tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57357259581517992812024-03-23T12:50:07.612-05:00Salad Tongs, Anyone?It's that moment.
Thoughts on labor, delivery, and everything around and in between.apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-62927259335737538802007-04-12T10:32:00.000-05:002007-04-12T10:52:49.987-05:00Hasta LuegoTo all my faithful readers... I can't imagine there are many of you left out there.<br /><br />Just a quick hello and "see you later" (not exactly goodbye). <br /><br />Blogging is just not happening in the midst of my busy life right now, and I'm "giving up" on it for now.<br /><br />I appreciate all the thoughts, feedback, and smiles you've provided. I hope to check in on your blogs when I get a chance... you've always been a source of inspiration and encouragement.<br /><br />So, for now, hasta luego!apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-66768050310881753492007-03-27T16:50:00.000-05:002007-03-27T17:03:50.990-05:00Still Here.If there has been a lack of writing as of late, it hasn't been for lack of things to say, just the time in which to put the words to "paper" (or screen, as it were).<br /><br />Status: MIA<br /><br />Hope to be back in full force soon.apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-47529856497948927182007-03-16T07:57:00.000-05:002007-03-16T08:30:46.185-05:00Watch that First Night. It's a Big One.Spring fever. Gone.<br /><br />Winter. Back.<br /><br />I feel like hibernating all over again.<br /><br />************<br /><br />My mind is a bit fuzzy... sleep deprivation will do that to you.<br /><br />Working nights is hard on the body, but there's no doubt that the first night back is the hardest. I know some who nap before coming in that first night, but my body just won't do it. I try to sleep in for a couple of hours the morning before because that seems to help a bit, but there's nothing quite like being up all day and then expected to function on a highly-skilled nursing level all night as well. To those patients who are sad to see me go, anxious that the next nurse will be a different personality, I am quick to point out, "I am a waste of space after 7:00am... you really wouldn't <em>want</em> me here!" My brain clocks out before my hands can fumble through the motion of swiping my tag.<br /><br />A few night-shift survival mechanisms that have helped me to make it through:<br /><br />1. Sleep when you can on your days off... your body will thank you! Sometimes it's hard to switch back and get to bed at a reasonable hour when you're coming off a string of nights, but it makes a difference in the long run.<br /><br />2. Get regular exercise on your days off... being in good shape is a huge boost, your energy level will be higher all the time.<br /><br />3. Bring something to munch on in the car on the way home. That drive can be a killer. Literally. For some reason, having something in my mouth keeps my eyelids open.<br /><br />4. Don't rely too much on caffeine. I've done it both ways, and my body seems to regulate between sleep and awake much more efficiently without. Can't seem to give up that one last cup of coffee... but I've lived on as many as 8-10 cups a day. Say it with me, "Mod-er-a-tion."<br /><br />5. It's ok to use a sleep aid once in a while, and for some of us, a little Tylenol PM or Benadryl will do the trick. If you're an Ambien advocate, so be it. Just try not to get hooked! And be aware that you may feel a little groggy when waking. It's never been bad for me, and sometimes what I really need is the good, solid (vs. restless, dream-filled) sleep provided with a little medicinal assistance.<br /><br />6. I'm all about the old-fashioned ear plugs and room-darkening shades. Some people can't stand the feeling of the plugs in their ears, but with boisterous children in the house, I find they're invaluable. And a dark room is awesome, almost tricks your body into believing it IS night-time (key word, <em>almost</em>).<br /><br />7. Give it time. Eventually you'll get used to those bags under your eyes, and the dull throbbing at the base of your skull. People will stop asking if you're ok, because now it's just the way you look. It's alright... you're a night-shifter... and night people RULE!<br /><br />Or at least we like to think so, in our delirious, sleeping-while-sitting-up state.<br /><br />ZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzapgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-19339848433549421152007-03-13T13:28:00.000-05:002007-03-13T13:49:32.304-05:00Sunshine, HappyDoes anyone else have <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/spring%20fever">spring fever</a> so bad it <em>hurts</em>?<br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041478087538653938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsCwQ1gMv079oMS-92K9d5WM3jmDwqTVtw3e73KAwiRKz2VfKfYwQX4klqiVsbDx_UCd6gqx5y5fJuqLu7LpUbSXvIt2u9yvCnxfWHaW-WoaDEUKTZ7Hg3fNMXA8B2URyCDgLVIXgclET/s320/yellow_daisy1_country.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Despite the fact that we have snow predicted for Thursday, today is a beautiful tease, a happy reminder that inevitably the snow WILL melt, the juncos will scatter to the north, and the robins will return.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Thank goodness for sunshine!</div><div></div><div> </div><div>*****</div><div></div><div> </div><div>It's an odd world that we inhabit as hospital nurses, particularly on night shift. </div><div> </div><div>Surrounded by concrete walls, ensconced in darkness, our shifts are marked by activity and change, nonetheless. We take vitals, listen to lung sounds, page doctors, deliver babies, regardless of the outside world and irrespective of the late hour. </div><div> </div><div>Usually, we have a vague sense of what's happening outside as the few patients and doctors come and go, remarking upon significant events or weather phenomena. But there are also times when we walk through the hospital doors at the end of a shift, only to find a dense fog, a new layer of snow, a howling wind. The quiet corridors and dim rooms don't always belie these changes, as they have no bearing on what happens within.