Happy Holidays! :)

So, I've missed a few important things as I've been lazily recovering from my surgery. My parents celebrated another anniversary; I celebrated another birthday; Christmas has come and gone; my brother celebrated a birthday; and I'm sure there are many other things that have happened since I last posted.

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas. I had a very low-key day spent with friends. I think I was able to talk to all of my family and many of my friends that are far away. I am very blessed. It was a warm day in North Texas, but then again, you never quite know what to expect in December. One day you can have ice on the roads, the next it could be 70 degrees.

I was able to spend yesterday with Jen. We went shopping at Firewheel (an outdoor mall). Her husband only had to work a partial day, so he stayed home with their son. It had been awhile since it had just been the two of us. We had a blast and were able to find some really good deals!

Today, the yarn store I frequent, had their year-end sale. I met some of the ladies I crochet and knit with early (4 am) and we waited for the store to open at 6. We were able to get an extra 5% off our purchase. Everything was already 35% off. I got a book I had been wanting and yarn for two sweaters. I had received a couple of gift cards from some friends and used money from those! :)

I have to head back to work on the 2nd. I'm going to try to get some semblance of schedule back in my system. It's been nice to be able to be so lax. I didn't realize how much I really did need some time off. I'm going to make a trip to OKC to see the baby (and his parents). I've been trying to get up there since he was born, and it just hasn't worked out. If I don't do it now, who knows when I'll be able to get up there. Plus, I have a whole bunch of stuff I've made for him that I want them to be able to use! I'm looking forward to a slight change of pace even for just a day or two.

I guess that's all that's been going on. I really have planned on starting to post more. It's just hard when you don't feel good. That's all changing! I'm feeling better. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers as I've gone through this journey. More later, cjb

Slowly but surely

I'm sure some of you are wondering how I'm doing. Well, I'm came through surgery nicely. Mom flew in from OKC on Sunday and we had a lovely evening. We went to dinner and then went grocery shopping for the week. I very rarely have enough food in the house and I knew mom would be cooking to freeze food while I recover, so we made our list and went and got everything we needed. We were quite the site carrying 10 bags each up my flight of stairs!!

I had to be at the surgery center at noon for a 1:00 surgery. The doctor was running late and my surgery started at 3:00. I think I recovered pretty quickly and we were home by about 6 or 6:30, just in time for the ice to start. The first night was the worst, but mom was so good to help me get out of bed everytime and reminded me to take my pain medication.

Tuesday was ok. I slept til about 9:30 and took a nap around 2 for a couple of hours. When I woke up, we started working in the living room a little bit. Mom would ask me where I wanted something and she would promptly place it there. This was wonderful. We were able to make it through a couple of boxes on Tuesday.

Wednesday was a much better day. Mom and I ran some errands and ate lunch out. I took a nap when we got home and then we did more unpacking and decorating. By the time we went to bed the living room was completely boxless and beautiful!!!

Today we managed to get mom back to the airport. She drove and I drove back. I took a nap when I got home and then ran a couple of errands after I woke up. I'm having a pretty low-key evening.

I'm sooo thankful that mom was able to come down and spend some time with me. She did more than I expected her to do! Thank you so much for helping me start my recovery, Mom!! You're the best!!

About time for an update

I know it's been awhile since I've updated, so i figured before I go in for surgery, I'd post again.

Not much has been going on. I've just been working and attempting to stay out of pain! My feet are doing much better. And after this surgery, my other pain will be gone. I have to be off work until Jan 2, so I will miss working Christmas and New Year's. It shouldn't be that big of a deal. We will start slowing down a lot soon. I just can't believe I only have two more days to work and then my surgery is here. I'm thankful mom will be here.

I'm enjoying my time on Ravelry. I've gotten to know a lot of the Traveling Scarf group pretty well. We are doing an awesome several month long secret swap. My partner sent me some awesome bath goodies last month and I can't wait to use them! I love spoiling someone (though I can't give any hints as to who it is because she might be reading!).

Work remains work . . . a lot of changes are going on as we continue to grow. It makes for some stressful times with everyone, but we make it through!

A major cold front came through a couple of nights ago and it dropped into the 20's. We had some snow flurries, but nothing stuck. I am trying hard to stay warm. I've been drinking lots of hot tea and hot cocoa. And if you're wondering, the heat came on a couple of weeks ago!

I'll update again after my surgery, cjb

New sponsors

I would like to welcome my newest sponsors to my website. If you have a chance, and are need of new scrubs, head on over to Medical Scrubs Mall and Uniform Advantage for your needs!!

You can also click their ads to the right of my page and they will get you straight to their websites!!

Thanks for visiting my site!! cjb

New toy

Ok, so it's not really a toy. I've contemplated buying one of these for a really long time, but have never really been able to justify it to myself until I saw the $5 dollar coupon in the paper. I don't have a lot of floor to mop, so I normally just use PineSol and a sponge. There hasn't been much of a point for a mop. A small one bedroom apartment doesn't call for one!! Until now. . . I finally broke down and bought the Swiffer Wet Jet today. Seriously, this has got to be one of the best inventions ever. You just have to sweep up the big stuff and it do the rest for you. You just snap a few pieces together, slap a cleaning pad on the velcro and go to the floor you need to clean. It is awesome.

Just thought I'd share. If you don't have one and you've been thinking about getting one, you probably should! cjb

21 days?

Ok, so I was informed by my mom that I hadn't posted since the 2nd. I figured I'd post an update.

Not much has happened with work . . . much of the same. I'm trying to pick up extra shifts while they are being offered because we are heading into our slow season where we are called off a lot. Plus, with my surgery coming up on Dec 15th, I need to stash away some extra PTO and cash. I'm sure you'll hear more than you care to by the time I head back to work at the end of the year!

I'm almost finished with PT. I have one more week and then I head back to the ortho doc for my re-eval!

Not much else is going on. More when I decide to pop in! :-) cjb

Two days didn't kill me

When I left work yesterday they asked me if I would come in to work at 11. If they needed me earlier, the charge nurse would call me when she got in and assessed the situation. However, my phone rang at 5:15 this morning and they asked if I would come in at 9 because they didn't have room for any admissions. Since I called in sick earlier in the week, I preferred to make up my hours than to use PTO. I ended up only being two and a half hours short, so I may not even need to use PTO this time because of my shift diff from today.

I hurt a little bit when I woke up, but not like I have been. I took my medication and ate my breakfast and pressed on with my morning. It wasn't too bad when I got to work. There wasn't anyone waiting to be admitted. Though, I figured they would hit soon. We ended up getting two admissions back to back. One of the other nurses took one of the admissions and I took the other one. I ended up with an acute MI that went straight to the cath lab. I love getting acute MI's. Most of the time they are so teachable. It is so much better than just monitoring cardiac enzymes. I feel like I actually get to do my job!

I'm very tired though. I'm glad I have tomorrow off. I don't have any plans. I've already bought my groceries. I think I may just stay home and do a lot of nothing but laundry and take care of me!!

Off to rest my feet. More later, cjb

Relief is spelled

Naprelan. It is basically naproxen on steroids. I only have to take it once a day. For the first time in months, I was able to walk up several flights of stairs without my feet killing me. I also left work today without feeling like I was going to die. I know it's not a long term solution, but it's a start. Between this and therapy I think I'll be functioning again soon.

I just wanted to post something positive. Now, I'm off to rest! cjb

Happy Halloween

No plans here. I went to the ortho doc again today. I remembered to ask for meds and our plan is to start therapy. My first therapy appointment is Tuesday. We'll see how it works out. At this point, I'm willing to try just about anything short of surgery. Though i have wanted to cut my feet off after a grueling shift.

I also made it out to put an application in for a part-time job at a walk-in clinic. I don't know when I'll hear back from them, but I know that I need a change of pace as well as some extra cash to get some bills paid off.

I head back to work tomorrow. I think I have adjusted to the migraine medication adjustment. Not much else to report. I'll check in with you later, cjb

ouch

So, I hurt, bad . . . .I know this is nothing new from the past few weeks, but I just want it to go away. Having my feet taped is using different muscles and doesn't feel like it is really working. I tried to keep the tape dry during my shower and that wasn't very successful, so it started peeling off last night. I woke up with a migraine yesterday and again today. I went to work yesterday, but wasn't going to do it two days in a row. It's really hard to take good care of people when you can hardly take care of yourself. So after I called in early this morning, I took some meds and went back to bed. I just got out of the shower and have now positioned myself back on the couch where I am again a vegetable. I know there are people who are a lot sicker than I am, but it is so hard to feel this way day in and day out and keep my spirits up.

That's all. I promise I'll try to be more positive next time, cjb

Trucking along

Well, I really am still here. I'm trying to get better at posting and when I think I'm going to post something, well, it just doesn't want to happen.

