tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87746766665599267052024-03-13T09:32:41.366-04:00The Misadventures of a Nurse....well, sort of...otherwise known as "My First Year as a Nurse - RN" nurse blog nursingJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.comBlogger458125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-30464302135676348872017-07-15T13:50:00.002-04:002017-07-15T13:50:47.056-04:00Sooooooo frustrated!<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Excuse this post as I am using it to vent my frustrations. The last 2 nights I worked have been awful. Not because of the patients, but because my hospital purposely chooses to shortstaff us. It isn't just our floor, it is the entire hospital...in order to save money. But at what cost? Are they trying to overwhelm us? Do they truly care about patient satisfaction? Because it doesn't seem like it when they change the staffing ratios, increase the patient load and give us absolutely no techs and add on 980938091431 more responsibilities to nurses...one of which is as of the last few months, we have to draw blood. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They got rid of nearly all the lab techs - we are only allowed to get help if we are unable to get blood after 2 attempts. Sounds easy...but it is time consuming. We aren't even allowed to have a cart of supplies nearby in case we need something. For each and every draw, we have to gather our supplies in the med room and hope we have brought enough. Again, sounds basic...until you have like 5 or more blood draws in a shift. Then we have to get our super slow computers working along with a specific printer just for the labels. Which half the time the printers don't connect with the computer, so it's like another 10 min or more rebooting the computers and hope they sync. Then the time it takes to look for a vein, get all the supplies ready to use, calm the patient and hopefully be successful on the first stick. It literally takes 20-30 min or more to achieve this. Now times that by 5 or 10 draws on a shift...it equals hours spent just drawing blood. Meanwhile the lab techs get a cart with all the supplies and a little hand held computer/printer all in one thingy and they are in & out in about 5, maybe 10 min if it is a difficult stick. Plus they are really good at finding veins quickly.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok, that is rant #1...because if anyone knows anything about nursing...we don't have extra time to spend on that task. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rant #2...it just feels like there is no respect for nurses. Of course we have a select few patients who truly appreciate our services and don't take advantage of our caring nature. More than ever, it is the opposite. Some patients act like you are their personal servant....demanding, yelling, ignoring questions, etc. Family members can also be that way. They expect food and room supplies just as the patient gets. I had one last night ask if they could wear a hospital gown when they slept. No...hospital gowns are for hospital patients. Not for family members to use as pajamas. They request food to be specially made to meet their requirements. Night shift doesn't have a cafeteria open. We have premade stuff...sandwiches, soup, jello, pudding....be glad we are even offering, but don't get mad when we can't cater to your specific diet requests. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It also feels like administration has no respect for us. We, nurses, get blamed for whatever doesn't go right. If a lab isn't drawn on time, if a test hasn't been done, if a doctor orders the wrong med or doesn't order the right ones. Just during report alone...we get interrupted by ER staff trying to give us report on a brand new admission - right in the middle of shift change. I still don't understand why they can't put a hold on admissions between 7 and 7:30. How safe can it be for the nurse getting this patient who gets dropped off during shift change? We have no techs to help get the patient settled and what if the patient isn't stable? We are supposed to stop report and go get the patient stabilized. So what about the nurses who have been there for over 12 hours and just want to give report and get out of there? And even if the patient is stable, they are now mad because no one has been into their room within 5 min of arriving to the floor. So much for patient satisfaction scores. We also get interrupted by different departments during shift change...like MRI or CT scan or stress lab. We get interrupted by the monitor techs telling us a lead is off on the monitor. We get interrupted by doctors deciding to call at shift change. And yet we are supposed to get a complete update on all of our patients within 15 min so the staff that is leaving can clock out on time. How is this safe?? How is this realistic?? </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rant #3....rude doctors. Thankfully there are not many at my hospital because this hospital does not allow the doctors to run the hospital like my last one. At my last hospital, doctors could yell at you, belittle you, embarrass you, hang up on you or even not call you back without any repercussions. I still remember our chief of staff telling us that if a doctor is rude to you...take them aside and remind them that you are someone's daughter, mother, sister, etc and that you are a human being. Excuse me?????? How is that ok behavior?</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last night I received a patient who was in pain and all the doctor ordered was Tylenol. Seriously? So I put a call out to the doctor and she calls back. The conversation started like this... Dr: "I just want you to know I am on call until Monday morning and I need my sleep." Mind you, it was a little after 11 pm on a Friday night. So her on call began at 7 pm. She goes on to say "I would appreciate it if you didn't call me." As if I was calling just to say hi. I am in the room with the patient in pain and he is moaning and yelling in the background. So I remind her who she just admitted to my floor and how he is in a lot of pain and all she ordered was Tylenol. She "reminds me" that the patient is an older gentleman (as if I had no idea) and that she doesn't like the idea of giving him anything strong. Ok, that I get...but Tylenol is not going to reduce his pain at all. So she goes on to order Dilaudid....DILAUDID. That is one of the strongest pain meds we have. So much for being concerned of his age. Then she goes on to say that if I have any further needs, to wait until I have figured out everything I need and then call her. WHAT? As if I had no idea why I called her in the first place. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is the only one lately that stands out as being rude. Last week I had my secretary call a primary doctor and this is who was on call. I had never spoken to her before last week...but I tell her why I'm calling, she gives me an order and then I ask her name because I need it to write an order since she is too lazy to put the order in herself. She yells at me "Now we have a problem." What? I don't have time for this drama, can't you just tell me your name? She says "You don't know who you called?" I told her the unit secretary placed the call because I am taking care of patients at the moment. Does she actually think we just sit around filing our nails, drinking coffee and watching soap operas while we call doctors? She can't simply say "my name is..." like any other normal person would do? In the time it took for all her questioning, she could have said her name 50 times. And it's an easy name to understand! Not like she'd have to repeat it or spell it out. Sigh!</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rant #4 My easy walkie talkie observation patients are not so easy anymore. Why? Because they give us every type of patient now & 50% don't even belong in observation status. We get confused patients, we get drunk patients, we get nursing home patients who won't be able to return to a nursing home or rehab until they've spent 3 days at the hospital. We are 23 hr observation. Not 3 day observation. Doesn't sound like that big of a deal except we (my unit) get penalized if a patient is there beyond 23 hrs or if they are turned into an inpatient stay. How is that OUR fault? Why should WE get penalized because a doctor didn't make the right choice when admitting a patient? As a result.....we no longer get an extra nurse, our unit secretary is cancelled often and we get absolutely no techs........because we need to save $$$ after all these penalties. How is that fair to us? You would think they'd go to the doctors and tell them to figure out a better criteria before sending a patient to 23 hr observation status. Or perhaps the doctors should get penalized every time a patient they send to us goes over the 23 hr observation time. Then they'd be a little more inclined not to give us patients that are obviously in need of being in the hospital longer than 23 hrs. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The reason I am ranting is because the last 2 nights have been awful. Again, the patients themselves are not what I am complaining about. If anything, the majority have been quite kind and patient. I went into work 2 nights ago and as usual started off with 5 patients. Two of them were to be discharged, but dayshift was too busy to do it. That's fine, I understand because they are shortchanged also with staffing. Another was inpatient status...not a big deal. And the other two were brand new admissions with nothing done. One of them was a direct admit. I don't think direct admits should even be allowed. Everyone should go thru the ER....things get done down there in a much better process than coming directly to the floor with no lab work done, no tests done, no IV done, no meds ordered, etc.