After a week of deliberation on the WILTW threads, I can honestly say I'm glad for a new week! I have only worked one day this week so far, so not a very giant list to share.
This week in nursing, I have learned....
There is a very sad line between moral and legal decision-making in healthcare. When a DNR can be revoked by family only to prolong torture and a DNR not granted on an already terminal suicide attempt, we really need to find a way to make moral and legal stop being mutually exclusive.
After a month of horrible patient acuity, I'm realizing that now "normal" days actually feel a bit slow. Amazing how being pushed beyond your limits teaches you to increase those limits.
I've learned what pleurx drains are. Now I want to play with one.
It takes a lot longer to bring up a 2.3 potassium than a 1.1 mag. A lot.
I have a way about me that makes patients confess very, very strange things to me. (Apparently?)
I'm going to learn tomorrow if short hair is easier at work than long in a braid, bun or ponytail. Also, tomorrow I will get to compare my steps at work on my new Fitbit vs. the app in my phone. And..... Tomorrow is my last day in the 18-34 demographic.
I've realized that hospitals would be more mom-nurse-friendly if shifts were 9-9.
Looking at community health job postings has made me realize I have no idea how to figure out government pay scales. I understand the grade, but how does your starting step get determined?
I've included my children in the "daddy's schedule is changing, so mommy's might have to, too," conversation. It was hard to say no when my girl asked if I could "just" not work for awhile.
Crack is a hell of a drug.
Almost 1.5 years since graduation. I think I've decided I know how to nurse now. It's an amazing feeling!
How about you? What have you learned?
The weekly WILTW threads will remain in yellow as long as we remember to keep the majority of posts/comments focused on things nursing related. Students are welcome to share what they learned in their journey to becoming nurses, and of course, CNAs/PCTs/MAs and other unlicensed people who are part of the nursing team are welcome to contribute as well.
As this thread doesn't really have one single topic, it's very nature is to evolve into conversations that are off topic from individual points shared. This is okay, as long as the majority of posts in the conversations remain nursing, nursing school and UAP-related. Questions or comments on this can be shared in the site feedback thread with "WILTW" in its title.
I learned, or rather reconfirmed, that graduate school and full time employment are not conducive to having a life, exercise, or quality time with your family, especially on son's 16th birthday.
Amen to that. I get texts, "What are you doing tomorrow night?" Clinic from 8 to 8. "Friday?" Evening shift at the hospital. "So... when can you hang out?" How's the Friday after next, or next Tuesday after 4pm?
Amen to that. I get texts, "What are you doing tomorrow night?" Clinic from 8 to 8. "Friday?" Evening shift at the hospital. "So... when can you hang out?" How's the Friday after next, or next Tuesday after 4pm?
And I am relearning and reaffirming that self-care should be in my repertoire.
If I don't get a handle on this I won't be any good to myself, my family, my patients.
And don't forget self care varies! Tonight it's wine, tomorrow I am going for a run. SLEEP. Eating well, and sometimes not eating well...
I leave myself for last as well. I really need a change in 'tude.
I've learned the SOC still took me as long as it usually does, but that's because I was also here being distracted. It was easier, and this patient had a complicated history and co-morbidities, too. I think I'm getting the paperwork part. Maybe.
We have our first of 3 Blood Drives this week. "My" kids are really rallying for it. Last year we were awarding the Silver Award by NYS Blood Center for the first time in over 9 years. Trying for Gold this year.
I learned that sometimes holding the hand of a frightened 5 year old is the most important thing to do. Everything else can wait. Seeing her bright smile this morning has set the tone for the day.
Nope. Lulu lives in Maryland and that is far too cold for this desert rat. 50 degrees? Grab the parkas!!
You obviously don't spend any time up in the northern part of your state. I'm up here in the high desert northern part freezing my fanny off every morning when I leave work - been down to the 30's!
I have learned that the ER attending who actually talks to the pt, takes a last set of v/s, removes IV access, and provides discharge instructions just cannot be real! I have never witnessed it before, and he is a super down to earth individual that I will miss as my time at this hospital is over.
-It may be beneficial to alert the group you are working with that it is your last shift at the beginning of the 12 hour humdinger.
- People can get kind of emotional when they learn you won't be returning.
Dogen
897 Posts
Amen to that. I get texts, "What are you doing tomorrow night?" Clinic from 8 to 8. "Friday?" Evening shift at the hospital. "So... when can you hang out?" How's the Friday after next, or next Tuesday after 4pm?