I successfully managed 3 doctor's appointments in under a week. I made it to the ortho doc for my feet and we are working on getting me better. I go back to see him on Friday to see if it works. My feet aren't used to being all wrapped up and are feeling claustrophobic, but I'll work through it. I also met my new neurologist. I really like him. We are going to try adjusting my Topamax to a morning and evening dosage to see if that gets rid of the rest of my headaches. The last time I took Topamax in the morning I was a zombie, but it's been awhile. And, Topamax goes generic in January!!! I'm so doing the happy dance. It's going to save me quite a bit of money.

It's finally fall in north Texas and I'm loving it. The temps haven't gotten much out of the 50's the last couple of days. I'm bundling up at night, but still no heat. I just get too hot.

I've been working on lots of projects (as always). I have a hoodie in progress for myself and I can't wait to have it finished. It's going to be so soft and warm (and made by me)! I'll post pics when I finish it. I promise I'll have pictures of other stuff eventually. I've just been making lots of presents that I can't post right now.

Not much else is going on. I'll post later, cjb

So much to do

Why is it there always seems to be so much to do when I have to work and can't seem to get it done? I had a great weekend away. I forgot what it was like to relax. Yeah, I have days off, but i don't get much relaxing done. It was good to see my parents and my grandparents. I really need to be better about going to see my grandparents while I can. I make too many excuses about traffic and such. They were so excited to see me and it was so good to see them. We all had a good visit and of course I did a good nursing evaluation! ;-)

I got home Sunday evening and had a few things to get done around the house. Of course, I put them off because I was supposed to be off two more days. However, my phone rang, not once, but twice Monday morning asking me to come in to work around 1 for the rest of the shift. We have had a lot of illnesses and injuries lately that have left us really shorthanded. They probably could have managed without me, but I knew that I had today off and that I would NOT go in today. It wasn't too bad and I ended up with only two patients. Of course, I helped all the other nurses out. Plus, the six extra hours on my paycheck won't hurt . . . especially when I end up in a little bit of OT on Saturday.

I have no choice today, I must get some cleaning done. I've put it off for way too long. I'm truly motivated now. I'm finishing breakfast and then I'm going to get started on the kitchen. Then maybe the bedroom. We'll see how far I manage to get today. I work again tomorrow.

I hope your week is going well. Continue to have a good one! cjb

Project

I was approached by a fellow blogger to help her and her daughter with a project. They are tracking the number of hits and where the hits come from to their blog. If you have a second and don't mind heading over to Wonders and Marvels, I'm sure they would appreciate it!! Thanks, cjb

I'm really not crazy

Well, maybe that remains to be seen, but I received a phone call from my GYN's office this morning and actually had a semi-decent conversation with my Dr's nurse. She is normally very condescending. She called to find out more about why I needed a referral to a neurologist. So we talked about that. And then she told me that my labs came back and that my estrogen level is low. My GYN is consulting a specialist to figure out where to go from here, but the hot flashes are not all in my head. On so many levels, this makes me feel better. I don't really want to take more medicine, but I don't really want to be sweating like a pig while I'm working either. So, we'll see what happens.

Today starts my run of days off and I'm happy about that. I'll post later, cjb

Another run in

So tonight I had a nurse approach me during report and say that I had offended him this morning during report. Apparently saying that something is common sense is not acceptable. Let me preface this. Patient X is on suicide precautions. I come to work and get report on patient X and find the door closed and blinds closed on the window AND the door. WTF?!?! How can you watch a patient on suicide watch with the door and blinds closed? I'm just curious?

Anyway, I wasn't supposed to work today. It was a PTO day. I'll probably be written up by the nurse above and I really don't care. I know that I provided excellent care to the patient.

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I finally scheduled an appointment for my feet. I just can't take it anymore. It will be a week from Monday. I'm also trying to get in to see a new neurologist since mine moved away. When I called, I found out that I have to have a referral. Why should I have to have a referral when I'm taking major meds for my migraines that really need to be followed by a neurologist that I've actually been seeing for the past three years. And just because he chose to move away, I have to try to find someone to refer me to a new neurologist.

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I have to go now, Grey's is on. More later, cjb

Crazy Days

So, I know I haven't been good at posting. I have had many hard days at work and I don't really know where to go with what's been going on. I've had to process most of it internally. I still have a couple of months before my contract is up with the floor I'm on, but as you know, my feelers have been out. I think I've found another option within the hospital I'm in. I still have to do some research and questioning on it, but it would be 4 10 hour days with occasional call. I think it sounds like a good option.

Yesterday was a particularly hard day for me. I actually discharged all my patients and had the opportunity to go home. I don't know why I didn't take it, but one of my co-workers really wanted to leave and so I took over her patients. Plus, I figured it was only a couple of hours and it couldn't be too bad. It turned out that she had not done a lot of her work and I was left with a mess. I had two infiltrated IV's (that needed fluids running through them) and one lab draw that hadn't been done and several medicines that hadn't been given. Most of this was from several hours earlier in the day. I probably wouldn't have been so upset if I hadn't have seen her chatting up a storm with other co-workers and surfing the internet most of her shift. And then after reporting off to me, she stayed and charted for an hour and a half. I really try no to get involved in what other nurses are doing because I have my own work to do. I also try to stay on top of my work and don't chat or anything like that until I'm completely caught up.

I work Monday and Tuesday and possibly one other day next week then I get to see my parents this weekend. I won't have to be back to work until next Wednesday. I'm looking forward to having some time off.

I hope everyone is doing well. I'm still hanging on. . . cjb

Alive and kickin'

So I think I'm really going to survive. I'm getting used to having to wear shoes almost all the time. I'm still having some pain, but it's manageable. I'm also enjoying having a little bit of time off to rest. Maybe by Friday, I'll be able to work the entire day without hurting too bad.

I know I had some great ideas on posts, but I can't for the life of me remember what they were. I hope life in y our world is good. I'll post later, cjb

Welcome . . .

to Scrubs Gallery. My first official sponsor!! If you look to the right of my page, you may notice under my picture an advertisement for Scrubs Gallery. Please feel free to click on the ad and shop the store.

A little setback

So I was doing really well walking and then I started getting some really bad leg and heel pain. The heel pain has been going on for a little while, but it wasn't too bad and after I rested I was fine. Well, after I started walking and then worked the next two days, I could hardly move my legs. I had been thinking about getting some new shoes and heard about a place close that will actually fit you for shoes after watching you walk. I ended up going there on Thursday. It turns out that I've done more damage than I thought. I am supposed to wear my shoes from the time I get out of bed until the time I go back to bed. I also have to lay off walking until my legs are better. I only worked a 6 hour shift yesterday and didn't think I was going to make it through. I rested the remainder of the day and am resting all day today. Hopefully I'll be able to make it through tomorrow at work. Then I'm off for three days.

Just for the record, I hate wearing shoes. This is going to be a challenge. But, if it will keep me away from the doctor for a little while, then I guess it's worth it. I really want to try to get this to resolve on its own. I've found a few exercises that I'm going to start doing and my shoes are right by my bed so I can put them on as soon as I get up. So, that's what's going on. Until next time, cjb

Go me . . .

So it may not be much, but it's something. I finally got my butt in gear and started walking again. I found a nice route through the neighborhood I live in that's 1.5 miles. My goal is to walk every day that I don't work. Right now committing to walking on days I work is just too much for me to even think about. So I have two days under my belt.

Not much else is going on. Just glad that we finally have primetime TV back. Of course, I'm anxiously awaiting Thursday!!

Still working on lots and lots of projects. They seem to keep me sane right now. Most of them I can't talk about . . . maybe at the end of the year you'll see pictures!

Hope you are all doing good. I'll keep posting. . .I promise, cjb

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish my Dad (the most wonderful dad in the world) a very happy birthday! I wish I could be there to give you a big hug today. Thank you for everything you've done and continue to do for me! I hope you had a wonderful day! I love you very much!!

9/11 . . .

Do you remember what you were doing 7 years ago today? I do. I was working for a card store in a mall. The mall closed. My manager came in and we set our Christmas cards. I couldn't stand to go home. What was the point? To watch the same horrific footage on tv over and over again? I don't think any of us will forget that day. It changed the way we think and the way we live.


My PRN job fell through. It's ok. I probably don't need the extra stress right now anyway. It was a nice thought while it lasted. There are several places closer that I can look at if I decide, too. The truth is, I work at a very new hospital. We are constantly undergoing growth changes. There are lots of things that could be different, but there are lots of good things, too. I'll reassess after I fulfill my commitment. I'll have a year under my belt and will be able to go just about anywhere.

Thank you all for your kind comments and thoughts. Not much else is going on. Til next time, cjb

New beginnings

So, it's no secret that I've been struggling with many things lately. I had an opportunity kind of sneak up on me that I decided to at least check out for my sanity. I was contacted by a manager of a PACU at a surgery center to interview for a position they had open. I went in and interviewed today. While I didn't commit to changing jobs, I did accept a PRN position to see if I'm just in the wrong place right now. I have an obligation that I have to fulfill with the hospital I'm currently working for, but I only work three days a week. And if this works out, I can always go to weekends and pick up even more shifts. It's only 8 hour shifts and seems like much less stress. There's a lot of variety, which means my skill set will be challenged, but I think I'm learning that I'm not happy where I am.