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I'm starting off my shift overwhelmed before I even get done with report. Who is my priority? The people wanting to go home? The people that just got there? The patient in pain? The patient needing assistance to the bathroom? Who gets my attention first and in what order? Add in phone calls and family members and meds that need to be on time and lab draws that need to be on time. How am I not supposed to feel stressed out? And is that really how we want nurses to feel while they are taking care of sick people who usually are stressed out also? I manage to get the two discharges done by 9:30. Again, thankfully they were very patient and not in a hurry to get out of there like most people are. Still though, I felt like a failure keeping them there until 9:30 when they were discharged at 5 pm. It's not a good feeling to not be able to meet their needs as quickly as possible. Although with what I had been handed at shift change...that was as quickly as I could get their discharges done. One of my new admissions was fine....the other, well, she was just there for a medication to be administered. Of course it wasn't something I could just give and send her on her merry way. We had to pull an order set and make sure she met all the criteria. Then we had to get the doctor who sent her as a direct admit to come to the hospital because the "consent" he signed did not include the patient's signature. He started to argue with me over the phone. I didn't have the patience for it...I handed the phone to my charge nurse because I had plenty of other stuff that had to be done. Eventually he gave in...because simply signing a consent and sending her over does not meet the criteria of a patient giving consent. So something that should have only taken a couple hours at the most ended up taking over 4 hours. Again, the patient was fine with it taking longer than necessary, but I felt like I wasn't meeting my patient's needs.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I discharge her and get 2 more admissions. One was very sick...very, very sick - did not belong in observation whatsoever. And the other was a drug seeker. Luckily the ER nurse medicated her right before sending her to the floor, so the patient knew they could not ask for any more pain meds anytime soon. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now it's like 5 am and I have so much charting to do because I can't sit down and chart until I am positive my patients are all comfortable and don't need anything. I also am a nurse that tries my hardest not to stay any longer beyond my shift unless I absolutely have to. At the end of 12-13 hours, all I want to do is go to sleep and forgot how my night was.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is not what observation is supposed to be like. The first 2 years of this unit being open...they enforced a certain criteria that patient had to meet in order to be transferred to observation. The majority were low risk chest pain or in need of a blood transfusion or rehydration. Low risk rule out stroke patients. All were to be alert and oriented and able to walk to the bathroom and feed themselves. Now we get anything and everything. Like if they aren't sure what to do with them, just send them to observation. This isn't what I signed up for. And if it is this bad on my unit, I can only imagine what the other units are like. And I'm an experienced nurse! I can't imagine what new nurses are feeling like. Or maybe they aren't phased by it because they don't know anything different than being overworked and understaffed. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember watching the Oprah show years ago....many, many years ago and she talked about how something like 200,000 people die a year due to medical mistakes. I thought that is crazy...how is it even possible? I definitely now understand how it is possible. We are being stretched too thin physically and being bombarded from all directions with an overload of information mentally. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am usually pretty darn good at keeping myself from getting emotional when it comes to patients or work. It's not to say I don't care or my patients don't think I care....because I do. I just don't allow it to stress me out or make me cry. Yet, the last 2 shifts I have nearly started crying. It was overwhelming and I had to keep reminding myself often it will be ok, just hang in there. Who else does this in other professions? Who else has to worry that they may harm another person just because they don't have the resources they need at work or because they are endlessly getting interrupted while trying to do their job?</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have one night off and then I go back for 3 more nights in a row. Lord help me!</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to anyone that actually reads this. Sorry for the venting, but I had to get it out. </span></b>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-47677717744925582092017-06-30T19:01:00.000-04:002017-06-30T19:01:05.680-04:00Long time!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't believe I haven't posted in a few years. Wow...time really flies. Let's catch up on things...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm still working in the observation unit...or CDU (Clinical Decision Unit)...not sure what the official name is. It has definitely changed since when I first started 3 years ago. We get a lot of patients that don't belong there. Like some doctors don't really examine them or find out the real problem until they send them to the observation unit. It can be frustrating. We also get a lot of alcoholics and drug addicts that just need a place to stay. I don't really think that is what a hospital is there for, but the doctors can't seem to say no. They've moved our unit 3 times now....the last time was just yesterday. I think it will be a good move as the last 2 moves we've had to share the floor with another unit and it was pretty miserable. So I'm happy with this last move. Hopefully it is our final move.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We got a new manager last October. I wasn't thrilled with the change as the last manager was someone I've worked with for years and consider a friend. She knows what it's like to be a floor nurse and worked to make sure things were fair for us. This new one comes from being an educator and not the floor. It really makes a difference when you have someone that is very familiar with being a floor nurse and dealing with patients, families and doctors. Oh well, can't change it. Trying to make the best of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It doesn't seem like much else has changed over the last couple of years. Weird! I feel like I should have more to write about. Hmmm??? </span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-59051806567477740252014-10-01T18:43:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:43:35.729-04:00Whoaaaaaa<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I haven't been on here since MAY??? WHAT??? I am so sorry...(if anyone is still reading my blog). Time has literally flown by. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let's see...where do I begin? CDU....I love it! Talk about less stress and aggravation. Although a month after we opened, we reverted back to basically a PCU unit because the doctors were fighting over who could admit to our unit. They had to have a bunch of studies and meetings and after about 2 1/2 months, we are back to CDU status. The patients for the most part are much easier to care for (and more normal). They like to sleep at night, they are alert & oriented and the majority are not drug seeking. There are always a few that slip thru the cracks. I literally had a patient a couple weeks ago that the doctor advised her to stop doing crack. No joke!</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh...another update from CDU...the manager is one of my best friends...lol. She is the nurse that left with me from the last hospital we were at & started our new venture at this one. She opted for the admin route while I am sticking with bedside. I just have no tolerance for meetings & b.s. I only want to work my 36-40 hrs a week & be free the rest of the time. She is on call 24/7. I couldn't do that no matter what the pay was. It is nice though having her as a manager. Plus our unit is small & our staff gets along great. Absolutely no drama & we all have each other's back. It really is a nice place to work. I will enjoy it while it lasts. Only 25 more years until I can retire...yay! </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And yet another hospital update...the manager from my old unit - the one that was way too much of a micromanager. Well, she no longer works at my hospital. Enough said.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Puppy update...Timber is now about 70 lbs. She has grown quickly. She is adorable...very energetic. If I can figure out how to post a pic on here, I will. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Me update...I have somehow managed to lose about 50 lbs in the last couple of years. I didn't exercise or eat better to lose this weight...I just ate less of the junk I usually do. However, I have now joined Weight Watchers (mostly because my hospital gets me a big discount) & managed to lose 5 lbs in 3 weeks. Doesn't make sense because I cut out 70% of the junk & started exercising. I know...taking it off slowly is better, but I am sick this week & unable to keep up my healthy eating or exercise & I gained all 5 lbs back. Ugh! I'm not going to let it get me down. This is a journey, not a race. Gotta get rid of this cold & get refocused. I am determined. And thanks to instagram...there is tons of support & incentive & recipes. I still have a long way to go...but I am going to get there. One day at a time!</span></b>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-9464751863273591792014-05-21T20:01:00.000-04:002014-05-21T20:01:53.575-04:00What a difference...