And why it bothered me.
Today, I went to the library to get some much needed studying done. I tried to focus, but just found myself people-watching instead (don't act like you've never done it...)
Directly in my line of vision I spot this couple on the couch. And they were all over each other. In front of a whole bunch of people. Weird! But that wasn't what bothered me. No, what bothered me was the fact that when the guy was about to leave with his friend, the girl gets all pouty and looks as if she's going to cry. Really? I mean, I don't think he's going very far. So guy sits back down and consoles girl. Meanwhile guy's friend is looking pretty flustered - as if this has happened one too many times. Admitedly, I don't know their past, I don't know them as people but my question is, why is she so upset? Is he really so big a part of her life that she cannot function without him? Truthfully, I'm annoyed. Why, because I have been that girl. But even more than my annoyance I want to walk over to this girl and ask her what is going on in her head! If I could, I would tell her:
"Find yourself! Find out who you are! Find out what it is you were created to do and who you were created to be! You were put together piece by piece by someone who loves you - do not let yourself be defined by a fleeting, temporal relationship! You were given talents and gifts meant to bless others. Do not suppress this light that you have because you think you need him to be your outlet."
Like I said, I don't know these 2 from Adam and Eve, but I just know that look on her face, that feeling she was conveying. You can see by the look in her eyes that she lacks confidence and is so unsure when he is not around. It doesn't need to be that way. I've been that girl; I know.
Let her know that she is beautiful. She was created to shine on her own. To depend on no one but the One who created her. Lord, open her eyes.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Change
Yes, I changed my title and URL. I think it was necessary. When I started this blog, I had planned on telling you all my adventures as a Nurse To Be. As it turns out, life as a student nurse isn't that interesting, not to mention the fact that it doesn't allow much time for me to post! So, from now on I will just post...anything. And of course you will get to hear my good stories from the hospital from time to time - they'll probably be just few and far between.
As for the change of the title - "As I See It", my posts will be just that. The world as I see it. This does not mean that everything I say is right, that every opinion of mine is Gospel, it simply means that I want to share with you what I'm thinking, feeling, observing and conversely want to know how you feel too. So please, comments are very, VERY welcome! I love getting feedback and having conversations about everyday life. We all live it, so why not talk about it?
I hope this is all making sense :)
So to my faithful few, I hope you enjoy where this blog is going!
As for the change of the title - "As I See It", my posts will be just that. The world as I see it. This does not mean that everything I say is right, that every opinion of mine is Gospel, it simply means that I want to share with you what I'm thinking, feeling, observing and conversely want to know how you feel too. So please, comments are very, VERY welcome! I love getting feedback and having conversations about everyday life. We all live it, so why not talk about it?
I hope this is all making sense :)
So to my faithful few, I hope you enjoy where this blog is going!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Christmas Spirit
Can't they just bottle this stuff?
I am having a terrible time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. I don't know what it is, but every bit of me just doesn't want to think about Christmas. Of course I know the meaning of Christmas and why we as Christians honor such a holiday, but as far as Consumer Christmas goes, I just don't care this year. But I wish I did.
So, whether you like it or not (or whether you take time to read this blog or not ;)), you're coming with me as I chronicle my endeavors to find the Christmas Spirit! Yeah!
First things first - the Christmas tree. At first, this was kind of a sensitive thing for me, as this will be our first Christmas without Grandma, so I didn't know if there would be a Christmas tree or not. So, I put up this:
yep. that's an authentic Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Isn't it cute?! I know, it's not much, but I like it. And if that's not a good enough reason for you, just see Charlie yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4Hv9YmhGpw
So that's all I have for now. But trust me, there is more to come!
I am having a terrible time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. I don't know what it is, but every bit of me just doesn't want to think about Christmas. Of course I know the meaning of Christmas and why we as Christians honor such a holiday, but as far as Consumer Christmas goes, I just don't care this year. But I wish I did.
So, whether you like it or not (or whether you take time to read this blog or not ;)), you're coming with me as I chronicle my endeavors to find the Christmas Spirit! Yeah!
First things first - the Christmas tree. At first, this was kind of a sensitive thing for me, as this will be our first Christmas without Grandma, so I didn't know if there would be a Christmas tree or not. So, I put up this:
yep. that's an authentic Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Isn't it cute?! I know, it's not much, but I like it. And if that's not a good enough reason for you, just see Charlie yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4Hv9YmhGpw
So that's all I have for now. But trust me, there is more to come!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Nina-isms
I feel like it's time for me as a blogger to share a little bit of myself with you. I plan for this to be a running post - when I think of new things to add, it will be updated. What you'll find here is a list of my quirks, likes, dislikes, rants, and raves. Enjoy!
1. I'm a texture person - if a food isn't the right texture, I WON'T eat it.
2. I wish I could play a musical instrument and be in a band. Like bass guitar or something.
3. I want to live on the East Coast for some part of my life.
4. I want to live in the heart of a big city for some part of my life. Like Chicago or New York. I want to live in a blustery, cold city during Christmastime. I think that would be neat.
5. Listen. It's the best gift you can give anyone. And you learn a lot more that way.
6. Every book I've ever checked out from a library has been returned late. Every. Single. One. And the kicker: I never finish reading the book. Never.
7. I'm really bad at keeping up on this blog. But you didn't need me to tell you that.
8. I'm really scared about being a nurse. Like, knee-knocking-nail-biting-hair-pulling-quivering-in-my-boots petrified. I can't believe that within 6 months I will have graduated nursing school, be taking state boards, and working as an RN. Holy canoli.
9. I like the smell of matches.
10. I like the smell of gasoline.
11. I like the smell of coffee.
12. My worst habit: chewing on pens and pencils. very unsanitary. as a nurse, you think i would knock off a nasty habit like that, but i just can't help it. Take this as a warning before you ask to borrow a writing utensil from me.
1. I'm a texture person - if a food isn't the right texture, I WON'T eat it.
2. I wish I could play a musical instrument and be in a band. Like bass guitar or something.
3. I want to live on the East Coast for some part of my life.
4. I want to live in the heart of a big city for some part of my life. Like Chicago or New York. I want to live in a blustery, cold city during Christmastime. I think that would be neat.
5. Listen. It's the best gift you can give anyone. And you learn a lot more that way.
6. Every book I've ever checked out from a library has been returned late. Every. Single. One. And the kicker: I never finish reading the book. Never.
7. I'm really bad at keeping up on this blog. But you didn't need me to tell you that.
8. I'm really scared about being a nurse. Like, knee-knocking-nail-biting-hair-pulling-quivering-in-my-boots petrified. I can't believe that within 6 months I will have graduated nursing school, be taking state boards, and working as an RN. Holy canoli.
9. I like the smell of matches.
10. I like the smell of gasoline.
11. I like the smell of coffee.
12. My worst habit: chewing on pens and pencils. very unsanitary. as a nurse, you think i would knock off a nasty habit like that, but i just can't help it. Take this as a warning before you ask to borrow a writing utensil from me.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
20th Post!
Woo Hoo!
Today was an ok day (but it's not over yet!) But yesterday was awesome!
For school, we had a 12 hour clinical at a local hospital. In the past few weeks we have been taking turns going to different floors on the hospital. This week, it was my turn to go to the ICU/IMU (Intermediate Care Unit). At first, I was incredibly nervous, "INTENSIVE CARE?! What the heck could I possibly do there!?"
But it turned out pretty good. Everyone was on a heart monitor - a plus because we have a test over Cardiac on Monday. I will admit, I did feel like a goofus for the first few hours.
Exhibit A: While giving a med IV push, I started the saline flush first.
"Hey, Matt (the nurse I followed that day), I'm getting a lot of resistance with this IV..."
"Maybe it's because the clamp is on."
"Oh..."
Not so bad. Not the first time I've done it, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Thankfully, that patient was a really good sport.
Exhibit B: I had to hang a new bag of IV fluids. Once again, no big deal, right? Well, it is when you can't find the right IV line...In my defense, the guy had like 2 lines each with a piggyback - making a total of 4 tubes to try to decipher. Thankfully, Matt intervened and all was well.