I've also started working on a new sweater. I'm not sure if I like it yet or not. I'm actually contemplating frogging it and making it a cardigan instead. I've got several traveling scarves in the works, as well as another square group going. This, of course, doesn't include all the Christmas things I need to get done, and all the BABY stuff I still have to do. I don't think I can even list all my UFO's right. I know I carry around four or five at a time!

I think that's all the news for today. It's back to the grindstone tomorrow. More later, cjb

Happy September

I promise I'm still alive. I somehow managed to get back into a funk that doesn't want to go away this time. I make it to work and care for my patients, but when I'm home it takes everything in me to even go to the store. I try not to post when I'm really down because it's just too much to even think about putting out there.

I finally got my application and transcript submitted to UTA. I should be hearing from them shortly about where we go from here. In so many ways, I really don't want to go back to school. But, I know that I need to do this. Maybe having a little more structure on my off days will help.

I'm still struggling to find my balance. Bear with me. I promise I'll get there, cjb

Happy 3rd Blogiversary and 400th post!!

I did it! I made my 400th post coincide with my 3rd blogiversary!! I don't think I could have done it if I had tried. I just realized a couple of days ago that I was close and wanted to try to make it happen.

This blog has been through a lot of changes over 3 years. I started blogging before I was even in nursing school and now I'm a full-fledged RN, contemplating going back to school for my bachelors degree. It's seen me at my best and my worst. I'm sure there are many more changes and challenges in the future.

Thanks for reading and commenting. Keep coming back (I promise to keep updating), cjb

Cold

In an effort to reach 400 posts by my blogiversary, I'm posting tonight. Not because I want to, but because I feel like I have to.

I have a cold. I feel miserable. I had to work today and it was miserable. Most of my patients were kind and understanding. They all told me to come home and rest. I should have been the one taking care of them. I did however find a good deal at Walgreen's today. They had their generic nyquil on sale buy one get one free. So I did.

I also have to go pick my car up tomorrow. Sometime after 10 and before 1. Darn collision place. Don't they know that's like the busiest time of my day? Oh well, I have to go. . .

And why do they have do maintenance on the parking garage when there isn't adequate overflow parking? It's stupid. They closed the parking garage at 6:00 pm. Why not close it to the incoming shift and then make all the guests move their cars ~ not the shift that going to be leaving soon. Are they really going to be working on the garage overnight ~ I seriously doubt it. Oh well . . .

I'm through. I told you that you really didn't want to hear what I had to say today. You were forewarned. Good night. My nyquil and I are going to bed now, cjb

I did it

I sent my application in to UTA. . . I figured I might as well. I know I haven't been blogging a lot lately. I kinda talked about that in my last blog, but I'm coming up on my 3rd blogiversary and I'm almost at my 400th post, so I'm going to try to make them coincide. I think posting tomorrow and then on the 30th (which is the day I started blogging) will get me to 400 on the 30th. You may not get a lot of meat, but it gives me something to work towards.

I'm trying to find my USB cord to get pics off my camera from my nephew's b-day party. We went bowling Saturday before his party and I have some cute pics. Maybe I'll make one of the posts nothing but pictures because you HAVE to see Devon's b-day cake!!

Not much else is going on. Just fighting off this cold and trying to keep my head above water. Hope everyone is doing okay. Next post is one more closer to 400!! cjb

Rainy days in August

Maybe that's why I'm so down in the dumps. . . Well, that and the fact that vandals decided that my GPS unit needed to belong to them and not to me, so they broke out my drivers side window and stole it. Yep, that's how I found my car yesterday morning, pre-Starbucks - in the rain (thankfully under the carport). I filed a police report and the police officer kindly took me to work since there was glass all over the driver's seat. They came and replaced the glass yesterday. I still have to get the window tinted and have to get the window motor fixed. There are lots of scrapes inside the car. I'll have the collision place look it over and see if they are fixable. I may meet my $500 faster than I thought.

In other news, I'm almost finished with my application to UTA for the RN-BSN program. The reps came and talked to us today and I was able to get them my official transcript, so I saved a stamp! Woo hoo! I'll finish the rest of the application online and pay the application fee and should be set to start in January.

Not much else is going on. Planning a trip to OKC for the nephew's b-day this weekend. I'll post later, cjb

My crazy world

So I haven't posted like I expected to over the past week or so. I haven't really been in the mood to blog or share what I've been feeling. I can't really explain it other than I need some time away from here. It doesn't mean that I won't post, but I've got to find some balance. I don't know how. Work is completely and utterly overwhelming. I was hoping this would pass. We get patients transferred from other hospital's ICUs to our step-down ICU (where I work). The acuity just keeps going up. And the amount of energy it takes for me to even think about going in is getting higher and higher. I've had two patients in the last week that have tried to go south on me. I guess it's good that I prevented that, but the anxiety it causes in the meantime is insane. I have no appetite. That's not good when you work 12 hour shifts. I'm still crocheting. I just need some time to get back on track. If I don't post in the meantime, please understand . . . cjb

Wow ~ where have I been?

Sorry I haven't posted in forever. I've had a lot of days working two on, one off or one on, one off. It's starts to wear on you. I hope you've been following my Twitter updates. I promise you'll get a better view of what goes on in my mind if you read those! ;-) I now have an unplanned week off and am very excited about it. I don't have anything major planned. As always I still need to get a lot done in the house. I hope to continue with the motivation I have going today.

So I guess the biggest thing going on right now is that I'm working on applying to UTA for their RN to BSN program. They have a partnership with the hospital I work with and they already have all of my transcripts except my most recent one. It's daunting, but I know I need to get it done. I gave myself a year off. I'll plan to start in January.

Not much else is going on. Just wanted to actually post something! Hope things are going good in your neck of the woods! cjb

Lots of work + some play = busy me

So, I ended up going in to work on Thursday to work from 3-7. Apparently there's someone who can now only work 8 hour shifts, so the rest of us have to pick up the slack. I ended up working til almost 8 because I had two patients in the cath lab and had next to no charting done. Those 4 hours had me running like nobody's business. I then worked Friday and Saturday with minimal complications. I was pretty worn out because one of my patients was on multiple IV antibiotics and all of my patients were diabetics. I felt like I hardly had a chance to sit down.

I went out with a new girl friend for dinner on Saturday night. We had a good visit and I look forward to getting together with her again soon. I got home around 10:30 and managed to wind down and go to bed fully expecting to have Sunday off.

However, my phone rang and woke me from a dead sleep at 8:45. An agency nurse didn't show up and they really needed someone to come in. I was in overtime, so that was a plus and they offered me a bonus and to pay me for the full 12 hours. I knew I'd be off today and tomorrow, and that I'd have the same patients back, so I went ahead and went in. It was another busy day, but at least it went by fairly quick.

Today is going to be a laid back day. I'm sore all over and pretty tired. I do need to run a few errands, but other than that not much is going on. I hope you had a good weekend and have a good week ahead of you. I'll post later, cjb

Call me crazy . . .

but I've gone and signed up for Twitter. It sounded like so much fun! If you are a member, you can find me as nursepickle. Also, my updates are on my sidebar, AND, I can update from my cell phone via text message, so if I'm having a really crappy (or great) day at work, I can chat about it!

That's all, I'm just saying. . . cjb

Ohh Laa Laa . . .

So all the time I spent on those many days off wasn't for naught. I actually finished my first.garment.ever! I'm pretty proud of myself. I love the color. I think there are some minor adjustments if I were to make this pattern again, but nothing too major. The picture isn't all that great. It took several attempts with me and my self-timer to get it just right and then I had to settle for this one because I got frustrated with all the attempts it took, but I'm pleased with picture overall.



On a work note, I survived yesterday with minimal damage. Thankfully we were staffed yesterday so most of us didn't have more than three patients. We'll see what the rest of the week brings. I think this next schedule (which is due on Friday), I'm actually going to put in my requested days instead of being so flexible and letting them do my schedule and see if that helps alleviate some of my stress.

Not much else is going on here. Just going to make dinner. More later, cjb

Back to my old self

I'm finally feeling back to normal. I got caught up on all the laundry (well, the last loads are in the washer and dryer). I still have some unpacking to do, but it's getting down to stuff that isn't a necessity at this point. I got all my barstools put together.

It's back to work tomorrow. I've been off for almost 6 days. I don't know what to expect. I'm a little bit nervous. After all, the last time I was there, it wasn't very pretty. But, I've decided that I can't worry about it. I have to take care of myself no matter what. I didn't realize that I wasn't.

