What this weekend means to me.

This weekend we celebrate our independance. This is a day when we should remember our freedoms and how we got and keep those. Men and women have died so that we here at home can keep doing what we do. We need to all take time out of our day and remember the real reason for the big party we throw every year. We should give thanks to our God for providing this land and placing us here to enjoy the freedoms it provides us.

So this weekend sing the anthem, say the Pledge of Allegiance, and REMEMBER how we are able to do these things. Then fall to your knees and give thanks to God for the ability to celebrate this wonderful holiday.

Everyone have a safe and happy Independance Day!

Time marches on....

A couple of weeks ago we had a very long night.  There were 18 or so patients on the unit and 3 RN's plus me.  It was very busy all around.  My assignment was doing meds on nine patients.  If I had stayed after eleven I would have assessed all nine as well.  But for those first 4 hours I just had to pass their meds, that was the goal.  It was soo busy.  I couldn't get ahead for falling behind.  Every person was a 15 to 20 minute pass it seemed like.  We were all chasing our tails.  And the admissions were coming in to.  It made me think back to when I first started at the ranch and we had 28 pts, 2 RN's, me and one CNA.  I would routinely take nine patients and do everything for them.  Primary care, vitals, assessments, meds, and anything else that came up.  I have no idea now how I did it all.  There is no way I could manage all that now.  No possible way.  Our staffing is certainly better now.  We have 22 beds and most nights have at least 3 if not 4 RN's.  And always 2 if not 3 CNA's.  Still, it feels like it barely all gets done some nights.  Sometimes at the end of the night, the only thing we take comfort in is that all the patients made it through the night.  Some things may not have gotten done, but everyone is breathing and safely tucked into bed in no acute distress when we walk outta there. 

Sorry for the kind of rambling post but it was on my mind and needed to get it out.  Hope everyone has a great week.

Maybe a compliment?......

The other night at family dinner I over heard a discussion among my niece and nephew.  First let me explain that we were having some guests that night so the seating changed from normal.  With not enough room at the kitchen table, it was decreed that the kids would eat at the table and the adults would sit wherever in the living room.  As the children were filling plates I heard the 8 yr old boy and 10 yr old girl discussing where I would sit.  This because of a running joke that I am my mothers kid, so when we are all together I get lumped in that group often.  But these kids were serious.  After I assured them that I was an adult and would be sitting with the same, they were kinda upset that it would just be the two of them in the kitchen.  Till we explained that the 15 yr old would be with them.  (I should admit here that even though he more than 10 yrs younger he is several inches taller.) 

Of course, being the cool aunt that I am I split my time between the adults and the kids.  (which prolly had just as much to do with having a hard time with my overstuffed taco in the living room than embracing my "kid" label)


On a different note, that big change I spoke of last post is still in the works.  I won't know anything till at least Mon though at the very earliest.

Changes are about.....

Ok I know it has been a while since I have posted.  I have been reading all of my favs and have enjoyed them all so much.  If any of you all are reading this Thanks!

I have recently made some big changes.  I finally got new eyeglasses and love them. It had been a little while since I had an exam so I was really needing this.  Right after that I cut my hair pretty short.  Now I just shower put some gel in it and go.  I love it.  the biggest change is still up in the air right now so I will just leave that under wraps for now.

But whatever happens with the last one, the most important change is that I am really enjoying being me right now.  Life still has its ups and downs but all in all I am having a good time being me!!

Note to self:

When watching a scary movie DO NOT leave the fan on in the bedroom and the door ajar. The air from the fan can push the door a little causing the hinges to squeak. Effectively scaring the Crap out of you almost as much as the movie itself.

Speaking of movies, I watched A Haughting in Connecticut last night. By myself. Not my preferred way to view a scary film but I did it anyway. It was allright. And I admit there were a few places where I viewed the scene through the fingers covering my eyes.

But I ask you, was the creepy music really required? I know when to be scared. I know without you banging on a piano that seeing some dead person in the mirror only is a cue for the adrenaline to start. I know without the otherwordly  screams (the ones not from the actor himself) that when the hero presses his face against a glass window and suddenly sees a demon that I should jump from the unexpectedness of it.

I made it through though and watched The Blind Side after to help me forget the creepy feeling. I certainly recommend this one.

check this out.....

I found this article which is pretty interesting.  Good tips every one of them.  So go have a look and try to visualize yourself using these tips in your current practice.  Happy reading.   ;)

Debriefing....................

at Bob Evans after work always makes the night seem funnier, the patients more dramatic, the near homicidal thoughts more normal. I hope those at neighboring tables weren't paying attention or at the least couldn't see our name tags. No HIPPA rules were violated but it seems to make people nervous to know that nurses are only human and get frustrated with their patients, coworkers, and the system in general.

But whatever the ripple effect occurs, those breakfast "debriefings" are more important than some might imagine.