Interjection.

Before I tell you about the rest of Dan and Cecelia's visit (which was so fun) I want to tell you about the past two days of work..

Saturday I was pulled to a unit, 4North, which was med-surg.  Generally I wouldn't want to go to this type of unit, but I would be happy to go there again.

To some it up:
 the patients were pleasant and easy to "fix"
 the workers were friendly and fun to chat with
 it was a steady pace of work
 there was tons of Christmas spirit.

There are a lot of volunteers at this hospital; therapy dogs, musicians, singers, people that read, people that sit and chat, and more. About half way through the day we had a visitor, a young girl- you know, that awkwardly shy type that just wants to be a singer but will probably end up pursuing engineering or bio-chem as a career.   Well she came for about 2 hours and played on an old Casio keyboard and sang Christmas carols.  It was the most adorable and funny situation.

She was this tiny girl, but belted Holy Night and Jingle Bells from the center of the unit.  She also hung around and played melodies while we all chatted.

It was so interesting talking to everyone.  At one point someone realized that each nurse represented a different nationality or at least different area - the various nurses were from Iran, Japan, Philippines, China, Mexico, Kenya, Pennsylvania (guess who..), Korea, New Jersey, and a California native.  We all talked about Christmas/Hanukkah traditions and laughed at our misunderstandings at people's accents.  For instance, one woman had been talking about how much she wanted a "snake" and where could she find some "snakes". Finally someone asked, "what is it with you and snakes?!" and she clarified that she was saying, "snacks"..

There were decorations everywhere and people loved them.  I was on the phone with the ER when a nurse came over with the tiny, decorative present in that picture and said she got me a gift.  Then she cracked up like it was the most hilarious thing she had ever said and played the same prank on about 5 other people. 

It was so interesting and fun. I can't describe how much I enjoyed Saturday.  

I love doing my job, I love meeting new people and hearing about their cultures, I love telling stories about my family's holiday traditions and the dynamics of growing up with 3 older sisters, I love caring for people and helping them heal, I love asking people about immigration and becoming citizens of another country, and I loved being able to openly tell people about what Christmas is really about for me. 

Enter Sunday.

Today I was pulled to the DOU (definitive observation unit, aka middle ground between med-surg and ICU).

At first I was looking forward to it - sicker patients (which is more interesting) and seeing some nurses that I already know, since the DOU and ICU share a staff room I eat lunch with a lot of DOU nurses.

By about 10am I was looking at the clock wishing the shift was over and fighting back tears.  It was awful.  So busy. Patient actively dying, and suffering through it, which is the worst.  Medicines to give, tests to get patients to, frustrated patients, blood to hang, urine spills to clean up, patients to feed, families to support, eye rolling and curt remarks from doctors, phone calls, critical labs..I could go on.. I was buried in work and had no idea where to begin or who to give most of my attention to.  The nurses said I ran around all shift with my forehead scrunched up.  It wasn't until about 3pm that I actually felt a taste of relief, and it was transient.  I had to get up and run around some more within a few minutes.

Despite the stress, I continue to find kindness and help from the nurses. They all saw me struggling and helped me at times without me even realizing it or asking for help.  And Ashley bought me lunch, which is a small gesture, but so sweet and appreciated.

The responsibilities of a nurse.  The required flexibility and adaptations of a traveler as we change from one type of unit to the next. A good day, then a bad one. Thinking about missing Christmas day with my family.. 

Oh Lord, help me continue to do it all well, and with a smile and joy in my heart. 

Looking forward to the next two days off.. 

:)