Not much else is going on. Just trying to get the house back in order. I just work tomorrow then I'm off for two days and then I work for two days. It's not too bad for trying to get back in the swing of things. I'll post later, cjb

Summer Swap Package

I've joined Ravelry which is an online knitting and crochet community. One of the forums I'm on is a secret swap where you are given a partner to send a certain amount of yarn and other things to and someone else will do the same for you. I got an awesome partner. She truly spoiled me, as you can tell by the package I received above. She sent me some amazing crochet stitch markers along with some teas and lots and lots of yarn! Nisha, thank you so much for this amazing package! It really couldn't have come at a better time!

I've also finished another project. It's called the paperless grocery bag. I really like the way it turned out. I made three inches stripes instead of making it solid. I'm happy with it.

I'll post more later, cjb

Just an update

So I figured I'd post a little update. I've really been trying to take it easy as much as I can the last few days. Thursday I slept in a lot later than I'm used to doing and then I spent the rest of the day with Jen watching movies at her place. I ran a lot of errands and such yesterday. I think I'm going to try to get some cleaning done today. I'm starting to feel better. I haven't had any more chest pain. They called from work to see if I would work on Sunday, but I told them that I just wanted them to use my PTO for the days I missed. I really just need to re-focus and relax. I don't have any plans, just taking it easy. Thanks for checking in on me. I'll post again later, cjb

What to say?

So there's been lots going on in my little life recently. I guess I'll start with the good news. As many of you know, my brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first child in December. We found out Monday that they are having a boy. They told me that he was not shy about anything and that he has his daddy's feet and legs (read long). I'm very happy for them and now I can start working on crochet projects for our boy peanut! ;-)

Work has been just as crazy as always. I worked Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Nothing much has changed there. Just doing my best to keep my head above water (more on that in a bit).

I headed back to my GYN yesterday for my 2nd 3 month follow-up since the colopscopy and LEEP late last year. As long as this one comes back normal, I'll go to a 6 month check up in December and then hopefully back to yearly check-ups. While I was there, we talked about some abdominal pain that I've been having and decided that I'll go see a GI doc to rule that out. I promised to have my records sent to her since she's been following this since pretty much day 1. On a good note here, I love my GYN. Even though she's not in network, I will continue to see her until my insurance won't pay.

I started having some chest pain yesterday that I attributed to anxiety r/t returning to work today and a few other minor things happening and tried to relax to let it settle down. I also took a few Tums to no avail. This morning, when I got to work, the pain was no better, and I was also VERY emotional. I was upset with my assignment (it was very heavy for anyone ~ especially a 7 month new grad). By 9:15, my supervisor had pulled me to the side and asked me what was wrong. I couldn't even get through the conversation without bawling. She basically told me they would be fine with me going home and sent other nurses in to get report. I finished charting in the back room and was clocked out and home by 10:00. I took a xanax and darvocet and laid down hoping the pain would go away. But it didn't. I got really scared and headed to the ER at 11:00 after I couldn't get any of my local friends to answer to their phones. The gals in the ER took good care of me and got me right back. Fortunately my EKG and enzymes were normal, as well as my chest x-ray. They went ahead and did a chest CT just to be sure that I didn't have any PE's and it was normal. I was home a little after 2:00. I decided to call in for tomorrow, too. I think I'm just majorly stressed out from work. They weren't real happy, but I've decided I have to stop worrying about what they think. I've done that now for 7 months and look where I am. I'll still go to work and do my job, but I'm not going to bend over backwards anymore. I can't afford to loose my health over this.

I'm going to rest the rest of today and all of tomorrow. I hope the rest of you are doing better than me. cjb

So much for 4 days off

I got the call today. Of course they need extra people for tomorrow and are offering a bonus for those that come in. How can I turn that down when I've been doing much of nothing the last three days? Plus it will be my next check (which will be my rent check and the first check that my full student loans come out). And I'll end up getting overtime for Sunday, so it all works out. I'll probably be in the same boat come Friday (i.e. very tired), but at least I'll have money.

Hopefully it will be a relatively smooth few days. I really need that on so many levels. On that note, I need to finish up the scrubs that are in the laundry and get ready to call it a night. More later, cjb

Change of Shift

is up over at Emergiblog. You can read it here. Kim did a great job taking us into the third year of the issue by taking us down memory lane! If you read hard enough, you might just find yours truly! :-)

On another note, I'm enjoying my time off. Haven't done much more than run errands and pay bills, but it's quiet in my apartment and I like that! I'll post later, cjb

Coping

So working 5 out of 6 days doesn't really set well with me. I'm exhausted today. But, I do have the next four days off.

Mondays after holidays are always crazy. I got the same patients back that I had over the weekend, I figured that would be a good thing. However, they ended up running me ragged. I ended up sending two patients to cath lab. One went first thing and one went around 4. One came back with a stent and would be staying overnight; one came back clean and would be going home. My other patient was CHF exacerbation that I had to start on a Bumex drip with a very high maintenance family that kept me in the room for 10-15 minutes every time I entered. Then I got a transfer from another hospital around 3 or 4. That was the easy part.

I missed some orders on my CHF patient and the NP called to find out what the lab results were. She asked that we run an I-Stat (a way to get instant results) and to call her with results. I asked my tech to do this for me since I had a patient on the way back from cath lab and an admission still to do. It turned out that he hemolized the blood when he drew it (it was evident by the results). The doctor came in not long after (and the NP never returned my page), so we drew a BMP to send to the lab instead. We draw our own labs on the floor, and I'm not real good at lab draws yet, but I'm still willing to learn and attempt my first stick. I missed my first stick and then called my tech and asked him to draw the lab for me. He jumped all over my case. He basically said to me "That guy has a great right AC. How could you miss that? You need to go back in there and try again. I'm too busy to help you right now." I was livid. No one needs to talk to anyone like that. Much less a tech disrespect a nurse like that. I realize that I'm a new nurse, but I know when to ask for help. I went over to the nurse who had been my preceptor and was shaking. She asked me what was wrong and I lost it. Even though she was super busy, she went and drew my blood for me. I also told the charge nurse (who isn't always charge and doesn't have a very strong personality, so it didn't do much good). Before I left work, I wrote an email to my supervisor. I didn't send it until yesterday. I wanted to make sure I didn't sound upset and only the facts were in the email. I talked to her about the situation yesterday. Hopefully it will get worked out.

I still had a ton of stuff to do. I hadn't even looked at my new admission's chart. He was to have surgery the next day and I knew there would be orders, but my cath lab patient came back with a sheath and it had to be pulled. Most of this was happening after 5, so I knew I had to start winding down. But there was no way I was going to get it all done before shift change. I ended up staying at work until 8:30 and doing the admission. I don't think I've ever passed on so much work in my life. I came home and showered and went to bed.

Yesterday started out to be a doozy as well. I had an empty room and one of my patients was going to surgery and I had the possibility for my other two to go home. Yikes! I got an early admission, which was good, but I also had an early discharge. Thankfully my surgery patient wasn't going until around 1. And I got my second admission around 3. Only one of my patients ended up going home. It turned out to be a much more peaceful day. I ended up getting one successful lab draw. I hit the veins on the other ones, but they just didn't want to give up blood. My tech yesterday even had a hard time drawing these labs(and she's one of the best on the floor ~ so that made me feel better). I left work on time yesterday. So I came home and took a long hot bath. It was nice to relax that way. It was even better to sleep in this morning and know I didn't have to go back for a few days. Don't get me wrong. I still love what I do. But it's stressful.

Today is my low-key day. I don't have anything planned. I may try to put my curio cabinet together today. I don't know that I'll go anywhere. I'll post more later. Hope you have a great day, cjb

Some FO's

So, I've had this awesome custom dyed yarn called Seriously? for awhile. I just haven't had the nerve to start another sock pattern. I finally started it at the first of the month. They turned out pretty good. I need to tweek a couple of the measurements next time, but I think this is the sock pattern I'll be using from here on out!




This little guy was made up in a day. I've been wanting a case to hold all my crochet hooks and other sundry things. I couldn't find one that I liked in the stores, so I found a pattern and crocheted one in my favorite color! :)


This is the start of my "traveling scarf". I've joined a group of 11 other people who have all started scarves. We will each add about 6 inches to each scarf and have an unique piece of work when it returns back to us. My scarf will be traveling over 9600 miles! I promise to post a picture of it when it is finished!

I think that's all I have for you right now. I know you are probably shocked that I was able to get two posts done in one day, but I told you I was going to take it easy and just be laid back today! :) Until next time, cjb

Lots of work = little rest

So, I've been offline for the last few days because I've been busy working. I just finished working 3 in a row. I have today off and then go back to work two more. I had no idea we would be so busy over the 4th. Thankfully we had no scheduled procedures on Friday, otherwise we probably would have run out of room and/or nurses. It took me awhile on Thursday to get back into my groove. I ended up discharging three patients and doing two full admissions. Unfortunately, one of the discharges happened to be one of the admissions. By the time I left, I don't think I knew what was up! I was hoping Friday would be better and in some ways it was, but I still had a lot going on. I had to prep a patient for CABG and the OR was running behind, so they didn't end up going to surgery until 5:45 or 6:00 pm. I also had to take a patient to our sister hospital for an MRI. That meant I was off the unit for an hour and a half. It was interesting to watch the MRI, but it's so frustrating to have to leave my patients. I know that the other nurses were looking out for them, but still. . . I'm ready for us to have our own MRI machine. Yesterday was relatively calm. I sent another patient to CABG at 0730, so that meant I had an open bed. I ended up getting an admission around noon. Had to deal with active chest pain. Since I've dealt with it before, I was much more calm and collected. This time I actually got the nitro before I went into the room and I remembered to put the oxygen on. I didn't even feel like I needed to call for help until I had the pain under control. There were no EKG changes, so all was well. I'll tell you though, by the time I left last night, I was completely exhausted. I had the same four rooms for the three days. It was nice to have some consistency.

