being overly sensitive??

--------------------------------------------------

On a more positive note, I felt one of the babies kick Friday morning. I was laying in bed and wasn't sure if I was going crazy or not so I put my hand on my belly and felt 3 little taps. So I woke up Eric and made him verify...and he felt it too!! This was VERY exciting for me because I haven't really been able to feel any movement yet, but that's probably because I've had a lot of pain throughout and haven't been paying attention.

And for those that have asked, I have my "20 week" ultrasound on November 16th, which is when I hope to find out the genders. I'll be close to 22 weeks by that point, so the likelihood is good that we'll finally know!

The best paying babysitting job ever!!

Monday night we only had 2 patients in Pediatrics so I knew I would be floating around the hospital somewhere. I spent two nights last week on the 3rd floor which is post-surgical patients without infections because they have decided that I shouldn't work with the super-infectious people on the 2nd floor :o)

I was so thrilled when I found out I would be helping out in Labor & Delivery....well, not so much helping out as babysitting. A mother gave birth & decided to put the baby up for adoption the day prior, so she didn't want to interact with the child...which I find completely understandable...so I got to feed, hold, rock, and care for this special child for 12 hrs while the adoptive parents drove in from out of state.

The odd thing to me was that most of the co-workers thought of this as a sad situation, and kept feeling sorry for the baby, I see it differently. I was so proud of the mother for having the strength to offer her child a better opportunity, even after seeing it's face. And one nurse made the comment, "oh, she doesn't want him/her" (I'm keeping the gender confidential), but I see it as she wants MORE for them.

The adoptive parents called every few hours as they got closer to check on the baby, and I just loved being able to give them little updates. It was a very rewarding night, and I was so touched to be a part of it!

This is why you should stay in school...

I am sure that I'm not the only one that comes into contact with individuals that are a few crayons short of a full box, and here is one instance that absolutely floored me.

In any for-profit hospital, space is money so most rooms are just large enough for the bed, small night stand, & a bed-side table. There is includes Pediatrics except there is a bed or crib, night stand, bed-side table, chair that folds out into a bed, and a rocking chair in every room.

I received a patient at 0245, and the patient was accompanied by mother & aunt. Here is how the conversation went:


Mother: I need another bed in here.
Me: I can't bring one in here, but the chair folds out into a bed & there is also the rocking chair.
Mother: Why not!
Me: Because it's a fire hazard.
Mother: What do you mean!
Me: If there was a fire, someone could be injured due to the clutter.
Mother: But it's only a hazard if there is a fire!
...
...
Me: That's why it is a preventative measure, in case there is a fire.


I am normally very accommodating in any way I can because no person expects to be admitted to the hospital, but when you come in demanding and yelling...um, no. Also, seeing as I work night shift, the more crap people put on the floor, the higher risk for me tripping as I'm doing my hourly checks & trying to be courteous by not turning all the lights on.

So, please make your kids stay in school! There were many many more conversations with this parent like the one mentioned above while they were here.

Moving on up!

Starting any career can be difficult, and Nursing is falling into that category. When I was still a student I was filled with fear of screwing up, and in general felt completely retarded...but things they are a changing.

I'm not getting over confident, but I am celebrating the small victories!

When orienting to a unit, one normally spends about 2 weeks, or 8-10 shifts with a preceptor to keep an eye on you. I spent over a month on orientation in Pediatrics because I am a new nurse, and I was able to spend 2 nights on the Med-Surg floor while Peds was closed.

Peds was closed on Sunday night, so I thought I would just be on call but a nurse called in so I was headed to my first night shift alone on the Med-Surg floor. A seasoned nurse will take upwards of 8 patients on the night shift, but thankfully I only had 5! The problem was all but one of my patients had been admitted or transferred to the floor about 4 hrs before my shift. It took me 7 hrs to get caught up on my charting and be able to sit down to eat!

But, my major success was when it came to the 9pm med pass. I had a patient that was supposed to receive an EXTREMELY large dose of long-acting insulin at 9, but was also scheduled for short-acting insulin at the same time. I used my judgement, after bringing it to the attention of the charge nurse, and administered the long-acting insulin, but held the short-acting. I then waited til midnight and rechecked the patient's blood sugar, and it was where it needed to be. YEA!!!!!!!!! Had I gone by the schedule I could have ended up with a patient with extremely low blood sugar!

So, I have officially upgraded my status to not completely retarded :o)

Please, please, please, read the label!!!

Before I started in the health care field I wasn't the most responsible person when it came to being an active part of my care. I never questioned the medication or treatments that the physician ordered and felt that I was just stuck with whatever was given to me. I know I can't be the only one out there that rarely checked the labels of the medication I was prescribed, or read the additional information provided by the pharmacy. Today, I really want to change that.

We had a young child admitted to my unit for a drug overdose due to the pharmacy (not the doctor or the hospital) giving this child the wrong medication. The physician ordered Orapred (generic name: prednisolone) which is an anti-inflammatory, and the pharmacy gave this family Risperidone which is an antipsychotic/mood stabilizer that is used ONLY in adults because of the risk for extrapyramidal side effects, some of which may be permanent.

The label did read "risperidone," but how often do we really check to make sure the generic name is the same as the brand name the physician said, or wrote down. So, PLEASE double check your, and your children's, medications before taking them. One website that I have used in the past is http://www.drugs.com which has a wealth of information to include side effects & what the drug is used to treat. Or, feel free to email me & ask!!

So, please read ALL your labels!