Alright so picture yourself after a long 12 hour shift.
Because Life is Not Meant To Be Wasted
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Notes From a Nurse: The Night Shift
Why I like the night shift.
The night shift can be kind of a pain. It is hard to work out your schedule with others. There are parties/get togethers missed on weekends.
And no one quite seems to understand that working Wednesday but having Thursday off still doesn't make you available for lunch on Thursday.
(unless you would like to wake me up for lunch in bed)
Working nights is an adjustment that is for sure. One I have had to work out myself just as much as I have had to help others figure it all out.
Now if you put a gun to my head, I would probably say I prefer days. You generally interact with your patients more. Plus there is the added bonus of being able to function normally in society.
But let me also say that I also really see a lot of benefits to nights.
I'm a night owl by nature, so staying up late is kind of my thing anyway. Plus I have always been a fan of the mysterious magical-ness of nighttime. Now I know that sounds weird and you are probably rolling your eyes-but go with me on this one. I can't really put my finger on it, but there is something cool about night time.
Like the feeling you get when you look up at a sky so bright with stars if almost feels like it should be daytime. Or that still peaceful silence of nighttime snow.
I don't know what it is....mysterious magical-ness!
Along with being a night owl I am also a list person. A person who likes to take a list of tasks and accomplish them-cross them off the list.
The day shift is full of activity. You are running from one thing to the next. One med pass to another. You get as much done that you can in the time you have.
The night shift is a little different.
You start your shift finishing up anything that needs to be done for the rest of the day. You pass meds, you assess your patients, you check monitors, labs and notes written throughout the day, you collect samples and check vitals, change wound dressings and ambulate patients. All to get your patients ready for bed.
It can take a while, and there are always fires to put out along the way, but there is a defined end.
There is a point when your patients are all settled and though work is not done, the current to-do list is empty.
My mom sometimes tells us how when we were younger younger she felt a great sense of calm and satisfaction if at the end of the day we were all fed, bathed, in clean pjs and sleeping on clean sheets. The day could have been a disaster and we could have trashed the house with our "burglar alarms" BUT everyone was safe and happy and clean and ASLEEP!
And that is kind of how I feel about the night shift. There are definite moments when I am able to sit down and feel like I really accomplished something. Then of course I almost invaribly get a new admission (Murphy's Law!). But I tackle that task as well, and eventually I get another moment to feel accomplished.
And days just never did that for me.
So that is why I like nights...and the night shift.
Be Happy Be Healthy!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Notes from a Nurse:Generous Thoughts
This one is just a short one.
If you are ever in the hospital-be nice to your nurse.
Not everyone will be.
We get yelled at and cursed at
We get insulted...and occasionally assaulted.
But we still smile. We still ask if there is anything we can get for you.
We still try to relieve discomfort and pain.
And you better believe if you code-we will put our whole selves into saving your life.
And though we don't like it-we still will be nurses.
Want to know why?
Because some people are very nice to us.
Some people are truly grateful.
And that keeps us going.
It balances out the bad.
Last night I got the biggest compliment I have ever received from a patient.
And after several really bad shifts in a row-she helped me remember why I wanted to be a nurse in the first place. Cause I was beginning to wonder.
So please--compliment your nurse......or anyone else who does something for you.
Because you never know what kind of crisis a person might be in. And how much they might need to be reminded of their worth.
Never Suppress a Generous Thought
~Bonnie D Parkin
Be Happy Be Healthy
If you are ever in the hospital-be nice to your nurse.
Not everyone will be.
We get yelled at and cursed at
We get insulted...and occasionally assaulted.
But we still smile. We still ask if there is anything we can get for you.
We still try to relieve discomfort and pain.
And you better believe if you code-we will put our whole selves into saving your life.
And though we don't like it-we still will be nurses.
Want to know why?
Because some people are very nice to us.
Some people are truly grateful.
And that keeps us going.
It balances out the bad.
Last night I got the biggest compliment I have ever received from a patient.
And after several really bad shifts in a row-she helped me remember why I wanted to be a nurse in the first place. Cause I was beginning to wonder.
So please--compliment your nurse......or anyone else who does something for you.
Because you never know what kind of crisis a person might be in. And how much they might need to be reminded of their worth.