Other than my goofups, the day went pretty well. I don't know if it's just male nurses or just the personalities of the guys on IMU, but everything was so laid back, yet everything still got done. I really appreciated this experience, and learned a ton! Next week, I get to go to the OR - SO EXCITED! I hope I get to see something huge...
T-minus like 6 months or so til I get to do this stuff for real... not that I'm counting or anything ;)
Goodnight all, and Godbless!
Today was an ok day (but it's not over yet!) But yesterday was awesome!
For school, we had a 12 hour clinical at a local hospital. In the past few weeks we have been taking turns going to different floors on the hospital. This week, it was my turn to go to the ICU/IMU (Intermediate Care Unit). At first, I was incredibly nervous, "INTENSIVE CARE?! What the heck could I possibly do there!?"
But it turned out pretty good. Everyone was on a heart monitor - a plus because we have a test over Cardiac on Monday. I will admit, I did feel like a goofus for the first few hours.
Exhibit A: While giving a med IV push, I started the saline flush first.
"Hey, Matt (the nurse I followed that day), I'm getting a lot of resistance with this IV..."
"Maybe it's because the clamp is on."
"Oh..."
Not so bad. Not the first time I've done it, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Thankfully, that patient was a really good sport.
Exhibit B: I had to hang a new bag of IV fluids. Once again, no big deal, right? Well, it is when you can't find the right IV line...In my defense, the guy had like 2 lines each with a piggyback - making a total of 4 tubes to try to decipher. Thankfully, Matt intervened and all was well.
Other than my goofups, the day went pretty well. I don't know if it's just male nurses or just the personalities of the guys on IMU, but everything was so laid back, yet everything still got done. I really appreciated this experience, and learned a ton! Next week, I get to go to the OR - SO EXCITED! I hope I get to see something huge...
T-minus like 6 months or so til I get to do this stuff for real... not that I'm counting or anything ;)
Goodnight all, and Godbless!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Trick or Treat for Canned Goods 2009
So this year we held our annual Trick or Treat for Canned Goods with Chi Alpha, and I have to say that I think it was a huge success. Last year we were able to collect and donate around 500 lbs of food! I'm still waiting to find out how much we got this year, but either way, we had a great turnout :) So just to share in on the fun, I'll post some pics from that night.
The whole gang. Unfortunately, you can't see anyone but Jared - because he's glowing.
Sleeping Beauty and Coraline.
And for those of you who don't know - this is Coraline. This is the look I was going for with the raincoat, rainboots, and blue hair. Although I'm not quite as sassy.
Jenna and Drew :)
It just doesn't get much better than this.
This one just cracks me up everytime I look at it.
Some pretty awesome gals right here :)
So there you have it. One small good deed for the world, and we had a lot of fun doing it.
I think this is all the posting I can handle for tonight. Good night all, and Godbless!
Nina
An Ode To Grandma
Viola Holloway
Beloved Mother and Dearest Grandmother
Although small in stature, her heart held more love than anyone could even imagine. She lived for her family; for her kids. Always, that was her purpose in life. She fought many debilitating diseases in her lifetime; some that would have claimed the lives of much larger people than she. But she held on, and fought, always for her family.
We will always remember her for who she was. Devoted mother, who sacrificed everything of her own for the joy of her children. She never wanted for herself – she simply wanted her family to be happy. She will also be remembered as a beloved grandmother. Her kind heart was always a blessing to us. If ever we were in need, we knew she would always be there with a hug and a kiss.
We will miss her. She was our precious little angel here on earth. But now we may take comfort in knowing she is just where a precious little angel ought to be.
Words can not encompass the feelings I wish to convey. I miss her dearly, but I take comfort in knowing that she knows no more pain. She lived a life full of not only physical pain, but emotional too.
I love you, Grandma.
Beloved Mother and Dearest Grandmother
Although small in stature, her heart held more love than anyone could even imagine. She lived for her family; for her kids. Always, that was her purpose in life. She fought many debilitating diseases in her lifetime; some that would have claimed the lives of much larger people than she. But she held on, and fought, always for her family.
We will always remember her for who she was. Devoted mother, who sacrificed everything of her own for the joy of her children. She never wanted for herself – she simply wanted her family to be happy. She will also be remembered as a beloved grandmother. Her kind heart was always a blessing to us. If ever we were in need, we knew she would always be there with a hug and a kiss.
We will miss her. She was our precious little angel here on earth. But now we may take comfort in knowing she is just where a precious little angel ought to be.
Words can not encompass the feelings I wish to convey. I miss her dearly, but I take comfort in knowing that she knows no more pain. She lived a life full of not only physical pain, but emotional too.
I love you, Grandma.
I Want To Be A Better Blogger...
because that's the cool thing to do, right?
I also have a secret desire to be one of those incredibly trendy people in monochromatic clothing sitting in the corner at Starbucks sipping on my white chocolate mocha with my laptop and making a difference in the world with my awesome blog. Sigh...some dreams will always be dreams I guess ;)
Anyway, not too much has happened since the last time I've blogged. Well. I say that loosely. I have had one life changing event happen - the passing of my grandmother; May God give you rest my dear, sweet little angel. Also, I no longer work the night shift! Instead I work PRN for a different hospital in their OB wing :) And I really like it there.
I recently had my birthday (Yay!) and it was really great. I have great friends who really make me happy. I truly have never done anything to deserve the love I get from them <3 Not to mention, it was a Mexican themed party - I mean, these people really know me!
Oh, yeah! I went to Mexico! With Alicia! It was awesome! So beautiful, I want to go back. I post pics of that.
And we just celebrated our 4th annual Trick or Treat for Canned Goods with Chi Alpha. At least I think it's the 4th... I'll post pics from that too!
Wow so many things to post about! And I promise I will!
So keep an eye out, followers (I think I have a loyal 2!) because Nina is back on blogspot.com!
And now, to post!
I also have a secret desire to be one of those incredibly trendy people in monochromatic clothing sitting in the corner at Starbucks sipping on my white chocolate mocha with my laptop and making a difference in the world with my awesome blog. Sigh...some dreams will always be dreams I guess ;)
Anyway, not too much has happened since the last time I've blogged. Well. I say that loosely. I have had one life changing event happen - the passing of my grandmother; May God give you rest my dear, sweet little angel. Also, I no longer work the night shift! Instead I work PRN for a different hospital in their OB wing :) And I really like it there.
I recently had my birthday (Yay!) and it was really great. I have great friends who really make me happy. I truly have never done anything to deserve the love I get from them <3 Not to mention, it was a Mexican themed party - I mean, these people really know me!
Oh, yeah! I went to Mexico! With Alicia! It was awesome! So beautiful, I want to go back. I post pics of that.
And we just celebrated our 4th annual Trick or Treat for Canned Goods with Chi Alpha. At least I think it's the 4th... I'll post pics from that too!
Wow so many things to post about! And I promise I will!
So keep an eye out, followers (I think I have a loyal 2!) because Nina is back on blogspot.com!
And now, to post!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Wow, What a Weekend!
So 2 of my closest friends were married this weekend - Congrats Andy and Kaycee!!! And I had a blast and am very thankful to have been a part of the wedding. It went off without a hitch and I think I witnessed the most beautiful bride ever, and the happiest groom on earth.
So now it's Monday (and i have to go back to work tomorrow...has it been 6 days already?) and today was also a very busy day. I managed to hunt down my birth certificate so I can get a passport, so I can go to MEXICO!!! WOO HOO! I'm so excited :) I then celebrated with Alicia for her getting into the Nursing program - you go girl!
So through all of this - the wedding this weekend, spending time with friends after the wedding, celebrating with Alicia tonight, and especially Pastor's sermon on Sunday - I think I'm beginning to realize more and more of God's great plan for us. All weekend long I have been saying how thankful I am for my church family. Becoming a Christian not only saved my life, but it has brought me into an extensive family that takes great care of me. I have always said that I wanted to marry into a big family, haha, but now I see that's not entirely necessary, because I already have the largest and best family in the world. To any of you who read this - Thank you for everything you have done for me; I have been truly blessed.
