I'm sure you've all heard of the Swine Flu. I didn't really think much of it because I think they are blowing it out of proportion. However, we did have a recent death at the hospital I work at. That isn't as shocking as now the nurse that took care of that patient...is fighting for her life as she came down with the Swine Flu within 48 hours of taking care of that patient. It's been a couple of weeks now that she's been on a ventilator & they aren't sure what is going to happen with her. They were thinking the end was near as both of her lungs collapsed...but she's somehow managing to hang on.
I don't know the nurse, but I can see how it affects the rest of the staff that do know her. It scares me to see just how quickly life can change. One minute you're taking care of someone sick & next thing you know...you're the sick one.
I had a patient the other night that tested positive for the regular flu. They were working him up for the Swine flu...so as a result...I had to take many precautions...gown, gloves, N-95 mask AND goggles. Let me tell you...I'm sure I looked adorable (NOT!). The poor patient...how am I supposed to reassure him that he'll be ok while I look like I'm deathly afraid of even touching him? And wouldn't you know it...he was the needy type of patient that would call every 10 minutes...which meant every 10 minutes I was putting on all that gear...over & over & over. Lots of fun...let me tell you!
I had to take a PCU test on Friday....that sucker was hard. I looked at the bottom of the test & it said PCU/ICU test. Why am I being asked ICU questions? I also had to take a test on rhythm strips. Not just normal type rhythms like sinus rhythm, sinus brady, etc. No...it had dual pacemakers, junctional, idiopathic, etc. I have no idea how I did. I kept wanting to write "I am not a cardiologist."
I also found out that when we have a code blue....no doctor shows up. We are on our own with the rest of our staff. That seems so odd to me. My other hospital was so small...the ER doc could get there in under 60 seconds usually. I just can't picture nurses running the entire code. Guess one day I'll find out...hopefully not for a very long time.
It's back to work tonight, Mon & Tues nights. We have some lift class on Weds morning....then off until the following Monday. I'm looking forward to more than a few days off.
Have a good week everyone!
5 comments:
I also found out that when we have a code blue....no doctor shows up. We are on our own with the rest of our staff. That seems so odd to me.
Me too.. a code without a physician? I've never heard of that. Is that even legal?
How scary!!! It must seem wierd to actually know someone who is so sick from the swine flu. I hope she'll be okay.
That is crazy that no dr's show up when you have a code blue!!! I'd panic....see, that's why you're a nurse and I'm not!! It takes a special person and that is definitely not me.
BTW, your comments about Disney were interesting. I had no idea that Disney owned all that land. No wonder they make so much money every year.
that is scary...I guess it doesn't feel real until it happens in your hospital
Swine flu is scary and having a nurse in your hospital come down with it after treating a patient has to be scary as all get out. Hope she gets better.
How are oyu doing???
Not having a doctor at the codes would be weird. Who covers you to order the labs and meds? Lately we have been having nurses fired for writing routine orders that we have been doing for decades. I won't write for any thing unless I have the doctors order. So sad about the nurse.
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