Tuesday was a rough day, but I was able to recover by yesterday. Yesterday actually was pretty good. I worked in the PICU for extra money. A couple people asked if I was going to transfer down there since it seems I have been working there a lot (recall, I worked three days in a row there in February, but only because of a certain patient). That type of nursing isn't really for me, but I'm willing to help out as I am able. I felt a little guilty with my "one" patient as the other nurses were very busy with more than one critical patient. However, in my own defense, I was MUCH more useful on the unit yesterday then, say, someone who didn't want to be working down there (like a float nurse from another unit). I knew where everything was, and independently cared for my own patient while doing what I could to help. I was familiar with the types of patients, and who to contact in certain circumstances. I did feel appreciated, which is always nice.
The one patient I did have was one that I really like taking care of anyway, so that was a great "perk" to working too. At one point, the mom told the person she was talking to on the phone that they had "their favorite nurse". That is always nice to hear! I also got a really nice email from a stranger basically telling me I'm doing a great job as a nurse and keep up the good works :o) (It was a REALLY sweet email, and it's wonderful to be in such a profession where I am given the opportunity to better people's lives).
I had dinner at the hospital with "you know who"...I didn't stay long because she needed to talk to her family on the phone and I didn't think it appropriate for me to "hang out" while she did that this time :o) Today was to be a difficult one for her, so family is what she needed, not me!
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Onto today...I did a stem cell donation at the hospital for research. This is the third time I have done it, and manage to somewhat forget how much of a challenge it is in between donations. The apheresis machine spins your blood and leaves what the researchers need for their study, in this case the white cells (I was told that this particular researcher is working on a vaccine for breast cancer). The blood comes out one arm, and back in the other after it has been spun. They spun 10 liters of my blood (I did a search and your body has about 5 liters of blood, so they spun all my blood twice). Because of my size (being only 5 feet tall), they can only go at a certain speed. The anticoagulant also pulls calcium from your blood, so you get pretty "tingly", especially if it is done too quickly (mostly in the teeth, fingers, and toes). So, I sat in the same place, without the use of either arm for a little over 3 1/2 hours. Of course, the nurses there take care of you by giving you Tums for the calcium issue, sips of water, warm blankets, itch your nose, whatever you need. Unfortunately, it was rather uncomfortable for me this time because my bladder decided it was full after I'd only been sitting for 1 1/2 hours...those last two hours seemed like FOREVER, but at least I had my iPod, and I could rest some. I'm not really that big into politics, but I do not like the practice of embryonic stem cell research, so figure this is a way for me to be a part of the solution to that.
Anyway, after that, I was pretty wiped out, but it was a nice day outside and I didn't want to miss that! I decided that I need to invest in some kind of outside chair that I can lay in. Since I do not have one, I laid on the concrete patio in my backyard (on a yoga mat and towel). It was great to be outside and enjoy the spring-like temperature (I heard it is supposed to get cold again!) Needless to say, my neck, back, and shoulders are a bit sore right now after that nap!
I had choir practice this evening, and am back to work tomorrow. I have to decide what I am going to do about the whole working Easter deal. A HUGE part of me just wants to tell my manager that I refuse to work on Holy Saturday since she couldn't find anyone to work Easter for me. I'll see how brave I get. I also have to remember that it is the patients and my co-workers who would be affected. However, Easter is family time, and my family is VERY important to me. Going to church is too.
Time to sleep. Good night!
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