Never Suppress a Generous Thought
~Bonnie D Parkin
Be Happy Be Healthy
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Notes From a Nurse-Handwashing
So I'm gonna start this new series.
Not quite sure what direction it will take.
Ever since nursing school, both friends and family have occasionally pulled the traditional
"so you're a nurse" followed by a medically related question.
Its an occupational hazard :)
But I don't mind.
Teachers don't get a monopoly on educating!
And the teaching part of nursing is one of my favorite parts.
So this will be a series for me to share ideas and tips. Things I have picked up in my time caring for others.
I might also throw in my funny stories. Cause heaven knows working the night shift I have a few.
(people get funny late at night!)
Anyway...we will see how it goes.
If you have any topics you would like me to discuss....comment below........
Just make sure you do it like my patients always do
Me: Anything else I can do for you?
Them: So I have a question.......
TODAYS SOAPBOX
HANDWASHING....since its the beginning of flu season.....and children's hospitals here in StL are reporting record flu related visits (and its only NOVEMEBR!)
this diagram is a pretty good one
15-20 seconds people. Sing happy birthday twice. Sing your ABCs. Count to 15!
Many studies have been done discovering what parts are most likely to be missed in normal watching.
So along with the time....you need to to get everywhere.
Thumbs and the area between your pointer finger are the biggest offenders.
The back of your hand and in between your fingers come next.
Hot vs cold water, antibacterial soap vs regular soap is not nearly as important as the friction.
Rub rub...and get all the spots!
So thats it! pretty simple right???
And it will DRAMATICALLY decrease the spread of sickness/germs!
Next time: Tummy Troubles--Why they are happening and what to do about them
Be Happy Be Healthy!
Not quite sure what direction it will take.
Ever since nursing school, both friends and family have occasionally pulled the traditional
"so you're a nurse" followed by a medically related question.
Its an occupational hazard :)
But I don't mind.
Teachers don't get a monopoly on educating!
And the teaching part of nursing is one of my favorite parts.
So this will be a series for me to share ideas and tips. Things I have picked up in my time caring for others.
I might also throw in my funny stories. Cause heaven knows working the night shift I have a few.
(people get funny late at night!)
Anyway...we will see how it goes.
If you have any topics you would like me to discuss....comment below........
Just make sure you do it like my patients always do
Me: Anything else I can do for you?
Them: So I have a question.......
TODAYS SOAPBOX
HANDWASHING....since its the beginning of flu season.....and children's hospitals here in StL are reporting record flu related visits (and its only NOVEMEBR!)
this diagram is a pretty good one
15-20 seconds people. Sing happy birthday twice. Sing your ABCs. Count to 15!
Many studies have been done discovering what parts are most likely to be missed in normal watching.
So along with the time....you need to to get everywhere.
Thumbs and the area between your pointer finger are the biggest offenders.
The back of your hand and in between your fingers come next.
Hot vs cold water, antibacterial soap vs regular soap is not nearly as important as the friction.
Rub rub...and get all the spots!
So thats it! pretty simple right???
And it will DRAMATICALLY decrease the spread of sickness/germs!
Next time: Tummy Troubles--Why they are happening and what to do about them
Be Happy Be Healthy!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The 6 Point Couple
Alright ladies and germs. Gather round-this is a public service announcement.
I would like to present to you...the 6 point couple.
This is a couple that must be touching at 6 points...at all times.
Examples of these 6 points include, but are not limited to:
elbows, shoulders, feet, heads, lips, hips, hands, knees, upper arms, thighs, or noses
These couples appear to be magnetic.
When they separate the always come back together in some similar configuration.
Now some might say it is cute and sweet that they always have to be touching.
But it can get dangerous.
I once knew a couple who maintained their 6 points while cooking. That's not just impractical...its DANGEROUS!!! There are hot liquids involved!!!!
Plus it can get super awkward for the people around.
NOW...let me talk to you about the PSA portion of this post.
Though I have see some 6 point couples survive-they had a bumpy road.
And I have seen even more 6 point couples crash and burn.
The unhealthy-ness of this co-dependence usually spells trouble.
Just a friendly warning :)
And enjoy this solution for those of us who are not a part of a 6 point couple.
