This week I had a community rotation. Man, I love them. It's a nice break to have amidst the normal hospital routine. Today I worked with an RN from ECI, or Early Child Intervention. She basically makes home visits and plays with the child for about 30 minutes and then talks with the parents to identify needs and coordinate care...because these people are usually receiving support from more than one organization.
She is great at what she does. At the first home we visited, CPS was investigating, and the dad was really mad at them. He also had frustrations with WIC, and numerous other people. She gently pointed out that while he may all of these people as threats, they are really good because they want what's best for the child. She said it in a really good way to where he couldn't argue.
The next house we went to was really sad. It made me mad. There was a cute, chatty, smart, controlling 2 y.o. that was next door to my patient's room last week in the hospital who, apparently, is in the hospital all of the time. In fact, I saw her earlier in the semester, too. The whole staff of nurses at S & W loves her to pieces, and understandably so. Anyway, it was her house we went to today. She is in foster care, and all of her foster brothers and sisters (probably about 8 total) have serious medical problems. They each have their own nurse. There were 5 cribs in one room and three or four in another. It was a mini hospital. The RN I was with mentioned that some of these foster parents treat having kids like it's a little business. It's hard to see such a promising kid in a place like that, instead of a normal family...whatever that is.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday, November 1, 2007
A gift
The past two days have by far been the best and most rewarding. I took care of a Vietnamese woman and her newborn son, the miracle baby. He had a transverse fetal lie and a nuchal chord x4....meaning, laying sideways in momma and the chord wrapped around his throat 4 times. (Rare and crazy!) He was so cute, and every time I touched him he would get fussy--even if I was only taking his temp! His face would get all scrunched up and red...still adorable.
Anyway, there was a man in the room during everything, even the things that the husband usually leaves for. However, he wasn't the husband or father. He was her boss. After hearing the nurses talking about the woman's history--being a prostitute to support her family, becoming pregnant and then moving to the states to work for this guy--immediately I started assuming things.
These people were *so* sweet. The man spoke broken English, and the woman close to none. But every time I left they room they would smile and say thank you. As I was leaving tonight, I went in to tell them goodbye and thank you for letting me take care of them. He thanked me for helping and then said, "You'll make lot of money. You lucky." All of a sudden he began to talk.
He told me of how he grew up in Vietnam during communism, had ten brothers and sisters, escaped by boat and after three days and nights ended up in Malaysia, where he was put in a refugee camp--for seven years. Now he works 7 days a week, 12 hours a day to make money. He goes back to Vietnam once a year and gives his family money and also money to the church or temple.
There are tons of pregnant girls there that get abortions because their partner leaves them. The churches and/or temples try to aide these girls so that they have another option. He said he makes more money than he needs personally, but not enough to help all of these girls, so he gives what he can and then goes to schools to educate and talk to people. The government doesn't help at all, and if people see the bad and try to change things, they are shut down and they get in trouble.
He said, you only live once. You can't take anything with you when you go see God. We don't know what tomorrow will bring--if we will live or die. Right now we must live, love, laugh and help. He told me to take a vacation to another country. That when I came back to the U.S. I would love my country and realize how lucky I was...and how needy others are.
His passion for helping others was so encouraging. After listening to him speak I then understood why he was there, with this girl. He has grasped the fragility of life. And I couldn't help but reminded that, "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
What a blessing.
Anyway, there was a man in the room during everything, even the things that the husband usually leaves for. However, he wasn't the husband or father. He was her boss. After hearing the nurses talking about the woman's history--being a prostitute to support her family, becoming pregnant and then moving to the states to work for this guy--immediately I started assuming things.
These people were *so* sweet. The man spoke broken English, and the woman close to none. But every time I left they room they would smile and say thank you. As I was leaving tonight, I went in to tell them goodbye and thank you for letting me take care of them. He thanked me for helping and then said, "You'll make lot of money. You lucky." All of a sudden he began to talk.
He told me of how he grew up in Vietnam during communism, had ten brothers and sisters, escaped by boat and after three days and nights ended up in Malaysia, where he was put in a refugee camp--for seven years. Now he works 7 days a week, 12 hours a day to make money. He goes back to Vietnam once a year and gives his family money and also money to the church or temple.
There are tons of pregnant girls there that get abortions because their partner leaves them. The churches and/or temples try to aide these girls so that they have another option. He said he makes more money than he needs personally, but not enough to help all of these girls, so he gives what he can and then goes to schools to educate and talk to people. The government doesn't help at all, and if people see the bad and try to change things, they are shut down and they get in trouble.
He said, you only live once. You can't take anything with you when you go see God. We don't know what tomorrow will bring--if we will live or die. Right now we must live, love, laugh and help. He told me to take a vacation to another country. That when I came back to the U.S. I would love my country and realize how lucky I was...and how needy others are.
