Hi guys - it's been a tough day!! I have an exam in a week's time and have been studying as much as possible for that. Starting to get stressed, and doubting myself, but as I've "been here before" I know I'll survive.
But I went to work at the dementia unit today and BOY....what a day!! I'll spare you all the gory details, but the highlight of the day was one chap who came up and dumped a handful of faeces (from his pad) on the kitchen bench in front of me...he had it EVERYWHERE - hands, fingernails, shirt, pants, hair...so I had to chase him down and convince him to let me wash him up. As anyone who works with dementia patients knows...it aint always easy to convince them! lol
It was like a day of soap operas today -- we had a big fisty scuffle between two residents over "who gets the pink cup", many tears and counselling sessions, lots of hugs and kisses. I received a punch and a bite to boot (from two different patients). Had two patients strip naked and start to wander the halls (they can move very speedily when they want to!) - had to chase them both down and convince them in my most patient and loving voice that it's "awfully cold outside isn't it?? Shall we put some clothes on?". lol
Just another day in the office in dementia care I suppose -- but don't get me wrong...I DO love it with all my heart!!
But coming home EXHAUSTED and trying to study for my next exam next week....talk about being POSITIVELY DRAINED now!! lol. Trying to get the whole urinary, immune, digestive, integumentary, reproductive, hearing and visions systems locked into my brain! Ack!
Oh well....I think a glass of red wine and a trip to allnurses.com is in order! After that I'll hit the books!! Thanks for letting me offload my day!
CHATSDALE
4,177 Posts
been there...had that done to me....ain't life grand