I don't have much planned for today. I have a few crochet projects I need to get caught up on today. I have to mail one out my next day off. I'm also working on my next pair of socks. As soon as I finish them, I'll let you see! :) Not much else. I'm just relaxing and gearing up for tomorrow. Hope everyone had a great 4th. cjb

Hot Days= Lazy Days

Let's see, the last time I posted it wasn't very exciting. I don't think this time will be much different. Saturday I ended up going into work to discharge (but I think you know that). Sunday wasn't very exciting, but I did get a phone call asking me to come in around 3 to finish the shift. I went ahead and accept because it was OT and weekend pay. Plus I knew I'd have the next three days off.

Yesterday I ran a few errands late in the afternoon, but mostly worked on my crochet. I have several projects in the works right now, but no pictures because I only like to show my finished work! ;)

It continues to be hot here in Texas. I really can't get motivated to anything inside or outside. I still have boxes to take to Goodwill or Salvation Army, but it's so hot that making the trip downstairs and then back up to do it again is almost overbearing! I really just want to orb them down and away!

Today has been especially lazy (other than the three loads of laundry I managed to get finished). Oh well, I'll manage to get something done eventually. ;) I hope everyone is having a good week. I'll post later, cjb

Long time

I got yelled at today for not posting this week. Sorry it's been so long. I just haven't had anything majorly productive to say. Work this week, was, well, work. I recovered a CEA by myself. It was kind of scary, but we managed. Lots of neuro checks and art line calibrations. Things I would have been insanely afraid to do 6 months ago. I can't really remember what else happened. I know I had several days off.

One of my days off was rather eventful. I spent it with my friend in Wylie. Her car wouldn't start on our way to the mall, so we managed to jump it with mine. Several things happened in between and the car got turned off. We went to jump it again, and somehow we had managed to melt the jumper cables. So, we decided to take my car. We survived, even though her battery was very dead! We had a great late lunch and a wonderful time walking around the mall.

I had to work yesterday. It was a crazy day with a discharge as soon as I got my assignment. And another discharge not long after lunch with an admission that went straight to the cath lab. It was a busy day and I was pretty tired, but I was invited to dinner with a friend after work, so I decided to take the offer.

I went back in today for 6 hours to discharge patients on the 4th floor. It wasn't too bad, plus it was extra money.

Now, I'm off until Thursday. I haven't decided what I'm going to do. I know I have lots of crocheting to catch up on, but other than that, I will probably try to get some more decorating done in the apartment.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'll post later, cjb

Life

My schedule over the last week was really nice. I would work one day and then be off for two. However, that has caught up with me. Starting tomorrow, I have to work three days in a row. I don't remember the last time I worked three days in a row. I know it will be ok because Monday won't be a full 12. I have a morning class and then I'll work the rest of the shift.

I was extremely lazy yesterday. I came home with a mild migraine on Thursday night, so I took my meds and went to bed. I had a hard time waking up, and when I woke I, I didn't feel totally awake. I sat on the couch most of the day and crocheted and watched a lot of tv. I don't think I even left the house yesterday. Today, I need to run some errands. I just need a few things to get me through the next few days at work. Nothing major.

Not much else is going on. Just wanted to touch base! I hope everyone is having a great weekend! cjb

Feelin' better

Yesterday was a better day at work. I didn't feel like I was quite in my funk. Maybe getting everything out here helped. Maybe holing up for the weekend and having a pity party helped. Whatever helped, I'm glad. I'm off for the next two days. I have lots to get done (but then again, when do I not!) I've managed to get the apartment to where it's livable until I get everything unpacked. I just need to make myself unpack all the decorations and pictures and get that done. Maybe this weekend.

Not much else is going on. Just going to run errands and hang around the apartment. I'll check in later, cjb

Choices

Yesterday was a particularly hard day for me. I wasn't expecting it to be. It was 10 years ago yesterday that I made a choice that would change the rest of my life. I had no idea how much it was going to change my life. I as sat at work yesterday, in the break room, on the phone with my dad, in tears, because I couldn't focus and needed to get it out of my system, I realized that if I hadn't made that choice 10 years ago, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Honestly, I probably should have called in yesterday because I wasn't fit to be at work. I couldn't focus, I couldn't give 100% to my patients. I wasn't very nice to my co-workers. By the end of the shift, I was at the point of refusing to take another patient. I never do that. I really had no idea how that anniversary was going to affect me.

Don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful and grateful that I'm no longer in that situation. I was on a path to self-destruction and it wasn't good. In some ways, I wish I had heeded the phone call I received from him the night before. But, then I wouldn't be where I am today. I've had plenty of time to move on and in all reality I have. I'm a much stronger person. I'm a successful nurse.

I don't know where I'm going with this. I guess I just needed to get it out. I need to get back to being myself. I need to get out of my funk and start focusing at work again. Hopefully this will help. After all, this is here for me. This is my release. I don't write for you, I write for me. Until next time, cjb

Long days

You were off bedrest for an hour, but I couldn't get to your room because my other patients were very demanding of my time. By the time I got to you, I thought for sure you would be anxious for the foley to come out and to get out of bed. Thankfully you were the most patient person I had. And even though you had tons of family in the room, they were all just as polite as you. They left the room without me even asking. As we went to get you up (very close to change of shift), your groin site start bleeding. It wasn't just oozing, it was bleeding. Of course, there were no supplies in the room because I didn't have to pull your sheath. We quickly got you into the chair and your legs elevated and I called for help. Thankfully you didn't have a hematoma, but I couldn't figure out where the bleeding was coming from. After putting another dressing on your groin site, I asked you to sit in the chair for 15-20 minutes and then try moving around again. I cleaned up the mess and left the room to go do one last set of rounds on my other patients and prep for change of shift report. I had no longer sat down and I saw your wife in the hallway. You had saturated through the double 4X4 dressing I had placed. By this time, night shift nurses are arriving, so I quickly make my way to the room to assess the situation. I know we need to get you back to bed, but I can't do it by myself. My phone is dead, so I push the call light and ask for the charge nurse or the nurse that is taking over for me. We manage to get you into bed. And the night shift nurse takes over so I can go page the doctor and finish reporting to one of the nurses. The doctor finally called back at 1955. He said to cancel your discharge. I don't really like giving news like this, but I knew it would be ok to give it to you.

By the time I finished reporting off to both the night shift nurses and charting and writing the verbal orders I took at almost 2000, I finally left the hospital at 2050. This was by far the latest night I have had since I started. I was so thankful that I had moved and didn't have to drive 30 minutes home.

This is just a brief snapshot of my day. So much more happened and HIPPA rules do apply. I had a lazy day off yesterday and have to do some training at the hospital this afternoon. It's back to work on Thursday and Friday. I hope everyone's week is going good. I'll post again soon, cjb

Back to work

I managed to make it back to work this week. I don't know what trend is going on right now, but we are getting slammed in the afternoons almost to a point that it is unbearable. For example, yesterday I ended up discharging two of my patients by lunch time and I knew I'd be getting two more, but just didn't know when. They both ended up coming within about 30 minutes of each other and were FULL ADMITS! Plus, I had to discharge my other patient. Yikes. Then another nurse almost refused to take a patient that the supervisor had already fully admitted. It was just almost a joke. By this time it was already 5:30 and I still had to do paperwork and post-op stuff on one of my patients. I told the charge that I would take the third admit if I needed to, but that I would prefer not to. The other nurse only had two patients and hadn't done an admit all day.

On the apartment side of things, it's still coming along slowly. I think I've managed to get the bedroom all but finished. I need a few more hangers for the closet, but other than that it's pretty much finished! :) And, Wednesday, I went shopping with Jen and we stopped at Ross. While we were there, we looked back in the housewares and I managed to find new dishes! They aren't what I was initially planning on getting, but I love them. I still have to put them in the dishwasher and put them away, but I'll try to get pictures soon!

I really just wish the rest of the boxes would unpack themselves. I still want to know where my coffeepot is hiding. I don't drink a lot of coffee, but lately, I've been wanting it! Go figure.