His passion for helping others was so encouraging. After listening to him speak I then understood why he was there, with this girl. He has grasped the fragility of life. And I couldn't help but reminded that, "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
What a blessing.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Now I know why they call it a See Section
Back at the hospital today! My friend, Liz, and I haven't been in the hospital for 2 weeks, so we were both a little rusty. I'm glad that I have her to go through things with! My patient was dilated to a 5 at 2:30 this afternoon and didn't progress at all, so they did a C section at about 8:00. I *never* want to have a C section. Well, I guess unless my life or the baby's life was in danger I could make an exception. But otherwise...no way!
My hat is off to the person who discovered/invented anesthesia. Seriously. I won't go into details, but the procedure is rough. The outcome, however, is the same--one cute baby! And the way we had her all wrapped up made her look like a little eskimo. Just precious. I love the labor and delivery floor.
Mrs. Emmerson mentioned in class the other day that the stories aren't always happy. Bad things happen, too. A bad thing happened today on the floor. I was standing by the computers listening to the charge nurse talk about a patient. I looked down at some papers nearby and could see a picture of a baby...it looked really, really bad. She saw me looking at it and handed it and a few others to me. It was one that they lost today--only 19 weeks gestation. You can imagine what the family and even the nurse were going through.
It's hard to remember that everything that happens, happens for the glory of the Lord. It's a little easier, looking in from the outside. But if I were the mother, would that be something that I would think about? If I were the nurse? What could I do or say to comfort? How could I make that conversation intentional enough to relay God's mercy and love? It made me think about how, when I AM a nurse, I would handle that kind of thing.
I hate to end this on a low note, but sometimes, that's just the way it is...
Despite the good or bad, there's always the....good or bad.
It's just life. And we are carried through.
My hat is off to the person who discovered/invented anesthesia. Seriously. I won't go into details, but the procedure is rough. The outcome, however, is the same--one cute baby! And the way we had her all wrapped up made her look like a little eskimo. Just precious. I love the labor and delivery floor.
Mrs. Emmerson mentioned in class the other day that the stories aren't always happy. Bad things happen, too. A bad thing happened today on the floor. I was standing by the computers listening to the charge nurse talk about a patient. I looked down at some papers nearby and could see a picture of a baby...it looked really, really bad. She saw me looking at it and handed it and a few others to me. It was one that they lost today--only 19 weeks gestation. You can imagine what the family and even the nurse were going through.
It's hard to remember that everything that happens, happens for the glory of the Lord. It's a little easier, looking in from the outside. But if I were the mother, would that be something that I would think about? If I were the nurse? What could I do or say to comfort? How could I make that conversation intentional enough to relay God's mercy and love? It made me think about how, when I AM a nurse, I would handle that kind of thing.
I hate to end this on a low note, but sometimes, that's just the way it is...
Despite the good or bad, there's always the....good or bad.
It's just life. And we are carried through.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
PREP
Today I went with three other girls to the "PREP" program. I think it stands for "Preparing responsible and educated parents," or something. It's actually a really, really great thing. Pregnant teenagers can go there and get their high school diploma in 2 years. During those 2 years, they also have free childcare for their babies in the same facility. Granted, the girls have to have a good attendance record and also stay out of trouble...which is hard for some of them. When two newborns from different moms share the same dad, there can be a little tension in the room. Generally all of the girls tease each other and give each other a hard time.
While we were there today we taught a short exercise class, gave general assessments on toddlers, and observed (played with) them to see if they were developmentally where they should be. Man, kids are so cute. Always. My little guy had lots of earwax and snot, but he was still cute, and sweet as can be. It was really eye opening to see girls as young as 13 with skinny little legs and big 'ole bellies. Really sad that they have to grow up so fast...or think that they are all grown up.
It was also good to see the women who ran the show. There were other teachers and helpers there, too, but one R.N. was pretty much in charge of the whole sha-bang. It kind of reminded me of Mama Lupita at Casa Hogar Elim, in Mexico. She has to be tough and strict with them to get the job done...to earn their respect...to be heard. But the love she has for the girls is all over her face. Cool woman, and quite admirable.
Tomorrow I get to draw blood! I forgot where we're going, though...
While we were there today we taught a short exercise class, gave general assessments on toddlers, and observed (played with) them to see if they were developmentally where they should be. Man, kids are so cute. Always. My little guy had lots of earwax and snot, but he was still cute, and sweet as can be. It was really eye opening to see girls as young as 13 with skinny little legs and big 'ole bellies. Really sad that they have to grow up so fast...or think that they are all grown up.
It was also good to see the women who ran the show. There were other teachers and helpers there, too, but one R.N. was pretty much in charge of the whole sha-bang. It kind of reminded me of Mama Lupita at Casa Hogar Elim, in Mexico. She has to be tough and strict with them to get the job done...to earn their respect...to be heard. But the love she has for the girls is all over her face. Cool woman, and quite admirable.
Tomorrow I get to draw blood! I forgot where we're going, though...