Final thought: I know I said it earlier, but I loved Pastor's sermon on Sunday.
"It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord..."
Whoa...He saw the Lord...that alone is huge.
"Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
My sentiments exactly...
But then...
"Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, 'See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.'
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
And that just amazes me. Isaiah as shown for what he really is, and yet God still called him to go forth and speak to others. "Wow" is all I can really say.
To conclude: I can't rate these past few days on a scale, but I can say that I had a great weekend, I have a great life, and I have been truly blessed by God. If I had to say it, the past 3 days have all been 5 star days.
Good Night and God Bless
So now it's Monday (and i have to go back to work tomorrow...has it been 6 days already?) and today was also a very busy day. I managed to hunt down my birth certificate so I can get a passport, so I can go to MEXICO!!! WOO HOO! I'm so excited :) I then celebrated with Alicia for her getting into the Nursing program - you go girl!
So through all of this - the wedding this weekend, spending time with friends after the wedding, celebrating with Alicia tonight, and especially Pastor's sermon on Sunday - I think I'm beginning to realize more and more of God's great plan for us. All weekend long I have been saying how thankful I am for my church family. Becoming a Christian not only saved my life, but it has brought me into an extensive family that takes great care of me. I have always said that I wanted to marry into a big family, haha, but now I see that's not entirely necessary, because I already have the largest and best family in the world. To any of you who read this - Thank you for everything you have done for me; I have been truly blessed.
Final thought: I know I said it earlier, but I loved Pastor's sermon on Sunday.
"It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord..."
Whoa...He saw the Lord...that alone is huge.
"Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
My sentiments exactly...
But then...
"Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, 'See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.'
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
And that just amazes me. Isaiah as shown for what he really is, and yet God still called him to go forth and speak to others. "Wow" is all I can really say.
To conclude: I can't rate these past few days on a scale, but I can say that I had a great weekend, I have a great life, and I have been truly blessed by God. If I had to say it, the past 3 days have all been 5 star days.
Good Night and God Bless
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Short and Sweet...
Just like me!
And because I don't have much time.
I really should be packing right now...and I'm going to...I just wanted to post a little update while I'm not falling asleep on the keys. I'm leaving for the Fischer Farm today to go get everything ready for the wedding. I never thought this day would come! And I'm not even the one getting married! I'm super excited for them and I think the wedding is going to be a blast. As I've said before, and I'm sure I'll say it time and time again, I truly could not be any happier for any two people right now. Kaycee and Andy are awesome people who truly love each other and love God. It just makes me so happy :)
Ok, so if I don't update for the next few days, it's because I've been busy being a good little bridesmaid and doing lots of stuff before saturday. Like I said last night, based on reasons other than those categories I came up with before, I'm pretty sure the next few days are gauranteed to be 5-Star days.
Much love,
Nina
And because I don't have much time.
I really should be packing right now...and I'm going to...I just wanted to post a little update while I'm not falling asleep on the keys. I'm leaving for the Fischer Farm today to go get everything ready for the wedding. I never thought this day would come! And I'm not even the one getting married! I'm super excited for them and I think the wedding is going to be a blast. As I've said before, and I'm sure I'll say it time and time again, I truly could not be any happier for any two people right now. Kaycee and Andy are awesome people who truly love each other and love God. It just makes me so happy :)
Ok, so if I don't update for the next few days, it's because I've been busy being a good little bridesmaid and doing lots of stuff before saturday. Like I said last night, based on reasons other than those categories I came up with before, I'm pretty sure the next few days are gauranteed to be 5-Star days.
Much love,
Nina
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
This Day Has Been Very Long...
So this post probably won't be.
I'm so happy that I'm not headed into work right now. But instead I'm headed for bed. I can CLEARLY see why there would be a nursing shortage due to high turnover rates and nurse burnout. I've been working a ton lately, and although it hasn't really been that bad, I'm exhausted, I'm sore, and worst of all I'm losing my patience. Not good. So I'm definitely going to make the most of this break.
Church tonight was very good. I really enjoyed the acoustic style worship for a change. Something about it just makes it feel more honest. There are fewer boundaries than with our normal worship setting. Now don't get me wrong, I love our normal worship time with the youth group (for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, I'll explain some other time) but change is good every once in a while.
I will say though, that part of tonight's lesson in young adult's class - the part where we wrote on the white board what was standing between us and God...yeah....that - was very, very uncomfortable for me. And I was almost angry at Pastor J for even having us do that. Not only did I not want to bare my faults, but I really didn't want to look at the faults of others. I know that sounds really strange - most people jump at the opportunity to see the bad in others. It's just that sometimes it's all just between you and God - and while no one knows you like God does, the Bible does say that we are to bear each other's burdens, to mourn and rejoice together, to confess our sins to our brothers so that we may be held accountable. I truly struggle with this...I'm guessing it has something to do with pride. And thanks to my pride I didn't want to admit to everyone else that I have an issue with discipline. But I did, and it felt good to know that I wasn't alone. I wasn't the only one on that board, and in fact, many of us shared a great number of issues.
Aaaannnnnddddd I've lost my train of thought. I'm going to sleep before my thoughts become anymore incoherent...
Based on the categories previously mentioned, I would have managed like 1/2 a star today. But today was much more than that. Based on a great number of many other things that are hard to classify, I would rate today as a 5 star day.
GoodNight.
I'm so happy that I'm not headed into work right now. But instead I'm headed for bed. I can CLEARLY see why there would be a nursing shortage due to high turnover rates and nurse burnout. I've been working a ton lately, and although it hasn't really been that bad, I'm exhausted, I'm sore, and worst of all I'm losing my patience. Not good. So I'm definitely going to make the most of this break.
Church tonight was very good. I really enjoyed the acoustic style worship for a change. Something about it just makes it feel more honest. There are fewer boundaries than with our normal worship setting. Now don't get me wrong, I love our normal worship time with the youth group (for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, I'll explain some other time) but change is good every once in a while.
I will say though, that part of tonight's lesson in young adult's class - the part where we wrote on the white board what was standing between us and God...yeah....that - was very, very uncomfortable for me. And I was almost angry at Pastor J for even having us do that. Not only did I not want to bare my faults, but I really didn't want to look at the faults of others. I know that sounds really strange - most people jump at the opportunity to see the bad in others. It's just that sometimes it's all just between you and God - and while no one knows you like God does, the Bible does say that we are to bear each other's burdens, to mourn and rejoice together, to confess our sins to our brothers so that we may be held accountable. I truly struggle with this...I'm guessing it has something to do with pride. And thanks to my pride I didn't want to admit to everyone else that I have an issue with discipline. But I did, and it felt good to know that I wasn't alone. I wasn't the only one on that board, and in fact, many of us shared a great number of issues.
Aaaannnnnddddd I've lost my train of thought. I'm going to sleep before my thoughts become anymore incoherent...
Based on the categories previously mentioned, I would have managed like 1/2 a star today. But today was much more than that. Based on a great number of many other things that are hard to classify, I would rate today as a 5 star day.
GoodNight.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
My Day So Far
Good Day, World.
Yes, it is 4:30 in the afternoon, and yes, I am just waking up for the day...oh the toils of the night shift. Thankfully, last night wasn't so bad. A lot of my patients slept through the night without so much as a noise. But, as if I were living in a nightmare - something was up with the call lights last night. They would chime incessantly but no lights would be on. I can still hear them now.... *shudder*...
Everything went fine and almost no disasters until... (did I really think we'd get off that easy?)...This poor guy...his catheter came out...with the balloon still inflated. Poor, poor man. It's not much of a story, but I'll tell it anyway. First of all, he wasn't even one of my patients..but that's neither here nor there...
