Link up with Cookin' For My Captain!
:)
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Not-so-fun adventures in the ER.
I got sent to the ER today. Myself and two other nurses from my unit...one who went MIA after a few hours. I think she got sent home. I also got sent home, but not until 0500. I'm hoping I don't get called off tonight, otherwise I'm going to volunteer to go to the ER again.
I was very disoriented. I have never been to the ER before and things are a lot different. For awhile I was just sitting around and I didn't know what to do, even after I kept telling the other nurses to tell me to do stuff because I'll do it. Then I got slammed with discharges. I have never discharged patients before (except in nursing school, like once or twice) but I handled them like a pro :)
And I had to deal with pedi patients!!! It wasn't as scary as I remember. One was so cute, and poor thing kept asking if I was going to stick her with a needle and got scared when I put gloves on...needless to say, no ouchies for her :)
Something upset me, though. We had a 27 year old, DOA (dead on arrival), CPR in progress. Already intubated. Once they got the the ER we continued CPR and pushed some drugs. The doc did an ultrasound which showed cardiac standstill. Patient's color looked awful - definitely cyanotic. We couldn't save them. Drug OD was suspected. It's just so sad, because this patient was very young, and a soldier too. I just don't see how anyone can just throw their life away like that. It bothered me, and it still does.
And things will bother you. That's a part of nursing. But you just have to learn to let it go.
I was very disoriented. I have never been to the ER before and things are a lot different. For awhile I was just sitting around and I didn't know what to do, even after I kept telling the other nurses to tell me to do stuff because I'll do it. Then I got slammed with discharges. I have never discharged patients before (except in nursing school, like once or twice) but I handled them like a pro :)
And I had to deal with pedi patients!!! It wasn't as scary as I remember. One was so cute, and poor thing kept asking if I was going to stick her with a needle and got scared when I put gloves on...needless to say, no ouchies for her :)
Something upset me, though. We had a 27 year old, DOA (dead on arrival), CPR in progress. Already intubated. Once they got the the ER we continued CPR and pushed some drugs. The doc did an ultrasound which showed cardiac standstill. Patient's color looked awful - definitely cyanotic. We couldn't save them. Drug OD was suspected. It's just so sad, because this patient was very young, and a soldier too. I just don't see how anyone can just throw their life away like that. It bothered me, and it still does.
And things will bother you. That's a part of nursing. But you just have to learn to let it go.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Roast nom nom.
As long as it comes out good and makes hubby happy, I will be happy :)
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Thursday, August 18, 2011
song link-up!
It has been quite awhile since I have participated in Goodnight Moon's weekly What's Your Song? link-up!
This week is "Sleep On The Dance Floor" by The Postelles. This song makes me feel so light-hearted, I love it! Enjoy :)
I have to work tonight. I'm a little apprehensive after what happened Monday night, which was totally 100% *NOT* my fault. And I'm still pissed at that family. Long story short, one family member yelled at me and said, "I don't care if the patient next door is dying, our loved one could die too!" and um, the patient I was attending to was unstable. Their loved one was fine. It was pretty ridiculous, but I still maintained my composure and basically kissed their asses and did everything I possibly could to make them happy. Ugh.
Tomorrow night, however, is military ball! I am excited :) I'm just going to recycle the dress I wore to the military ball in April at Fort Leonard Wood.
And of course I work Saturday night, too :(
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
For all of my new(er) followers, here is another "get to know me/my hubby" post :) For once I'm not going to blog about work.
Your name: Melissa
Husband's name: Eddie
Your age: 23...I will be 24 in October! I am 6 months older.
Husband's age: 23
Location: Fort Hood, TX!
Branch of military: Army MP.
How many years of marriage/how long have you been together?: We have been together for almost 4 years...married for 3 months!
Anniversary date?: 3 months!
How long has the military been apart of your life?: Not very long. It seems like awhile because Eddie did Army ROTC in college and there were ceremonies and military balls, etc. Not including ROTC (but if you include BOLC), it would be about 9 months.
Photo: Here is a random one from our wedding!
I want some more of that cake haha...for our 1 year anniversary!