;)
I would like to present to you...the 6 point couple.
This is a couple that must be touching at 6 points...at all times.
Examples of these 6 points include, but are not limited to:
elbows, shoulders, feet, heads, lips, hips, hands, knees, upper arms, thighs, or noses
These couples appear to be magnetic.
When they separate the always come back together in some similar configuration.
Now some might say it is cute and sweet that they always have to be touching.
But it can get dangerous.
I once knew a couple who maintained their 6 points while cooking. That's not just impractical...its DANGEROUS!!! There are hot liquids involved!!!!
Plus it can get super awkward for the people around.
NOW...let me talk to you about the PSA portion of this post.
Though I have see some 6 point couples survive-they had a bumpy road.
And I have seen even more 6 point couples crash and burn.
The unhealthy-ness of this co-dependence usually spells trouble.
Just a friendly warning :)
And enjoy this solution for those of us who are not a part of a 6 point couple.
;)
Be Happy Be Healthy!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Movie Monday- How To Talk to Girls
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS!!!!!!????
OMGSH!!!!!!!!! (see swilly dictionary for definition)
MAJOR EPICNESSS!!!!!
First thing you should say if hi. If she says hi back you are good
I LOVE THIS KID!!!!!!!!!!!
Enjoy!
OMGSH!!!!!!!!! (see swilly dictionary for definition)
MAJOR EPICNESSS!!!!!
First thing you should say if hi. If she says hi back you are good
I LOVE THIS KID!!!!!!!!!!!
Enjoy!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
A Quick One
I want to get a blog in today.
Work is nutty, so I want to at least say hi....and also say that interesting posts are in the works for this next week.
They are marinating in my head and getting JUICY!
But for now...let me just say.....
I love my job. I really do.
And I will keep telling myself that though I want to sometimes pull every hair out of my head.
We are at kind of a low census time (every floor/hospital goes through these cycles...and there is NO predicting!).
Unfortunately this means we take patients who are less appropriate for a cardiac/telemetry floor.
One nurse called them "train wrecks". I prefer the term "hot mess"
Only 2 of my 5 patients last night even had heart issues. And it was super disastrous!!!!
But I love my job. And in a month and a half or so (JAN SECOND!!!) I will be free!
I will still be the new kid, but I will be on my own.
I will not be juggling day classes and night shifts on the floor.
And I will set my own schedule "mostly"
Work is nutty, so I want to at least say hi....and also say that interesting posts are in the works for this next week.
They are marinating in my head and getting JUICY!
But for now...let me just say.....
I love my job. I really do.
And I will keep telling myself that though I want to sometimes pull every hair out of my head.
We are at kind of a low census time (every floor/hospital goes through these cycles...and there is NO predicting!).
Unfortunately this means we take patients who are less appropriate for a cardiac/telemetry floor.
One nurse called them "train wrecks". I prefer the term "hot mess"
Only 2 of my 5 patients last night even had heart issues. And it was super disastrous!!!!
But I love my job. And in a month and a half or so (JAN SECOND!!!) I will be free!
I will still be the new kid, but I will be on my own.
I will not be juggling day classes and night shifts on the floor.
And I will set my own schedule "mostly"
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Favorite Last Words
"I'm trying to hit on you IDIOT" Brittany
Sometimes flirting with a guy is like hitting your head against a brick wall.
Ok yes sometimes this is true....
but when it is I can't expect good results.....
btu
Sometimes flirting with a guy is like hitting your head against a brick wall.
Ok yes sometimes this is true....
but when it is I can't expect good results.....
btu
Top 10 Signs You are Old
(not necessarily in the numbers game....but in the attitude/mind game)
1-You change the radio from the top 40 station cause you "can't take this noise"
2-Your eyebrows raise up when people start suggesting you meet at 10 PM. That is not the start of the night...that is bedtime!
3-Some of your friends are starting on round 2 of children. Yes ladies and gentleman...not first kids...SECOND kids
4-The friends of yours who are not married yet because they are "18 months behind you" (aka your RM friends) are now getting engaged.
5-Children you used to babysit are going to stake dances
6-
1-You change the radio from the top 40 station cause you "can't take this noise"
2-Your eyebrows raise up when people start suggesting you meet at 10 PM. That is not the start of the night...that is bedtime!
