I am officially a night nurse! Here I am Wednesday night, actually my birthday is in one hour....and I am pretty awake. I work tomorrow night on my bday and the only gift I'd like from the hospital is a dose of trauma patients or an easy night. I did get a card in the mail which allows me to have one free meal in the cafeteria, not to exceed six dollars. Too bad its closed at night.
My first two nights in the ER went pretty decent, besides the frequent coffee breaks, dropping instruments, and failing to speak correctly after 3am. I like nights...the staff is fun and the atmosphere a lot more laid back. Monday night was of course hectic because Mondays are always hell...always. I am pretty sure as long as I keep my caffeine levels at a high rate I can make it through. I do find it very hard to sleep during the day, but hopefully will make up for it tonight and hopefully napping before work tomorrow night.
My night started off with 3 new patients, which is also called being "Slammed." One of them really pissed me off. Why do people all of a sudden become helpless once in a hospital...if you get around at home and are not here for a hip pain, head trauma, knee pain, SOB, leg pain, or a foot injury then why cant you help me get you into a wheelchair...or why does your family just sit there and watch me struggle. You were dead weight and my back has been killing me ever since. UGHH. I think it is important for patients to be nice...if you are nice, I will be the best nurse you have ever had....this includes your family too. Do not forget your manners and etiquette at triage and one last thing....Mr. Family, Stop pacing outside the room, up and down the halls and glaring at the nurses. 1: your family member will not be discharged any quicker and 2: you make me want to call security. I am very sorry that you thought this was burger king and you would be in and out like some kind of drive through ER. Some patients make me giggle...one was here for "bomiting." Someone call the police. I was also exposed to the doctors love of 4 am doughnuts...note to self- Do not give in again.
I had a patient who had a stroke years ago and all this time his beautiful wife has stood by his side, loving him, cleaning him, caring for him, helping him communicate (he had a trach) and crushing his medication into his PEG tube. This man was alive because of her love and support. It was refreshing to see. Unfortunately, like millions of other people this man was uninsured....I just wonder if he had possibly been insured and taken medication if his stroke could have been prevented. It is truely couples like this that take marriage seriously and uphold their vows....for better or for worse, for sickness and in health. It was an eye opener.
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