How do you feel about the military in general?:
Have you gone through any deployments?: Not yet. I thought he was going to deploy shortly after moving to Texas, but that wasn't the case...*I* lucked out lol! He was actually going to deploy in July, but the Army was trying to decide between him and another LT that happened to be in his BOLC class, so I also know him personally. The other guy wasn't married, and since Eddie is, they decided to send the other guy overseas. I pray for his safety every day. And I feel bad, because 1) I know how badly Eddie wants to deploy and 2) It's practically my fault that he didn't get to deploy this time around, but I'm happy that he will be around for at least a little while. With the military you never know what can happen, though!
A really great memory?: Our wedding!
What are you most addicted to (forums/TV shows/musicals, etc)?: I will admit that I am heavily addicted to Facebook and Twitter and Allnurses.com. Favorite TV shows: Grey's Anatomy, Mercy, House (I love medical dramas!) and recently, Dance Moms hahaha. The new episode is on tonight and I'm very excited! I'm also addicted to Starbucks coffee and get it every night before going to work.
Are you in college/graduated/planning to go?: I graduated in December 2010 and Eddie graduated in May 2010. I thought about going back to school, but eh...I might just stick with my BSN, and add some more credentials to my name like PCCN or CCRN (that stands for "progressive care certified nurse" and "critical care registered nurse" respectively). Because I work in progressive care now, it is my goal to obtain my PCCN. If I transition fully to the ICU, I might go the CCRN route, too.
Any children?: Not yet.
Any pets?: Not yet. I really want a dog but unfortunately our apartment complex doesn't allow them.
If your husband wasn't in the military, what career would be he doing?: Lol he would probably be a professional race car driver, or a professional beer taste tester, if that even exists haha.
Is your spouse a lifer or contract?: Currently on contract...in October he will have 6 years remaining. At this point he is not sure if he wants to remain on contract or make a career out of it.
Favorite thing to do as a couple?: Cook, be lazy and cuddle on the couch and watch movies/Netflix :)
Dream job?: Food critic!
Dream vacation?: I don't know, somewhere exotic and beachy. I would love to go to Fiji, somewhere in The Caribbean Islands or the Bahamas. Eddie wants to go to Tunisia lol.
Do your in-laws drive you insane?: At times they do lol...but I still love them!
What is the worst experience you've had as a couple?: Eddie & I are pretty neutral and overall I think we handle things very well. We handled this move very well, but I would still say it was a tough experience...having to move 1,300+ miles away from all of our family & friends, getting settled, me trying to find work...I wouldn't say that was "the worst" experience we had, it was just very stressful. A lot of changes all at once.
What does your husband do to make you feel loved?: Everything! He always treats me so well and never belittles my feelings. He is caring and understanding and hates seeing me upset. If I am, he'll do whatever he can to fix it and make me happy.
Favorite/least favorite thing about being married?: Favorite: getting to spend practically every day with my husband. Least favorite: making all of those "big" decisions!
What weird/nasty habits does he have that just drive you nuts?: He is VERY messy...and he dips, eww!
Where do you see yourself and your family in 5 years?: Home is where the Army sends us...we probably won't be in Texas anymore, but who knows. I will have my PCCN/CCRN by then. We'll probably have a kiddo on board. Probably have a deployment or two under our belts.
I went to the yoga class on post today and OMG...I felt like I just about died. It was very tough, but I really enjoyed it. Very good workout! For those in the Fort Hood area, this class is offered Mondays & Wednesdays from 1145-1245 and 1730-1830 at Applied Fitness Center (33rd & Old Ironsides). There is also a beginner yoga class offered on Thursdays from 1000-1100 at Abrams Fitness Center (62nd Ave & Support Ave). Easiest way to get to both is by the main gate (TJ Mills Blvd)!
Your name: Melissa
Husband's name: Eddie
Your age: 23...I will be 24 in October! I am 6 months older.
Husband's age: 23
Location: Fort Hood, TX!
Branch of military: Army MP.
How many years of marriage/how long have you been together?: We have been together for almost 4 years...married for 3 months!
Anniversary date?: 3 months!
How long has the military been apart of your life?: Not very long. It seems like awhile because Eddie did Army ROTC in college and there were ceremonies and military balls, etc. Not including ROTC (but if you include BOLC), it would be about 9 months.