Anyway, this guy is what we label a "Fall Risk". He's a little weak and wobbly on his feet and we don't like for him to get up without assistance, so we have a bed alarm hooked up so that when he gets out of bed, it goes off. So I'm in the hall at around, oh, 5:30 this morning, trying to get everything done before the day shift comes in (they're very picky) when I hear the alarm go off. I didn't see anyone else head into the room, so I decided to take action and make sure everything is ok. Much to my delight (insert sarcastic tone here) there is a nice trail of blood allll over the floor and all over his gown. He's standing in the middle of the room, and I slowly begin to put the pieces together once I see the Foley catheter laying on the floor - with the 30 mL balloon still inflated....For anyone who knows what a 10mL balloon looks like inflated, imagine the 30mLs....For those of you who don't know, imagine trying to pee a kiwi. Either way, I sat him down, gave him a towel, and alerted his poor, pregnant nurse. We called the nurse supervisor to come and assess the situation and reinsert the catheter and all was well. The greatest thing about it though, was when we asked him if he was in pain, his reply: "Not at all." My hat is off you to, sir - congratulations, you have the capacity to pee a kiwi.
Even though I love my job, I'm definitely happy that I have some time off coming up. It is time for a break. I like to think that I'm a compassionate person with plenty of patience for my patients (pun kind of intended), but I've caught myself being a little short with them lately - which is a huge warning sign for me that I need a break. I know that I'm not called to care for the elderly, and I still love them all the same, it's just that my patience wears much thinner, much quicker with them than with the younger ones. They don't always understand what you're doing, and don't always care to know, so that makes it hard. And for me, since I'm so much younger, I hold no credibility with them. There's a Jesus characteristic I need: Equal love for all, young and old, that does not discrimiate - that is always patient, and always kind.
So, here's my rundown for Tuesday:
Eat: ugh...no stars... Working the night shift really makes eating normal hard. When I get off work at 7am, I want a cheeseburger, not cereal. I haven't done terrible today, just not as well as I should: 0 Stars
Sleep: I think I slept a solid 4 1/2 hours and I'm about to go back for a few more, so we'll say: 1/2 star.
Exercise: no. didn't make it to the gym today. But tomorrow is another day. No stars.
Mental/Emotional: I've been in a good mood lately, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a lot on my mind. We're going with 1/2 star today.
God Time: Getting there...that's next. 1/4 star? Wow, lots of fractions today...I hate math...
Bonus: I talked to my mommy today :) I love her. I cleaned out my car!! Woo Hoo! And...I filled out application forms for a passport...for a trip to Mexico... :D
Definitely earns a star.
Total for Tuesday: 2 1/4...eh...
Haha, but it's not all bad. I know I can't sum up my life based on some silly scale. I'm a happy young woman who has been blessed with a great number of things - things that I truly don't deserve, and that, my friends, is worth an infinite number of stars.
Well, I'm off to nap for a short time before my shift tonight. Last one for 6 days! YAY!!!
GoodDay, and GodBless
Nina
Yes, it is 4:30 in the afternoon, and yes, I am just waking up for the day...oh the toils of the night shift. Thankfully, last night wasn't so bad. A lot of my patients slept through the night without so much as a noise. But, as if I were living in a nightmare - something was up with the call lights last night. They would chime incessantly but no lights would be on. I can still hear them now.... *shudder*...
Everything went fine and almost no disasters until... (did I really think we'd get off that easy?)...This poor guy...his catheter came out...with the balloon still inflated. Poor, poor man. It's not much of a story, but I'll tell it anyway. First of all, he wasn't even one of my patients..but that's neither here nor there...
Anyway, this guy is what we label a "Fall Risk". He's a little weak and wobbly on his feet and we don't like for him to get up without assistance, so we have a bed alarm hooked up so that when he gets out of bed, it goes off. So I'm in the hall at around, oh, 5:30 this morning, trying to get everything done before the day shift comes in (they're very picky) when I hear the alarm go off. I didn't see anyone else head into the room, so I decided to take action and make sure everything is ok. Much to my delight (insert sarcastic tone here) there is a nice trail of blood allll over the floor and all over his gown. He's standing in the middle of the room, and I slowly begin to put the pieces together once I see the Foley catheter laying on the floor - with the 30 mL balloon still inflated....For anyone who knows what a 10mL balloon looks like inflated, imagine the 30mLs....For those of you who don't know, imagine trying to pee a kiwi. Either way, I sat him down, gave him a towel, and alerted his poor, pregnant nurse. We called the nurse supervisor to come and assess the situation and reinsert the catheter and all was well. The greatest thing about it though, was when we asked him if he was in pain, his reply: "Not at all." My hat is off you to, sir - congratulations, you have the capacity to pee a kiwi.
Even though I love my job, I'm definitely happy that I have some time off coming up. It is time for a break. I like to think that I'm a compassionate person with plenty of patience for my patients (pun kind of intended), but I've caught myself being a little short with them lately - which is a huge warning sign for me that I need a break. I know that I'm not called to care for the elderly, and I still love them all the same, it's just that my patience wears much thinner, much quicker with them than with the younger ones. They don't always understand what you're doing, and don't always care to know, so that makes it hard. And for me, since I'm so much younger, I hold no credibility with them. There's a Jesus characteristic I need: Equal love for all, young and old, that does not discrimiate - that is always patient, and always kind.
So, here's my rundown for Tuesday:
Eat: ugh...no stars... Working the night shift really makes eating normal hard. When I get off work at 7am, I want a cheeseburger, not cereal. I haven't done terrible today, just not as well as I should: 0 Stars
Sleep: I think I slept a solid 4 1/2 hours and I'm about to go back for a few more, so we'll say: 1/2 star.
Exercise: no. didn't make it to the gym today. But tomorrow is another day. No stars.
Mental/Emotional: I've been in a good mood lately, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a lot on my mind. We're going with 1/2 star today.
God Time: Getting there...that's next. 1/4 star? Wow, lots of fractions today...I hate math...
Bonus: I talked to my mommy today :) I love her. I cleaned out my car!! Woo Hoo! And...I filled out application forms for a passport...for a trip to Mexico... :D
Definitely earns a star.
Total for Tuesday: 2 1/4...eh...
Haha, but it's not all bad. I know I can't sum up my life based on some silly scale. I'm a happy young woman who has been blessed with a great number of things - things that I truly don't deserve, and that, my friends, is worth an infinite number of stars.
Well, I'm off to nap for a short time before my shift tonight. Last one for 6 days! YAY!!!
GoodDay, and GodBless
Nina
Monday, June 15, 2009
If I Have To See People Naked...
I only want to see them while I'm at work - not working out. Today, I made a trip to the gym; I ran (woo hoo!), I swam ( I looovveee to swim), and then I got in the hot tub for a few minutes - and I was ok with it because it was over 104 degrees. But all that was negated by the naked woman who joined me in the hot tub. Like I've said before, once you see one naked body, you've seen them all ... I'd just rather not see them in public places! Either way, I say "Kudos!" to her for being so comfortable with her own body. I hope someday to be the same :)
Anyway, I'm going to do my Monday run-down:
Sleep: I slept about 9 hours last night! Yay! I was going to get up at 7 a.m. and be real productive today, but I woke up at 9 instead, and guess what? I was still productive. That definitely earns a star.
Eat: As a part of my productivity, I bought lots of produce today! Even though my menu still wasn't perfect today, I'm already leaps and bounds ahead of where I was at this time yesterday. Yet another star.
Exercise: I made it to the gym! The fact that I even ended up on the parking lot is a miracle. But what's even better, I RAN TODAY! And that felt really good. I did interval training so no, it wasn't a full on marathon - but I'll get there ;) And then, I swam - until this monumental hottie comes into the pool area and gets into the hot tub (as if he needed anymore heat) at which point I decide to get out. I didn't feel like having him watch me get lapped by the 60 year old man next to me. After all that work, a few minutes in the hot tub sounded great. I'm comfortable in the tub when a woman comes up in what looks like nothing but a towel. My thought: "Oh it must just be a strapless bathing suit."... Nope. Not at all. She yanked that towel off and hopped right in as if it was nothing. Like I said earlier, I commend her for self confidence and lack of concern for everyone elses thoughts. Either way, I had a good time at the gym today, and I plan on going back when I get off work tomorrow morning and hitting the pool. Overall : 1 star
Mental/Emotional: Although it was a good day at the gym physically, mentally, I hated it. I hate all those stinking mirrors and seeing all those other attractive people. Haha, I will someday open a gym for average looking people so we don't have to be intimidated by all those muscle bound men... No stars here today.
