Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Moosh and goosh

Rain is coming, has been here, and isn't likely to leave soon. The chickens are wet, and their coop is in desperate need of some help. I've moved their nesting box under the workshop awning, and put feed and water there as well. Hopefully they'll have enough sense to lay their eggs in the dry hay (with the coded golf ball).

Hardstuff leaves today for Vegas - Dad's wedding, golf extravaganza, and time with brother. Bubba and I will hold down the fort. Car in for service today; I do believe the rain will cancel my detailing appointment for tomorrow.

Lots to do - laundry, pickup, vacuum, laundry, sweep, clean refrigerator, laundry.....darn, it's never ending.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Quiet - but no peace?

Another first day of school. My heart strings vibrate each year about this time. I hope the kids will be respectful, and respected. I hope they are challenged, but helped as well.

My favorite part about the first day of school? Knowing that cooler temperatures and a change of season will be following.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Simpler? Please!

Yarn for Christmas gift projects. Oh, but this isn't all there is!

CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY (1) And the sky opened up...


Sweet Memories


Shawanda - I miss you so, as you spread your wings.....

Change of Plans


Phone rang in the middle of the night: "Code Red Alert - Flash Flood Warning." What? We live in Texas. It doesn't rain here, and never enough to cause a flash flood. Lightening just outside our bedroom windows several times. Power was on and off.

Left at 0615 for PALS class. Traffic was backed up under Interstate. Eighteen-wheelers parked with lights off as if they'd spent the night on the roadway. Interstate closed from here to Cracker Barrel (horrors!!!). And, who would have guessed? My cell phone was dead and charger was in The Champs car from weekend trip. Made it back home, called work, and told them I could not get there for class. Shucks, darn, oh well.

Thankfully, my careful advanced planning guided me to put old Cox Camper cover over chicken coop for their protection. Wonder how wet the hay is this morning? Mowed part of the backyard/field in very wet grass. Do NOT believe I'll be mowing any today!

Need to put forth effort to blog daily as it is quickly becoming the diary I never wrote in on a regular basis. Ummmm....starting to see a pattern here.


Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Regroup and Refocus

Another night at work with my spirit touched by many. Unfortunately, some of the touches were malicious and had NOTHING to do with the patients I care for.

The touches..... Blue Eyes came in by ambulance, talking and visiting with his nurse. He was not put in my assigned room, but I did visit with his wife as she stood outside his door waiting for his inpatient assignment. Beautiful smiling, loving and concerned wife. Later noticed a sense of panic in MNurse's eye, and went to help out. Pressure was dropping and Blue Eyes was not doing well. MNurse had bolus running, and I quickly grabbed a second liter. PoorRN was in charge, and was at desk "calling the doctor." Pressure continued to fall, liquids and reverse Trendelenburg were not helping out. Wifey in tears outside doorway, noticing increased level of urgency. Attempts to comfort her were neglected as Blue Eyes needed us. MNurse and I made decision to move Blue Eyes to larger room. PoorRN was upset with us as there was still a bed in new room. Seriously? How about we push the bed to the side.....

PoorRN was at ER bedside sporadically - "Did he tell you to hang third liter?" "Did who tell us to hang third liter? You are suppose to be calling MD - we're trying to save the patient." "I just asked....." Oh my gosh, has she even called the doc to let him know about changes? Who is giving orders to hang meds? Another PoorRN leadership moment.

Spent lots of time under sterile drape monitoring Blue Eyes as central line was attempted. Visited with him about family. Told me he was very tired: "Close your eyes and sleep - I'll wake you every now and then." Pressure still dropping, and CT waits. Wife, family and pastor waiting in hallway as our attempts become more futile. Got him to CT, then to inpatient room. Monitored him from ER, and watched as he came closer to his final rest. My heart pushed me to the elevator, and upstairs to his bedside as his family said their goodbyes.

Shift ended with staff members reprimanded by management, one told to look for another area to work. Personal agendas/vendettas continue, and the real problem (PoorRN - my opinion only) is allowed to continue to weed out those she desires. My assertiveness and need to question may have me on her short list. We are told to document such instances of her management style, but we see no changes in PoorRN's behavior and Hitleristic management style.

Pursuing my dream of Hospice care tomorrow. Too old/crotchity to play mental games, especially when the care of patients is jeopardized. I became a nurse to care for others, not to worry about whether management is viewing my neck with a sharpened blade. It's embarrassing to work side by side with someone whose nursing practice is substandard and whose objectives are self-centered. I have no desire to justify the poor care and insolent attitude of those who claim they are fabulous nurses as their actions show otherwise.