Finally Rested Up

I've been off of work since Monday night/Tuesday morning. I think I'm finally caught up on my rest. I think that's the hardest part about working the night shift- trying to maintain getting enough sleep & still living a normal life.

My schedule is pretty light for February. In fact, after this weekend, I'm off for 10 days. I may pick up some shifts - I'll just play it by ear. I am planning to go out of town for a few days - have some fun in the sun. The weather has been so beautiful lately - I hope it lasts.

Monday night was a busy night for me. I love busy nights and I hate them. I love them because the time flies right by. I hate them because it feels like you'll never get caught up. It was just about 1 am before I sat down & started charting. By the time I got done charting...it was around 3 am. Time was just zipping by.

My patients weren't too bad - all were stable. I had to transfer two of them to med-surg which meant I was open for two admissions & I got them. Admissions aren't bad, just time consuming. Luckily, they were both pretty much with it & just wanted to sleep. That's always ok with me!

My clinical leader was taking report from me when we heard another patient's 02 sat monitor alarming continuously. We went to check on him & it was in the 60's (ideally...we want it above 92). 60's is really, really bad...it means there isn't enough oxygen circulating in his body. He was very pale & although his eyes were open, he wasn't responding. His nurse tried to tell us this is how he always is, but anyone looking at this man could tell he was in some major distress. We called a code & they ran the medicatons & luckily got a shockable rhythm and were able to bring him back. He ended up being transferred to ICU.

Before I knew it, it was about 5:30 am & the end was in sight. I finished up charting, passed my morning meds & waited for the day shift to arrive. Ahhh, the life of a night shift nurse...lol.

Have a good weekend everyone!