God Time: Today, one of the first things I did was open my Bible - something I usually put off til the end of the day. Let me tell you, it will make a world of difference in your day. 1 Star
Total so far today: 4 stars. That's what I'm talking about.
Although I'm only technically half way through my day, I do have to work tonight- which eliminates 1/2 of my day.
Good Day and GodBless.
Anyway, I'm going to do my Monday run-down:
Sleep: I slept about 9 hours last night! Yay! I was going to get up at 7 a.m. and be real productive today, but I woke up at 9 instead, and guess what? I was still productive. That definitely earns a star.
Eat: As a part of my productivity, I bought lots of produce today! Even though my menu still wasn't perfect today, I'm already leaps and bounds ahead of where I was at this time yesterday. Yet another star.
Exercise: I made it to the gym! The fact that I even ended up on the parking lot is a miracle. But what's even better, I RAN TODAY! And that felt really good. I did interval training so no, it wasn't a full on marathon - but I'll get there ;) And then, I swam - until this monumental hottie comes into the pool area and gets into the hot tub (as if he needed anymore heat) at which point I decide to get out. I didn't feel like having him watch me get lapped by the 60 year old man next to me. After all that work, a few minutes in the hot tub sounded great. I'm comfortable in the tub when a woman comes up in what looks like nothing but a towel. My thought: "Oh it must just be a strapless bathing suit."... Nope. Not at all. She yanked that towel off and hopped right in as if it was nothing. Like I said earlier, I commend her for self confidence and lack of concern for everyone elses thoughts. Either way, I had a good time at the gym today, and I plan on going back when I get off work tomorrow morning and hitting the pool. Overall : 1 star
Mental/Emotional: Although it was a good day at the gym physically, mentally, I hated it. I hate all those stinking mirrors and seeing all those other attractive people. Haha, I will someday open a gym for average looking people so we don't have to be intimidated by all those muscle bound men... No stars here today.
God Time: Today, one of the first things I did was open my Bible - something I usually put off til the end of the day. Let me tell you, it will make a world of difference in your day. 1 Star
Total so far today: 4 stars. That's what I'm talking about.
Although I'm only technically half way through my day, I do have to work tonight- which eliminates 1/2 of my day.
Good Day and GodBless.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
So I Saw This in a Magazine....
And I thought it was a really cool idea.
So I'm sitting in a waiting area in the hospital while one of my patients is getting an X-Ray done at 4:30 in the morning (not a great time, let me tell you...)when I grab the SELF magazine sitting on the chair next to me and start flipping through it. A little chart catches my eye. One of the editors or something developed a "Star Chart" to monitor her day and make the most of it. At 4:30 a.m. it looked like a great idea...and even a few hours later, as I'm about to pass out from exhaustion, it still sounded like a great idea, so I decided to give it a whirl tonight. And to keep me accountable, I'm posting it for the entire world to see, haha.
So this is how it will work: There will be 5 categories:
1. Sleep
2. Eat
3. Exercise
4. Mental/Emotional Well-being
5. God Time
(and I think I'm going to throw in a bonus category for the good, extra stuff that doesn't happen everyday), and every day of the week I will strive to get a star in each category - giving me the potential to have a 5 Star Day every day. Yeah, maybe it does sound a little cheesy, but that's what I'm all about, haha. But for me, I think it could be an easy way to discipline myself and make the most out of my time.
Haha, anyway, here's what Sunday looks like:
1. Sleep: well I managed about 6 hours after getting off work this morning...not great but not bad either : let's say 1/4 star
2. Eat: ... not good : 0 stars
3. Exercise: also, not good : 0 stars
4. Mental/Emotional: I laughed today, I liked my outfit, and quite frankly, was very comfortable today : 1 star
5. God Time: I had a wonderful time at church tonight. The sermon was wonderful, and I feel totally refreshed and charged up for the week spiritually : 1 Star
Bonus: I got to spend a little time with some of my closest friends, who I haven't been able to see lately : 1 Bonus Star
Total: 3 1/4 Stars. A good day in my book.
So now I think I'll head for bed, and try to get more sleep, so that, hopefully, tomorrow will be a more successful day.
GoodNight World <3
So I'm sitting in a waiting area in the hospital while one of my patients is getting an X-Ray done at 4:30 in the morning (not a great time, let me tell you...)when I grab the SELF magazine sitting on the chair next to me and start flipping through it. A little chart catches my eye. One of the editors or something developed a "Star Chart" to monitor her day and make the most of it. At 4:30 a.m. it looked like a great idea...and even a few hours later, as I'm about to pass out from exhaustion, it still sounded like a great idea, so I decided to give it a whirl tonight. And to keep me accountable, I'm posting it for the entire world to see, haha.
So this is how it will work: There will be 5 categories:
1. Sleep
2. Eat
3. Exercise
4. Mental/Emotional Well-being
5. God Time
(and I think I'm going to throw in a bonus category for the good, extra stuff that doesn't happen everyday), and every day of the week I will strive to get a star in each category - giving me the potential to have a 5 Star Day every day. Yeah, maybe it does sound a little cheesy, but that's what I'm all about, haha. But for me, I think it could be an easy way to discipline myself and make the most out of my time.
Haha, anyway, here's what Sunday looks like:
1. Sleep: well I managed about 6 hours after getting off work this morning...not great but not bad either : let's say 1/4 star
2. Eat: ... not good : 0 stars
3. Exercise: also, not good : 0 stars
4. Mental/Emotional: I laughed today, I liked my outfit, and quite frankly, was very comfortable today : 1 star
5. God Time: I had a wonderful time at church tonight. The sermon was wonderful, and I feel totally refreshed and charged up for the week spiritually : 1 Star
Bonus: I got to spend a little time with some of my closest friends, who I haven't been able to see lately : 1 Bonus Star
Total: 3 1/4 Stars. A good day in my book.
So now I think I'll head for bed, and try to get more sleep, so that, hopefully, tomorrow will be a more successful day.
GoodNight World <3
Ok, Darla, This One Is For You...
But I hope you're not expecting a whole lot...This post is going to be all about me decompressing after a (surprisingly) not-so-crazy night at work.
First of all, I would like to say: Yes, I'm not going to church this morning, and No, it's not because I want to stay home and write this post. I will be at church tonight instead.
Great, now that that's off my chest....I don't really have much to say, and since my night wasn't so crazy for once, I think I'll just let you inside my mind for a minute....You have been warned.
But seriously, I just have some thoughts on my mind:
- Two of my best friends are getting married (to each other) this Saturday. And I'm beyond excited. I'm thankful that they have asked me to be a part of their wedding. And I honestly couldn't be more proud of or happier for any two people on the face of this earth, and they know that. Congratulations Andy and Kaycee :)
- Speaking of the wedding, my current skin color matches the burgundy of the bridesmaid dresses and it HURTS! Not to mention my cotton/polyester (Yes, fellow fashion fanatics, I know; what an awful blend) scrubs feel like sandpaper - what a painful night! "Nurse, would you mind sending some of that Percocet my way?"
- I have lost my train of thought and I think it's now time for bed......
- Oh, how about this? Music Tip of the Day: If you find yourself in the mood for a singer/songwriter type with a guitar and a husky voice who isn't afraid to lay down a white boy rapper beat every once in a while and sings about Jesus, I highly recommend Josh Garrels. He's really good, and I would really like to see him live again.
Ok that's all for now, but I've got something else brewing up for later...
Goodnight, world!