3-Some of your friends are starting on round 2 of children. Yes ladies and gentleman...not first kids...SECOND kids
4-The friends of yours who are not married yet because they are "18 months behind you" (aka your RM friends) are now getting engaged.
5-Children you used to babysit are going to stake dances
6-
Thursday, November 15, 2012
TWATTSG:The Word Date
You know those meme things???
Here's one
When the word date is said.......
What a girl pictures
What a guy pictures
May I please ask a serious question??
Why does the word DATE scare guys so much???
I have found that most guys have no problem spending time with girls, talking to girls or anything of the like.
And these same guys have no problem asking a girl to "Hang Out".......................
which in the immortal words of Brittney and Nicole is code for "Lets watch a movie and make out after"
Now come on gentleman. Is dinner or yogurt or the Mormon version of drinks or coffee all that scary??
You are totally not terrified of the NCMO (which is a pretty big gamble if you don't know the clingy level of the girl you are slobbering on) but a simple two hours of polite small talk is terrifying????
I understand that rejection is scary and that putting yourself out there is scary.
But that is not what I am speaking of.
I am speaking of the fear you all seem to have of the word!
But can I ask you to please for the LOVE
GET OVER IT!
The word DATE is actually a GREAT word.
Ladies...have you ever been on what you thought was a date...but the guy you were with didn't?
And conversely have you ever hung out with a guy who thought you were on a date?
CONFUSION right???
The WORD date gives clarity.
It shows a girl that the gentleman is interested in getting to know her better
(NOTE: it DOES NOT mean marriage!!!!! Guys AND girls are both culprits of this erroneous-ness!)
If used....a date can help avoid the dreaded DTR.....but more on that later!
For now....gentleman...FOR THE LOVE OF PETE...
please use the word date.....I promise it will not lead to this.....
Here's one
When the word date is said.......
What a girl pictures
What a guy pictures
May I please ask a serious question??
Why does the word DATE scare guys so much???
I have found that most guys have no problem spending time with girls, talking to girls or anything of the like.
And these same guys have no problem asking a girl to "Hang Out".......................
which in the immortal words of Brittney and Nicole is code for "Lets watch a movie and make out after"
Now come on gentleman. Is dinner or yogurt or the Mormon version of drinks or coffee all that scary??
You are totally not terrified of the NCMO (which is a pretty big gamble if you don't know the clingy level of the girl you are slobbering on) but a simple two hours of polite small talk is terrifying????
I understand that rejection is scary and that putting yourself out there is scary.
But that is not what I am speaking of.
I am speaking of the fear you all seem to have of the word!
But can I ask you to please for the LOVE
GET OVER IT!
The word DATE is actually a GREAT word.
Ladies...have you ever been on what you thought was a date...but the guy you were with didn't?
And conversely have you ever hung out with a guy who thought you were on a date?
CONFUSION right???
The WORD date gives clarity.
It shows a girl that the gentleman is interested in getting to know her better
(NOTE: it DOES NOT mean marriage!!!!! Guys AND girls are both culprits of this erroneous-ness!)
If used....a date can help avoid the dreaded DTR.....but more on that later!
For now....gentleman...FOR THE LOVE OF PETE...
please use the word date.....I promise it will not lead to this.....
Monday, November 12, 2012
TWATTSG: Confused vs Being Confusing
Let me lay out a story first for us.
Once upon a time there was this girl (aka ME). And there was this boy (duh! don't all my stories go like this?)
The boy and girl had never really had an opportunity to really do anything...but they were friends and in the back of the girls mind she kind of wondered, but never did anything.
Then one day after several months of not seeing the boy and several weeks of not even talking to him, he suddenly contacts her. And suddenly they are meeting up for lunch.
She walks in and he immediately gives her a HUGE hug. Not only was it big...it was tight....and lasted longer than was likely proper. But she blew it off as him just being happy to see her after such a long time. But then this lunch turned into a very date like lunch. Goofy light-hearted flirting, compliments, he paid.......
And then the end of the "date" he suddenly reveals he has a girlfriend.
Now we all know that I am a serious subscriber to the "he's just not that into you" philosophy.