</div><div> </div><div>Just a thought, as I sit here and soak up the luscious new warmth. My friends who are working today have no sense of this bright sky, this gentle breeze. How strange to think that if I were there, or were sleeping between shifts today, I, too, would have missed out on this brief glimpse of spring coming. </div><div> </div><div>Thank goodness for the reprieve of a few days off!</div>apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-19422537850351603422007-03-10T17:44:00.000-05:002007-03-10T17:44:36.346-05:00Spring Forward!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbidensV7uWfV_bnzkI1xBf2WBU-jyhsUR4GSH3NA7Gu6JHv2PuRd0onOwMYTAXK-EN-4vwcWojS9H2gf9x6d28i9BODNDxhl_Rqqb3kzzEGUXRSj5wzRxy-G-5tyHMfDHl5W_Qt5-qhJ-/s1600-h/180px-Begin_CEST.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039608297897267698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbidensV7uWfV_bnzkI1xBf2WBU-jyhsUR4GSH3NA7Gu6JHv2PuRd0onOwMYTAXK-EN-4vwcWojS9H2gf9x6d28i9BODNDxhl_Rqqb3kzzEGUXRSj5wzRxy-G-5tyHMfDHl5W_Qt5-qhJ-/s320/180px-Begin_CEST.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>To those of you day-shifters that are grumbling about the shortened night tonight, all I have to say is,</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>"Hoo Hoo Hahahahahaha!"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>(Smug grin.)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We <a href="http://mysecondstage.blogspot.com/2006/10/night-from-forever.html">earned</a> it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>See you bright and early tomorrow morning!</div>apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-27416129170809932452007-03-09T08:58:00.000-05:002007-03-09T09:41:23.336-05:00Driving to Work in the DarkSnow drifts on the ground.<br /><br />My breath hangs uncertainly in the frigid air.<br /><br />Winter still. Stubborn.<br /><br />But as I drove to work in the warm cocoon of my car, I was transformed by a vision of bright rows of lights, shining festively through the transparent walls of a greenhouse at one of the nurseries I pass by.<br /><br />Instantly invigorated!<br /><br />I imagine the vibrant lights perched above tiny seedlings, coaxing them to grow despite the lingering reality of winter outside their sheltered walls. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2Ihmg8CaiQYTUS9RuOqp8gve8QeFSsZVWSYr0eaYQE7BU3IF6u8Kby4XvfT0ZFqd38nC47YWrR8Jy5O2kNcoeKQp4jZVfocRTa1lY9rtPIuniMK-7nBg_yMblepLXkUjrdi3I2SXUgAq/s1600-h/white_country_drop1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039934317378681570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2Ihmg8CaiQYTUS9RuOqp8gve8QeFSsZVWSYr0eaYQE7BU3IF6u8Kby4XvfT0ZFqd38nC47YWrR8Jy5O2kNcoeKQp4jZVfocRTa1lY9rtPIuniMK-7nBg_yMblepLXkUjrdi3I2SXUgAq/s320/white_country_drop1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmHF-A_kxbVQ7sFFApKRqHmQbjkh67lp1mpKeo8f4gA8YD6-4w2fBEZZ0TNqI-_5ix-oFpZ9pGAutvcwJ93Nor3PCTzLOfPKhZYeUZehiRZHgZ-hWQb_PIZvK3Ob90jCRJuCCbTOc-9_8/s1600-h/seedlings.jpg"></a><br /><br />And as the birdsongs further testify this morning, spring is coming.<br /><br />They know it.<br /><br />And I am hopeful again.<br /><br />******<br /><br />I enjoy working at a teaching hospital. Really.<br /><br />However.<br /><br />It can be extremely, astoundingly, incomprehensibly frustrating when the team of residents on call are a bunch of indecisive know-it-alls. Sounds contradictory, right? Maybe that's why the plan of care for my clinic patient (whose care is overseen by the residents) changed every 5 minutes or so last night. They all know it ALL and are ALL making the decision.<br /><br />Draw labs at 0500.<br /><br />(talk to senior resident)<br /><br />Cancel that, let's recheck them stat.<br /><br />Straight cath her.<br /><br />(discuss with attending)<br /><br />Actually, now that you just cath'd her, I think we're gonna need a foley.<br /><br />Let's hold off on the Mag.<br /><br />(enter senior resident)<br /><br />Pressure's up but we'll just keep a close eye on it. And better draw those labs again.<br /><br />(update chief again)<br /><br />Now we are starting Mag. And antibiotics.<br /><br />And some rectal Tylenol.<br /><br />And I think she's gonna need a section.<br /><br />(review with attending)<br /><br />Yeah, let's just do the C-section now.<br /><br />Hold that thought, the other clinic patient needs a section, too. This one can wait an hour.<br /><br />*** hour goes by while I furiously try to catch up with meds and charting and explain to family why, despite the fact that the decision has been made, we can't do the C-section right now***<br /><br />(re-enter senior resident)<br /><br />Let's go, we're ready NOW!<br /><br />Intersperse numerous cervical exams by whichever resident is around at the time, and you may have a potential cause for the chorio.<br /><br />Argh.<br /><br />Baby did great, and the patient came through it all okay.<br /><br />The nurse, on the other hand, feels defeated and sad. For the patient, for herself, and for a system that could clearly be better.apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-27571725764783837462007-03-08T13:22:00.000-05:002007-03-08T13:27:35.465-05:00<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM1e3BFkxo_YBaqbODSdgo5RElOOk4ormTAnvoZ5rk9Ceuu20_8OPniLyaj1UtDjeDhkTVTRGZSXBk6bfUZ8KDy9vtc4KLjRuQgltoOgnFpzm4NqxQFTQOjAMJ8fi6yT786mMPm5s-H4P/s1600-h/change+of+shift.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039621079719940610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM1e3BFkxo_YBaqbODSdgo5RElOOk4ormTAnvoZ5rk9Ceuu20_8OPniLyaj1UtDjeDhkTVTRGZSXBk6bfUZ8KDy9vtc4KLjRuQgltoOgnFpzm4NqxQFTQOjAMJ8fi6yT786mMPm5s-H4P/s200/change+of+shift.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Once again, Change of Shift is up at <a href="http://www.emergiblog.com/2007/03/change-of-shift-volume-one-number-nineteen.html">Emergiblog</a>...<br /><br />I'm headed over there for some gread reads!<br /><br />Maybe one of these days I'll come up with something worth submitting. </div>apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-52447995411812945312007-03-08T12:10:00.000-05:002007-03-08T12:20:14.678-05:00The 50-Yard DashGearing up for another weekend.<br /><br />Thinking, "I must be a sprinter."