Sad but true!

[Stiffmeister]

The day after September 11th, and chaos still persist. Hurricane Ike approaches the Texas Costal Bend and Evacuees are sent to my facility. A sense of simple Triage struck the nurses face early this morning. Even the Director of Nursing was untouchable today. Of course my compassion would lead me to volunteer to work this whole weekend. Day one, sixty hurricane evacuees were under my watch. Not to mention, having to watch over fifteen of my regular patients. I had to stop at one point in the day and scratch my head. The resources were limited and the care was acceptable. A code blue didn't even phase the administration today. Nurses responded and even the new nurse orientating got her hands dirty! Not one Administrative Nurse asked me what happen or do you need help. I have learned that Nursing is one thing, but the business of health care can be cut throat and be turned into marketing. The level of care required for some of the people that are admitted to my facility, is inappropriate for what the facility can handle administratively and by nursing staff. My code blue patient was a good example. This patient was found sitting in a wheelchair cold as ice, blue and stiff. No Advance Directive in the chart yet!! CPR wasn't bringing this one back. Pronounced at ten fifteen. A Nurse is in charge of his or her own day. Throughout the day you can either "be there" or not "be there" for people. Two more days to go. Status Post Hernia Repair with Upper and Lower Bowel Resection.