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Bowling and WIC
Today was a really fun day. For the first half, I was at Temple High School working with special needs kids and we went to the bowling alley. At first I was really scared and unsure, mainly because I didn't know what to expect. Some of the kids are so smart! One girl, Erica, is able to remember everyone's birthday...a coach came in and said, "Erica--what's my sister's name? What's my mommas name? What's my sister's birthday?" She answered them all correctly. The teacher was telling me that one time there was a visitor that Erica had briefly met 3 years prior and Erica still remembered her birthday, too! Some of my favorite lines,
"Miss Lauren, I'm a woman. What are you?"
"Who's your brother? Does he like stickers?"
"Who's your pastor? Don't tear up his Bible!"
There was also one kid named Sergei that seemed really smart, too. He told me all about how he was from Russia but his mom died. Now he's adopted and his dad is a pediatrician at Scott and White. A really kind kid. The teacher told me that he always comes to her upset because he thinks he doesn't have enough faith.
I could picture myself working with those kids someday. Maybe not right after school, and maybe not for a real long time, but at least for a little while. Today was an eye opening blessing.
After going to the school, I went with my friend, Liz, to WIC. I really liked it. Definitely another things I can picture myself doing someday. Well, community work, at least. It's really relaxed and you get to know the clients pretty well for the time that they're there. It's a good environment. Oh, and I saw the same baby whose birth I witnessed a few weeks ago! That was pretty cool : )
Last week in NICU was a blast, too! I took care of a 1 lb 12 oz baby who had a twin brother next to him. Previously I thought that all NICU babies were doomed (or something) but a nurse told me that S&W usually only has 5-6 deaths a year...so the survival rate is really high! That kind of made me look at things differently--like the work that I do there will actually make a difference in the baby's future...I could also picture myself there someday.
Oh dear, I like everything I do this semester...this could be a bad thing! ; )
Until next week....
"Miss Lauren, I'm a woman. What are you?"
"Who's your brother? Does he like stickers?"
"Who's your pastor? Don't tear up his Bible!"
There was also one kid named Sergei that seemed really smart, too. He told me all about how he was from Russia but his mom died. Now he's adopted and his dad is a pediatrician at Scott and White. A really kind kid. The teacher told me that he always comes to her upset because he thinks he doesn't have enough faith.
I could picture myself working with those kids someday. Maybe not right after school, and maybe not for a real long time, but at least for a little while. Today was an eye opening blessing.
After going to the school, I went with my friend, Liz, to WIC. I really liked it. Definitely another things I can picture myself doing someday. Well, community work, at least. It's really relaxed and you get to know the clients pretty well for the time that they're there. It's a good environment. Oh, and I saw the same baby whose birth I witnessed a few weeks ago! That was pretty cool : )
Last week in NICU was a blast, too! I took care of a 1 lb 12 oz baby who had a twin brother next to him. Previously I thought that all NICU babies were doomed (or something) but a nurse told me that S&W usually only has 5-6 deaths a year...so the survival rate is really high! That kind of made me look at things differently--like the work that I do there will actually make a difference in the baby's future...I could also picture myself there someday.
Oh dear, I like everything I do this semester...this could be a bad thing! ; )
Until next week....
Friday, September 28, 2007
Catch Up!
Oh, I didn't write last week...time for a catch up!!!
Last week I was working on the postpartum unit in couplet care. My patient was born the day after me, so that was pretty cool. She was really nice, had lots of good questions, and her baby had the longest eyelashes I'd ever seen in my life! This was this young woman's second baby in the past two years...eek! Glad it's not me :)
I finally felt more comfortable working with my patient as far as walking in, assessing, asking questions to get info, etc. It felt good. I even got to do discharge teaching when they left! So now they know all I know about what the mom should be feeling physiologically (vague enough? :D), how to bottle feed so the baby can tolerate it better, side effects of meds, how to get a birth certificate, who to call if they have problems or questions, and all that fun stuff. I felt useful. The nurses all seem really happy and like they enjoy there jobs. However on the other end of the spectrum...........
there's the Pediatrics floor. Not quite filled with as much life. My patient on Wednesday had a really interesting disease process (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpus)--a hemorrhagic disorder where his blood doesn't clot effectively. These kids are supposed to take it easy and stay away from the rough physical contact that comes along with sports (because they take forever to stop bleeding), however, the dad insisted that he continue playing "PeeWee Football" so he could be a normal kid. How normal is it if you get a paper cut and have massive blood loss? Anyway, he was in the hospital to get loaded up on meds so he could play football. A 7-year-old.
My patient yesterday was really sad. She was 9-years-old and suffered from Cerebral Palsy. She's a Foster Care kid, but didn't have any visitors all day. She laid in her net-covered-crib flopping around a foam puzzle, listening to hospital music for most of the time. I read her a book and talked to her...she looked at me occasionally, but I couldn't tell if she understood anything. I told her she had pretty hair and put my hand on her head, and she moved her hand to her head also. Maybe she understood? I found out that alot of the pedi kids on the floor are in foster care.