<br /><br />Life is cyclical, and everything in my life seems to rotate through short bursts of activity.<br /><br />This week, working out.<br /><br />Last week, housecleaning.<br /><br />Before that, writing.<br /><br />Dieting.<br /><br />Keeping in touch with friends.<br /><br />Knitting.<br /><br />Photography.<br /><br />Some weeks (a lot of them during these dark winter months), I can't seem to accomplish or keep up with any of it.<br /><br />I don't have the stamina to sustain any one of my endeavors consistently in the long run. I am not a long-distance runner. I don't know how some people do it.<br /><br />They must drink a lot more coffee than I do.<br /><br />I know what my constant is: procrastination. I'm an expert, and that one never fails me.<br /><br />We all have our talents, right?apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-29927827278445890632007-03-06T12:05:00.000-05:002007-03-06T12:39:23.693-05:00Burning, BurningHere I am, after taking some of my fellow bloggers' fabulous advice, straight off the treadmill, riding high on workout endorphins (and not a little lactic acid!)... burn out? Me??? Never!<br /><br />Well, okay. I'm trying.<br /><br />This nursing thing is a roller coaster. A lot like life in general. Good days, bad days. I try not to carry too much of it with me, but apparently am not completely successful in this endeavor. The work dreams are not a rarity. They happen almost every weekend, and occasionally during the week. I'm hoping they're just my mind's way of decompressing.<br /><br />On the one hand, nursing is a great career. Talk about job stability. They're practically beating down our doors to offer jobs to qualified nurses! I'll always have multiple avenues of practice available if I become unsatisfied with the work that I do now. And I still look forward to most of my shifts, have a sense of camaraderie with my coworkers, enjoy the way my schedule works with my life (most of the time), and am forever in awe of the breathtaking moments my job allows me to witness.<br /><br />But there are other moments, too. Anyone who has read my blog before can attest to the heavy amount of skepticism I hold for the hospital establishment and the system in general. Paperwork and charting are significantly overvalued in a legalistic atmosphere that reeks of the fear of liability and malpractice. Night shift is great, but my body does not always agree... I've become accustomed to a certain amount of fatigue and fuzziness that never really goes away. And on... and on...<br /><br />So what, you say?<br /><br />Nothin' really... these were just a few of my thoughts while burning calories and trying not to burn out.apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-72976826364243156682007-03-01T10:37:00.000-05:002007-03-01T10:48:52.801-05:00Working Hard, Even When You're Not ThereVivid dreams of a terrible shift... working, working. So busy, patients everywhere, bad heart tones in every room. I must have been in charge... I found myself running from one room to the next, putting out fires, starting IV's, calling docs. Remember struggling for a while with IV lines that were hopelessly tangled, and not compatible with our pumps, so I must have dug up an ancient pump from somewhere and figured out how to get the IV running and attached to a pole. Ran to another room to help with an IV, and a newer nurse was poking her with a 20 gauge... thinking, "What are you doing?! We need an 18 gauge!" <br /><br />In the midst of it all, my kids were there with me, except it was my friend's kids, but they were mine, and the baby was so small, and I had to hold him while he slept. It really pulled at my heartstrings as the chaos swarmed around us.<br /><br />So strange.<br /><br />And I haven't even worked my first night this week.apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-29862567679396565462007-02-25T09:30:00.000-05:002007-02-25T10:05:56.922-05:00First Name BasisIt's never a good thing when a patient is called in, and everyone working triage groans. If all the nurses working know you by your first name:<br /><br />A. You've been here WAY too many times.<br />B. Clearly, you come in for unnecessary and frivolous admissions... and<br />C. You always get sent back home. (if there were really something wrong with you, you'd <em>stay)</em><br /><br />We had a visit from a patient (let's call her Margo), who we've gotten to know very well over the past several years, now on her fourth baby.<br /><br />Resident: "I have a patient coming in... it's Margo ___."<br /><br />Cacophony of disbelief from everyone within earshot: "Oh nooo... not again!"<br /><br />She's 32 weeks (a mere 8 or so more to go!) and only on her 9th admission to OB triage during this pregnancy, which, in comparison to her first pregnancy, isn't bad. With that child, she was on visit #36 by the time she finally delivered, and practically everyone who worked OB knew her name. Considering we only triage patients who are 20 weeks and up, that's more than a few visits per week. Back then, I remember caring for her two days in a row, both times for a slip and fall on icy pavement. Oh, Margo.<br /><br />It never ceases to amaze me that she is willing to drag her husband and several small (screaming) children to the hospital in the middle of the night, through nasty weather because she's feeling some vague abdominal pain and general discomfort.<br /><br />She actually told the person wheeling her up from the ER, "I really think it's something serious this time... I'm not kidding."<br /><br />She was triaged and discharged back home with a clean bill of health within 45 minutes.<br /><br />Until next time...apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-77828370016034276002007-02-22T17:20:00.000-05:002007-02-22T17:25:36.640-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwEz6hOtgXk2hTAvJc50NC9SEx1OcrEcJKB_N2MwHMoOegaG4vQSW42vfbUmFteW-yvFoXAkgaRr1559W6MdSb606w1cLqu7OCkcteqj7A2yLbSQ0yK14cusUhQwlpYDYAKRcucfjcWaa/s1600-h/change+of+shift.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034488061746130642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwEz6hOtgXk2hTAvJc50NC9SEx1OcrEcJKB_N2MwHMoOegaG4vQSW42vfbUmFteW-yvFoXAkgaRr1559W6MdSb606w1cLqu7OCkcteqj7A2yLbSQ0yK14cusUhQwlpYDYAKRcucfjcWaa/s200/change+of+shift.