<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What a difference a month (or so) makes! I just finished up on my last shift as a PCU nurse this morning. I start on Tuesday in a brand new unit in my hospital...Clinical Decision Unit aka 23 hr observation. I've always wanted to try this & by luck of the draw...I am now in a position to do that. Luckily the person putting the unit together was the manager that hired me at this hospital 5 years ago. Yep, been 5 years there already. And best of all...I won't be starting alone on the new unit...cause 6 of my coworkers are starting also. Needless to say, our current manager isn't happy we are all transferring. We all need it though. The hardest part about leaving my unit is saying goodbye to my coworkers who are staying there. I feel for them because that unit has gotten so unbelievably difficult. The workload is tremendous & it doesn't look like there is any end (or help) in sight. I just worked 3 nights in a row & I am exhausted (and woke up with a sore throat...grrr....go away!). </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I cannot wait to try something new. I know this will be totally different...much more fast paced as the patients cannot stay in this unit longer than 23 hours. And the fact that they can get up & walk to the bathroom all by themself.......ahhhhhhh...makes me happy. That's all it takes to make me happy these days...lol. Oh & bonus points if they aren't diabetic because my hospital has gone bananas trying to master keeping blood sugars under 170 at all times (even when a patient is getting Solumedrol). When they first started, they were making everyone hypo...not good. I think it is impossible...especially when a person who has a good control on their blood sugar via medication & we take them off all that & throw them onto an insulin sliding scale = disaster. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>On a different note...the puppy is getting much bigger. She's 5 months old now & has gained about 20 lbs in the last 2 months. She gets along wonderfully with my dog Shay. They are really cute together. I didn't think Shay had it in her to be buddies with another dog, but I have been proven wrong. :)</b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-60457935400529538162014-04-06T00:50:00.000-04:002014-04-06T00:50:06.013-04:00Well...hmmmm<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I swear I don't know where the time goes. The last 5 years have literally flown by. It was 5 years ago that I had had enough at the last hospital I was at & I started over at my current hospital. At times it feels like I have been there forever, but most of the time I think there is no way it has been 5 years already! So many staff has come & go...yet I'm still there. Sometimes I wonder why...because it has gone from admin having no real involvement in our jobs to admin being complete control freaks even down to the words we are supposed to say to our patients. All because of a government satisfaction survey. I'm not gonna rant about that right now. Just don't feel like it.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>In other news, I somehow got talked into getting a puppy. I don't know why I agreed.....well, she is simply adorable...but a puppy is like a newborn. SO MUCH WORK! I had it made with my 6 yr old dog who does no wrong. I now have a 3 1/2 month old german shepherd/rottweiler mix named Timber (yes, after the Ke$ha song...it's going downnnn, I'm yelling Timberrrrrr). 75% of the time she is good. The other 25% is still a battle trying to housebreak her & she is the biggest drool monster I've ever seen. I have never had a dog drool while anxious. When I put her in the crate when I have to leave the house...she drools non-stop. Like basically gives herself a bath in all the drool she creates. But it is even worse in the car...she drools & then eventually gets sick. Needless to say, she only goes for car rides when absolutely necessary. Like today...for her second set of shots. Drooled everywhere...looked like I gave her a bath before taking her to the vet. So embarrassing. I'm hoping she grows out of this.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>My niece went to her prom tonight. She's a junior. I can't believe she's 17 & going to prom. I still remember when I went. Sigh, time sure does fly.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I mean...what good does it do to fight against all the changes that I cannot change? Nursing is no longer a healthcare career. It is customer service...plain & simple. Sure, we give meds & we do dressing changes & we try to teach out patients how to live a healthy lifestyle...but any nurse that works in a hospital knows that all that we learned in nursing school comes second to trying to please a patient & their family so that we get a good survey after they go home. Because the only thing that matters is their perception of how clean & quiet the hospital was. Why fight it? I'm good at customer service. It's part of the reason I connect so well with the majority of my patients.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The past couple of weeks I've had to take care of heroin addicts, crackheads & alcoholics. This was definitely not what I pictured when I was in nursing school. And I must say it is the hardest type of patients to care for....because they do not care about themselves & all that matters is their drugs & the me, me, me attitude. I had one spitting on the floor the other morning. I looked at her like WTF??? & told her to stop it. She knows better, she just doesn't care. And then she'd whine "no one cares about meeeeeeeeeeee." She ended up leaving AMA (against medical advice). I just don't have a high tolerance for this. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>We are sort of creating this attitude though. We cater to their every need...and don't get as much as a thank you. I don't know, maybe I say thank you too much. Something as simple as a waiter refilling my glass of water will warrant a thank you from me. At work, I run my ass off for 12 hrs & it still isn't enough. But remember my first paragraph...it isn't going to stress me out anymore. I can only do what I can do. I will continue to try my best to make someone's night a little better. And when I go home...it all stays behind in the hospital. I'm not taking that stress home.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Nuff said. Moving on. I'm still with my guy. I tried to end it...a few times. He doesn't go away...and I don't mean in an annoying, stalking type way. We work through the issues & right now things are pretty good. Who knows what the future holds. I'm not going to worry about that either. Life is short...enjoy each precious day.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>That CEO of the other hospital I posted about in my last post.......she got fired. Big shock...lol. I haven't heard much else about that hospital lately.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Our employee survey....the results were not as great as they hoped. Another big shock. Nothing has changed...they still continue to short staff us on purpose. They call it productivity. Yeah, ok. Sigh.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Gators were the worst ever this year. Luckily, my alma mater, UCF is doing great! GO UCF!!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I don't know if other hospitals are doing this...but my hospital admin is obsessed with controlling blood sugars. I mean to the point that we are making practically everyone hypoglycemic by morning time. So they switched it up, but it is OCD I tell you. To the point that on some patients we are doing accuchecks every 2 hours. We don't have any endocrinologists that come to our hospital. I think without an expert in the field, we will never be able to come up with something that actually works. So instead, we will poke & prod & over-medicate these people...just to make admin happy. In the past, they actually had us giving insulin to those with a blood sugar of 121 or higher....at bedtime. Ummmm, I don't think anything under 150 at bedtime is anything to worry about. They are going to sleep & not getting breakfast until 8:30 am. Over 15 hours since they had dinner. Sigh.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>On a bright note...college football is back. Go Gators!!!!!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I have decided to end things with my guy. I just don't feel I'm a priority in his life...sooo see ya. He won't go away though. Wish me luck.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The other hospital in the area that is our competition is having some real struggles. They have decided to cut the nightshift differential in half. That's basically a $10,000 pay cut for each night nurse. Admin states they have to...in order to meet the budget. Mind you, the CEO gave herself a $120,000 raise though. So instead of a million dollars, she makes $1,120,000. Is that not insane? And the hospital is going downhill. No wonder we have been so busy the entire year. I hear hospital morale is non-existent. That's sad. They are also laying off 400 people....but giving the doctors $500,000 bonuses. And that is after acquiring a doctors group for $50 million. I will never work in admin. I just can't screw people over like they do.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We had our employee survey last month. They say a record number completed the survey...93%. Can't wait to see those results. I hope people were honest & not brainwashed with all the meetings we had about it.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>And on a final note....it's nearly fall!!!!!!!! Which means pumpkin everything! Yum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-88901593746823295902013-08-23T16:19:00.001-04:002013-08-23T16:19:09.538-04:00911<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I had the cops called on ME. Yep...ME. One of my patients was mad her daughter left & for some reason claimed I wasn't her nurse. We aren't talking about a little old confused lady either. We are talking about someone less than 10 years older than me & totally alert & oriented. I would categorize her as needy...as in has her family wrapped around her finger & isn't happy when there isn't anyone in the room giving her attention. So she called 911. And a cop showed up. And I got a lecture from the security guard regarding the fact that cops don't like coming to the hospital for stuff like this. Ummm....hello...I didn't tell her to call 911. Direct your lecture to the patient. Heck, give her a ticket for wasting their time. I shook my head & walked off to check on my other patients. The ones with real health problems. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I swear...I think back to nursing school & that semester spent in psych nursing & declaring I'll never be a psych nurse....HAHAHAHAHAHA. At least 50% of my patients are in for psych reasons & not medical. Sometimes they are medical, but you still have to deal with the psych side too. And with them closing down the majority of pain clinics & pain doctors who were abusing the streets with prescription pain killers...well, we may as well be a psych hospital. So many drug addicts, so little time. We have so many frequent flyers now. Discharged one day, back the next. Because they will get admitted & we'll give them the strongest pain meds we have...and they don't even have to pay for it. That's what healthcare is turning into. Maybe Obamacare will crack down on stuff like that...I can only hope. Since it will all be tracked in one national database. We'll be able to see exactly when & where & why you are seeing a doctor or going to another hospital. That is about the only good thing I see coming out of this national healthcare push.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>To top it off...on that survey they get when discharged...the survey that determines if the hospital loses 1% of their income....they ask if their pain was controlled. HA! Their pain is never controlled enough. We cannot win on that question. Asking a drug addict if they got enough pain medication to their satisfaction. If we gave them what they wanted, they'd overdose & they don't even care. Seems like so many just want to drift through life. It's sad. I know some start out with a legitimate need for the medication & end up hooked. But I would say that is a small majority. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Alright, enough about that. Not even sure how I got there. We got called into an impromptu meeting the other morning & basically chastised that we all have bad attitudes & it is affecting the patients so please leave your attitude at the door. WTF? Why not address the reasons we may have bad attitudes & work towards changing that? The leadership we have had the last couple of years is awful. Yeah, I'm saying it...awful. The staff is not the problem. We have a great staff & we put up with a lot of b.s. We are not the problem. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>It is like they want us to be robots with no personality or thoughts. Just do as I say & don't talk back. Do you know there are some nurses being called into the office because their shoe laces are are different color than white or black? Or their shoes have some other color than white or black on them. How does that affect their ability to be a nurse? It's bad enough we are all in the generic navy blue scrubs, but now we can't even have a pink or blue line on our shoes? That makes us non-professional? Shoe laces? Seriously?????????</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sigh, just when I think they can't possibly think up anything else to add to our job or complain about....there is always something more. And now we have techs....great. But we need to ask them "nicely" to do their job or just do it ourselves. We have to ask them to do their job. Does that make any sense? And if we don't ask nice enough or if they don't want to do it, we are expected to do it. Come on!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Guess I needed to vent a little bit. :)</b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-88890573320208022192013-08-08T16:45:00.002-04:002013-08-08T16:45:37.059-04:00Time is still flying!<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>That patient I wrote about in the previous post...her husband got banned from the hospital because he was taking her pain meds & shooting them up in his arm. Nice. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Seems like we are seeing more & more of those type patients since they cracked down on the "pain clinics." So many drug addicts...and it isn't just being addicted to the meds. They are shooting them up, snorting them, taking wayyyy too many of them. I really don't know how they are not overdosing. It's sad, but we aren't a rehab. And I'm not saying all of them, but a large majority come in with that selfish attitude & act like we owe them something! They have attitudes & they aren't pleasant ones. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I'm not one to judge & hold back on meds. As long as they are ordered & their vital signs are stable & they are alert & oriented...I'll give what is ordered. I've always told my new nurses...this isn't intervention. Just give what is ordered & shake off the attitudes the patients give you. It isn't personal. They value a drug more than life itself & we aren't going to change that in the 12 hours that they are in our care. Besides, they aren't here for help...they are here because they can't afford the drugs on the street & in the hospital they are free. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Needless to say, I've had a very light schedule for summer. Two shifts a week & relaxing the rest of the time. I was getting close to the feeling of being burnt out...so I took a break. I refuse to allow work to stress me out. It isn't worth it. The only things that matter to me are health, family & friends. Life is too short to take everything else too seriously. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This is the first year that I've noticed what a negative work place that being a bedside nurse really is. I mean we take care of sick people. They are stressed & venting to us in order to feel a little better. We are taking care of people who may not necessarily truly be sick physically, but mentally they are very sick & again...attempt to drain us mentally. I see people would rather drag us down to their level than to break free from the stress & make changes in order to be happy. I don't know why it took me so many years to see how draining a bedside nurse's job really is. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I still love my patients (well, most of them). I love the hours. I love that when I walk out the door at the end of a shift, all the stress stays in those doors. I refuse to take it home. Although there are times where I feel it creeping in (perhaps more hormone related) & I immediately address it. I am not going to let stress get me. I don't thrive off stress or drama. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Looks like I just destressed here...lol. Whatever it takes. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This is the same patient who the night before wanted to take a shower & had a doctor's order okaying it.......with her husband. Who am I to object? It is all about patient satisfaction, right???? </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Just when I thought I had seen it all!!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Happy Mother's Day!</b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-58771800868760050662013-05-10T12:07:00.002-04:002013-05-10T12:15:06.200-04:00Renewed Effort!<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I have decided that I need to make more of an effort when it comes to blogging......so, I will try to post at least once a week. Here goes....</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I get the pleasure of working this weekend....yay me! I already put in 2 days this week & will finish up with Fri & Sat. A little bit of overtime which is what I really could use. Work has been tough though. I don't mean mentally...I mean physically. Funny how that changes as you gain more experience. I mean maybe it always has been physically demanding & I was too focused on the overwhelming mentally draining side of it. I guess one good thing is that is helping keep me fit. I mean when you run around for 5 miles in a shift...that is a pretty good workout. Even with having pct's to help out, we still seem to be running around like crazy. Of course having 5 patients sometimes does not make life any easier. We have some new pct's being trained....younger & more eager because they are brand new on the job. Some of our current pct's know exactly what they can get away with it & use it to their advantage. I try to be understanding....I've been there. It is not an easy job. Hopefully things will fall into place though.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This patient satisfaction measure of hospitals is turning our patients into spoiled brats. Seriously...I am not being sarcastic. We always have at least 50% who are decent, normal human beings who are there for health care & to get better & to get back to their decent, normal human being life outside of the hospital. The other 50%...oh lord. I can't even say it is psych issues....of course that may account for 20%. They are who they are & they can't help it. But that last 30%....they make me smile, laugh, chuckle...remind me that life is full of surprises.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I actually had a female patient get mad at me the other night because she forgot to bring her makeup to the hospital & wanted me to get her some. Ummmmm, say what? Makeup? Like I'm going to run over to the mall or Target & pick her up some makeup. Seriously? I had another female patient get mad because I would not rub her thighs. Hello!!!!!! Not happening...ever. I can guarantee you I will not be rubbing any female's thighs (probably not even my own) EVER!!!!!!! There are some lines I have drawn that will not be crossed. I can get you some ice cream or apple sauce though, how's that? :)</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I am proud of myself. Since mid-March I have been working out on a continuous basis. I've missed a week or two here and there...one week because I was sick as a dog and just recently because I had dental surgery & there was no way I was in any mood to add to the pain I was already feeling. Of course the only time since mid-March I have lost any weight was those two weeks I missed. When I was sick...I lost 10 lbs. It found me as soon as I got back to the gym. And this last time with dental surgery, I lost 7 lbs. But it's back. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr! I'm trying my hardest not to focus on that scale. I know it will take more than a couple months of working out to make much of a difference, but it would be nice if I could stop losing & regaining the same 10 lbs. My clothes are looser, so I know I'm losing some inches. I've been doing cardio & weights. I feel so good after working out. It is hell sometimes getting my booty to the gym, but afterwards I am stress free & happy. I've been going to Planet Fitness & it's great. The price is great, the people are nice & my fellow gym members are all courteous but not overly friendly. My only drawback is the number of elderly people there......and it's not because I don't like elderly people......it just makes me wonder if I'll still be dragging my booty to the gym for the next 40 years. Gasp! I do get a kick out of them...especially the husband/wife teams. They are just so damn cute. Maybe it's a hobby because 95% of them are thin & certainly don't need to lose weight. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Then again, with my hospital heavily pushing the "Healthy 100" marketing campaign, maybe that's what these people are doing...trying their best to make it to 100 yrs old. That is not really my dream, but like all things in life, I am being forced to join the program. It started out being optional & they would encourage us with promises of a free water bottle or towel or some other crap to make us sign up. I started to...but then resisted - because back then I preferred to be lazy. This year it is mandatory & although I understand they want us to be healthier (probably so we won't call in sick very often & lower insurance rates)...I think it is also a personal invasion. I don't think my workplace needs to know all of my lab results, what I eat or even how much I weigh. It is my damn business. If at any time, it hinders me from doing my job----then call me on it. Otherwise, keep your nose out of my personal life. Yeah, I can say that on my blog...but we all know it isn't an option, unless I want to get a job somewhere else. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>And in other crazy news...I just sent the new Galaxy S4 back to T-Mobile. What was I thinking? I mean...why the heck did I even order it? And why did I order it over the phone instead of going directly to a T-Mobile store??? Why why why?????? Cause I had to pay $15 to have it shipped to me & now I just had to pay $28 to ship it back. It cost more to ship it back because I wanted signature confirmation & I had to insure the package for $700. So that's what...$43 just in shipping. Plus I have to pay a $50 restocking fee - didn't see that fine print until after the phone arrived. So $93 to try out the hottest phone for 3 days. Oh well! I just didn't like it. I will never be one of those people that is staring at my phone 20 hours a day. I'm not the most social person, but I am no phone addict either & never want to be. I love my Windows phone. The only problem is...it won't recharge the battery anymore. I ended up buying a separate battery charger on Ebay & am hoping that is the solution to my problems. However, if not.....T-Mobile just announced they'll be selling a new Windows phone on May 22nd. So that is my plan B. Life has returned to normalcy in Jen-world. Expensive lesson, but well learned. NEVER ever buy a phone online or through customer service online. Go directly to the store & if they don't have it in stock...then wait.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I should be sleeping right now since I have to head to work in less than 6 hrs. I'm wide awake....uh oh!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Have a great weekend, my friends!</b></span></div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-72166537627407640242013-05-01T18:20:00.001-04:002013-05-01T18:20:42.284-04:00Whoa<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>How is it May already? I swear it was just the beginning of the year & then I blinked & it is May! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Work seems to be getting better...or maybe my tolerance for all the b.s. is getting higher. We are no longer 3 patients to 1 nurse - not that they ever really kept us at that ratio. We are now 4 patients to 1 nurse and we get 2 techs at night. Dayshift has the same ratio, but they get 4 techs. Hopefully we will be staffed appropriately & not just randomly have techs. They say they want us to get back to being nurses. ABOUT TIME! Of course we still have to kiss ass. Our manager told us today we are not allowed to say "no" to a patient. That we must find a way to meet whatever needs they have. This is just so unrealistic. I had a patient last week ask me to rub her thighs. Ummm, the answer is NO. I am a nurse, not a massage therapist. I am never going to be rubbing some stranger's thighs...ever. Never ever ever ever.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I went today for a dental procedure called an apicoectomy. I am not a wimp when it comes to dental procedures. I don't like them, but I can tolerate them. I was told it would 30-40 min procedure. I declined IV sedation (I am an idiot) & opted for a Valium & some Novacain. If I had a do over...I would pay the $350 for sedation. The procedure ended up being 70 min of torture. I've been home now for 7 hours & actually feel ok. Not sure if my 4 rounds of Novacain have worn off yet or the Vicodin & Ibuprofen are doing their job, but I feel ok. Sore, but tolerable. Hopefully the next 24-48 hrs will be ok. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Wish me luck!</b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-30762840830389399092013-01-27T23:41:00.003-05:002013-01-27T23:45:40.899-05:00Poor Social Skills<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Here it is...the beginning of my 9th year in nursing. My oh my has it changed in 9 years. When I think back to my first couple of years compared to now...it is beyond ridiculous all the responsibilities piled onto the nursing staff. We do the jobs of doctors, pharmacists, respiratory techs, phlebotomists, housekeepers, waitresses, customer service reps, people pleasers, ass kissers...you name it, we are probably somehow responsible for it or will be. The question I have is...when do we get to be nurses???</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I blame the govt for a lot of these changes. That stupid survey patients...I mean "customers" get after their stay at a hospital. If they don't answer every question with "always", it is like they are answering "never." It is impossible to make everyone happy ALL of the time while they are in the hospital. No longer does it matter that we helped them get better or maybe even saved their life. The survey doesn't ask that. It asks if their room was clean enough or if the hallways were quiet enough or if the nurses communicated enough or if they learned every side effect of every medication they were given. Did the doctor communicate enough? We always seem to fail in that category.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Anyways, that isn't my grievance right now. It is a survey written by the govt...we are expected to fail. I only wish we could take a survey in regards to whether we are satisfied with our govt & if they don't receive the answer "always"...that they too fail & have to give us money back. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>My grievance is with my manager. She's a kind, wonderful person...but she is lacking in social skills. I'm not even sure if she realizes how rude she sounds, but she is killing our unit morale. And even though she has an "open door policy"...no one dares to try to correct her because we don't want to be on her bad side. She's been in this position a little over a year, so I realize the stress is probably eating her alive. I've decided to just let everything in one ear & out the other. Until she sits me down & speaks to me one on one about something "I" have done...I'm not gonna let her stress be contagious to me. That's the thing about admin...rather than going to the source of the problem or complaint, they lump us all in & tell us it is all our fault & that we need to correct it. Ummmmm, go directly to the source please & leave the rest of us who are doing our jobs correctly alone. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ok, enough of me being Debbie Downer. I am starting my 9th year. Wow, just wow! There are still moments when I wonder how the heck did I even venture into nursing. I am grateful for whatever led me down this path. I am self sufficient. I have a flexible schedule. I refuse to get burnt out. I am balancing work with home life. I seem to have it together...so far...this year. It's only January...so we shall see how the rest of the year goes.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This past weekend I went to two concerts. Justin Bieber on Friday night and Luke Bryan on Saturday night. I only went to Bieber because my 16 yr old niece loves him & I was able to fulfill a wish of my best friend's 10 yr old daughter. She had no clue we were going & only told her as we were standing in front of the arena. She broke down into tears. Such raw emotion...so sweet. I think it is something I never will forget. As much as I really can't stand the Bieb, seeing those two girls smiles was well worth it. That & knowing 24 hrs later I'd be seeing my favorite singer in the whole wide world........LUKE BRYAN!!!!!! </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I knew he'd make it to the big league when I saw him for the first time 2 years ago. Now he's headlining his own tour & it seems to be selling out at every venue. He is well worth every dime & his tickets are like half the price of everyone else. He is simply amazinggggggggggg!!!!!!!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I have started a little side business on Ebay, but I don't think it is going to last very long. I got some really good deals on clothing from Victoria's Secret...so I put some up for auction. I've made a little money, but I'm not sure it is worth the aggravation of waiting for people who won the auction to actually pay, pack things up for shipping & all that jazz. Part of me says just take it all back to the store & give up...but I'll give it another week & see what happens.