Oh well, I need to get busy here. I'll post more later. cjb

Slowly but surely

Well, things are coming together. I'm no where near unpacked by any means, but my sister did manage to help me get a lot more done than I would have done on my own. Thanks a ton for coming down to help me, sis! :) We managed to get the kitchen almost 100% done. I just have to find the coffee maker and I'll be set! We got some nifty shelves from The Container Store to give me more storage room in my cabinets. So at least the kitchen is together.

The bathroom is almost done, too. I have one cabinet/shelf I want to hang, but other than that, all the bathroom stuff is unpacked and at least in a drawer or cabinet. I may have to a little bit of rearranging as I start using things, but we'll cross that bridge soon enough.

As far as the dining room/office is concerned, we managed to get the desk set up along with the computer and printer. The computer even managed to connect to the network with no problems. All of that is against one wall and the bar is against the other. I managed to get the bookcase loaded. I have a lot of books that I'm planning to take to Half-Price Books to sell, along with a couple of boxes to go to Goodwill/Salvation Army of kitchen goods. I figured when I unpacked I'd be getting rid of more things, but I had no idea how much. I still have several boxes in the office to go through. I'm thinking about moving them to the living room, so that I can set up the office and kitchen completely.

I plan to finish up the bedroom this afternoon. I just have two more boxes of clothes to unpack and put up in the dressers. I found a great mirror to hang above the fireplace today at Michael's for $10. And I had a 25% coupon! I love finding great deals! I can't wait to get it hung up and get pictures taken.

That's whats been going on. I only have one more day off until I go back to work. I need to get a lot done before then. I'll try to post before I go back to work. Until then, cjb

I'm in

Well, yesterday went about as smoothly as it possibly could. I woke up early and went to get cash and Starbucks. At the ATM, I managed to lock myself out of my debit card. So, I had to call my bank at 0630 to get the problem resolved before the movers showed up and wanted money. Other than the truck getting stuck in a little bit of morning traffic and showing up just a little bit late, my movers were excellent. Even with them showing up late, they called me to let me know that they were going to be late. The two guys had me loaded and unloaded in 3 hours. I was so thankful that I decided to hire them. My next in town move, I'll use them again. Plus, I'll hire someone to clean the apartment I'm leaving.

I spent the majority of today cleaning. I've scrubbed and vacuumed more than I care to for awhile. I took so much junk to the dumpster and didn't realize how much I left at the apartment. I think I've unloaded all of it from the car.

I've unpacked a little bit, but mostly I'm relaxing this afternoon. I came home and showered and sat down. I don't really want to get up now. My sister and nephew are on their way down for the weekend, so hopefully we'll get a lot done. Though, I think we'll manage to get to a movie as well! :)

That's all I know for now. I hope to have enough done soon to post pics of the new place. It's coming along more than I think! Tuesday will be here before I know it and I really want to have most of this done. I don't like having boxes everywhere. I'll post more later, cjb

Let the moving begin

So I woke up this morning and took my time getting ready because the new apt office doesn't open until 0900, so there was no hurry in trying to get there first thing. I also still had to load the car and a few other things, so I just took my time. I think I left about 0930 and then got stuck in traffic because of a bad pile up accident on the highway. Got all the paperwork signed and then got the keys and found my apartment. I still have to find the mailboxes and the closest dumpster. It took me a little bit longer for the first load than I wanted it to, but I also got a couple boxes unloaded, so it's not so bad.

I'm back at the old apartment trying to figure out what to do next. I spent 30 minutes on hold with the electric company trying to disconnect my service. And another 10 with the cable company. I'll be cleaning the old apartment Friday and hopefully be able to drop off the cable equipment on Friday to get the service here cut off. Some things really just need to fall into place.

I plan to load up the car one more time with little odds and ends. I'll make one more trip to the new apartment and then come back here for the night. I need to wash a load or two of laundry. I think I'm going to rent a washer and dryer until I'm able to find ones I like.

That's all the news for now. I hope everyone else is just peachy. I'll keep you up-to-date on the move du jour! cjb

Hurray!

I DID get called off today! :) However, they waited until I was almost ready to get into the shower, I was about ready to call in and check to see if they needed me!

I got most of the kitchen packed yesterday. A lot of it is going to be given away. It's stuff I haven't used since I've been here. It'll stay in the cabinet until I come back to clean up and have more boxes. I just need to figure out how to rearrange the living room boxes so that the movers are able to move around more easily and to make sure that I have packed everything. I'm really glad I have an extra day. Now, hopefully, Wednesday won't be as crazy as it was going to be.

I need to get some breakfast and get started on my morning. I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day! cjb

In a rut

So at work lately I just can't seem to get out of the bad day rut. I've worked the last three and two of the last three I've left close to or after 8. Yesterday was an exception because I discharged two of my three patients and got to go home early. Even going home early only shorted me two hours for the week! Yikes! In some ways I feel like I'm regressing as a nurse. I question everything I do and feel like I have to ask for help more and more. I don't know if it's because I'm learning more or experiencing more with my patients.

I still have some packing to do today. I plan to get the kitchen completed today. There is also a high chance that I'll get called off work tomorrow. When I left yesterday census was low and the nurse count for Monday was high. There are no scheduled procedures for Monday, so hopefully I'll have an extra day to prepare for the move.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. If you are traveling, travel safe! I'll post more later, cjb

I'm not tired . . .

yet. One, theoretically, should not be working so hard on one's days off that they go back to work exhausted! On the other hand, I have managed to get a heck of a lot of packing done. There's just a few odds and ends left in the bathroom, bedroom, and living room. I will get the kitchen packed up on Sunday. I have managed to get most of the shelves down with little or no incidence. I continue to throw out things like there's no tomorrow.

I have electric service and have scheduled my set-up for cable, internet and phone service. Now, I just need to set my disconnect dates here. I have also put in my change of address with USPS and my magazines. I'll change with the bank and credit cards after I move. That way I can keep a nice, tidy check list and make sure I don't miss anyone. I think that's all I have left to do. For those of you veteran movers out there (i.e. Mom and Dad), did I miss anything or do I need to do anything else?

I'm really impressed that I've managed to get all this done by myself. In the past, I've always had at least one or two friends around helping me sort and pack and such. It seems that all my friends and family have scattered, so I'm left to do this alone. I guess in some ways it's good. I have been able to get rid of a lot of things. I'm learning to lighten my load. I really want to learn to live without being a packrat. I still have some things to go through and will manage to get through them after I move. I have the boxes marked clearly and want to get my files started/updated. I have lots of ambitions, but I know I can do this. Plus, I have a lot of time off after I move and I think my sister may be coming down to help me the weekend I move.

I've rambled enough. I need to try to get to bed at a decent time because I do have to work tomorrow. I have to let the towels finish drying and then the sheets go into the dryer. Then all the laundry is caught up.

I'm pretty impressed, three posts in three days! ;-) I hope you all have a great rest of your week. I'm off to work the next three days. More about my moving adventures later! cjb

Will someone please . . .

finish packing for me? I'm so tired of putting things in boxes and throwing things away, etc. I've found more things that I haven't used in two + years that it's insane. I had to go get more boxes today just in case. I got them at U-Haul because they'll buy back what I don't use. The living room is almost complete. I haven't touched the kitchen yet, but think that can be done in a fairly short amount of time tomorrow. I also still have to finish the bedroom. Mostly just loose clothing and a few odds and ends. Then I have to take down the shelves. It was interesting trying to get some of them down in the "office". Several of the screws were stripped, so I had to use pliers to twist them out. Hopefully the rest of them will come down easily. I'd take pictures, but it's so chaotic here that it's unreal.

Everything else is fine. Just trying to get as much done as I can. So, if you have some spare time, come on over to help out! :) cjb

Stressful days at work

So the last few days at work have been really trying on my nerves and my skills as a nurse. When I got to work on Friday they had assigned me four patients and after I got report, I realized there was a possibility of all four of them being discharged. I was right. I ended up discharging all four patients and received two transfers in. My nerves were wrecked by the end of the shift because everything seemed to happen in twos. For example, I'd have two patients go home, then get my two transfers, then my last two patients went home. I ended up missing a few things on my transfers in, but it wasn't anything major.

I was scheduled to work Saturday and I had the same two patients I ended with on Friday, plus two new ones. One was set to discharge. I ran from the time I took report until the time I gave report and then some. Then I didn't clock out until after 8 pm. I can't say exactly what happened, but I just know I was busy and by the time I got home, I was so tired, I couldn't even think straight.

I ended up working overtime yesterday and it was much better. I had the same three patients back and we had our groove down. I was able to leave by 7:15 last night and felt like I provided the kind of care I want to provide everyday!