The whole first part of the story makes you think...hmmmm...maybe he's into you. Unlikely, but the clues are piling up.
And then all the clues come crashing down.
I am not confused. I think the situation is QUITE clear!
But can I just say....HE is BEING confusing!!!!!
I think its an important distinction to make. Some judge us girls when we talk about guys being confusing.
Just because they are being confusing doesn't mean we are confused.
I am not confused...but I am annoyed that he is being confusing.....
Off soap box and rant over
Once upon a time there was this girl (aka ME). And there was this boy (duh! don't all my stories go like this?)
The boy and girl had never really had an opportunity to really do anything...but they were friends and in the back of the girls mind she kind of wondered, but never did anything.
Then one day after several months of not seeing the boy and several weeks of not even talking to him, he suddenly contacts her. And suddenly they are meeting up for lunch.
She walks in and he immediately gives her a HUGE hug. Not only was it big...it was tight....and lasted longer than was likely proper. But she blew it off as him just being happy to see her after such a long time. But then this lunch turned into a very date like lunch. Goofy light-hearted flirting, compliments, he paid.......
And then the end of the "date" he suddenly reveals he has a girlfriend.
Now we all know that I am a serious subscriber to the "he's just not that into you" philosophy.
The whole first part of the story makes you think...hmmmm...maybe he's into you. Unlikely, but the clues are piling up.
And then all the clues come crashing down.
I am not confused. I think the situation is QUITE clear!
But can I just say....HE is BEING confusing!!!!!
I think its an important distinction to make. Some judge us girls when we talk about guys being confusing.
Just because they are being confusing doesn't mean we are confused.
I am not confused...but I am annoyed that he is being confusing.....
Off soap box and rant over
Wanna Hear My Recent Obsession???
SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!
Dancing around the house....LITRALLY!!!!!!!! (yes I know I spelled it wrong....say it like its spelled!)
Enjoy!
And seriously I need to find me a swing dance partner cause I for reals have the whole song choreographed in my head!!!!!!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Cheese on Toast
alright...prepared for a whole lot of cheesi-ness????
Recently I got to see a bunch of old guy friends
Recently I got to see a bunch of old guy friends
The Saga of Stephanie the Night Shift Nurse
Its official.....
I have become a lady of the night!
But instead of thigh-high boots...I wear Danskos
And instead of a skanky outfit....scrubs and a jacket (it gets cold late at night!)
Also I trade in big hair for a pony-tail and lots of cake make-up for well...none.
I do give out drugs though!
But usually they are of the lowering blood pressure and cholesterol kind.....not ones that will give you too much of a trip.
BUT BUT sometimes I do give out morphine!
Last night I went to bed when it was dark out. It felt weird.
I have gotten really good at doing things with the lights off.
I can start IV fluids or antibiotics without a light at all!
Its not too bad. Its a different set of problems than during the day.
Day time is busy with appointments and procedures and at least 3 med passes.
Nights have 2 maybe and not too many appointments.
But if something goes wrong....it goes very wrong and there aren't a whole lot of people around to help you out!
Its a hurry up and wait sort of deal. You rush rush rush rush trying to get everything done.
And then you sit for hours.
And then go crazy again!
Keeps you on your toes that is for sure!!!
And now I sleep like this......
Its great stuff
Friday, November 9, 2012
My Adventures in the State of UT
Lets do it in list form shall we???
-I should never go anywhere without a GPS. I get lost going places I have been dozens of times!
-Bad things tend to happen in 3s...early contractions, seizures, and allergic reactions...
-Weddings where you are one of the only single people there...not nearly as depressing as one might think. It is actually a little funny when people talk about the void in your life and you reply "I'd like that void to stay JUST WHERE IT IS!" Also trying desperately and obviously to avoid catching the bouquet is quite a treat!
-Holding babies who are only a few weeks old is very motivating as far as dating goes!
-Big Sister drives like a GRANDMA
-Therapy sessions with your best friend are ALWAYS more fun when done at 12:30 AM
-Rental cars are a PAIN in the YOU KNOW WHAT!!!!
