I had three patients once again this week. Similar to last week, two were easy and one required a little more attention. She is 40 years old, chronic drug abuser, six kids, and has been in the hospital for over 70 days, and generally has a daily seizure.
My nurse and I got her into a special chair to give her a shower, because it had been QUITE some time. Out of fear (of seizing), she was hollering the whole time. People in the hall were wondering about us, no doubt! Her hair had been in a bun, but when we took it down to wash it we found that it was completely matted. The nurse director went and bought her a special conditioner and a comb. I worked on her hair for about 1 1/2 hours. Didn't get very much accomplished, so they are going to bring someone in to cut it for her.
We wheeled her around the floor to see people and look out the windows before I combed out her hair. She shielded her eyes from the light and sat there limp--she has lost all muscle control (from laying in a bed for two months straight). The nurse director came over and said, "April and Lauren are treating you really well, huh Ms. ____?" She mumbled, "Yeah, and this one is my favorite," and grabbed my hand. That's why I do this. Not to be a favorite, but to make an impact and do what I can to make someone's life or experience a little better. It is so satisfying to love doing something so much and to know that you are right where you should be...I just love this...
Friday, September 19, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
First time in a long time!
Wow, today was my first day back at the hospital since April! I will be on the same floor for the whole semester and will be shadowing the Charge Nurse to learn her roles. The Charge Nurse I worked with today was awesome and really helpful. It's weird because normally the nurses haven't liked students particularly, but now that I'm close to getting my RN BSN they have made an exception. : )
My 3 patients were all sweet today. One guy was discharged around noon, so then it was down to 2. Then my old lady fell asleep...down to 1. So I hung out in my other patient's room because he was pretty chatty.
26 years old, has AIDS. It's been progressing quickly. He talked about how his life has changed since he was diagnosed with HIV--before, he was focused on his own happiness and making money and traveling the world. Now he sees people as his first priority, he doesn't care about money. He said, "I don't believe in coincidences though, someone has this all worked out," he glanced upwards. I asked him if he believed in God and he enthusiastically said "Yes!" I asked him how he would describe himself spiritually, and he said "Spiritual." He has all sorts of different beliefs. I felt like I was talking to Arnold, my Yosemite tourist friend from Amsterdam.
On great thing about hospitals--they are FILLED with seeking people. Usually, when a 'crisis' occurs, people wonder, "Why is this happening to me? Where's the purpose in this?" And they wonder where this all fits in the plan for their life.
Anyway, I was so happy to be back in the hospital. Of course, I was nervous as all get out last night and this morning, but on the floor today it felt so right. I hope I didn't freak people out due to smiling so much. I just couldn't help it.
My 3 patients were all sweet today. One guy was discharged around noon, so then it was down to 2. Then my old lady fell asleep...down to 1. So I hung out in my other patient's room because he was pretty chatty.
26 years old, has AIDS. It's been progressing quickly. He talked about how his life has changed since he was diagnosed with HIV--before, he was focused on his own happiness and making money and traveling the world. Now he sees people as his first priority, he doesn't care about money. He said, "I don't believe in coincidences though, someone has this all worked out," he glanced upwards. I asked him if he believed in God and he enthusiastically said "Yes!" I asked him how he would describe himself spiritually, and he said "Spiritual." He has all sorts of different beliefs. I felt like I was talking to Arnold, my Yosemite tourist friend from Amsterdam.
On great thing about hospitals--they are FILLED with seeking people. Usually, when a 'crisis' occurs, people wonder, "Why is this happening to me? Where's the purpose in this?" And they wonder where this all fits in the plan for their life.
Anyway, I was so happy to be back in the hospital. Of course, I was nervous as all get out last night and this morning, but on the floor today it felt so right. I hope I didn't freak people out due to smiling so much. I just couldn't help it.
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