inside the mind of a nurse.....

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Ok. Ive been nursing too long....Have any of you had warped thoughts that only a nurse would have? When I go for a drive on the highway or interstate, it crosses my mind that maybe I shouldnt eat first in case I have a wreck and require emergency surgery? Its crazy. When I go to touch money I think about all the filth Im fixing to touch. Not just money but anything. Or, avoiding salad bars at ALL COSTS!! Im surprise I dont carry a box of gloves and can of lysol in my purse!! What, if any, warped thoughts do the rest of you have? I will be one of those elderly people obsessed with my bowel movements.

Specializes in Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.
Having been an ER nurse for a long time, I know that bad stuff happens to good people and so, I am always telling my family that I love them!

I do that too but it has nothing to do with Nursing. Been doing that since 9-11...

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Tele, ICU.

Once I was in the gas station and this man behind me was shaking so bad I thought he's either going through the DT's or his sugar is low (he had in his hand a soda and a candy bar). I also check ankles, look at people's skin for bruises and open areas. I obsess about washing my hands. I don't worry about eating though (i like food too much). My motto is drop an NG tube down me and suck out whatever is there if you need to LOL. Also, I think, I don't want CPR so should I have a tattoo or something put on me. I don't want to end up like so many young adults i've taken care of-on vents, tube feeds, lying there in a wet brief and a fragile area just about ready to open up. KILL ME FIRST PLEASE!

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
Having been an ER nurse for a long time, I know that bad stuff happens to good people and so, I am always telling my family that I love them!

I do that too but it has nothing to do with Nursing. Been doing that since 9-11...

Been doing it since my first child was born in 1981

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When my first pet rat was found stumbling around in her cage I burst into tears and made arrangements to have her put to sleep because I just knew she'd either stroked out or developed a brain tumor.

She was dizzy......she had an ear infection.......

One night several years ago I tossed and turned, trying to get comfortable in bed. Suddenly I realized that when I laid on my stomach I felt a vey large mass in my abdomen. I tossed and turned for the rest of the night, certain I had a uterine tumor.

In a way I did......I was 16.5 weeks pregnant.

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Specializes in NICU.

Another thing, I have absolutely no compunction about asking people very personal questions. I've gotten used to it with patients and it ends up spilling over into my real life :rolleyes:. Funny thing is, people never seem to mind answering...

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

I subconsciously assess ppl too! Well, I guess it is our job...

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I was deeply horrified one day to discover my Shi Tzu (Sp?) had an irregular heart rate. The vet assures me all dogs do. Who knew?

I did this same thing! When I was first learning in NS how to assess lung sounds.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I'm sure it's not too serious....but my dad's having outpatient surgery tomorrow at a center...and the first thing I thought of is "Are they accreditted? What are they using to knock you out? What's your recovery time? How bout F/u visit?" I also find myself eating healthier and trying to set a better example for friends and family...

Of course, I'm also a little more obcessed about trash/cleaning too!

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if someone is cranky, i immediately think they must be constipated.

leslie

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....I can't stop laughing, I know it's not right, but OMG

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

That could explain alot of people that I know. I should invest in ex-lax stock! thtoilet.gif

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Specializes in private duty/home health, med/surg.

I'm a floor nurse, so I have a hard time sitting still at committee meetings. One of the things I do to keep from falling asleep is checking out the veins of the people near me & guessing how large a gauge of IV I could start in my co-workers.

I also do this in line at the store, at church, at family functions...

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