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Happy New Year everyone...sorry it's a little late. :)</b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-36585455101626888872012-12-21T01:39:00.001-05:002012-12-21T01:39:56.194-05:00Wayyyy Toooo Longggg<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Just like that...time flew by again. I swear this entire year was over in 5 minutes. Is this what it is like as we get older? Even on my days off where I do nothing but lay around & watch tv....are over in an instant. Crazy, just crazy.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I have been working nearly a full time schedule the last few months. I was hoping to make some extra money, but somehow I have nothing extra & I've been relying way too much on a credit card to pay bills. I have been debt free for the last 8 yrs & then bam...this year I'm no longer debt free. I make the same amount of money, yet everything costs more. It isn't fair. I blame it on gas & supermarkets. Because other than a couple of cruises this year, I haven't really done anything. Barely even stayed at any hotels like I usually do. Where does the money go???</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I'm already working on my New Year's Resolutions. One...stop biting my nails. Two...work out, eat healthier. Three...stop spending all my money.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I think I just discovered where a large amount of money just went....concert tickets! I gotta have some fun. Thing is, I end up buying 4 tickets in the VIP seating & then don't have the heart to make my friends or family pay anything. I need to stop being so generous. With that being said...I have a great lineup. Justin Bieber, Luke Bryan, Pink & Maroon 5 in the next 3 months. Woo hoo!!!!!!! Then I'm done with concerts for the year. Seriously. Done.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I've been wanting to do the theme park thing, but there's just a few problems. I hate crowds. I hate theme parks during hot weather. I hate how much they now charge to get into these hot, crowded theme parks. I cannot begin to imagine how much it costs these families that come down for a week & stay at the Disney hotels & hit all the theme parks. It has to be between $5,000 & $10,000...easily. How do they do it? They offer us Florida residents season passes for just a little more than the cost of a one-day ticket. Once I've been to a park, I don't feel like going again anytime soon. I haven't even been to Aquatica! Again, the crowds. I can't stand them.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Work has been going fine. I don't let anything get to me. They tell us we're great, then they tell us we have to do more. Whatever. Now they are on our case if the patient even uses their call light at all. So dumb. I had a patient last week that was scheduled for a colonoscopy & was drinking the GoLytely prep. He was using a bedpan that he could put himself on & call me when he was done. Worked out perfectly. The next day in our breakroom...there was a piece of paper showing the number of call lights with our (the nurses) name next to it. My patient had used his call light 13 times....the horror! So I told my manager the reason behind it cause I'm sure she thought I was slacking. Her reply "good to know the reason you fell out of meeting your patient's needs." Huh??? What??? I was doing exactly what he needed...exactly when he needed it. Did she expect me to spend all night in his room waiting to empty the bedpan? How creepy would that be if I was the lurking nurse while he was having to deal with constant bowel movements? Oh well, no biggie....not letting it get to me.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I can't believe it has been 8 years since I graduated nursing school. It really has gone by so fast. Have a Merry Christmas everyone! Say a prayer for the families in Newtown, CT. <!--3--></b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-12144369406794972602012-10-15T02:24:00.000-04:002012-10-15T02:24:41.134-04:00Catching Up<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Wowsers...can't believe it has been nearly 3 months since I posted. Sorry! I'm still around. Time to catch up:</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**I'm still at the same hospital....over 3 years now. Time really does fly. Glad my old hospital was so unorganized in the hiring process, because now they are laying nurses off. Crazy! I was pretty upset back in March with my current hospital, but I adopted a new attitude....I'm just not going to let anything from work get to me. Life is too short & I do not thrive on stress. So even if I'm having a bad night, when I walk out the door...I leave it all behind at the hospital. And we have had a crazy year...the hospital has been full & the admin stretch us to take more patients than we should. But with my new attitude, I survive. I love my co-workers & my flexible work schedule. So I shall stay for now.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**I took a cruise back in August. It was awesome. I love cruising & the only things on my mind is what to eat & what to drink. Such a simple life. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**I went to my 25th high school reunion last month. I was a little nervous about it because I really didn't hang out with too many people in my class. All my best friends were a year ahead of me. Regardless, thanks to facebook, I have been in contact with quite a few & it certainly made the reunion more fun. There was no "who are you?" They all knew who I was thanks to my charming fb personality. :) I had a great time. Even ran into an old crush & we flirted quite a bit. Takes me right back to those high school days, except I was too shy & innocent to flirt back then. So basically I got to act the way I wanted to now with they way I felt back then. Does that make sense? It was all in fun.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**The boyfriend...we're still together...sort of. Our problem is the distance. He's over 2 hours away which I realize is barely anything, but still...it is not right here by me. I don't want to move there, he doesn't want to move here.....but we love one another, we get along great, I have never been so open & felt so loved ever before. That counts for something. At the same time, I get frustrated that I don't get to see him more often. I've tried to break up in hope of finding someone more local, but if any of you have tried the dating pool lately....it definitely isn't easy & the older I get, the stranger the men get. So again, I have decided I'm not stressing out over this. If it is meant to be, somehow something will change & we will be together more often or I'll move on with someone else. I'm not going to worry about it.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**I'm still debating about whether to go for my Bachelor's in Nursing. The rumor of Associate's Degrees being phased out & you won't be able to get a job without a Bachelor's Degree is going around. I have no desire to go into administration or anything else in nursing. I just want to do bedside nursing & not get caught up in the aggravation that comes with moving to the next level. Plus I don't want to do anymore school work. On the other hand, I think one or two classes a semester isn't that hard...it is more busy work (papers/projects) than anything else. I'll think it over some more.</b></span><br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-31826399618184842552012-07-23T01:21:00.005-04:002012-07-23T01:21:57.252-04:00Yeppppp....still around<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Wow oh wow...my is time just flying on by. Bullet time...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>***Work has amazingly gone well the last 6 weeks or so. I have been working mostly full-time hours & so far, so good...nothing bad has happened. I hope I haven't just jinxed myself. I work the next 3 nights in a row.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>***I have discovered Brighton jewelry....sometimes I wish I hadn't. ($$$)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>***I have also been influenced by my niece in regards to Vera Bradley merchandise. Again, sometimes I wish I hadn't. ($$$)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>***I can officially say I am tan!!!!!!! Many hours dedicated to lounging around...it has not been easy. (Are you feeling sorry for me yet?) However, tonight I have opted to use the lotion with a little bronzer in it. :)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>***Magic Mike...overrated. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching a man like Tatum Channing dance & strip, but the plot was dumbbbbbbbbb. And I hear they are making a part II. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>***Katy Perry movie...underrated. That has been one of the best movies/documentaries I have ever seen. I went into it thinking it would semi-suck & that I'd enjoy the music since I loved her concert. I was pleasantly surprised...she even had me crying...happy tears & sad tears. I can't even count the number of times I got the chills either. It was either really touching or I was pms'ing.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>***My thyroid is finally straightened out...by this I mean my TSH is back in a normal zone. I don't feel much different except my elbows don't seem so dry & I am not having hot flashes anymore. I seriously thought I was starting perimenopause with how hot I would feel & waking up sweaty....not to mention the sweating at work. Ugh. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>***With that being said, I have not lost anymore weight. Total lost since April 1 is 23 lbs. But 20 lbs were when my thyroid was all screwed up & I shouldn't have been able to lose anything. The last 3 lbs....I keep going up & down. I haven't even weighed in the last 3 weeks because I haven't lost anything. I still need to get into a regular exercise habit - I plan on joining the YMCA. I want to do the classes...like kickboxing & zumba. I know I can do them at home, but I also know that being out in public...I am more likely to keep going instead of sitting down & quitting when I get tired. I also need to start walking. I'm not giving up!