On a brighter note, I did go into the Child Life center (the playroom) and met these two boys playing video games. They were sitting in front of the TV, both in blue gowns, both with IV stands behind them. : ) They had just become friends and were going to go in one of the boys' room to continue their party after the playroom closed. That was pretty cool--seeing kids being friends with kids who had some of the same things going on.
I got my paper work done at 4:25...it was due at 4:30. I was so glad to get that out of my hands! :D
Next week I go to Nicu. My impression from classmates is that these babies take your heart. I'm a little nervous...I'm sure there will be sad stories.
Last week I was working on the postpartum unit in couplet care. My patient was born the day after me, so that was pretty cool. She was really nice, had lots of good questions, and her baby had the longest eyelashes I'd ever seen in my life! This was this young woman's second baby in the past two years...eek! Glad it's not me :)
I finally felt more comfortable working with my patient as far as walking in, assessing, asking questions to get info, etc. It felt good. I even got to do discharge teaching when they left! So now they know all I know about what the mom should be feeling physiologically (vague enough? :D), how to bottle feed so the baby can tolerate it better, side effects of meds, how to get a birth certificate, who to call if they have problems or questions, and all that fun stuff. I felt useful. The nurses all seem really happy and like they enjoy there jobs. However on the other end of the spectrum...........
there's the Pediatrics floor. Not quite filled with as much life. My patient on Wednesday had a really interesting disease process (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpus)--a hemorrhagic disorder where his blood doesn't clot effectively. These kids are supposed to take it easy and stay away from the rough physical contact that comes along with sports (because they take forever to stop bleeding), however, the dad insisted that he continue playing "PeeWee Football" so he could be a normal kid. How normal is it if you get a paper cut and have massive blood loss? Anyway, he was in the hospital to get loaded up on meds so he could play football. A 7-year-old.
My patient yesterday was really sad. She was 9-years-old and suffered from Cerebral Palsy. She's a Foster Care kid, but didn't have any visitors all day. She laid in her net-covered-crib flopping around a foam puzzle, listening to hospital music for most of the time. I read her a book and talked to her...she looked at me occasionally, but I couldn't tell if she understood anything. I told her she had pretty hair and put my hand on her head, and she moved her hand to her head also. Maybe she understood? I found out that alot of the pedi kids on the floor are in foster care.
On a brighter note, I did go into the Child Life center (the playroom) and met these two boys playing video games. They were sitting in front of the TV, both in blue gowns, both with IV stands behind them. : ) They had just become friends and were going to go in one of the boys' room to continue their party after the playroom closed. That was pretty cool--seeing kids being friends with kids who had some of the same things going on.
I got my paper work done at 4:25...it was due at 4:30. I was so glad to get that out of my hands! :D
Next week I go to Nicu. My impression from classmates is that these babies take your heart. I'm a little nervous...I'm sure there will be sad stories.
Friday, September 14, 2007
What to expect:
"Parents devote the majority of their time to the care and comfort of the hospitalized child, which causes siblings to feel left out of the parent-sick child relationship. Siblings may become resentful of their sick sibling and begin to feel guilty or ashamed about such feelings." page 970
"Parents instensify attention toward the sick child. The other siblings may regard this as unfair and interpret the parents' attitude toward them as rejection and abandonment." page 1056
Wong's Nursing Care of Infants and Children
Today we learned about alot of things to expect. It's good to know normals.
This is hard.
"Parents instensify attention toward the sick child. The other siblings may regard this as unfair and interpret the parents' attitude toward them as rejection and abandonment." page 1056
Wong's Nursing Care of Infants and Children
Today we learned about alot of things to expect. It's good to know normals.
This is hard.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
L&D
We had clinicals last week, but I don't remember much except that I was in 'couplet care' (taking care of a mom and baby together) and that I was still really nervous to walk into the patient's room.
This week, however, I will never forget. Today I worked on the labor and delivery unit....and I got to see a baby being born! It was different than I expected--the baby came so quickly I could barely get my gloves on. It was the woman's 5th child, so it was a pretty easy labor. She pushed once and the head (it was SO wrinlky!) came out, and on the second push the rest of the body popped out! Then my teacher and I dried her off, did a few tests, and gave it it's vitamin K shot and eye ointment. It happened so fast!
It's crazy to think of everything that can happen in a lifetime...and it all just started for this little girl. The mom was so happy. And the baby was so curious, opening her eyes every now and then to take a stretch. For such a neat day, I don't think I could say enough. It was just good.
This week, however, I will never forget. Today I worked on the labor and delivery unit....and I got to see a baby being born! It was different than I expected--the baby came so quickly I could barely get my gloves on. It was the woman's 5th child, so it was a pretty easy labor. She pushed once and the head (it was SO wrinlky!) came out, and on the second push the rest of the body popped out! Then my teacher and I dried her off, did a few tests, and gave it it's vitamin K shot and eye ointment. It happened so fast!
