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This week, I have learned:
(Vacation edition!)
1. Absolutely nothing specifically related to nursing
2. It's hard to not judge unhealthy habits of people on vacation
3. I'm reaching a point in my nursing practice where I can frequently size up a person for their health issues
4. It sucks being handicapped with an unseen condition at an amusement park
5. I am NOT afraid to write a scathing hot review of a terrible hotel
6. Simply being within viewing distance of my kids' joy is the best part of a vacation, ever
7. If you have the option of "quick queue" at an amusement park when it's 100 degrees outside, just do it
8. If you touch me when it's this hot outside, I will want to punch you in the face (reread that with the properly deserved expletives)
9. I have a new favorite motto
That's all from me! What have you learned this week?
There's nothing like getting 1000 mL and having the client take a breath and go, "oh my god, that feels so much better" afterward!
I think that's what makes me kvell when a Hospice patient has one. The results are immediate, and sometimes dramatic.
I feel the same way about Atropine drops for excess secretions. Four drops under the tongue, and 10 minutes later, no more gurgling. Comfortable patient, relieved and happy family. Who-ah!!
Love these threads. I have read them all but haven't posted to one until now. Sometimes I feel like because I am not actively working as a nurse any more (currently on disability) that I don't have as much to contribute....so lesson #1, once a nurse always a nurse!
And lesson #2, I still have a lot of wisdom and insight to offer others even though I am not actively working as a RN. I was reminded of this this week when a friend was diagnosed with cancer. I spent my entire career in oncology and was able to share a lot of info & resources with her.
#3, tibial plateau fractures (tpf) suck! I'm 11 weeks out and really struggling. The recovery is long & frustrating. My ortho said to expect 6-12 months before I was able to walk "normally" again. I thought that seemed really extensive, however right now I'm stuck at partial weight bearing (
#4, moving under any circumstances is stressful. Moving with a tpf is just cruel & unusual punishment! Packing & unpacking while on crutches has caused me to discover a whole new vocabulary (and it would embarrass a sailor).
#5, there is something to be said for small town hospitality. We have been so welcomed here. We've had meals brought to us, dinner invites, etc. and there are some excellent cooks here. (The shopping however, leaves a lot to be desired. Oh well, I'm in no shape to go shopping right now anyway! Lol!)
#6, Despite my OCD like tendencies, I am learning to let stuff go. It is driving me crazy not to have my house in order but where it once would have caused me a great deal of anxiety and sleeplessness, I am able to be somewhat okay with it. I keep reminding myself it is temporary and I will eventually get to everything and get it organized the way I want it.
Farawyn
12,646 Posts
Mine are 18 months apart and best friends. My biggest (well, only) regret is not having more. Hubby and I made good kids.