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>***Best of all....I leave on a Caribbean cruise in 12 days!!!!!! I CANNOT WAIT. I'm going with my niece, my friend & her two kids. Oh & maybe my doctor....lol. He's a friend of my friend & next thing I know, I'm booking him a cabin on the same cruise. Should be interesting.................</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**Still not a word from the old hospital. I don't even bother calling them. I'll let time go by & if I get the desire to switch later in the year, then I'll call. Right now everything is ok.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**Spent the weekend at my parents house. Love the sun, dislike the tropical storms. Oh well, guess we need some rain sometimes.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**There are absolutely no good movies coming out this summer. How is that possible? Guess this is one way of keeping me from my weakness...movie theater popcorn with butter...or whatever that liquid is that they serve.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**I've lost a total of 20 lbs with Weight Watchers. I am not doing all that I am supposed to be doing. Like I don't really track points nor do I exercise anywhere near what I should be doing...but I consider this baby steps. I have cut out just about all fast food. My only weakness is Chick-fil-a. And I'm just a lot smarter about what I'm eating. I'll up the exercise here soon enough.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**I found out I am extremely hypothyroid. I have had thyroid issues since I was a child, but apparently I'm not taking enough medication or maybe I just forget sometimes...but my TSH was 25 when it should be below 5. So we've upped the thyroid meds. I don't notice any difference. Like I wasn't symptomatic even with barely any metabolism. I'm hoping to notice something for the positive though. We'll see.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**I'm not sure it's over with the bf. I just don't know. It's not easy walking away from someone that is like your biggest cheerleader & has done nothing deliberately wrong. As most things in my life...we'll see what happens.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>**Work has been alright. Our hospital is overflowing with patients. I really don't know where they get them from. It is kinda crazy. </b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-69089027336902020092012-05-07T16:28:00.003-04:002012-05-07T16:31:26.098-04:00Change<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Still no word from my old hospital. I've given up on them. It should not take over 2 months to hire an experienced nurse who not only knows their computer charting system & works for the same "chain" of hospitals...but also one that worked there for 4 years with a spotless record & knows the hospital. Ridiculous. I'm taking it as a sign to stay put. Doesn't mean I'll stop complaining about work & administration, but I'm staying put. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Speaking of admin, now they plan to videotape us simulating doing our "rounds." And then they plan to force us to watch it. Can you say ugh??? I mean really...this is getting insane. I wonder how many other administrators are going to be watching it...looking for flaws. It isn't fair. They want to blame us if the patients aren't happy, yet they won't provide us with the appropriate staffing to meet the needs of these same patients. I am human, I can only do so much. Sigh.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>In a turn of events, I broke up with the bf. He lives 2 1/2 hrs away & I hardly ever see him...so what's the point? I told him it feels more like a fantasy relationship & unless he's willing to make it more of a reality, bye. I don't even feel sad or bad. It will be hard to break the routine of being in touch all day, but I imagine after a few days or weeks...I'll be fine. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Still going to Weight Watchers. I've lost a total of 13 lbs I think. I'm kinda stuck at the moment, but then again...I have yet to work out & I know that is necessary. Mentally I'm all for working out, but to actually do it...ugh. I know I'll like the feeling afterwards...all those endorphins & such, but getting started is tough. I have to stop thinking & just do it.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>My paycheck has been awful this month....between taking 3 shifts off because of my back (which feels perfectly fine now...yay) & leaving early whenever they ask if anyone wants to go home....let's just say my bank account is not happy. My peace of mind is though. I signed up to work full-time all through the month of June. Gotta make some money.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Three months until my Caribbean cruise....yay!!!</b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-50767770888897799582012-04-26T13:27:00.000-04:002012-04-26T13:27:14.556-04:00Interview Complete<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I had my interview this morning. It was with a manager that had started a couple years after I left. So she was explaining the unit to me, which in my head I thought was hilarious as this was the exact unit I left 3 years ago. She didn't build it up...she said it was fast-paced, that the doctors can usually be jerks & there isn't much she can do about it...that she's tried with no success & that it is pretty much primary care nursing even though we usually have a tech. We also talked about patient satisfaction scores & how ridiculous the government is allowing it to become. At my current hospital...they want to videotape us "rounding" so we can see how we really are. As if being followed with a camera won't throw us off at all. Ugh, what more can they come up with?????? I should stop asking that question.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Anyways, I felt the interview went fine except she wasn't sure they had anymore night positions open. Ugh. So she suggested days & although it is not my first choice...I will leave it in God's hands. Maybe days would be better for me. The thought of having a normal sleep schedule sounds like paradise...but the thought of not having that night time pay differential sounds like a nightmare. Oh well......it is out of my hands. I just know I want out of where I'm at & soon. If not, I have an IV checkoff to do, net learning to do, a "treasure hunt" to do...ugh...just let me be a nurse & leave me alone. Hopefully I'll hear something soon. This definitely is not the best time to be applying for nursing jobs....the spring/summer census is dropping as all our "snow birds" are going back up north. Oh well.....whatever is meant to be will happen.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>My back is a million times better. I am grateful for Tramadol. It allowed me to feel human again.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Weigh-in tomorrow morning...I'm thinking I lost at least 4 lbs. It hasn't been that hard either...so far. I still need to add in exercise soon. :)</b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-61742572112087854712012-04-23T03:01:00.002-04:002012-04-23T03:02:21.583-04:00Injured<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I have been working on my house & moving furniture. As a result, I really messed up my lower back. I have called out on 3 shifts...which I hate doing, but the first two shifts....I could barely walk from my bed to the bathroom. And I feel better tonight (a week later), but I have hardly been out of bed...so wasn't sure I would be able to handle 12 hours of moving around. I'll go in tomorrow. I have pain medicine and muscle relaxers which are helping tremendously. I am convinced now that I have got to lose some weight & also find some exercises that strengthen my back. I'm also convinced this is a result of being a nurse & not having tech help. I'm physically exhausted after working. Hopefully I'll be ok tomorrow night. I have like 10 days off until my next shift.</b></span><br />
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<b style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a somewhat brighter note, my old hospital called on Friday. I swear it feels like dating...lol. I didn't answer, but she left a message saying she wanted to give me the latest status update. I'm not sure if that is good or bad. I'll call tomorrow. I wanted to be sure I could actually move around like a normal person just in case they wanted me to come in for another interview. And as of Friday, I wasn't convinced I'd be feeling better. I really do want to come back to this hospital. I'll be taking a pay cut, but the work won't be so physically demanding either, since they do have techs. And I'll only be 5 miles away from work as opposed to 25 miles. Keep your fingers crossed!</span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of losing weight, I started Weight Watchers on April 1st. I've lost 11 lbs. I have yet to exercise - didn't want to shock my body as I changed my eating habits. As soon as my back allows, I will be walking & doing some cardio work-outs. I have a lot to lose, but right now my short-term goal is 30 lbs by June 1st. I'll re-evaluate once I reach that goal. :)</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-25571801819440169192012-04-05T21:57:00.003-04:002012-04-05T22:11:54.406-04:00Blah blah blah<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b>I still have yet to hear anything more from my old hospital. I'm taking it as a sign as I don't belong. I mean if they are this disorganized with the hiring process, I can only imagine this is a reflection of the entire organization. I mean this area is in great need of experienced nurses. So when the chance to hire one comes along, they snap you up pretty quickly....except that place. Oh well, it is making me think of other avenues....like nicu or mother/baby type units. I'm in no rush. Lately work has been pretty good & we have evals coming up which means raises. So I shall stick around while still thinking of other units that might meet my needs in the near future.