Today is going to spent packing and getting ready for my move in 10 days. I have today, tomorrow and Wednesday to get the majority of my apartment packed up. That's all that I'm up to right now. I'll ost later in the week! cjb

Moving and me

I'm really starting to think that moving and me don't get along. No, really. This whole moving thing is really for the birds. You have to pack everything up in boxes after sorting through massive amounts of stuff that you have accumulated over the time you have been in said apartment and hope that you don't get rid of anything you really needed, though, if it was in a box for 2+ years, you probably don't NEED it. Then you have to hope that everything works out the way you plan it! That's where my problem lays. You see, yesterday I got a phone call from my new apartment office asking me if I wanted to move in on the 19th and get the rest of May free. I don't have movers scheduled until the 29th, and I don't plan to reschedule them because I have my old apartment until the 31st. I thought about it for a little bit and called them back and told them my plan and that I would go ahead and pick up the keys on the 19th. After all, I could set up the kitchen, and then the bathroom, and slowly go forth. Then on the 29th, the movers could get the rest of the stuff, right? Well, that WAS the plan. They called me back this morning and told me that they had made a mistake. They couldn't give me the rest of May free and the $300 off June's rent too. So what did I want to do? I told them it would be more prudent for me to move in on the scheduled date.

That's when the next issue hit. I tried to call the electric company to reschedule my cut-on date and they said that there wasn't enough time. I think I talked to three or four people. I know I made at least four phone calls regarding the electricity this morning. So, finally my apartment office decided that since it was their fault, that we would leave the electricity in my name from the 19th and they would give me a concession when my first bill comes in. It works for me, but I don't understand why so many companies have gotten so hard to deal with.

At any rate, I'm coming along at a good clip today. I have almost my entire bedroom closet packed and sorted. This is a big deal, mind you. If you remember back to December when I was preparing for guests for pinning, I threw everything into my bedroom closet (because it was the biggest storage area in my apartment). I have thrown out A LOT!! At least three boxes of junk. And I still have another big box to go through. I have a feeling that most of it will be trash, too. My goal is to get the closet pretty much finished tonight, then when I'm off next week, we'll move on. I'll keep you updated to my progress.

I hope your week is progressing nicely! I'm off to pack some more and watch Grey's tonight! :)
cjb

Never a dull moment

Lately I've felt like my time isn't my own.

I was off last Thursday and knew I wouldn't go in if I was called in because it was pinning for the class behind me. Before I went to pinning, I managed to make it to the hospital for the nurses week celebration lunch. It was a good day for another class of nursing students!

I worked Friday and part of Saturday. The only reason I didn't work all day Saturday was because they needed help on Sunday, so I left on Saturday to come back all day Sunday. Then I was supposed to be off yesterday. I had my normal wake up time for when I'm off, but around 1030, I got a call saying that someone needed to go home for sick kids and could I please come in? I ended up going to work at 1145 and working the rest of the shift. So, I have been at work the last four days. I'm tired today and I really need to work on packing and all I want to do is sit on the couch and watch TV. Nothing drastic happened at work. I helped some people get better. I love helping people get better and when they are grateful for their care. If I have to work four days, I'd want it to be with patients like I had this last rotation through!

I go back tomorrow then I'm off again Thursday. I'm scheduled to work Friday and Saturday and then I'm sure they'll ask me to work on Sunday. I haven't decided if I'll work Sunday or not. It depends on how much I get done today and Thursday. I need to work a lot this week because I'll be limited the couple of weeks before and after I move.

So I need to eat breakfast and get started on packing. I hope you are all having a great week. I'll try to post again soon. Sorry to be so lax in posting, but when you work so much . . . just please forgive me! cjb

One of those days

Have you ever had one of those days where you seriously want to go home and start over? When I received report this morning on one of my patients, I knew it was going to be one of those days. Even though I had the last two days off, I feel like I worked a whole week worth today. I had to start off by getting consents signed quickly for a patient to go to cath lab and he really didn't want to sign or go to cath lab. Before I knew it they were there to pick him up and he was still dressed. He wouldn't take his pants off while he was in the bathroom, he made us all leave the room so he could get undressed. And it just kept going and it wasn't even 0730 yet! I was able to catch up with my other patients and catch my breath, but I knew trouble was coming back to me. I can't really go into details, but lets suffice it to say that empty urinals were thrown at me, I was yelled at and overall made to feel like I was the bad guy today. Several IV's were pulled out and then all of a sudden, I had a new patient. No, not really a new patient, but it sure seemed that way. I was finally able to go in and get vitals without being told I was doing my job incorrectly. It was insane and stayed that way for the rest of the shift. I'm sure there was some dementia going on, but that doesn't make it any easier. I didn't realize how hard it hit me until I got in my car and started making phone calls and no one answered. When I finally got an answer, I could hardly talk because the tears were already welling up. The tension is so tight in my shoulders I can hardly stand it. I know that I did the best job I could do today, but it's hard to be constantly told that you are doing your job wrong or whatever. Thankfully my other patients were very low-key and relatively low-maintenance. I'm off to take a hot shower and crawl into bed. I'm glad I don't work tomorrow! :) Good night, cjb

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I just needed to take time out today to wish a very Happy Birthday to the woman who is so special to me. She's done more than I can even think about mentioning here. Mom, I hope you have a wonderful birthday. I wish I was there to give you a big hug!



Not much else is going on. I worked overtime yesterday, so that took away from some of the time I expected to get housework taken care of this weekend. I do have today and tomorrow off, so hopefully I can get caught up! ;) At any rate, I need to get started. I hope everyone has a great week! cjb

So much for posting more . . .

I know I said last time I posted I was going to try to post more, but somehow this week managed to get away from me again. My first day off was Friday and I was supposed to be off through Wednesday, however, they called me today to see if I would work tomorrow. Right now I can use all the money I can get, so I agreed to go in even though I got nothing done in the apartment.

The clinic I volunteer at moved locations this week and I needed to help get it ready for business on Tuesday. I worked about 4 hours yesterday and then 8 hours today. Yesterday afternoon was spent running around town and yesterday evening I went with Jen and saw Made of Honor. We had a great afternoon and the movie was wonderful. I was just planning on getting more done here. I will still be off on Monday and Tuesday so I plan to mostly stay home and get things done around here. The end of the month will be here before I know it.

I'm finishing up some laundry and then it's off to bed for the night. Maybe my next post will be sooner and more insightful. Until then, cjb

So tired

I really don't like working two days and only being off for one. I've been in this cycle for the last eight days and I'm not a happy camper right now. I have to work tomorrow and then I'm off until next Wednesday. I just feel like my whole system is out of whack. I just barely get anything done at home before I have to head back to work. I just barely get in my routine at work then I'm back at home.

The last couple of days at work have been kind of hit and miss. Monday I truly felt like a complete failure at my job. Don't get me wrong, I know I did the best I could and I asked for help and got it, I just had to leave a lot of work for night shift because of the circumstances of the day. The morning went smoothly. I got two transfers in within an hour of each other and that's when everything except my brain exploded (and that was on the verge of exploding with my migraine!) One of my transfers was pretty much complete at shift change and I felt okay with that, but I kept missing orders and my poor tech had to keep going back in the room to help me out. The other transfer was the problem. I had to call the transferring hospital at least 5 times to get information we needed that they didn't send. Then the fax machine wasn't working, so I had to have information sent downstairs. I hardly saw the chart and by shift change, I hadn't even seen the orders because so many others had their hands on it. I didn't know what had been done and what hadn't. I had to give report to one of the nurses who just stares at you and gives you no inclination that there is even anyone home. The admission was partly done thanks to the supervisor, but then family left and the patient wasn't an accurate historian, so the family didn't return until about 6:30. I didn't have time to finish. The night shift nurse was going to have to finish. I finally left work at almost 8:00. I was ready to cry because my head hurt so bad and I couldn't think and I knew I left a mess, but in all reality it was all my fault. I KNOW I did the best I could. When I got home, I managed to drink a glass of water and somehow fell into bed. However, my mind didn't want to go to sleep. It kept wanting me to call back to work to make sure this or that had been finished. I finally had to tell myself over and over to "let it go" and that was how I fell asleep.

Yesterday was much better, until one of my patients developed a large hematoma post cath. I had just pulled a sheath on one of my other patients and went in to do my routine groin check and there was blood oozing everywhere. This was my first hematoma experience, so I ran to get gauze and HELP!! We managed to get the majority of the it expressed and the patient was fine, but it was scary for a little bit. I actually managed to get out of work on time yesterday. Mostly because I was down to one patient by shift change. My afternoon ended up being so hectic and the day before was so bad that I think the charge nurse felt bad for me! :) I was very tired and sore when I got home, so I drew a hot bath and soaked and then crashed into bed.

I have a ton of shows to catch up on today! I love my DVR! :) I need to do laundry and go buy some yarn and groceries, but that's all that's in store me. I hope everyone is having a good week.

I'll post more later, cjb

All in a day's work

I know I haven't posted lately, but I've been busy. I worked Tuesday and Wednesday. Then spent most of the day Thursday at the VA hospital with a friend for a follow-up appointment. It was a long day, but I was glad I was able to help! :) I was only scheduled to work Friday, but while I was working they were begging people to work yesterday. I had a few things I needed to do, but overtime pay is way better than errands. And the hospital I work at won't let you schedule 4 days a week. So, unless they really need you to work, you won't get overtime. I was only supposed to work until 3, but by the time 3 rolled around, none of my patients had gone home and I was getting ready to get an admission. I had already talked to the charge nurse and made a couple of calls to make sure that my friend was ok and that my errands could wait until later this week.