First of all, I would like to say: Yes, I'm not going to church this morning, and No, it's not because I want to stay home and write this post. I will be at church tonight instead.
Great, now that that's off my chest....I don't really have much to say, and since my night wasn't so crazy for once, I think I'll just let you inside my mind for a minute....You have been warned.
But seriously, I just have some thoughts on my mind:
- Two of my best friends are getting married (to each other) this Saturday. And I'm beyond excited. I'm thankful that they have asked me to be a part of their wedding. And I honestly couldn't be more proud of or happier for any two people on the face of this earth, and they know that. Congratulations Andy and Kaycee :)
- Speaking of the wedding, my current skin color matches the burgundy of the bridesmaid dresses and it HURTS! Not to mention my cotton/polyester (Yes, fellow fashion fanatics, I know; what an awful blend) scrubs feel like sandpaper - what a painful night! "Nurse, would you mind sending some of that Percocet my way?"
- I have lost my train of thought and I think it's now time for bed......
- Oh, how about this? Music Tip of the Day: If you find yourself in the mood for a singer/songwriter type with a guitar and a husky voice who isn't afraid to lay down a white boy rapper beat every once in a while and sings about Jesus, I highly recommend Josh Garrels. He's really good, and I would really like to see him live again.
Ok that's all for now, but I've got something else brewing up for later...
Goodnight, world!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tales From the Night Shift
I just thought I'd share some of my good stories from working the night shift. I swear, the patients really come alive at night!
Once, I was taking some extra time to talk to a patient and watch a few minutes of TV with him. We were watching a poker tournament and the pot was pretty big. He looks up and asks me if I have a boyfriend. I said "No." to which he says, "Good, men are junk!" He then precedes to tell me that if he ever won $3 million in a poker tournament, that he would take me out to White Castle. I have to admit, whatever kind of junk men may be, that's the best offer I've had in months!
par⋅a⋅ple⋅gi⋅a [par-uh-plee-jee-uh, -juh] –noun Pathology. paralysis of both lower limbs due to spinal disease or injury-- Once, I had this sweet little old lady all weekend long. The first night I was with her, she slept the whole night through, not a peep. But the next night, now that was another story. The poor little thing had some bowel issues. To her claim, she could not walk, so asked for use of the bedpan. For those of you who know, using a bedpan can be kind of a pain, especially for the poor patient who has to use it, and it's only made harder by a lack of mobility. Anyway, she was on the light, all night long, requesting the bedpan. But also, for those of us who know the mechanics of using the bedpan, it is extremely helpful if the patient is able to turn themselves or lift their hips - well she was certainly able to lift her hips...which made me go "Hmm..." - questioning the strength of her legs. Anyway, finally, I thought she had gotten to sleep because she had been pretty quiet for a while. I'm doing my hourly rounds - when I walk past her room and hear a loud moan. Of course, jilted, I dash into her room - only to find her sitting upright in her chair. Naturally, my first thought was:
"How on earth did she get there...?"
So, I ask, "How did you get there?"
Her response, "That's a great question, and I've got a stupid answer - I don't know."
So, my priority is to get her safely back to bed. All the while I have the fear in the back of my head - I just know what's waiting for me in that chair...and I tried to shake it, but my gut proved correct. I guess she was tired of using the bedpan, who could blame her!? While I'm helping her stand and assessing the situation left behind in the chair, she goes,
"Now you have to help me, I can't walk."
Again, I think, "...What...?" So I say, "Of course, I'm right here..."
She then stands up, with little help from me, and yells,
"I'm a paraplegic!"
And my knee jerk (emphasis on the jerk) response was, "No, you're not!" So I get her cleaned up and she's ready for sleep when she asks me to turn the TV off for her. I turn it off using the button on the call light, but she apparently didn't like that. "No, no, turn it off up there," she says, pointing to the TV that is mounted about 7 feet in the air - clear above my towering 5 foot 3.
"I can't reach that." And I proceed to jump to prove my point. "See?"
"Well, next time, get a stool." She says.
I guess bedpans really do something to you.
I took a pretty sweet suckerpunch to the nose from a patient who didn't want his wound dressing changed. Can't say that I blame him.
A guy once told me he would prosecute me because he didn't want a bath.
This one is all on me, but the guy had a great sense of humor about it:
This happened during my first few weeks on the job, when I was nervous and doing everything within my power to impress the nurses. I had just finished transporting a patient from ER. I was in the room with him with the nurse when she asked me to go get something from the supply room. I was standing between the patient and his IV pole. And I ran like that IV line like a champ. Youd've thought I just finished a marathon the way I ran through that thing. In my haste and eagerness, I didn't bother to move AROUND the IV pole. To make matters worse, the guy had such terrible veins that it was in his neck! I gasp, and tell the nurse what I had done - we checked the site and it looked good still so we reattached the IV tubing. Upon further assessment of the site, it was no longer patent. It took 3 nurses 3 tries each to get a good stick somewhere else. But he was great about it. It was very hard for him to breathe, thus very hard for him to talk, but he managed to muster the breath to say to me, "It's...(gasp)...your...(gasp)...fault!(gasp)." My jaw dropped, and my eyes welled, but the smile on his face told me that he forgave me. For that I was thankful.
That's just the few that I can think of right now. I'm sure I will think of more, and encounter more. I'll be sure to keep you posted!
Ahh, how I love my job!
Once, I was taking some extra time to talk to a patient and watch a few minutes of TV with him. We were watching a poker tournament and the pot was pretty big. He looks up and asks me if I have a boyfriend. I said "No." to which he says, "Good, men are junk!" He then precedes to tell me that if he ever won $3 million in a poker tournament, that he would take me out to White Castle. I have to admit, whatever kind of junk men may be, that's the best offer I've had in months!
par⋅a⋅ple⋅gi⋅a [par-uh-plee-jee-uh, -juh] –noun Pathology. paralysis of both lower limbs due to spinal disease or injury-- Once, I had this sweet little old lady all weekend long. The first night I was with her, she slept the whole night through, not a peep. But the next night, now that was another story. The poor little thing had some bowel issues. To her claim, she could not walk, so asked for use of the bedpan. For those of you who know, using a bedpan can be kind of a pain, especially for the poor patient who has to use it, and it's only made harder by a lack of mobility. Anyway, she was on the light, all night long, requesting the bedpan. But also, for those of us who know the mechanics of using the bedpan, it is extremely helpful if the patient is able to turn themselves or lift their hips - well she was certainly able to lift her hips...which made me go "Hmm..." - questioning the strength of her legs. Anyway, finally, I thought she had gotten to sleep because she had been pretty quiet for a while. I'm doing my hourly rounds - when I walk past her room and hear a loud moan. Of course, jilted, I dash into her room - only to find her sitting upright in her chair. Naturally, my first thought was:
"How on earth did she get there...?"
So, I ask, "How did you get there?"
Her response, "That's a great question, and I've got a stupid answer - I don't know."
So, my priority is to get her safely back to bed. All the while I have the fear in the back of my head - I just know what's waiting for me in that chair...and I tried to shake it, but my gut proved correct. I guess she was tired of using the bedpan, who could blame her!? While I'm helping her stand and assessing the situation left behind in the chair, she goes,
"Now you have to help me, I can't walk."
Again, I think, "...What...?" So I say, "Of course, I'm right here..."
She then stands up, with little help from me, and yells,
"I'm a paraplegic!"
And my knee jerk (emphasis on the jerk) response was, "No, you're not!" So I get her cleaned up and she's ready for sleep when she asks me to turn the TV off for her. I turn it off using the button on the call light, but she apparently didn't like that. "No, no, turn it off up there," she says, pointing to the TV that is mounted about 7 feet in the air - clear above my towering 5 foot 3.
"I can't reach that." And I proceed to jump to prove my point. "See?"
"Well, next time, get a stool." She says.
I guess bedpans really do something to you.
I took a pretty sweet suckerpunch to the nose from a patient who didn't want his wound dressing changed. Can't say that I blame him.