It's crazy to think of everything that can happen in a lifetime...and it all just started for this little girl. The mom was so happy. And the baby was so curious, opening her eyes every now and then to take a stretch. For such a neat day, I don't think I could say enough. It was just good.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Rose-colored
This week was my first week on the new floor with Ms. Fix. She is famous for giving students really hard patients, which I appreciate. I mean, we'll have to have them eventually anyway.
My first patient had a really supportive family, and one person was in the room with him 24/7. Really cool (and rare). Well the patient's nephew was talking about how he should have died 5 times--he's been shot, stabbed, run over, you name it. And basically gave glory to God for giving him life and for having a plan for his life. He said he didn't know why he was still alive, but there was a reason.
Well, I went out to the nurses station and was sharing with a friend how encouraging it was to hear this guy, and a resident that was at a nearby computer turned around and said, "Ah, to be young and see through rose-colored glasses," almost as if he's lived longer and knows better. I replied, "I think it has very little to do with age." He said, "Well, I'm not even that old but I wish I still thought that way," (or something along those lines). Then I left. He made me mad.
The next day my original patient was discharged to rehab, so I got a new patient. He was pretty out of it...both of these guys had already had craniotomies. Intense! I was feeding him sausage for breakfast, and in between each bite he would fall back asleep. And, as it turns out, he wasn't actually swallowing the sausage...only keeping it in his cheek. He was really nice and appreciative. He'll be going back to surgery this week. I feel really bad for him.
The bad thing about nursing is that you see alot of really bad things. Alot of patients who are in much pain and have little hope. It's important to remember that I can't actually heal anyone, only God can. I can only perform duties, but He is the healer. My first patient's nephew reminded me how important it is to intercede on their behalf.
My first patient had a really supportive family, and one person was in the room with him 24/7. Really cool (and rare). Well the patient's nephew was talking about how he should have died 5 times--he's been shot, stabbed, run over, you name it. And basically gave glory to God for giving him life and for having a plan for his life. He said he didn't know why he was still alive, but there was a reason.
Well, I went out to the nurses station and was sharing with a friend how encouraging it was to hear this guy, and a resident that was at a nearby computer turned around and said, "Ah, to be young and see through rose-colored glasses," almost as if he's lived longer and knows better. I replied, "I think it has very little to do with age." He said, "Well, I'm not even that old but I wish I still thought that way," (or something along those lines). Then I left. He made me mad.
The next day my original patient was discharged to rehab, so I got a new patient. He was pretty out of it...both of these guys had already had craniotomies. Intense! I was feeding him sausage for breakfast, and in between each bite he would fall back asleep. And, as it turns out, he wasn't actually swallowing the sausage...only keeping it in his cheek. He was really nice and appreciative. He'll be going back to surgery this week. I feel really bad for him.
The bad thing about nursing is that you see alot of really bad things. Alot of patients who are in much pain and have little hope. It's important to remember that I can't actually heal anyone, only God can. I can only perform duties, but He is the healer. My first patient's nephew reminded me how important it is to intercede on their behalf.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Peach Cobbler
This story is from last week, but I still wanted to write about it for my own recollection.
Last week a nurse asked me to help feed one of her patients. When I got in the room it was freezing. The woman (about 45 y.o.) had on no blanket and the fan was turned on high, she was shaking alot due to her disease. She had a tracheotomy. I asked her a few questions about herself, and then she wouldn't stop talking...you could tell she was really lonely.
Mainly, she spoke of how much she loved her husband for caring for her and putting up with her during all this time. She also has two daughters, who are my age. In between words she would take bites of the mystery meat, mashed potatoes, and the peach cobbler--she loved the peach cobbler. She and her husband had built a new blue house about 3 years ago. He works during the week and can only come visit her on the weekends, and she had been in there for a long time.
She was telling me about her disease when she said, "Once the symptoms start showing up, you have about 3 years to live...I'm at the end of my 3rd year." She started crying. I was about to lose it, but I knew I couldn't because being the nurse you have to be the steady one. At least that's what my teacher said. I didn't feel very steady. So, I just rubbed her arm and looked towards the blowing fan so it would dry the water from eyes.
She had a tattoo of a rose on her wrist that she got when she turned 18. She said, "People just have to get to know me to know that I'm a Christian." She referred to "what the Bible says" alot, but none of it sounded familiar to me. :) I told her, "Ya know, the Bible also says that God won't give us more than we can bear, so he has a purpose for you today." She nodded in agreement.
She kept on apologizing for talking so much, but I'm really happy that God just used me as a listener for that day. For that hour. I'm also happy that I have a peach cobbler loving sister in Christ that is probably praising Jesus in person (or spirit, or somethin) right now. Pray for strength for her husband and two girls.