So my first complete week off orientation was rather productive. I had to ask for help a couple of times, but nothing major. It felt pretty good to be off orientation and on my own.

I hope everyone has had a great weekend and has a wonderful week! I'll try to post again soon! :) cjb

"Spicy Pickle"

We saw this restaurant when we were driving around OKC. Since my nickname is Pickle, I had to have a picture of it! Isn't it fitting? I just had to share! cjb

It's good to be home!

I know I haven't blogged in awhile. It's been a busy week/weekend. I know I have a lot to write about. I guess I'll start with work, since that's chronological. Wednesday was my first day off of orientation. It was also my third shift in a row. Overall it was a good day. It was busy, but I managed to get out before 8. I got to pull out my first femoral sheath. When I left, there was no hematoma or bleeding, so I was very happy with the outcome. I was exhausted when I got home, so I didn't get any packing done.


I slept and then packed Thursday morning. Did my errands and left for OKC around 12:30. Mom and Dad were already there and were running errands. I got in and got settled and helped out as needed. Friday was a BUSY, BUSY day. I had a few things to get done before I met up for wedding stuff, so I took care of my business and then helped out as needed. We met for the rehearsal dinner at 5:00 and then headed out to the park. We still had a TON of stuff to do out there. It was a gorgeous setting at a pavilion with a pond.


The wedding cakes

Mom and Dad with Danny and Jenni

Me with Carla

There were several cameras going, these are just a few of the good ones. The photographers were great. I can't wait to see how their pictures turned out. He got one of the three of us that I can't wait to see. I may post other pictures later, but I just wanted everyone to know that I'm alive and well.

Overall, everything turned out wonderful. They got married and are off to relax on a warm beach! I drove home mid-morning and got home early afternoon. I didn't bring anything in, but instead decided to take a little nap. I'm feeling a little bit better, but know I will sleep good tonight. Thankfully, I planned on not going back to work until Tuesday. I have laundry and other things to catch up on here.

I'll post more later, cjb

My FO for the day

Well, after much work and waiting on your part, I'm finally posting pictures of the blanket that I've made for Annette, my preceptor. I finished it today. Got the last round of edging put on. I think it turned out very nice. I hope she likes it. The first picture gives you an idea of how big it is. The squares are 12" each. The second picture gives you a better idea of the detail.

Not much has been going on this weekend. It's turned into a cool weekend. Kind of a nice change. Not that it has been hot yet, but I like that we are actually having some spring. I'm trying to get packed for the wedding this weekend since I work Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I plan to leave Thursday. I would like to be ready to go after my appointment. We'll see if my plans work out or if I make if up there a little bit later than intended! :)

I hope everyone is having a great weekend and has a good week! I'll be busy and probably won't be posting a lot (unless something crazy happens at work!) More later, cjb

Spring in North Texas

If there was ever any doubt that I lived in North Texas, last night should have taken all that doubt away. We get amazing spring storms here. The thunder and lightening seem to go on for hours. In many ways it can be soothing, but the destruction the winds can cause is terrible. Last night's storms hit Ft. Worth hard. There was at least one tornado that hit a suburban neighborhood very hard. While this is many miles from me, it is still close to home. Since spring has just started, I'm sure we have many more stormy nights ahead of us. Hopefully the damage will remain minimal.

As far as work goes, yesterday was a much better day. I got report from the same nurse and didn't have any problems. My sick MI patient from the day before was so much better it was amazing. This was a case where the power of medicine shows. This is why I do my job! He will have a chance to watch his kids grow up because someone called 911 and the list goes on. Chest pain is a real thing. Sometimes we roll our eyes at all the "chest pain" admits, but when someone comes in with an acute MI and gets to the cath lab and heart muscle is saved and their life is saved it makes me stress even more that ALL chest pain should be taken seriously.

I'm off today and trying to get caught up with laundry and the like. I hope you all have a great day. I'll post later, cjb

The good, the bad, and the indifferent

So today was an interesting day. I continue to be on orientation, so I started off with report from two different nurses. I got report on one patient from one nurse and for my other two patients from the other nurse. The second nurse I got report from tends to be quite condescending towards me. I don't know if it's because I'm a new grad or if it's because she's so insecure in the care she gives, whatever it is, I don't like it. She started our conversation by telling me that we were going to wait until my preceptor got to work to get report on one of the patients because she didn't want to have to give report on him twice and he was a "complicated" patient. I proceeded to tell her that I was handling all of the care for all of the patients and Annette was there as more of a resource than anything. If she wanted to wait to give report, she could, but she would be waiting at least 20-30 minutes. I then told her I was more than capable of handling taking report and taking care of the patient. Whatever I needed to tell Annette when she got in, I would tell her. We started with report on the other patient and I guess she had time to think about what I said so she gave me report on the "complicated" patient.

It turned out that he wasn't very complicated, it was just that he had a different fluid running until 0930 and then had to have his blood drawn after that. Ummm, what's complicated about that? Amiodarone and Reopro were running in his other arm, he had an emergent cath after a STEMI. He was still having chest pain. Apparently she decided to call the doctor and didn't tell me because I got a call and then looked like a complete idiot because I don't know why she called the doctor. Seriously, I really don't like looking like an idiot. I know what's going on with my patients. I just didn't know why she called the doctor. I pulled his labs and made sure everything was okay there and he proceeded to hang up. Hours later, he stabilized and I left him in much better shape than I got him in! :)

BTW, I reported off to the same nurse and she tried to get report from Annette. Annette told her that I would be the one to give her report because I was the one giving all the care. They kinda had words and this other nurse was kind as she could be to me this evening! (Imagine that!)

Then, what do you do when you have a patient that refuses to listen to anything you say? I mean, seriously, anything! Diabetic ~ wants to do own fingersticks. NPO ~ orders food anyways. Discharged ~ wants to shower before going home (this was after no procedures or anything, basically just spending the night in the hospital for fun). I have no respect for people who go to far away countries and have strange things done and then come back "home" and want the doctors here to "fix" them. Question every little thing I do, every thing I say, but you are going to let strangers do strange things to your body because it MIGHT fix your ejection fraction? SERIOUSLY? I was more than happy to discharge this one. They couldn't leave soon enough.

I came home with a migraine today. My stress level was through the roof. I didn't start charting until almost 1300. That's rare for me. I am normally able to get my charting started on each patient as I see them and caught up throughout the day. I felt so far behind and everything was such a mess. I know I will have days like this, probably more than I'd like to admit. I'd probably say that today was the first day that I wondered why I became a nurse. But you know something, when I saw a long term patient leave for SNF with a smile on his face it lifted my heart and sent chills through me. That's why I do what I do. Despite days like today, I still love what I do. So I come home and take a long, hot bath and go to bed early. Then I get up and do it again tomorrow.

Thanks for listening/reading. If you made it this far, you deserve some of the chocolate chip brownies I took to work today! :) (they were a hit) No one would answer the phone and I really needed to get this off my chest before I tried to go to sleep tonight.

Good night, cjb

Woo Hoo!

Progress is slowly being made in the Pickle household! :) I finally sorted through the rest of my closest and threw out the clothes that I can't fit into anymore or don't wear anymore. This related to two big black trash bags of clothes left to be donated, as well as a bag of stuffed animals and other miscellaneous items and a comforter set that I have no use for. So four bags later and a trip to Goodwill, I found someone who could use the items more. There was a manned station for a Children's Home, so I dropped the items there and my house it just a little bit lighter! :)

I have some more work to do today. The stuff I'm packing up today is going with me to OKC when I go for the wedding. I have scrubs I can't wear anymore due to my uniform at work, and my sister can wear them at her job, so I'm passing them on to her. I'm keeping my favorites because I still work at the clinic and need them there, but I have a ton that I won't wear on a regular basis. Hopefully if she doesn't use them, she'll find someone else to get good use out of them!

I also started sorting through my bookcase and got rid of another big bag of trash from that. I also found some more books that I need to put up on eBay. I loaned out a couple of my ATI books, so I'll put up another batch of books when I get those back. So far, I have bids on 10 of the 15 and I still have quite awhile to go! :) I should do pretty good! Yet more things to lighten up the apartment.

Overall I'm feeling pretty good about all the cleaning and sorting I'm doing. I still have a lot to do, but I have just under two months, so it's all good!

I hope your weekend was as productive as mine. On top of all the sorting I got done, I got quite a bit of crochet done. I only have 5 more squares to finish for my preceptor blanket. I hope to have all the squares done so I can work on piecing it together over the wedding weekend.

I've rambled long enough. I need to go sort through scrubs so I can really feel like I got everything done this weekend that I needed to. Plus I need to start some laundry so I have scrubs to wear to work tomorrow. Another busy day. I'll post more later, cjb