A guy once told me he would prosecute me because he didn't want a bath.
This one is all on me, but the guy had a great sense of humor about it:
This happened during my first few weeks on the job, when I was nervous and doing everything within my power to impress the nurses. I had just finished transporting a patient from ER. I was in the room with him with the nurse when she asked me to go get something from the supply room. I was standing between the patient and his IV pole. And I ran like that IV line like a champ. Youd've thought I just finished a marathon the way I ran through that thing. In my haste and eagerness, I didn't bother to move AROUND the IV pole. To make matters worse, the guy had such terrible veins that it was in his neck! I gasp, and tell the nurse what I had done - we checked the site and it looked good still so we reattached the IV tubing. Upon further assessment of the site, it was no longer patent. It took 3 nurses 3 tries each to get a good stick somewhere else. But he was great about it. It was very hard for him to breathe, thus very hard for him to talk, but he managed to muster the breath to say to me, "It's...(gasp)...your...(gasp)...fault!(gasp)." My jaw dropped, and my eyes welled, but the smile on his face told me that he forgave me. For that I was thankful.
That's just the few that I can think of right now. I'm sure I will think of more, and encounter more. I'll be sure to keep you posted!
Ahh, how I love my job!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Nurses, Don't Eat Your Young
It's not in good taste.
I've been thinking about this for...a long time.
Why do nurses "eat their young"? Why do they rip apart their techs and preceptees? (that's probably not a word).
Dear Nurses,
Were you not once a student yourself? Or did you magically become the most confident and all knowing nurse you are today? Were you not once scared witless and shaking in your scrubs during your first clinical day? Maybe it's just me, but knowing that the very life of another human is in your hands can be extremely intimidating and horrifying. Is it because you had a bad experience with a teacher or preceptor and are continuing the cycle? Why not break the cycle and help me learn. I know I'm an extra body (and to you, probably a slow one), but I'm also an extra set of hands, eyes, and ears. You can't be everywhere at once, and neither can I, but at least together we can bounce off one another; just let me help you. And if you choose to be my teacher, I can gaurantee that you'll feel better at the end of the shift too. Not only have you provided excellent care to a patient, but you will have provided a learning experience to a student nurse that she will always remember. I'm sorry to be a burden, but I'm also sorry that I will potentially miss out on the unique lessons that only you can teach me.
Please consider,
Student Nurse
I just don't understand. I know us student nurses can be seen as a burden, but we really are there to help the nurses. And if you really want me out of your way, just say so. Just please don't deny me a) the right to common courtesy by at least acknowledging me and b) the opportunity to learn.
Having said all that, I have had a great number of learning experiences in the short month I have worked for my hospital. For those of you who don't know, I was recently hired at a local hospital as a Student Nurse Tech. I'll admit, initially, I was very disappointed my first week on the floor. I know that nurses are busy, but as a Student Nurse, I half expected to be following a nurse around - or at least feel accepted by them. Instead, I was handed off to a PCA for my on-floor orientation.
P-C-A: noun; Patient Care Associate - AKA Professional Butt Wiper.
Now don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for PCAs and other techs. They are brave souls and I'm hoping to become brave like them soon. My only beef was that, technically, I am more qualified for the job than they are. PCAs require a high school diploma and 2 weeks on site training. But I immediately had a change of heart after spending a few nights with them; they are fearless and experienced, and tought me a lot.
In conclusion: Nurses, please help your students. You never know what it is that
only you will be able to teach them. You want to show off that vast knowledge and expertise? Teach. It doesn't have to be in a classroom. Bedside, supply room, nurse's station, whereever. I gaurantee that both you and your students will never forget it. And I bet you'll sleep a little better after getting off that night shift.
It's not much, but it's all I've got for today.
GoodNight.
I've been thinking about this for...a long time.
Why do nurses "eat their young"? Why do they rip apart their techs and preceptees? (that's probably not a word).
Dear Nurses,
Were you not once a student yourself? Or did you magically become the most confident and all knowing nurse you are today? Were you not once scared witless and shaking in your scrubs during your first clinical day? Maybe it's just me, but knowing that the very life of another human is in your hands can be extremely intimidating and horrifying. Is it because you had a bad experience with a teacher or preceptor and are continuing the cycle? Why not break the cycle and help me learn. I know I'm an extra body (and to you, probably a slow one), but I'm also an extra set of hands, eyes, and ears. You can't be everywhere at once, and neither can I, but at least together we can bounce off one another; just let me help you. And if you choose to be my teacher, I can gaurantee that you'll feel better at the end of the shift too. Not only have you provided excellent care to a patient, but you will have provided a learning experience to a student nurse that she will always remember. I'm sorry to be a burden, but I'm also sorry that I will potentially miss out on the unique lessons that only you can teach me.
Please consider,
Student Nurse
I just don't understand. I know us student nurses can be seen as a burden, but we really are there to help the nurses. And if you really want me out of your way, just say so. Just please don't deny me a) the right to common courtesy by at least acknowledging me and b) the opportunity to learn.
Having said all that, I have had a great number of learning experiences in the short month I have worked for my hospital. For those of you who don't know, I was recently hired at a local hospital as a Student Nurse Tech. I'll admit, initially, I was very disappointed my first week on the floor. I know that nurses are busy, but as a Student Nurse, I half expected to be following a nurse around - or at least feel accepted by them. Instead, I was handed off to a PCA for my on-floor orientation.
P-C-A: noun; Patient Care Associate - AKA Professional Butt Wiper.
Now don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for PCAs and other techs. They are brave souls and I'm hoping to become brave like them soon. My only beef was that, technically, I am more qualified for the job than they are. PCAs require a high school diploma and 2 weeks on site training. But I immediately had a change of heart after spending a few nights with them; they are fearless and experienced, and tought me a lot.
In conclusion: Nurses, please help your students. You never know what it is that
only you will be able to teach them. You want to show off that vast knowledge and expertise? Teach. It doesn't have to be in a classroom. Bedside, supply room, nurse's station, whereever. I gaurantee that both you and your students will never forget it. And I bet you'll sleep a little better after getting off that night shift.
It's not much, but it's all I've got for today.
GoodNight.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I have encountered yet another person who has experienced the hypocrisy of the "Christian" church. And it breaks my heart. I, myself, claim to be a Christian and am appalled by some of the actions of some of my brothers and sisters, and myself included. On behalf of all of us, I deeply apologize.
Two songs are on my mind tonight.
This one kind of describes my events for the night. Once again, I encourage a listen, it might just mean something to you.
born and raised to be an alcoholic
were you too old or young to stop it?
Christians in Black
-Christians in Black, Rogue Wave
and another, that is kind of my anthem for the moment. I feel it reflects my current state of mind; unsure of myself, yet confident for the future and blessed by those around me.
So you say I'm better off here,
as dry as the shoreline
in an ocean of fear
So you say that I can't be alive until there is nothing
when we're meeting eyes again...
Day by day I wander these halls,
and you're casting a shadow onto every wall
But all the way you ring in my ear
from the moment i knew you were leaving me here
This give and take this waiting on time
It's this twisted up memory that i can't unwind
These fragile words that come from my mouth
I'm crumbling and crowded, but i've figured you out
The shoreline calles the sea
for simple words and company
but words go on and on
till they collide and all is gone
I dive into the deep
into the sea inside of me
To find another song
to find a place where i belong
and i do feel like i belong. :)
That's all for today. It's not much, but it's what's on my mind.
Good Night.
Two songs are on my mind tonight.
This one kind of describes my events for the night. Once again, I encourage a listen, it might just mean something to you.
born and raised to be an alcoholic
were you too old or young to stop it?
Christians in Black
-Christians in Black, Rogue Wave
and another, that is kind of my anthem for the moment. I feel it reflects my current state of mind; unsure of myself, yet confident for the future and blessed by those around me.
So you say I'm better off here,
as dry as the shoreline
in an ocean of fear
So you say that I can't be alive until there is nothing
when we're meeting eyes again...