Last week a nurse asked me to help feed one of her patients. When I got in the room it was freezing. The woman (about 45 y.o.) had on no blanket and the fan was turned on high, she was shaking alot due to her disease. She had a tracheotomy. I asked her a few questions about herself, and then she wouldn't stop talking...you could tell she was really lonely.
Mainly, she spoke of how much she loved her husband for caring for her and putting up with her during all this time. She also has two daughters, who are my age. In between words she would take bites of the mystery meat, mashed potatoes, and the peach cobbler--she loved the peach cobbler. She and her husband had built a new blue house about 3 years ago. He works during the week and can only come visit her on the weekends, and she had been in there for a long time.
She was telling me about her disease when she said, "Once the symptoms start showing up, you have about 3 years to live...I'm at the end of my 3rd year." She started crying. I was about to lose it, but I knew I couldn't because being the nurse you have to be the steady one. At least that's what my teacher said. I didn't feel very steady. So, I just rubbed her arm and looked towards the blowing fan so it would dry the water from eyes.
She had a tattoo of a rose on her wrist that she got when she turned 18. She said, "People just have to get to know me to know that I'm a Christian." She referred to "what the Bible says" alot, but none of it sounded familiar to me. :) I told her, "Ya know, the Bible also says that God won't give us more than we can bear, so he has a purpose for you today." She nodded in agreement.
She kept on apologizing for talking so much, but I'm really happy that God just used me as a listener for that day. For that hour. I'm also happy that I have a peach cobbler loving sister in Christ that is probably praising Jesus in person (or spirit, or somethin) right now. Pray for strength for her husband and two girls.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Spanish
Today my patient was a 97 y.o. hispanic man in the hospital for pneumonia. He also developed C. diff as a result of antibiotics he's on. C. diff is basically REALLY bad diarrhea. (Sorry if you don't like to read that word, but hey, I had to clean it.)
So, I walk into his room and start talking to him. His only response was, "Huh?" and that's when I remembered that on his chart it said that he spoke Spanish. So I said, "Me llamo Lauren." He looked at me kind of funny and mumbled, "I don't understand you."
Turns out he speaks Spanish and English, but I guess he couldn't understand the butchered Spanish that I speak :) His response in English made me laugh.
I also got to give my first shot today. It wasn't bad at all. Especially compared to the rest of the day. Soooo, my patient has C. diff...I got a beloved and dedicated friend to help me change his diaper. I have NEVER smelled anything so bad. It was way worse than the surgery smells. This smell was thick and heavy...a couple of times I just had to turn my head and regain my composure. Well, my beloved and dedicated friend needed help with her patient, too, so I returned that favor. Same story there. Wow. I'm glad the day is over.
It was a pretty tough day. My first day to give meds, first day in a new part of the building (it's SO nice...individual patient rooms, along with flat screen TVs!), and a fairly difficult patient. He was cooperative and nice, but that can only do so much. Don't get me wrong--it definitely helps, and I appreciate that.
Now I am off to do paperwork! This should be our last week of the 12-pagers...woo-hoo!
So, I walk into his room and start talking to him. His only response was, "Huh?" and that's when I remembered that on his chart it said that he spoke Spanish. So I said, "Me llamo Lauren." He looked at me kind of funny and mumbled, "I don't understand you."
Turns out he speaks Spanish and English, but I guess he couldn't understand the butchered Spanish that I speak :) His response in English made me laugh.
I also got to give my first shot today. It wasn't bad at all. Especially compared to the rest of the day. Soooo, my patient has C. diff...I got a beloved and dedicated friend to help me change his diaper. I have NEVER smelled anything so bad. It was way worse than the surgery smells. This smell was thick and heavy...a couple of times I just had to turn my head and regain my composure. Well, my beloved and dedicated friend needed help with her patient, too, so I returned that favor. Same story there. Wow. I'm glad the day is over.
It was a pretty tough day. My first day to give meds, first day in a new part of the building (it's SO nice...individual patient rooms, along with flat screen TVs!), and a fairly difficult patient. He was cooperative and nice, but that can only do so much. Don't get me wrong--it definitely helps, and I appreciate that.
Now I am off to do paperwork! This should be our last week of the 12-pagers...woo-hoo!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
I'll have a hip, please.
Today I went and observed hip surgeries! At first I didn't know how I would handle surgery, because I've heard stories of the smells and the surgeons pounding on the patients. They're all pretty much true.
During the first surgery, I was way surprised by the smell and by how forceful the surgeon was...I mean, he has to do what he has to do, but still it was a shock. Like, there was hammering with heavy objects. But, there was also music playing in the background, people were singing along, and it was a light-hearted atmosphere. They were even talking about all the pranks they would play on their teachers and friends in high school. By the time the second and third surgeries occurred, all of the noises and scents seemed almost normal. I just had to keep telling myself, "Okay, they can't feel this or hear this..."