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">It's Thursday, and <a href="http://www.protecttheairway.com/2007/02/22/change-of-shift-vol-1-no-18/">Change of Shift</a> is up!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Check it out over at Protect the Airway.</div><div align="center">Nice job, AC!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div>apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-57075362951016829022007-02-22T10:52:00.000-05:002007-02-28T11:52:27.717-05:00And the Meme Goes On...Fabulous!<br /><br /><a href="http://magicbulletsaway.blogspot.com/2007/02/things-i-cannot-live-without.html">/jo</a> and <a href="http://www.emergiblog.com/2007/02/thou-shalt-not-covetunless-its-for-a-meme.html">Kim</a> have both posted their *must-have* lists, and tagged a few of my other favorite bloggers...<br /><br />This meme is proving to be an interesting glimpse inside other nurses' heads.<br /><br />How do you come up with the four things you really think you can't live without?<br />Where do you start?<br />Where do you draw the line?<br /><br />What do you covet?<br />What do you really <em>desire</em> that is just beyond your grasp?<br /><br />These are not things we often sit down and mull over, unless prompted.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034393155853790914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGMRE8bg8br_Emu63z8a947It8Lnx5RIfvqxyq-_b4aDr4ccz5Wy02LytRc1Z8nzc4CrUSTEcbrnNw3qK1-eXp6rNtm0nugLjrEpbmpQr5KYJcpsY8LDbuAi2B8q7aW5qTBoSXAU-nPaL/s200/bas+sacre+coeur.jpg" border="0" /><br />I found "What I Covet" to be most challenging and revealing. There are any number of <em>things</em> that I'd really like to have, but when the thought of a real vacation occurred, I could feel my heart beat a little faster, my adrenaline begin to surge. I usually put desires like this far from my conscious mind because I know how unlikely they are to become reality, at least anytime soon. But all the same, we <em>must</em> have something to dream about, something for which to strive. The mental pictures evoked by thoughts of a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of a small Italian village, a vigorous walk up the winding staircase at the Basilique de Sacre-Coeur, an hour or two or four wandering the halls of any museum. For whatever reason, these images motivate me, give me that essential burst of energy, that ray of hope that there may be more to this than day in, day out, week after week. A peek into the future, if I can hold onto it and make it mine.<br /><br />I'm off to save the world, or at the very least a bunch of moms and babies!apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-20388702971260592352007-02-21T15:15:00.000-05:002007-02-28T11:29:11.446-05:00Things I Can't Live WithoutInspiration strikes! (finally.)<br /><br /><br />Well, ok. <a href="http://www.askshane.org/">Shane</a> <a href="http://www.nursingjobs.org/blog/index.php?p=13">tagged</a> me, so I'm more or less compelled to seek out the inspiration to write... but this was fun, and I look forward to reading others' responses as well. Keep tabs on everyone who's been tagged for this meme at the <a href="http://www.nursingjobs.org/blog/">Nursing Jobs blog</a>.<br /><br /><br />I had to laugh while browsing through a few of the past "Things I Can't Live Without" <a href="http://www.inc.com/query/index.html?domains=http%3A%2F%2Finc.com&client=pub-9871731465474413&safe=active&channel=&cof=GALT%3A%23008000%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23FFFFFF%3BVLC%3A8B9EB1%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BALC%3A336699%3BLC%3A336699%3BT%3A000000%3BGFNT%3AAAAAAA%3BGIMP%3AAAAAAA%3BS%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.inc.com%3BFORID%3A11%3B&q=things+i+can%27t+live+without&sitesearch=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.inc.com">articles</a> on Inc.com, looking for that ever-elusive inspiration. The successful business owners who have been interviewed elaborate on the objects of value in their daily professional lives. They *can't live* without a whole lotta really expensive gadgets and gizmos. This is not what I had first planned to blog about when I imagined the most important aspects of my working world. I was thinking more along the lines of: I can't live without sleep, I can't live without the constant intellectual and emotional support of my co-workers, I can't live without hugs from my kids when I walk in the door...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In the interest of sticking to the topic, I'll conform to the heart of the idea. I'm not sure I can narrow it down to just four, but then again, my "things" aren't quite as extravagant as those Inc 500 folks, either. Keeping it simple and honest, here are the "things" that I can't live without:<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9jmkpyEucZyWEBbVgYW9qg4tzfxVm_vdYIrLfH50og1rhG-AccxjQg8euH9erK6XiBYk_M53Xwehvba3UqIt2J_T5PomQny5KeOv8pDkPQeVGJ-2Dwows2zz3DYH2eREeZps0PMxGecb/s1600-h/my+clogs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034053192012443138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9jmkpyEucZyWEBbVgYW9qg4tzfxVm_vdYIrLfH50og1rhG-AccxjQg8euH9erK6XiBYk_M53Xwehvba3UqIt2J_T5PomQny5KeOv8pDkPQeVGJ-2Dwows2zz3DYH2eREeZps0PMxGecb/s200/my+clogs.jpg" border="0" /></a>Dansko Clogs</strong></span> $104.95<br /><br />I heart <a href="http://www.dansko.com/Product_Detail.aspx?StyleName=Professional&ID1=906&ID2=990202&VID=1480">my clogs</a>. In all seriousness, I could not live without them, as my feet would likely go on strike. And with the miles I put on every night I work, this is not an option. I flirted with a few months of <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/plantar-fasciitis/DS00508">plantar fasciitis</a> a couple of years ago, and don't care to be debilitated like that ever again. These clogs are awesome, durable, supportive, and best of all... blood and amniotic fluid-proof! They are worth the chunk of change.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2Xt5O0_8mtXDbzmw4vP3fmfP_wbgCfYG_z4PqAf3aMo7nOMqXh1pDNt9YYeyNGlAjF2nYyOpSseiCJM5bTxUimUtKzy4kXB2OEbjM6rdRtE5GoSS3PNpWZFkpYM12Covbp7yRCzpFUA4/s1600-h/nurse+socks.