Day by day I wander these halls,
and you're casting a shadow onto every wall
But all the way you ring in my ear
from the moment i knew you were leaving me here
This give and take this waiting on time
It's this twisted up memory that i can't unwind
These fragile words that come from my mouth
I'm crumbling and crowded, but i've figured you out
The shoreline calles the sea
for simple words and company
but words go on and on
till they collide and all is gone
I dive into the deep
into the sea inside of me
To find another song
to find a place where i belong
and i do feel like i belong. :)
That's all for today. It's not much, but it's what's on my mind.
Good Night.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Stand
i love this website: www.polyvore.com
You can go and make all sorts of creations with all sorts of visual elements provided for you! It's just wonderful! So i thought i'd share some of my work. If I can get it to embed for me!!!
This particular one is called "Stand" and was inspired by a Son Lux song by the same name. I encourage you to listen to the song and consider what it means to you. Actually, I encourage you to listen to the entire album - Son Lux: At War With Walls and Mazes. And you'll really have to give it a try - it's a little hard to listen to at first. You can't really sing along with it, and it's not really a toe tapping pick-me-up. It's "thinkin' music"...i think. His music is futuristic almost techno that is just layer upon layer of different sounds. In this particular song he repeats only 1 phrase the entire time ("You stand between me and all my enemies"), but I feel it is really effective in getting the message across. His voice is low and almost weak as he begins. The music is dark and slow. As the song builds you hear an opera singer in the background singing beautifully and dramitcally. It truly illustrates (for me) the caliber of the relationship between us and God. I am weak before God and fearful of Him because of His greatness; He doesn't let anything detrimental happen to me, He never puts me under anything that I cannot handle - He stands beteween me and my enemeies. I feel all of Son Lux's compositions on this album have a very spirtual message - perhaps what God is trying to say to us, or what we should be saying to Him. Either way, this is my creation inspired by this song. Enjoy.
Stand - by cdemay1017 on Polyvore.com
You can go and make all sorts of creations with all sorts of visual elements provided for you! It's just wonderful! So i thought i'd share some of my work. If I can get it to embed for me!!!
This particular one is called "Stand" and was inspired by a Son Lux song by the same name. I encourage you to listen to the song and consider what it means to you. Actually, I encourage you to listen to the entire album - Son Lux: At War With Walls and Mazes. And you'll really have to give it a try - it's a little hard to listen to at first. You can't really sing along with it, and it's not really a toe tapping pick-me-up. It's "thinkin' music"...i think. His music is futuristic almost techno that is just layer upon layer of different sounds. In this particular song he repeats only 1 phrase the entire time ("You stand between me and all my enemies"), but I feel it is really effective in getting the message across. His voice is low and almost weak as he begins. The music is dark and slow. As the song builds you hear an opera singer in the background singing beautifully and dramitcally. It truly illustrates (for me) the caliber of the relationship between us and God. I am weak before God and fearful of Him because of His greatness; He doesn't let anything detrimental happen to me, He never puts me under anything that I cannot handle - He stands beteween me and my enemeies. I feel all of Son Lux's compositions on this album have a very spirtual message - perhaps what God is trying to say to us, or what we should be saying to Him. Either way, this is my creation inspired by this song. Enjoy.
Stand - by cdemay1017 on Polyvore.com
I Love Mondays!
Because most of my closeset friends are all together in one room. And thanks to my new job it's about the only time i get to see them.
"God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ . . ." - Ephesians 5:5
To all of my friends: I am beyond thankful to have you in my life. I truly have been adopted into a loving family. There are not words (or at least i can't find them) to express how much you guys mean to me.
And I am thankful for my adopted Father. I am forever indebted to You; you have shown me a greater love than I will ever know. And it is beautiful.
God, i pray for growth. Remove me from my stagnant state; help me break through. I long to go to a deeper place with you. With your help alone will this be possible. I know that you are always at my side.
"God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ . . ." - Ephesians 5:5
To all of my friends: I am beyond thankful to have you in my life. I truly have been adopted into a loving family. There are not words (or at least i can't find them) to express how much you guys mean to me.
And I am thankful for my adopted Father. I am forever indebted to You; you have shown me a greater love than I will ever know. And it is beautiful.
God, i pray for growth. Remove me from my stagnant state; help me break through. I long to go to a deeper place with you. With your help alone will this be possible. I know that you are always at my side.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Beautiful Indifference: The Meaning
I first heard the term La Belle Indifference in my Psychiatric Nursing Class and it struck a chord in me (and not just because it sounds like the name of a band I would listen to).
- La Belle Indifference: literally, "The Beautiful Indifference"; a feature of conversion disorders involving an odd lack of concern about one's loss of funcitoning in some area of one's body.
It is often associated with conversion hysteria ( psychopathological condition characterized by the presence of bodily symptoms having no discernible physical cause but for which there is evidence of psychological conflict.)
No, I am not experiencing any inexplicable physical symptoms; however, i do feel that i am in fact harboring a great deal of indifference. I am a Christian, and and more than thankful and honored to be called a Child of God. But i must say that my growth in Christ and ahs a human has become stagnant, and quite frankly, it's starting to stink.
While I am aware of my stagnance, i am remarkably (or unremarkably) indifferent about it. Strange, (very strange, actually) because i am by nature an emotional and expressive person. It is inherent to the very fiber of my being to care - about everything. So my apparent lack of concern for this area of my life has me, well....concerned. Quite the conundrum, huh? Have I lost you yet? Because I lost me way back there!
This verse comes to mind:
"for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, 'Awake, o sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.'" - Ephesians 5:14
Dear God, help me to move towards you. Help me to rise from the swamp of stagnant waters and move into a place of growth. May the truth be made known about your character through me. Amen.
- La Belle Indifference: literally, "The Beautiful Indifference"; a feature of conversion disorders involving an odd lack of concern about one's loss of funcitoning in some area of one's body.
It is often associated with conversion hysteria ( psychopathological condition characterized by the presence of bodily symptoms having no discernible physical cause but for which there is evidence of psychological conflict.)
No, I am not experiencing any inexplicable physical symptoms; however, i do feel that i am in fact harboring a great deal of indifference. I am a Christian, and and more than thankful and honored to be called a Child of God. But i must say that my growth in Christ and ahs a human has become stagnant, and quite frankly, it's starting to stink.
While I am aware of my stagnance, i am remarkably (or unremarkably) indifferent about it. Strange, (very strange, actually) because i am by nature an emotional and expressive person. It is inherent to the very fiber of my being to care - about everything. So my apparent lack of concern for this area of my life has me, well....concerned. Quite the conundrum, huh? Have I lost you yet? Because I lost me way back there!
This verse comes to mind:
"for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, 'Awake, o sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.'" - Ephesians 5:14
Dear God, help me to move towards you. Help me to rise from the swamp of stagnant waters and move into a place of growth. May the truth be made known about your character through me. Amen.
The Beautiful Indifference: My Purpose for Being Here
And by that I mean, by being on this blog, not my life here one this earth. I'd certainly hope that my purpose is more than writing a few obscure words in a box...but I digress...
The Purpose of this blog is 2-fold...I guess...
1: For selfish reasons, I'm trying to force myself to think; to use my brain and search within the depths of myself, and maybe, just maybe, understand myself, my purpose, and our world a little better.
2: maybe it will help you think too, and then we can think and discuss together.
I don't want to blow by this life anymore without stopping to consider it - the things I've done, seen, or heard - and those I haven't; the people I've encountered; the lessons I've learned. God gave me a brain and much to do with it. It is time to get to work.
The Purpose of this blog is 2-fold...I guess...
1: For selfish reasons, I'm trying to force myself to think; to use my brain and search within the depths of myself, and maybe, just maybe, understand myself, my purpose, and our world a little better.
2: maybe it will help you think too, and then we can think and discuss together.
I don't want to blow by this life anymore without stopping to consider it - the things I've done, seen, or heard - and those I haven't; the people I've encountered; the lessons I've learned. God gave me a brain and much to do with it. It is time to get to work.
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