(Forgive the early submission this week. Got a busy day tomorrow and last week's thread has just changed its code status to DNR, with a discharge to hospice. Thankfully, most of the family agrees. Unfortunately, one person thinks I'm trying to get more inheritance than Farawyn, but thankfully that's what probate lawyers are for.)
This week, I have learned:
Creatinine can go from 9 to 1.9 in 12 hours. Then 0.65, 24 hours after that, with 13,000 mL out in two shifts.
If you're prepared to ask if your patient group can be split up tomorrow, be prepared to be made out to be an a-hole in front of the rest of the staff just for asking.
My legs are a-holes.
Furry woodland creatures are terrifying.
Metoprolol is a hell of a drug.
Cardiologists should consult nephrologists for beta blocker dosing once a creatinine hits, like, 2.
Some patients would rather walk across the room to pull the code blue button rather then push the nurse call button on their remote they've had glued to their hands for days.
It appears the end of August is "Celebrate Right Before Shift Change Disasters" season.
There are two miserable ladies who post in every thread. But now I'll never know who they are.
There is a person with an STD in their colostomy stoma.
An iPhone can delete all of your contacts in one area code and rename all of your contacts 'Steve'.
I am incredibly frustrated that hospitalists don't clarify code status at admission. Families are SHOCKED to consider that just because their kids know what they want, doesn't mean we'll know.
The State Highway Administration employs archaeologists.
My baby turns 8 tomorrow. I remember feeling impatience at the end of that pregnancy because I wanted to KNOW her. She was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen, and has grown more so with every passing year. As fulfilled as I am by being a nurse (I was one of those disgusting "called to it" nurses. Wear gloves when you read my posts, friends. That icky stuff might be contagious.), being Mommy is my one true superpower. :)
I learned that I can indeed complete 50 hours of required NEXT modules for my PRN job in under a week and a half.
I also learned that NEXT modules are great for someone suffering from insomnia because you will fall asleep more times per day than you ever knew possible. I also learned that they are great information and even though I feel asleep a lot, I would recommend them to other people - especially new grads.
But holy crap, if I have to listen to another lecture on anything at all in the next month and a half I am going to run away screaming, "LA LA LA LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU" because I CANNOT BRAIN ANYTHING ELSE.
I've learned that apparently, I tolerate rudeness and overt aggression much better than the covert, back stabbing manipulative type. I knew I might encounter a bit of this at some point, and I don't normally internalize since I'm a veteran of institutional politics, but I'm feeling pretty bummed out. Funny how a snappish surgeon on a power trip or a tech having a bad day just rolls right off my back, but some random BS throws me off.
I learned that the aforementioned "mom voice" works great when someone (not me) accidentally rips out a patient's art line because things were not in order as they should have been prior to a big move. Also, arterial bleeds. 'Nuff said. Glad I had gloves on.
I learned I've been missing out on many threads and fun here at AN and that scrolling and laughing really does help. Best comic relief on the Internet. (Well, except for kittens or something) ^~^
Today, mere moments ago, I learned that you can click on the little number next to your name at the top of the website (if you have an alert) and it'll take you straight to your inbox. I'd been clicking on my name, scrolling down to inbox, and clicking again like a sucker this whole time!
I've been on Topamax for years, I love it. I hope it works for you. But I know how you feel right now.
Yes, being on Topamax makes you unable to find your words.
I was teaching at "the school that shall not be named" that I mentioned in "the thread that shall not be named" when I started on Topamax. I could never think of the word I needed to use.
I was always, "you know, the pink flippy thing with the clicker whatchamadoodle.."
And we wonder why the resulting MAs were incompetent?? HA!
On the bright side, Topamax destroys all desire for sweets. I haven't eaten a dessert since 2009 and my words came back after a few months.
Farawyn
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