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034056937223925362" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2Xt5O0_8mtXDbzmw4vP3fmfP_wbgCfYG_z4PqAf3aMo7nOMqXh1pDNt9YYeyNGlAjF2nYyOpSseiCJM5bTxUimUtKzy4kXB2OEbjM6rdRtE5GoSS3PNpWZFkpYM12Covbp7yRCzpFUA4/s200/nurse+socks.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />At the same time, clogs and sterile blue scrubs are terribly bo-ring! Comfortable, but come ON. It's like wearing unflattering pajamas to work every night. So, I have about a gazillion pairs of fun socks, just to spice it up a bit, even if I'm the only one that can see them. I know they're there.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp45wP6fvGGDqv-q9giBnJAhSW5m4rye3VuYFRaXcoXe6ymni_ZXbyWbAZjBFR-Hz8VRF2Depy_1am8pt9ODaC_9Ti9DIqXSflNgFWsZkG10jCM1e77tY2JQ2hANRDSuAov9A4YfW6Hgu0/s1600-h/hand+cream.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034054025236098594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp45wP6fvGGDqv-q9giBnJAhSW5m4rye3VuYFRaXcoXe6ymni_ZXbyWbAZjBFR-Hz8VRF2Depy_1am8pt9ODaC_9Ti9DIqXSflNgFWsZkG10jCM1e77tY2JQ2hANRDSuAov9A4YfW6Hgu0/s200/hand+cream.jpg" border="0" /></a>Johnson's softcream extra care healing hand cream</strong></span> $4.79<br /><br />The effect of washing your hands approximately 501 times every night? Hands that are raw, chapped, cracking at the knuckles, and peeling between the fingers. Argh! I love <a href="http://www.johnsonsforyou.com/products_dry.jsp?id=3#spot">this lotion</a>, and it works.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5qUIRPqwtzQYUugANidh66sf65FuH0A1UyoDFFoTzZqu7rxT-ire8qaC_oBV31RtrzyjpKFP75Ip8pi8KzI1AtYfSvs2HSaqNZ5iUe3ho3w75y_mDkuWcMeNV7HMkEKr4N-beiT6byHl/s1600-h/scissors+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034054476207664690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5qUIRPqwtzQYUugANidh66sf65FuH0A1UyoDFFoTzZqu7rxT-ire8qaC_oBV31RtrzyjpKFP75Ip8pi8KzI1AtYfSvs2HSaqNZ5iUe3ho3w75y_mDkuWcMeNV7HMkEKr4N-beiT6byHl/s200/scissors+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">bandage scissors</span></strong> $3.99<br /><br />I keep a pair of my own <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Listermate-Bandage-Scissors-Black-Handles/dp/B00062N45K">bandage scissors</a> in the back pocket of my scrubs, and I use them constantly throughout the night. Who knew that something so rudimentary could be absolutely essential?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCvdbwLxS1BslU7vhJvWTjxqh2lLPDP9e9MJpj2-Wqq7mxgSOaIjf0qp_PldCkJCOK04ouemwKmnZYFXrmm1gyTg8vEzZ_0pqOWJvdOZLfcgDk3fYgbttExbdyz6iH2XvOKjs4iW4tJZ3/s1600-h/pens.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034055214942039634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCvdbwLxS1BslU7vhJvWTjxqh2lLPDP9e9MJpj2-Wqq7mxgSOaIjf0qp_PldCkJCOK04ouemwKmnZYFXrmm1gyTg8vEzZ_0pqOWJvdOZLfcgDk3fYgbttExbdyz6iH2XvOKjs4iW4tJZ3/s200/pens.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>clicky pens</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br />Gotta love drug reps. Well, ok, not really. But I do love the pens that they leave lying around, usually transported to L&D in the pockets of the various docs that constitute a steady stream through the unit all day and night. I always like to have at least one "clicky" pen in my pocket... they're more user-friendly and they don't go launching out of my pocket every time I bend over like the regular Bic ones do.<br /><br /><br /><br />However, I was flabbergasted to find <a href="http://collectibles.search.ebay.com/pens_Medicine-Dentistry_W0QQsacatZ4065">these pens</a> <em>for sale</em> on e-Bay. Hellooooo, people... they're <em>FREE</em>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs8jCPIL49yj-POus3ezdK6oP56aPl8F-7X7CMIlUZlnLZMwPW8eAuWSElbWacSCobx-uOqjDSeOVmgLTtesAUYrQE4iYF4W1swU3BWcyORA5FYnJeZPGqth7hkuarU2gQK9PbAbQjmou/s1600-h/confessions.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034058169879539346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs8jCPIL49yj-POus3ezdK6oP56aPl8F-7X7CMIlUZlnLZMwPW8eAuWSElbWacSCobx-uOqjDSeOVmgLTtesAUYrQE4iYF4W1swU3BWcyORA5FYnJeZPGqth7hkuarU2gQK9PbAbQjmou/s200/confessions.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Confessions on the Dance Floor by Madonna</strong></span> $12.99<br /><br /><br /><br />Ok, I admit it. I'm a <a href="http://www.madonna.com/">Madonna</a> fan. I just can't help it. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Dance-Floor-Madonna/dp/B000B8QEZG">This CD</a> gets me psyched up for working, working out, doing laundry, whatever. When I'm not listening to <a href="http://www.npr.org/">NPR</a> on the way to work, I'm listening to this for a guaranteed burst of energy.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What I Covet</span></strong> ...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>A real vacation.</strong></span> $$$ way-more-than-I-can-afford.99<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhXaQWuhyHhVpVmRKtbqjCE3ThehuzdvRvbwMo8MGNpmkKmb85sdZGS4WueipLgAGXLZtEaDQRUUdVoxK3eaOvyTsfTtV02Pw9F16Zj9m68mgAj0c0hy5_humZyAFJBfKXy9wP1Z7y3Q_/s1600-h/street_bakery.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034076024058588850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhXaQWuhyHhVpVmRKtbqjCE3ThehuzdvRvbwMo8MGNpmkKmb85sdZGS4WueipLgAGXLZtEaDQRUUdVoxK3eaOvyTsfTtV02Pw9F16Zj9m68mgAj0c0hy5_humZyAFJBfKXy9wP1Z7y3Q_/s200/street_bakery.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's been years. Ideally, I'd love to take a trip to Europe. Doesn't even really matter where... England, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain. I'd take any or all of them, preferably with ample time for mindless wandering, lots of picture-taking, exploring castles and cemeteries, visiting museums and lounging at charming cafes. Ohhhhhh...<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Who's Next...</strong></span><br /><br /><br />I can't resist tagging Kim at <a href="http://www.emergiblog.com/">Emergiblog</a>. She's one of my favorite bloggers, plus I'm interested to see what "things" she can't live without!<br /><br />JustCallMeJo over at <a href="http://www.magicbulletsaway.blogspot.com/">Sinus Arrhythmia</a> has an insightful and quirky take on the world of ICU nursing. What can't you live without, /jo?