Homebound

Hey folks, headed home in the AM for a vaction. Gonna see Jay, my folks, and all the other folks back home. It's been a long eight weeks, and I've been working my tail off. We are flying home for twelve days. Then it's back here for about five weeks.
I've got some job interviews in Jonesboro, AR and also looking at some houses. Just real tired of Memphis. Looking to slow down and quieten up my life alittle.
I'll be taking the camera home with me. So hopefully will have some pictures to post here. I know I have missed everybody back home alot.
Hope this finds everyone well. Drop me a line. Say HI!!

Hey Nurse!!

You know, one thing I have noticed since I've been here is that there is a total lack of time understanding here. Patients come off the ambulance stretcher wanting to know how long they are gonna be in the ER. Sometimes I just want to answer with an AMA form.
Or they start complaining about their length of stay in the ER. "I've been here for three hours. When is the test going to be finished and I can go home?" HMMM....maybe this abdominal pain you've had for a month is just not that important. Why do these people come to the ER and then complain about the wait. I mean, a three hour visit is great. I love to tell them that they are a head of the national average. Which is in the area of what six hours or so just to be triaged. I know that at THE MED in Memphis it was nothing for people to sit in the waiting room thru my whole shift and still be there when I came back in the next shift. Of course, a lot of these folks didn't have anything better to do. But I guess the Memphis folks were soldiers. They persevere through the trials and tribulations of an ER visit. No whining about the wait. Shoot, it's warm and dry. A TV. What else do you need?
I guess it comes from the McDonald's culture we live in now a days. You know what I mean, come in, place you order and be out the door shortly after that. Oh, but don't forget that these same people want a kind,caring nursing staff and doctors to spend time with them and actually listen to their complaints. Oh and please don't forget the warm blankets for the patient, family, and visitors. And do you have any fresh coffee? How 'bout some juice? I'm sorry folks, but do I look like Alice from Mel's diner? Let me break off from doing CPR on this ninety-eight year old to fetch you your hearts desire.
Wake up folks and realize that health care is not a trip to the store or McDonald's. You are not the only one wanting to be taken care of. No the nurses and doctors are not there to wait on you hand and foot. We are there to get you stable enough to go to the floor or ICU. Or maybe to send you to your regular doctor. And yes you do need to see the doctor we refer you to. That is why we recommend them. maybe they can treat your chronic problems and you don't have to wait for hours in the ER. Amazing how that works, huh?
Let me know your thoughts on my rant. Am I wrong? I welcome all opinions, even if they are wrong. Peace!!

Heroin and Crystal Meth

Ok, so have I been living in a bubble or what? I didn't know that heroin and meth were so big. I mean, I know that crack was big back home. But, geez, it seems that there is a large population of heroin and meth users here. A lot of people here are users. And they all complain that you have to stick them a lot to try and get an IV on them. Well, all I can say is, don't complain because you have ruined your veins. I didn't ask you to shoot up, or suck on that pipe. You made a choice to do these things. You have to live with the consequences of your decisions. I don't. I just have to take care of you. I'm the one that has to find some way to get the IV antibiotics into your wasted venous system, so maybe that abcess from skin popping won't go septic. Maybe you will live to see another sunrise. Maybe see your children grow-up. Or not. I guess it's the will of the needle there.
Sorry folks, I guess i'm letting my frustration boil over into here. I find it so hard sometimes to take care of those who don't care about themselves. But, I go in do my job and hope that they make it thru the night. I know the needle is calling. And they have to answer that call.
Hope all is well in your lives. Drop me a line and say HI.