The life of a healthcare worker

There are those days that make you really sad and bummed out when you work in the healthcare field. So today I participated in my first code. Don't get me wrong I have seen people die plenty of times and most of the time they were DNR patients so we didn't have to start CPR and most of the time they come to us as comfort care patients which means most of the time they are non responsive but don't get me wrong there are those that aren't like that. Well anyway there was a patient that was up walking around and talking two days ago and seemed to be ok, than today that all changed when I heard the code bell start ringing and we had to start CPR. It was a good learning experience for me and what we needed to do in that situation. It is moments like that that make you realize how short life really is and how fast it can be over granded the patient was older and had some health issues. I feel for the family. The relative later told us that the patient was DNR and that it was in their living will but they didn't sign a DNR piece of paper so we had to do the CPR until we had that news. Lets see what else happened today, I had really heavy patients today 5 of which were pretty much total care patients and every single one of them needed cleaned up at six o'clock and I amazingly finished it and was out of there on time I was honestly in utter shock I was sure that I was going to leave late. One of my patient's family members offered me a part time job on the days that I don't work just so I could help her if she needs and she offered me more than I am getting paid now. I gave her my number and told her to call me if she needs any help and that I would come and help her even if that means coming and sitting with him if she has to go somewhere I am hoping she follows up with that offer because it sounded pretty good to me but then again if she is getting home healthcare from the hospital she may not need me we'll see how it all works out. Mike and I are doing ok. He wants me to quit my job and just find another one he doesn't like me working all the way in Scottsdale I told him that's not going to happen because I like only working 3 days a week so if I wanted to get another job I could. I think he just doesn't want me working two jobs but I want to just so we don't have to struggle so bad. Well these are my thoughts for today...

I can't sleep

I absolutely hate that I can't sleep on the days that I have to work. It's no fun. Well I got SPL'd yesturday and it was nice being home with my hubby. We haven't been together that much. He was off almost all week and my work schedule was all messed up and I didn't get to see him that much because I was working. Yes it's probably a good thing that I worked just because I am sure we would have found something to fight about but we are getting better at not fighting or at least I would like to think we are. I am so glad I have him in my life. He is the easiest person to get along with but at times he can be the most hard headed and two hard headed people aren't good because neither of us will budge when it comes to certain things and we have to agree to disagree. I did have to go into work for the last 4 hours of my scheduled shift and it seemed to fly by and be relatively easy I guess it's because I took over for two very reliable people that do their stuff like they are supposed to. I am going to talk to my manager tomorrow if he is there and see if I can cross train to be a HUC so I don't get sick of my job. I've been there a year and it seems to be getting the best of my sometimes. Well I guess I'll give it another shot at sleeping because I will be exhausted tomorrow if I don't

Random thoughts

This cute little 8 year old was baptized today. This is Preston Mike's youngest son and my step-son. Mike and I are very proud of his decision. Preston was crying all morning because he was nervous and feeling weird but that soon passed after all the family got there. My mom couldn't make it because she was in the dunes and she felt bad about it but I told her not to worry about. There wasn't as many people at Preston's baptism as there was at Cole's just because it was on such short notice because Jolene had to consult Ron first not that it's any of his decision. Ron is a Baptist and they are against Mormons and don't like them. I don't have a problem with Baptists but I do have a problem with the fact that Jolene thinks that Ron has any say in the matter it is not his decision. It is her's and Mike's decision. Speaking of which Jolene and Ron conveniently had to flu so they didn't go to his baptism. I honestly think that they weren't sick. Ron probably didn't want to go so Jolene didn't want to go. The only time Jolene has balls is when Ron is around otherwise she hides herself. She's not scared of Mike I think she is scared of me because you know I am such a scary person. Anyways back to what I was saying. Preston's baptism was nice. Mike's dad did a great job on the baptism and confirmation. Lisa (Mike's sister) came over this afternoon and showed us the dog that she was fostering. It is a 4 year old weiner dog named Penny. She is a gorgeous dog, and well mannered and potty trained. If anyone is interested in adopting the dog let me know and I will let Lisa know. There is an adoption fee though it is $260.00. But she has AKA papers, all her shots, and is spade.

I had a great day with Mike. We aren't fighting as much anymore and I enjoyed seeing the kids they are being nicer to us. Cole told me he loved me and he has never said that to me before it was nice hearing that. I have felt like the boys didn't like me but I now I know they do. Well those are all the thoughts I have for today.

Be thankful for your health

Imagine having to spend the holidays in the hospital. I feel for these patients that had to spend their Christmas in the hospital and all they wanted was to be home with their loved ones. Patients are understanding on why they can't go home but yet are still sad they didn't get to spend their Christmas with their families. Although a lot their families made it the best they could for them but a lot of my patients said that it just wasn't the same. One of my patients said that she had decorated her house and doesn't even remember what it looked like because she has been in the hospital for so long. Then I had the patients with the family that have the family that are at their bedside day in and day out holding their hands while their loved one doesn't even recognize them. I am scared for when that day comes because dementia and alzheimerz runs in my family and I just don't want my husband or my brothers having to deal with that. I decided that if that day comes I just want to be drugged to where I am sleeping all the time so I don't become combative and mean to the nursing staff or my family that I care for. Those are my thoughts for the day. I will have pictures of Prestons baptism tomorrow.

Merry Christmas...

I got what I wanted for Christmas. The only thing I wanted was for it to rain and it did. Mike and I didn't do anything for Christmas this year I slept all day again and he watched his movies that I don't like watching. It was good just being with my husband. I am glad that I have someone like him in my life. Yes I give him a hard time a lot of the time but he knows that I still love him and that I will never leave him. I guess that's the best present you can give someone the present of trust and faithfulness. Yes that's probably not a word but I like to make up words. Well Merry Christmas to you all and a safe and wonderful holiday season. I want to see any of you in the hospital. I'm sure I'll have stories for you tomorrow or on Saturday when Preston gets baptized.

Embarrassing or not you tell me

Today not a lot happened but I have to write about my somewhat embarrassing experience I had today. I don't know if it was more emabarrassing for me or for my patient. So when you work in a healthcare setting you aren't allowed to take grutities from patients. I really appreciated the gesture but it was really hard to have to go back into the patients room in fear that I was going to embarass them and say I am sorry I can't accept this but I will keep the note. They gave me note with $10.00 dollars in it. They were really sweet and they understood why we aren't allowed to accept those kind of things. I have found that patients want to give more around the holidays and appreciate everything you do for them more. That's pretty much it for now. I need to go to bed seeing as they wiped me out today.

What a year....

So this year is almost over. I am not sure I am ready for whole new year. It seems to me that whenever you get used to finally writing the right year the year is over. This year has been full of ups and downs. 2008 was a rough year it seemed rough on everyone this year the whole economy and even on people that we hold dear to our hearts. This year has had a lot of good and bad things come from it. The economic melt down which was bad but it also brought to light what is really important in life and what really isn't. The war in Irag we need to support our troops and pray for their safe return. Working in a hospital this past year has really made me thankful for what I have because before you know it life can be gone in a blink of an eye and the ones that we hold dear could no longer be around. I wish you all happy holidays and a happy new year!