<br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Tag, you're it!</div><div></div><div></div><div>Plus, go check out Beth's "things" at <a href="http://www.pixelrn.com">PixelRN</a>. Enjoy!</div>apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-34463129111490643512007-02-20T21:22:00.000-05:002007-02-28T11:05:14.749-05:00Tagged?!I've been <a href="http://www.nursingjobs.org/blog/index.php?p=13">tagged</a> by Shane. Well, go figger. Stay tuned for "Things I Can't Live Without."<br /><br />And watch out... you may be next!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Tag, <em>you're</em> IT!apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-35258375886246257102007-02-20T11:09:00.000-05:002007-02-21T15:19:21.783-05:00An Outstanding Nurse... and Registered-Nurse-to-BeDue to a severe case of Major Lack of Inspiration as of late, I've been completely MIA. I'm still here... and hope to be back in full force one of these days. The spring thaw will come.<br /><br />******<br /><br />In the meantime, I'm honored to present the first non-blogger entry for the <a href="http://www.nursingjobs.org">Nursing Jobs </a>educational scholarships, totalling $5,000 and to be awarded March 31. Get your entries posted by March 19!<br /><br />When <a href="http://www.askshane.org">Shane</a> sent this essay out, offering to let one of <a href="http://www.nursingvoices.com">us</a> post it to our blog, I was immediately drawn to Sarah's story of courage and affirmation. It would seem that she has been "called" to the right profession. What an incredible nurse! Check it out:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Why I Chose Nursing</strong></span></div><div align="center">by Sarah, LPN</div><div align="left"><br />Approximately 6 years ago, I was living in Raleigh, NC. I had a job in the mortgage industry, a "wonderful" husband, a beautiful home, two great kids, and thought I had it all. However, as it sometimes happens, the rug was pulled out from under my high-heeled shoes. My "wonderful" husband decided he wasn’t through dating other women and so we divorced. It was left up to me to provide for myself and my two children. Though I was making a 6-figure-a-year salary, I was quickly beginning to see that it isn’t always about the money. The stress of trying to take care of my children and make a living was catching up fast. </div><div align="left"><br />So, I turned to my high-school dream of becoming a nurse. It was a dream that I had pushed to the back of my mind when I decided to marry and start a family. But I could not pursue my goal, work, and take care of my children alone. So, I reluctantly left the city and returned to my childhood home in Arkansas - and to my family. My parents were such a great help in my pursuit of my RN. However, after 2 years of school, I realized that there was no way my children and I could continue without income. So I decided to take 11 months, get my LPN, and work until my children could graduate from high school. And that’s what I did.</div><div align="left"><br />I have always dreamed of being a nurse and now that I am, I realize even more that this is what I was born to do. I chose to work in the geriatric field because I feel a connection with the elderly and a need to protect the weak. I am in constant search of ways to make my residents feel useful and wanted. I can’t begin to describe the wonderful feeling of joy I receive from my job. Though my salary will never be as it once was, there truly is not enough money in the world to replace the feeling of satisfaction I receive in my work. I became a nurse because I want to make a difference. Now that I am an LPN, I want to continue my education and become an RN. I feel that as an RN I will have a greater effect on LPNs and other nurses. There’s a saying "give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day- teach him to fish and he’ll never be hungry". I feel that this can be applied to my current situation. As an LPN, I can touch the lives of my residents only. As an RN, I can influence the LPNs who will touch so many more.<br /><br />At times I can’t understand why any caring person would not pursue nursing. Then, at other times I see nurses that make me question why they would consider nursing. I feel that nursing is a profession that each person should be "called" to do. Being a nurse is not what you do – it’s what you ARE. And I can proudly say, I am a Nurse.</div><br />******<br /><br />Good luck to you, Sarah. It's obvious that you'll succeed in whatever path you choose.<br /><br />NapgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-71416078707977571652007-02-08T09:45:00.000-05:002007-02-21T15:58:44.869-05:00A Time for Change... of Shift<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4852gEEKGnMhrSMTMszMAM5kDmTLUgvmqIcofyjZbsMCCe49ksDPRD3MoThbBQHHjt9E5_nbGxTuwMVozOA4nwxbMAm-ZI_S3l5o_vA8RGVBaMhyybhoahvcn5iZ_l7EJfjaSh55oUP_s/s1600-h/changeofshift.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028432534978564738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4852gEEKGnMhrSMTMszMAM5kDmTLUgvmqIcofyjZbsMCCe49ksDPRD3MoThbBQHHjt9E5_nbGxTuwMVozOA4nwxbMAm-ZI_S3l5o_vA8RGVBaMhyybhoahvcn5iZ_l7EJfjaSh55oUP_s/s200/changeofshift.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://nurse-ratcheds.blogspot.com/2007/02/its-valentines-day-at-change-of-shift.html">Change of Shift</a> is up over at Nurse Ratched's Place... </div><div align="center">It's a Valentine's edition. Can't you feel the love?<br /><br />Enjoy! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">******</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">In other news, my creative juice pipes have frozen and burst.</div><div align="center">Here's hoping we get a thaw sometime soon. </div><div align="center">This week has been consumed with shoveling, snow days, shivering and shoveling some more.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">BRRRRR!</div>apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-88042628392565572552007-02-06T12:01:00.000-05:002007-02-21T15:36:58.834-05:00On the Other Hand.And in sharp contrast to Labor Girl:<br /><br />******<br /><br />She rolled in by ambulance. Well, ok, the roads were a bit treacherous.