</b></span><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b>I have slept non-stop the last 2 days...not sure why. Maybe I'm fighting a cold. I have the same icky cough I started with last August. It's all in my throat, not my chest...but it is icky sounding & tasting. Let's hope it passes. I don't have the patience to be sick.</b></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>Our HCAHPS scores for the first quarter are better than 95%...so they are off our case for now. Those scores are so unrealistic that I'm not sure how it is even possible. The two categories we need to improve on...doctor to patient communication and cleanliness. Tell me.......how does that become the nurses responsibility? They told us "WE" need to work on it. I say the doctors & housekeepers need to work on it. Nurses have 6 of their own categories to work on, we don't need other staff members categories added on to ours. We can't do it all!</b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>Tomorrow I'm gonna go weigh in. I know I've lost a few pounds. I've been eating so much fruit & salad. My body is craving Chick-fil-a. My mind is looking forward to Olive Garden tomorrow afternoon. Gonna go visit the parents & take my mom to lunch & shop. I also get to see my puppy dog. I had a dream last night that I let her run away....like I opened my car door & let her jump out & leave. Then the rest of the dream I spent trying to find her. Two weird things....people kept sending me where they thought she was & I'd see a dog that looked 95% like her...very vividly in the dream. Yet I was calling out the name of my dog I had before her. I woke up all confused & a little sad...but once I realized she really hadn't run away, I was ok. It just felt so real. She stays mostly at my parents house now because her & my dad are super attached to one another. He's going on vacation soon, so I'll have her back for a little while. She just looks so bored at my house as opposed to his.</b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>I still have the guy, but I'm kind of annoyed with him again. I don't think he even realizes it cause I haven't said anything. Then again, maybe it's pms that has me annoyed & he just is my focus as a result. Being a woman is soooooo much fun!</b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-57930399982488292052012-04-02T01:56:00.002-04:002012-04-02T02:05:32.715-04:00I'm Backkkkkkk<span ><b>The cruise was awesome....but went by way too fast. I have another one planned...for 7 days, but that isn't until August. Seems so far away!</b></span><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>Update on the job situation....well, I heard from the old hospital & it seems they have decided to eliminate the Baylor weekend option. Ugh. This always seems to happen just as I get interested in it. So that is out the door. They asked if I was interested in full time & they offered me an hourly rate that is just under $3 less than what I'm currently making. Ridiculous that there is that much of a difference. I said despite that, I'm still interested. I figured with less money spent on gas & less time as far as driving (10 minutes vs. 40 min), that I could live with making less money. So she went on to say that since there is a new manager taking over April 1, that she needs to see if the new manager would like to interview me or just take the recommendation from the interim manager that has already interviewed me. That was last Tuesday. I haven't heard another word. </b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>And wouldn't you know it, at my current hospital...the last 3 weeks have been wonderful. Not easy, but not overwhelming either. So now I'm left wondering what to do. I'm leaning towards staying....mostly because it is my comfort zone. Going to a different hospital is like starting at a new school. One of my friends was going to make the switch too, but now she's had stuff come up & she can't make any changes right now. I don't know what to do.</b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>So I decided to re-join Weight Watchers. Perhaps if my main focus is on something other than work, things will be better. And I need to lose weight & exercise. Enough stressing about work, I'm determined to get back to being me. I figure the rest will fall into place (hopefully).</b></span></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-87148142199518652722012-03-22T13:09:00.000-04:002012-03-22T13:12:16.941-04:00Bon Voyage<span><b>Quick update before I leave on my road trip to Miami to take a cruise to the Bahamas over the weekend. :)</b></span><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span><b>I interviewed with my old hospital last week. The manager (who is someone I helped train when he became a nurse) said he would love to have me back. That was last Wednesday. He called on Monday asking if I wanted full time or Baylor (weekends only option). I told him I preferred Baylor. He said he was hoping full time. I ended up telling him I could be flexible & do full time if that was what he needed. He said he had to talk to "them" & would be in touch. I haven't heard a word since. I don't know who "them" is either. Oh well, whatever is meant to be will happen. </b></span></div><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span><b>And wouldn't you know it...the last 2 weeks at my current job have been really good. Figures! </b></span></div><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span><b>Anywaysssssss....taking a much needed vacation with my two best friends. We have never done this before. I defintely need it! Bon Voyage everyone!</b></span></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-49276025634222930312012-03-08T09:42:00.002-05:002012-03-08T10:04:43.691-05:00Thank You!<span ><b>Just wanted to thank my fellow blogger nurses for your kind words & understanding. While I'm glad to see that my emotions/reactions are appropriate, it also saddens me that others are in the same frustrated positions. I wish the public could understand all the pressures a nurse is under instead of assuming we hardly do anything but talk & play on the computer. Your support helps me tremendously!</b></span><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>I got a call from my old hospital yesterday....yessssss! Although I'm not convinced that this is going to be an amazing transition, any change right now would be helpful. One of my friends from nursing school is ready to quit the old hospital cause she's sick of management. She won't give me specifics though. I would just be grateful to have some help from patient care techs. I have to call the recruiter back this morning & hopefully set up an interview for next week.</b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>I just realized that I self-scheduled myself to work the next 5 out of 7 days...ugh. Oh well...I have a day off inbetween on Sunday & Tuesday. I'll get thru it. I'm in a better state of mind...after having the last 9 days off. :)</b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>I turned 43 yesterday. It was an easy, relaxing day......dinner at Red Lobster. Time with my family. Much better than last year when I was worried about my niece being around her mother's loser bf. </b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>So once again....thank you....you know who you are. :)</b></span></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774676666559926705.post-31418699629867881522012-03-05T01:05:00.002-05:002012-03-05T01:15:21.142-05:00A little better<span ><b>I'm still recovering from the emotions of last week. I've also been rereading my blog...the past year & seeing how I've tried my best to make this work, but seems things are getting worse instead of better. That reinforces my decision that it is probably best to change things up. Changing my attitude simply isn't enough in this situation. Hard to believe that my "hope" is that my old hospital will take me back. I still remember the frustration I had there. I also remember shortstaffing wasn't one of the reasons. So my priorities have shifted, but my focus has not. All I want is to go to work, do my job & come home. I don't care about the corporate ladder or becoming a charge nurse. I want to clock in for 12 hours, clock out & live my life. No drama, no b.s., no administration type stuff. </b></span><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>I applied online at the old hospital. Got my fingers crossed they give me a call or an email or however it is done these days. The ad had just been posted on Feb. 28, so I figure they should at least give me a shot, right? I'll keep you informed.</b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>I had my 15 yr old niece over for the weekend. She is good at distracting me from the realities of life. Our main focus was food & what to watch on tv or at the movies. Well, we had planned to get some sun as Saturday was beautiful.......instead we got our haircut & watched Lifetime. It's the simple things in life, isn't it? I also changed the cabin on our cruise in August. Got one a little bigger. What the heck? Why not? August 4th can't get here soon enough. Luckily, my 3 night cruise is less than 3 weeks away. Yessssssss! March 22......getting away with my bff's for a girl's weekend. Definitely what I'm needing/focusing on right now. </b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>I'm off until Friday. My 43rd b-day is on Wednesday. Nothing too special planned. Lunch or dinner with the family. I'm not one for making a big deal out of b-days. I'm actually looking forward to a day or two of time to myself. I do need to get a massage...only because I was given a gift card on my last birthday for it.................it's not that I don't like massages, I just am not crazy about them. I guess now is when I really could use one though. So Monday or Tuesday I will get it done. Hoping to get a little bit of sun too...need a pre-tan before the cruise. The weather is supposed to be really nice the next few days. See....I'm simple. And I know I'll get through this. Just a bump in the road. :) </b></span></div><div><span ><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span ><b>Have a good week everyone!</b></span></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943730933269816574noreply@blogger.com0