Photo: Here is a random one from our wedding!
I want some more of that cake haha...for our 1 year anniversary!
How do you feel about the military in general?:
Have you gone through any deployments?: Not yet. I thought he was going to deploy shortly after moving to Texas, but that wasn't the case...*I* lucked out lol! He was actually going to deploy in July, but the Army was trying to decide between him and another LT that happened to be in his BOLC class, so I also know him personally. The other guy wasn't married, and since Eddie is, they decided to send the other guy overseas. I pray for his safety every day. And I feel bad, because 1) I know how badly Eddie wants to deploy and 2) It's practically my fault that he didn't get to deploy this time around, but I'm happy that he will be around for at least a little while. With the military you never know what can happen, though!
A really great memory?: Our wedding!
What are you most addicted to (forums/TV shows/musicals, etc)?: I will admit that I am heavily addicted to Facebook and Twitter and Allnurses.com. Favorite TV shows: Grey's Anatomy, Mercy, House (I love medical dramas!) and recently, Dance Moms hahaha. The new episode is on tonight and I'm very excited! I'm also addicted to Starbucks coffee and get it every night before going to work.
Are you in college/graduated/planning to go?: I graduated in December 2010 and Eddie graduated in May 2010. I thought about going back to school, but eh...I might just stick with my BSN, and add some more credentials to my name like PCCN or CCRN (that stands for "progressive care certified nurse" and "critical care registered nurse" respectively). Because I work in progressive care now, it is my goal to obtain my PCCN. If I transition fully to the ICU, I might go the CCRN route, too.
Any children?: Not yet.
Any pets?: Not yet. I really want a dog but unfortunately our apartment complex doesn't allow them.
If your husband wasn't in the military, what career would be he doing?: Lol he would probably be a professional race car driver, or a professional beer taste tester, if that even exists haha.
Is your spouse a lifer or contract?: Currently on contract...in October he will have 6 years remaining. At this point he is not sure if he wants to remain on contract or make a career out of it.
Favorite thing to do as a couple?: Cook, be lazy and cuddle on the couch and watch movies/Netflix :)
Dream job?: Food critic!
Dream vacation?: I don't know, somewhere exotic and beachy. I would love to go to Fiji, somewhere in The Caribbean Islands or the Bahamas. Eddie wants to go to Tunisia lol.
Do your in-laws drive you insane?: At times they do lol...but I still love them!
What is the worst experience you've had as a couple?: Eddie & I are pretty neutral and overall I think we handle things very well. We handled this move very well, but I would still say it was a tough experience...having to move 1,300+ miles away from all of our family & friends, getting settled, me trying to find work...I wouldn't say that was "the worst" experience we had, it was just very stressful. A lot of changes all at once.
What does your husband do to make you feel loved?: Everything! He always treats me so well and never belittles my feelings. He is caring and understanding and hates seeing me upset. If I am, he'll do whatever he can to fix it and make me happy.
Favorite/least favorite thing about being married?: Favorite: getting to spend practically every day with my husband. Least favorite: making all of those "big" decisions!
What weird/nasty habits does he have that just drive you nuts?: He is VERY messy...and he dips, eww!
Where do you see yourself and your family in 5 years?: Home is where the Army sends us...we probably won't be in Texas anymore, but who knows. I will have my PCCN/CCRN by then. We'll probably have a kiddo on board. Probably have a deployment or two under our belts.
I went to the yoga class on post today and OMG...I felt like I just about died. It was very tough, but I really enjoyed it. Very good workout! For those in the Fort Hood area, this class is offered Mondays & Wednesdays from 1145-1245 and 1730-1830 at Applied Fitness Center (33rd & Old Ironsides). There is also a beginner yoga class offered on Thursdays from 1000-1100 at Abrams Fitness Center (62nd Ave & Support Ave). Easiest way to get to both is by the main gate (TJ Mills Blvd)!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
You know you've worked too many shifts in a row when...