I'll spare you the detail of the surgery, but it was amazing how quickly it happend...the surgeon was in there for half an hour, tops. And, the patient that got done with surgery at 9am was walking by 1pm! My accomplishments for the day included putting in a foley catheter and scrubbing in (a big process) so I could cut off sutures! After I scrubbed in, the Nurse Tech (who hands stuff to the surgeon) was really helpful in demonstrating the correct way to hand off the instruments...I didn't even think about there being a right or wrong way.
Basically, I loved the OR. It was fun.
During the first surgery, I was way surprised by the smell and by how forceful the surgeon was...I mean, he has to do what he has to do, but still it was a shock. Like, there was hammering with heavy objects. But, there was also music playing in the background, people were singing along, and it was a light-hearted atmosphere. They were even talking about all the pranks they would play on their teachers and friends in high school. By the time the second and third surgeries occurred, all of the noises and scents seemed almost normal. I just had to keep telling myself, "Okay, they can't feel this or hear this..."
I'll spare you the detail of the surgery, but it was amazing how quickly it happend...the surgeon was in there for half an hour, tops. And, the patient that got done with surgery at 9am was walking by 1pm! My accomplishments for the day included putting in a foley catheter and scrubbing in (a big process) so I could cut off sutures! After I scrubbed in, the Nurse Tech (who hands stuff to the surgeon) was really helpful in demonstrating the correct way to hand off the instruments...I didn't even think about there being a right or wrong way.
Basically, I loved the OR. It was fun.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
What's this? (*points at blood pressure stand*)
These past two weeks have been c-razy.
Last week was my first week in clinicals. It was scary, and rightly so. My patient had an altered mental status and the first day didn't even talk to me or respond when I asked her questions. It was actually probably better that way because I didn't know what I was doing. It took me about 3-4 tries to get the blood pressure. They had the fancy-schmancy automatic machines to take it and none of us knew how to use it. With the family all standing there that can be pretty embarrassing.
The second day she DID talk. It was exciting, and boy did she have things to say. My friend, Jennifer, came in to help me change the sheets and my patient started talking about how she (Jennifer) was a helicopter pilot. It was funny. Our unit is busy, so the nurses aren't really very helpful. I can completely understand why, I just don't like it. :/ It was a pretty bad first week of clinicals, actually. I was feeling bad (coughing alot, tingly/hurting skin, hurting eyeballs, TONS of drainage, and low fever) so that didn't really help things.
This week at clinicals, I had a very talkative man and I even got to go with him to get his ECG done. It was pretty much a sonogram of the heart and it was amazing. The heart is so beautiful! I've read about and studied the heart before--the steps involved to make it move and such. To see it actually work all at once was an experience. It moves so joyfully, almost dance-like, with the valves opening and closing, clapping and clapping. :D It made me happy.
My patient was very particular. He wanted 3 socks on, 3 blankets on his bed, not to be interrupted while he ate his breakfast, and the door kept closed at all times. It made me really nervous! But, we kind of bonded after his EKG because we were waiting forever to be picked up by the transportation people, so I think he liked me--even though he knew I was pretty clueless. I did learn a very important thing, however--always act confident, even when you're not. It makes a big difference in the way people interact with you. I need to work on my poker face. :) 2 weeks down, lots more to go!!!!!
This is all going to be good :D
Last week was my first week in clinicals. It was scary, and rightly so. My patient had an altered mental status and the first day didn't even talk to me or respond when I asked her questions. It was actually probably better that way because I didn't know what I was doing. It took me about 3-4 tries to get the blood pressure. They had the fancy-schmancy automatic machines to take it and none of us knew how to use it. With the family all standing there that can be pretty embarrassing.
The second day she DID talk. It was exciting, and boy did she have things to say. My friend, Jennifer, came in to help me change the sheets and my patient started talking about how she (Jennifer) was a helicopter pilot. It was funny. Our unit is busy, so the nurses aren't really very helpful. I can completely understand why, I just don't like it. :/ It was a pretty bad first week of clinicals, actually. I was feeling bad (coughing alot, tingly/hurting skin, hurting eyeballs, TONS of drainage, and low fever) so that didn't really help things.
This week at clinicals, I had a very talkative man and I even got to go with him to get his ECG done. It was pretty much a sonogram of the heart and it was amazing. The heart is so beautiful! I've read about and studied the heart before--the steps involved to make it move and such. To see it actually work all at once was an experience. It moves so joyfully, almost dance-like, with the valves opening and closing, clapping and clapping. :D It made me happy.
My patient was very particular. He wanted 3 socks on, 3 blankets on his bed, not to be interrupted while he ate his breakfast, and the door kept closed at all times. It made me really nervous! But, we kind of bonded after his EKG because we were waiting forever to be picked up by the transportation people, so I think he liked me--even though he knew I was pretty clueless. I did learn a very important thing, however--always act confident, even when you're not. It makes a big difference in the way people interact with you. I need to work on my poker face. :) 2 weeks down, lots more to go!!!!!