<br /><br />EMT: "23 year old female, fourth baby, term, her water broke about 20 minutes ago, she usually delivers an hour after her water breaks."<br /><br />Ok.<br /><br />I'm getting her hooked up to the monitors, asking the usual questions...<br /><br />Any health problems? No.<br />Any problems during the pregnancy? No.<br />Clear fluid? Yes.<br />Any bleeding? No.<br />Feeling the baby move? Yes.<br />Who is your doctor? I don't have one.<br /><br />What?<br /><br /><em>I don't have one.</em><br /><br />You didn't see anyone during the pregnancy? No.<br />Not even one time? No.<br /><br />Okie doke.<br /><br />How do you know how far along you are? I'm about 9 months.<br /><br />Uh-huh.<br /><br />Is there anyone on the way to be with you? No, my husband is home with our other children.<br /><br />Oh my.<br /><br />I said, "It's ok, honey. We're here with you." And I held her hand.<br /><br />******<br /><br />She did deliver a term infant about an hour after her water broke. Doesn't like doctors. Doesn't like hospitals. But my baby will be just fine.<br /><br />And she's probably right.apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-82326657233234530562007-01-31T11:11:00.000-05:002007-02-21T16:06:07.136-05:00Girls Just Wanna Have... Babies.<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRxi62GkUGxSq3dhZ1rSzDebVRU_EDWugOVf7UkYTKQmOu0XcoCWHeSkzkgJsFC63Ebqi0t1VEvcNWIn3FQ0JWK4Qb_oO2RgidoU9_dctJ6BDFdHH-1Kp-an3x7hiDFSIASfZknuXClQl/s1600-h/birthball2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026293383567118962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRxi62GkUGxSq3dhZ1rSzDebVRU_EDWugOVf7UkYTKQmOu0XcoCWHeSkzkgJsFC63Ebqi0t1VEvcNWIn3FQ0JWK4Qb_oO2RgidoU9_dctJ6BDFdHH-1Kp-an3x7hiDFSIASfZknuXClQl/s200/birthball2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">You know her. She's the <em>labor-wannabe</em>. Let's call her Labor Girl.<br /><br />******<br /><br />Labor Girl arrives in the ER, breathless, cheeks flushed, anxious but elated. <em>This must be it</em>!<br /><br />Her husband, let's call him Dear Hubby, parks the car and then joins her in ER triage, arms loaded with suitcases, birthing ball, boppy, radio and fan. He is a little panicky... a trickle of persperation slides from his upper lip. <em>What have I gotten myself into?</em><br /><br />But Labor Girl is thrilled. The deck of Uno cards is tucked into the front pocket of her suitcase, and a CD of soothing music resides in the portable stereo. <em>This is going to be fun!</em><br /><br />She is quickly retrieved from the ER and wheeled to OB triage, breathing obediently when her belly hardens. The babe inside her kicks in protest. She smiles knowingly.<br /><br />******<br /><br />Once she is safely ensconced in her tiny (if not somewhat unsatisfactory) triage room, she slowly strips out of the clothing she had carefully planned as her "going to the hospital" outfit. Dons the threadbare and breezy hospital gown, careful not to displace her perfectly coiffed hair and generously applied makeup. Pushes the call light.<br /><br />Dear Hubby commences hand-wringing in the corner. Perhaps Labor Girl should share her deep-breathing techniques with him.<br /><br />******<br /><br />Soon the monitors are applied, blood pressure and temperature checked. Labor Girl dutifully answers the questions of the triage nurse, alternately smiling and breathing with the periodic tightening. </div><br /><br /><br /><em>"Well... I'd rate these contractions about 6 or 7 on the pain scale." </em>Straight face. It's that darn <a href="http://mysecondstage.blogspot.com/2007/01/ouch.html">pain scale</a> again.<br /><br />******<br /><br />Bad news.<br /><br />"<em>I'm only dilated to 2 cm?"</em><br /><br />Labor Girl is clearly disappointed.<br />Doubt begins to curl around the edges of her optimism.<br /><em>"Are you going to send me home?"</em><br /><br />******<br /><br />After a short while, the monitors are removed, and Labor Girl begrudgingly goes for a stroll. This isn't as <em>fun </em>as she had anticipated. Who wants to go for a walk at 2:30 in the morning? Another wave of doubt crests. <em>Maybe if I walk a little faster</em>.<br /><br />******<br /><br />Round and round she drags Dear Hubby, whose exhaustion has overtaken his fears.<br /><br />The nurses smile understandingly each time the determined couple rounds the corner. Does Labor Girl think this is a race that she can win? That if she makes it through the hallways quickly enough or does enough laps, then we'll keep her?<br /><br />******<br /><br />It's time to be rechecked.<br /><br />"<em>Yes</em>," Labor Girl nods to the nurse. "<em>The contractions feel much stronger</em>!"<br /><br />She holds her breath, awaiting the verdict.<br /><br />"<em>I'm still 2 cm</em>?!"<br /><br />******<br /><br />And now, here it is: the Walk of Shame.<br /><br />Poor Labor Girl.<br /><br />She trudges out the doors, pouting, vistaril in hand. <em>How can this NOT be it?</em><br /><br />Dear Hubby gathers the belongings and follows her solemnly home. <em>Thank goodness this wasn't it.</em><br /><br />******<br /><br />And so, you see, sometimes no matter how badly you want it, labor it is not.<br /><br />Maybe next time, Labor Girl.<br /><br />I'm sure we'll see you soon... </div>apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-27688605627079341812007-01-29T16:15:00.000-05:002007-02-21T15:37:38.625-05:00Count Me InI want to form a committee.<br /><br />I hereby volunteer to chair the Committee for Outlawing Committees that Accomplish Absolutely Nothing Except Wasting Valuable Time (COCAANEWVT). Anyone care to join me?<br /><br />Seriously.<br /><br />As a *lowly* staff nurse, I am subjected daily to the whims and wishes of upper management. Start a new type of charting starting by this deadline, go to this inservice on one of the above days, try to work amicably with nurses from postpartum when they need your help, don't forget your core ideals, have face-to-face conversations when you disagree with coworkers, make sure you pick up your shoes in the locker room... and on and on.<br /><br />You might hypothesize that a good way to mitigate this problem would be to join one of the numerous committees that are dependent on staff nurse participation in order provide input and encourage change in the workplace.