1. It is now 5pm and your spouse is checking on you to make sure you are still alive.
2. You decide to sleep in the waiting room or the parking lot because you're unsafe to drive.
3. When you start thinking that the hospital food is actually pretty good, all things considered.
4. When you dream about work all day...WTH, I thought I left!
5. When you hardly remember the drive home.
6. When you start answering your phone as "[your unit], this is [your name], how may I help you?"
7. You fall asleep at a red light.
8. When you clock out and then get half way down the hall and you ask yourself, "did I clock out?" Then you turn around to go clock out, get half way back down the hall and you realize...you did clock out!
9. You get out to your car and realize you left your keys in your locker on the unit...
10. Absolutely NOTHING around you can beep/alarm in any way. It's like a nursing form of PTSD or something.
11. You end conversations with people by asking, "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
I have literally been a zombie this past week.
Went to work, had a decent shift...came home and couldn't sleep for the life of me. I finally did sleep, but only for about 3 hours...woke up by 1130 and just lazed around until 1900.
Had another decent shift. Came home, showered...the moment I rested my head on my pillow I passed out! Woke up at 1630 and then got a call from the nursing supervisor telling me she was going to put me on call that night!
I don't like being on call. You miss out on hours unless you actually get called into work. I thought I would get called in, but I never heard anything. Either that one particular physician was working that night (and he never admits anyone unless they're literally dying lol) or my floor just wasn't getting enough admissions for them to need me. Oh well.
Back to work tomorrow night.
I feel like this is all I do. Sleep, eat, work, rinse & repeat. The morning of (when I have already worked my 3 in a row) I sleep and then when I wake up I don't want to do a damn thing for the rest of the day because I am so tired.
And it really sucks being on opposite schedules with my husband. He's up doing PT and doing Army stuff while I'm sleeping. When I wake up he comes home and shortly after he'll take a nap -_- then it's off to work for me...And it's always the same. It really sucks.
2. You decide to sleep in the waiting room or the parking lot because you're unsafe to drive.
3. When you start thinking that the hospital food is actually pretty good, all things considered.
4. When you dream about work all day...WTH, I thought I left!
5. When you hardly remember the drive home.
6. When you start answering your phone as "[your unit], this is [your name], how may I help you?"
7. You fall asleep at a red light.
8. When you clock out and then get half way down the hall and you ask yourself, "did I clock out?" Then you turn around to go clock out, get half way back down the hall and you realize...you did clock out!
9. You get out to your car and realize you left your keys in your locker on the unit...
10. Absolutely NOTHING around you can beep/alarm in any way. It's like a nursing form of PTSD or something.
11. You end conversations with people by asking, "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
I have literally been a zombie this past week.
Went to work, had a decent shift...came home and couldn't sleep for the life of me. I finally did sleep, but only for about 3 hours...woke up by 1130 and just lazed around until 1900.
Had another decent shift. Came home, showered...the moment I rested my head on my pillow I passed out! Woke up at 1630 and then got a call from the nursing supervisor telling me she was going to put me on call that night!
I don't like being on call. You miss out on hours unless you actually get called into work. I thought I would get called in, but I never heard anything. Either that one particular physician was working that night (and he never admits anyone unless they're literally dying lol) or my floor just wasn't getting enough admissions for them to need me. Oh well.
Back to work tomorrow night.
I feel like this is all I do. Sleep, eat, work, rinse & repeat. The morning of (when I have already worked my 3 in a row) I sleep and then when I wake up I don't want to do a damn thing for the rest of the day because I am so tired.
And it really sucks being on opposite schedules with my husband. He's up doing PT and doing Army stuff while I'm sleeping. When I wake up he comes home and shortly after he'll take a nap -_- then it's off to work for me...And it's always the same. It really sucks.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
quick update.
Once again, sorry for the lack of updates.
Not that anyone really reads this blog anyway, at least it feels that way... :/
I just feel like I have nothing worth blogging about, because all I literally do is work, work, work and on my days off I enjoy being lazy with my husband :)
Work is still great. I had my performance evaluation yesterday. *toots horn* There is always room for improvement but my manager praised me for doing such a fabulous job. She told me she wants to hire more people like me! Yay :) I will be in the ICU this week and then starting next week I'm flying solo. Yikes!
And I'm getting my windows tinted today, finally!
And Texas is ridiculous hot. No more heat advisories, now we have heat warnings!
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