I have done quite a lot of shifts lately, more so then normal do to some switches I've made to accommodate Mr E's and my wedding.
So I've been working my butt off.
The other day I came home after a day shift, ate dinner, and then sat on the couch for a bit. It was my transition day, where I go from day shift to night shift the following day. Usually I try to stay up as late as I can, usually until midnight, and then sleep in as long as I can the next morning.
Well I was exhausted from working multiple day shifts in a row, and as I have already posted on this blog about loving night shifts, working multiple days is like torture to me.
I fell asleep sitting up on the couch at 8:30pm. My fiance woke me up and gave me a cookie for dessert.
I ate the cookie. He sat beside me. I leaned in for a cuddle, and next I knew it was 10pm. I gave up and went to bed, was asleep by 10:30, and didn't wake up until 11:30am.
Now you know why nurses can get grumpy or forget things. They are so sleep deprived they need almost a full day or two to recover.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Old man to Emerg
A man in their 70s comes to emerg yesturday with a vague complaint of slight weakness. Hasn't felt well lately. No chest pain, no diaphoresis, no SOB, no.. anything, except a bit of leg weakness.
Also doesn't have a family doctor, and hasn't been to one in over 15 years.
First thing I think of is that this guy could be a ticking time bomb. Weakness could be anything from cardiovascular, to endocrine, to neuro, to ... well... anything! Especially if he hasn't been routinely checked for CAD, pulmonary, diabetes, cholesterol, etc.
Well his vitals weren't bad P 105, R-18, BP 150/100, SpO2 98 T 36. I could see that perhaps he had longstanding hypertension with his pulse being tachy and his pressure being what it was. The guy wasn't on beta-blockers or any form of hypertension meds... something he would most likely need.
Well we did a bunch of tests, including an ECG and things were ok. Then we repeated his ecg. Ooops! ecg changes? Shit. We hook him up to the monitor and things get wacked out from there.
I'm wondering if he had a primary care physician, would he be in this same situation? Perhaps, but probably not. He has most likely sustained a high BP for a while, which increased his risk for cardiovascular compromise.
Canadians have a good thing going with their coverage, but definately they are lacking in primary care. Even I don't have a family doc right now. Mine left primary care to do work claim forms and direct consumer billing for minor plastic surgery.
Also doesn't have a family doctor, and hasn't been to one in over 15 years.
First thing I think of is that this guy could be a ticking time bomb. Weakness could be anything from cardiovascular, to endocrine, to neuro, to ... well... anything! Especially if he hasn't been routinely checked for CAD, pulmonary, diabetes, cholesterol, etc.
Well his vitals weren't bad P 105, R-18, BP 150/100, SpO2 98 T 36. I could see that perhaps he had longstanding hypertension with his pulse being tachy and his pressure being what it was. The guy wasn't on beta-blockers or any form of hypertension meds... something he would most likely need.
Well we did a bunch of tests, including an ECG and things were ok. Then we repeated his ecg. Ooops! ecg changes? Shit. We hook him up to the monitor and things get wacked out from there.
I'm wondering if he had a primary care physician, would he be in this same situation? Perhaps, but probably not. He has most likely sustained a high BP for a while, which increased his risk for cardiovascular compromise.
Canadians have a good thing going with their coverage, but definately they are lacking in primary care. Even I don't have a family doc right now. Mine left primary care to do work claim forms and direct consumer billing for minor plastic surgery.
Spammers suck
I have been getting a lot of spam commenters lately so unfortunately that means I have to close down the open commenting section and pre-approve things. I don't mind but I hate spam and it sucks that my old posts are getting comment spammed.
Friday, January 8, 2010
200+ posts
Only took 2 years. Oh and I missed my blogversary(??) in September. Happy BELATED two year blogday(??) to me! (which one is it called? or is it just a blog anniversary or blog birthday?)
I’m back with more frequent posting because I write them away from the blog and come back later. Seems to work so far. That and I think I finished my writing funk that lasted about… 8 months? I guess sometimes when you’re not completely enjoying your job you can’t find the humour in it.
Yes it’s true: the honeymoon is definitely over. But on the bright side, I’m still in the trenches in the ED. I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
I’m back with more frequent posting because I write them away from the blog and come back later. Seems to work so far. That and I think I finished my writing funk that lasted about… 8 months? I guess sometimes when you’re not completely enjoying your job you can’t find the humour in it.
Yes it’s true: the honeymoon is definitely over. But on the bright side, I’m still in the trenches in the ED. I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy new year.
Forgot to greet the new year. 2010. F. 10 years ago I was graduating high school.
No resolutions this year, I'm sick of reading everyone elses. I'll just do the standard lose weight, be nicer, blah blah blah BS. I'm tired of being cheerful this season. I haven't had a vacation and I'm feeling it. Saving all of it for my honeymoon(!) in May.
There was a doc (who is notoriously rude to nurses on purpose as a joke) who stated that his resolution was to be nicer to the nurses. He stated he makes this resolution every year and this year he lasted a whole 5 minutes.
Not too shabby sir. Just let me have verbal orders for everything I need and we'll get along just great.
No resolutions this year, I'm sick of reading everyone elses. I'll just do the standard lose weight, be nicer, blah blah blah BS. I'm tired of being cheerful this season. I haven't had a vacation and I'm feeling it. Saving all of it for my honeymoon(!) in May.
There was a doc (who is notoriously rude to nurses on purpose as a joke) who stated that his resolution was to be nicer to the nurses. He stated he makes this resolution every year and this year he lasted a whole 5 minutes.
Not too shabby sir. Just let me have verbal orders for everything I need and we'll get along just great.
F off people
WTF. One night shift of the most whiny, can't-do-anything-for-themselves SOB's (and I dont' mean short of breath!).
Trying to see their good side, as part of nursing requirements, is bullshit.
And if you have been nauseated and vomiting, and we give you something for nausea, don't refuse to eat because you are 'scared' despite you stating you feel better. Drink the damn juice.
Trying to see their good side, as part of nursing requirements, is bullshit.
And if you have been nauseated and vomiting, and we give you something for nausea, don't refuse to eat because you are 'scared' despite you stating you feel better. Drink the damn juice.
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