<br /><br />If only it worked that way.<br /><br />Despite the best of intentions, committees with which I have been involved rarely accomplish any tangible change. We spend hours brainstorming great ideas that should improve the flow of our work, the effectiveness of our communication, and the professionalism of our practice. But first we must delegate responsibility for each new concept to a subcommittee, survey staff as a whole to guage what kind of reception this change will receive, propose said idea to management for approval, and create posters and inservices so that everyone will know how to alter their practice.<br /><br />Oh sure, we spend hours on implementation and evaluation of new ideas. We are congratulated by managers for our active participation in these processes. Thank you for all that you do to improve our unit, blah, blah, blah...<br /><br />Does anything ever really change? No.<br /><br />The finance committee has been hard at work. There are reams of paper lying around somewhere to prove that the new charging system in triage is more effective than the old one. Or were the papers used to disprove it? Who knows. And I'm sure the new Good Job forms work infinitely better than the outdated ones. Good thing the central values committee spent weeks on that. Now, how can we solve the problem of inadequate staffing during peak scheduled procedure times? Let's send an OB tech to the recovery room to help and make the secretaries do baby baths. But we'd better filter that idea down through the OB tech and secretary committees.<br /><br />Last item on the agenda: the inconsequential issue of low staff morale and poor RN retention?<br /><br />Let's pass that one on to the shared leadership committee. I'm sure they'll have that one solved in no time.<br /><br />Meeting adjourned.apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-60635975924231414292007-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:002007-02-21T15:59:15.694-05:00And on a BUSY night...Finally, a busy night with the pedometer, and I feel somewhat vindicated.<br /><br />15,367 steps!<br /><br />That's 7.03 miles!<br /><br />My dogs are barkin'... time to put them to bed.apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-23272604478068459472007-01-26T17:02:00.000-05:002007-02-21T15:54:18.810-05:00<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObrfUz_byUW6bX33aeOGutO7rs62xJjH8DSlWehITdz366ypoKctG0yeKUtrFnLUKXMbAnLDsjrJKd1m-EyrMq26JR0w-zhnI_PB7jFO10_Idqi6eEP3G84GkORztNCs-qGLqNW3jlZ_I/s1600-h/changeofshift.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024463392491573858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObrfUz_byUW6bX33aeOGutO7rs62xJjH8DSlWehITdz366ypoKctG0yeKUtrFnLUKXMbAnLDsjrJKd1m-EyrMq26JR0w-zhnI_PB7jFO10_Idqi6eEP3G84GkORztNCs-qGLqNW3jlZ_I/s320/changeofshift.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Change of Shift is up at <a href="http://www.emergiblog.com/2007/01/change-of-shift-volume-one-number-sixteen.html">Kim's blog</a>.<br /><br />Cheers! </div>apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-28719957973612011022007-01-22T10:27:00.000-05:002007-02-28T11:28:29.260-05:00How Will Nurse Blogging Change You?Since embarking on this nurse blog journey, I've noticed several changes in myself, both practical and philosophical. Perhaps these are changes that would have occurred in the natural evolution of my nursing career... I'll never know.<br /><br />I am increasingly aware of issues about which I would never have given a second thought, and I have started to apply what I'm learning at the bedside. I've also found myself becoming more lucid and verbal in work-related situations which I previously would probably have either ignored or gone with the status quo. Lately, I look at nursing issues (and sometimes life as a whole) from a new and wider perspective.<br /><br />Take some time blog-hopping, described <a href="http://secondeffort.blogspot.com/2007/01/bloghopping-sort-of.html">here</a> by the Curmudgeon. Or simply read through a few of the links on my sidebar. You'll see what I mean.<br /><br />I have to conclude that reading up on the opinions and experiences of the other medical bloggers out there, and responding or at least pondering a response, has changed me. Perhaps not always for the better. I have to admit I've been caught up from time to time, mindlessly lurking from one blog to the next, soaking up useless and sometimes utterly personal information from the multitude of blogs available.<br /><br />However, if I peruse with a purpose (wink), sometimes I am struck with inspiration. To change my practice, adjust my attitude, or be called to action. All of which, I find, are stretching my limits and my yearning for growth and knowledge anew.<br /><br />At times, I am also discouraged by what I read. I must confess that I am humbled by the bloggers whom I admire, those who write both prolifically and eloquently on a level to which I aspire. But if I stay silent until I measure up, this blog will lay dormant forever. It is those I seek to emulate who make me both afraid to click the "Publish" button and compelled to do so.<br /><br />Speaking of my heroes, you can read Kim's ideas for beginning nurse bloggers <a href="http://www.emergiblog.com/2006/12/how-to-become-a-nurse-blogtitioner.html">here</a>. See what I mean? Witty, comprehensive, insightful? Check, check, and check.<br /><br />I'd love to hear how blogging has changed YOU... for better or worse. After all, this dialogue is what blogging is all about.<br /><br />Or something.apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-87226881702243430132007-01-21T09:22:00.000-05:002007-02-21T15:38:20.362-05:00Day 3Best yet: 8,415 steps!<br /><br />And still not THAT busy.<br /><br />Huh.apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5735725958151799281.post-86983914468262356092007-01-20T09:40:00.000-05:002007-02-21T15:38:33.360-05:00Day 26,647 steps!<br /><br />3.04 miles.<br /><br />92 steps/min.<br /><br />Not even a busy night. (not complaining about that!)apgaRNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16664097462163551432noreply@blogger.com0