-Never trust airport monitors....they will tell you that your flight is leaving 45 minutes earlier than your ticket says and will lead you to run across the airport at lightening speed because supposedly your flight was leaving in 3 minutes. (ps....my flight left 20 minutes late....which happened to be 1 hour AFTER the mad dash across the Chicago airport)
-Traveling NEVER goes according to plan!
-The sign of a good friend is that you feel like no time has passed and you can just pick up right where you left off
-Satellite radio is GREAT. They actually have a "spa" station!
-Classical music is not always relaxing. Sometimes it is stressful...cause you feel like its time to go to battle or something!
-I have GREAT girlfriends! They are so kind to have interesting love lives so that I can live vicariously!
-If I Were a Boy by Beyonce is just not a good idea. Especially post break-up....oh dark places ;)
-That rubber duck you keep in your purse to entertain little things? Never give it to a one year old on a plane....they are in a throwing stage...and you will lose it!
-Freshman ward testimony meetings at BYU are well....interesting!
-Always expect the unexpected news to come at the END of lunch....never the beginning
-The game Destiny is ALWAYS right and NEVER gets old...for some strange reason....cause it really should!
-Shooting a garter is harder than it looks. Guys who would like to have this tradition at their wedding...start practicing NOW
-Tie-dye cake recipes on Pinterest...actually work!
-I am pretty sure I have already met my husband....he is all the good qualities of all my 92nd boys smushed together!
Wanna see some of my favorite shots????
-I should never go anywhere without a GPS. I get lost going places I have been dozens of times!
-Bad things tend to happen in 3s...early contractions, seizures, and allergic reactions...
-Weddings where you are one of the only single people there...not nearly as depressing as one might think. It is actually a little funny when people talk about the void in your life and you reply "I'd like that void to stay JUST WHERE IT IS!" Also trying desperately and obviously to avoid catching the bouquet is quite a treat!
-Holding babies who are only a few weeks old is very motivating as far as dating goes!
-Big Sister drives like a GRANDMA
-Therapy sessions with your best friend are ALWAYS more fun when done at 12:30 AM
-Rental cars are a PAIN in the YOU KNOW WHAT!!!!
-Never trust airport monitors....they will tell you that your flight is leaving 45 minutes earlier than your ticket says and will lead you to run across the airport at lightening speed because supposedly your flight was leaving in 3 minutes. (ps....my flight left 20 minutes late....which happened to be 1 hour AFTER the mad dash across the Chicago airport)
-Traveling NEVER goes according to plan!
-The sign of a good friend is that you feel like no time has passed and you can just pick up right where you left off
-Satellite radio is GREAT. They actually have a "spa" station!
-Classical music is not always relaxing. Sometimes it is stressful...cause you feel like its time to go to battle or something!
-I have GREAT girlfriends! They are so kind to have interesting love lives so that I can live vicariously!
-If I Were a Boy by Beyonce is just not a good idea. Especially post break-up....oh dark places ;)
-That rubber duck you keep in your purse to entertain little things? Never give it to a one year old on a plane....they are in a throwing stage...and you will lose it!
-Freshman ward testimony meetings at BYU are well....interesting!
-Always expect the unexpected news to come at the END of lunch....never the beginning
-The game Destiny is ALWAYS right and NEVER gets old...for some strange reason....cause it really should!
-Shooting a garter is harder than it looks. Guys who would like to have this tradition at their wedding...start practicing NOW
-Tie-dye cake recipes on Pinterest...actually work!
-I am pretty sure I have already met my husband....he is all the good qualities of all my 92nd boys smushed together!
Wanna see some of my favorite shots????
 |
| LOVE LOVE my Freshman girls!!!!!! |
 |
| Love my Sisters!!!! Nice photo bomb Bias! |
Pappy just caught her...HYSTERICAL!!!!!
LOVE LOVE and miss my 15/16 ers
excellent photography!!!!!
BACKMAN!!!!!
Traci and Catherine!!!!!!!!!!!!
AWWWWW My favorite big brother!!!!! Love you Matthew!!!
ITS MY GIRL!!! LOVE YOU MEREDITH!!!!
JESS IS HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Most of HC 15....just missing dear Danielle LOVE LOVE THEM!!!
BEST GROUP OF PEOPLE EVER!!!!!!!
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