This is all going to be good :D
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Doubt
I had a test this morning at 8. Prognosis: Student performed poorly. Stayed in class until 12. Went back to class at 1. Got out of class and back to my apartment at 4:15. It's been a long day.
During the 1:00-4:00 portion of class, we went over paperwork that we will start doing next week and continue doing until the end of clinicals. It's 12 pages of thorough documentation needed to be filled out on our patient--medications, all of their effects, nursing diagnoses, I don't even know. Just a bunch of stuff to fill out on the side, when we're not giving baths, medications, doing homework, studying for tests, or whatever. Eek!
Anyway, today was the first time that I've EVER had a second thought about nursing. For a moment, doing something with physial therapy sounded pretty good, too. (It still doesn't sound too bad.) I know that this will pass and hopefully if I read this entry later, I will think, "Yeah, that was tough, but it's not anymore!" rather than, "Man, I thought THAT was bad!"
Next week (I think Wendesday) is our first 'official' week in clinicals, and I got put with the nice teacher, Ms. Jordan. She's almost as legendarily great as Ms. Tipton, I think. Maybe that will ease the pain a tidbit :)
During the 1:00-4:00 portion of class, we went over paperwork that we will start doing next week and continue doing until the end of clinicals. It's 12 pages of thorough documentation needed to be filled out on our patient--medications, all of their effects, nursing diagnoses, I don't even know. Just a bunch of stuff to fill out on the side, when we're not giving baths, medications, doing homework, studying for tests, or whatever. Eek!
Anyway, today was the first time that I've EVER had a second thought about nursing. For a moment, doing something with physial therapy sounded pretty good, too. (It still doesn't sound too bad.) I know that this will pass and hopefully if I read this entry later, I will think, "Yeah, that was tough, but it's not anymore!" rather than, "Man, I thought THAT was bad!"
Next week (I think Wendesday) is our first 'official' week in clinicals, and I got put with the nice teacher, Ms. Jordan. She's almost as legendarily great as Ms. Tipton, I think. Maybe that will ease the pain a tidbit :)
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
WARNING: post contains some description, but not too much.
I left at 7:05 am to be sure I could be at the hospital by 8--really early, I know, but I didn't want to take the chance of being late on my first day. Plus, I didn't know how to plan for traffic and things of that nature. So I got there plenty early. When our whole group arrived, we were split into two groups, each group going with a different instructor. After walking to our unit in giant purple herd form (we all wear purple uniforms), Ms. McMullin-Fix showed us where towels and bed linens were, she put us in partners and assigned us our rooms!
Me and my partner, Cherry, were assigned to an elderly woman with a tracheotomy, colon-something (she had a bag filled with green stuff attached to her), and a urinary catheter. It was tricky getting around everything. We gave her a bath and then changed her sheets. When I was washing her arm and hands I said, "Gotta get in between all those fingers!" and she smiled. She smiled a couple of times at us...I can only imagine what she was thinking. That made me happy though. The hardest part was changing the sheets. She was very patient with us as we rolled her around and tried to figure out what we were doing.
While we were there we were also showed how to change out the colon-bag-thingy, and also how to suction the tracheotomy, and how to clean around it. I am impressed at how willing everyone is to teach us. It was a fun experience!
When we got back, we immediately checked-off on suctioning in lab and went straight to class until about 3:27 (we were all watching the clock intensely). It has been a long day. Now I gotta go study! Test Friday morning. Not ready. Goodbye.
Me and my partner, Cherry, were assigned to an elderly woman with a tracheotomy, colon-something (she had a bag filled with green stuff attached to her), and a urinary catheter. It was tricky getting around everything. We gave her a bath and then changed her sheets. When I was washing her arm and hands I said, "Gotta get in between all those fingers!" and she smiled. She smiled a couple of times at us...I can only imagine what she was thinking. That made me happy though. The hardest part was changing the sheets. She was very patient with us as we rolled her around and tried to figure out what we were doing.
While we were there we were also showed how to change out the colon-bag-thingy, and also how to suction the tracheotomy, and how to clean around it. I am impressed at how willing everyone is to teach us. It was a fun experience!
When we got back, we immediately checked-off on suctioning in lab and went straight to class until about 3:27 (we were all watching the clock intensely). It has been a long day. Now I gotta go study! Test Friday morning. Not ready. Goodbye.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Exploring
So tonight I drove down to Temple so I could figure out where I am supposed to park and go to in the morning. Ms. Dixon mentioned that if we park in the wrong place then Dr. Pehl will call us to meet with her....we don't want that happening. I've never seen Dr. Pehl smile. That's beside the point I guess. As I was approaching the hospital, it was like I was approaching "the boss'" castle on Mario Brothers or something. It is so big and unknown...real quiet and still on the outside, but undoubtedly bustling about on the inside. Who knows what goes on in there?? Anyway, I found where I was supposed to park. And I *think* I know where I'm supposed to go!!
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