Saturday, November 7, 2009

About Last Night

Sometimes this job sucks the ever loving soul out of a person. How I wish there weren't laws that prevented me from discussing this job of mine, but there are. So I won't and you'll just have to put 2 and 2 together.

My 8 hour shift turned into a 16 hour debacle because somebody didn't do their job correctly--because of that, I worked a double. I'm even too tired to spin today, though I did take my knitting up to the yarn store so I could partake in group therapy. It was refreshing--especially since none of those ladies used the F word, or called me a liar, or screamed the word bullsh*t at me a hundred times.

When I got home in the wee hours from work, I went upstairs to grab a pillow and a blankie with a plan to finish my last 5 hours of on call with a nap on the sofa. Tip-toeing down the stairs so I wouldn't wake the house, I slipped on the bottom step, whacked my wrist on the banister and landed sideways on my ankle. My ankle is OK, but I'm concerned about my wrist. I have an abrasion, tenderness and some swelling, but pain that shoots down into my thumb. It hurts, but not as much as my psyche after a night of abuse. I'm trying to let these feelings go though, because in the midst of all of that chaos, I was graced in manner I did not expect.

You see, I was ripping my trunk apart looking for equipment my patient had to have. Overwhelmed with anxiety because someone was cursing at me I couldn't find it, I was getting more and more frustrated and beginning to question the memory that made me think it was even there in the first place. I stepped back from my trunk, looked up at the sky and asked God, "please put that suction catheter in my hand." Two seconds later, I lifted a file folder and there it was...the answer to my prayer. Instant calm.

In the aftermath of such a crappy night, it pays off to remember that though I may have felt isolated and alone, I wasn't. Not really.




21 comments:

Margaret said...

It always sucks to feel all alone and have patients yell at you. It is the only part of the job that I don't miss.

Anonymous said...

Oh Rudee you are a good persona and a damn good nurse I bet. Just leave it there. Did they ever call you by just your last name like they used to do in nursing. Me neither. I loved wearing a cap though. Did for years. Every time the TV station came to the hospital to do a story they put me in the filming because I looked like a real nurse they said. LOL.
QMM

Jane said...

You definitely don't deserve a night like that. I hope you get properly rested today and the world is a happier place when you wake up

Anonymous said...
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clairedulalune said...

good lord, that is some last comment! It that spam everyone is talking about? Any hoo, back to you Rudee. I am so sorry you had a rough night in work and I hope your wrist is alright, keeping fighting the good fight! Here is to better days!

Brenda said...

Wish I could have been there to help you, even if it was just for a hug and a shoulder to lean on. So glad the big guy was...he is much better than I in those circumstances.
I hope that your wrist is better soon.
Mean people suck!

Gail said...

You are a wonderful person and a caring nurse.

Mom always said let it roll off like water off a duck's back. Through the years, that image has saved me.

Do hope your wrist is not damaged badly.

Silliyak said...

Call in sick!

Unknown said...

You probably have already met my two best friends--Ice and Advil.
So sorry about your night. I may have lowered my standards somewhat, but I consider it a good shift if I'm not the one screaming and cursing. Not to mention the call to someone's office...
Rest today, my dear. It is well deserved.

Joanna said...

Hey Rudee, that sounds like a terrible night. And falling down the stairs at the end of it--how awful. I hope your wrist isn't badly injured and that you can get some rest today.

NCmountainwoman said...

As a former home care nurse, I totally understand everything between the lines. Oh, I've been there and it is totally frustrating.

So sorry about the injury. Hope it is relatively minor and heals quickly.

Jane said...

So glad you found calm in the storm. Look after that wrist!

CT said...

It never rains but it pours, doesn't it? I hope it's nothing serious with your hand.

He never leaves us, but wants us to ask of him what we need.

Sending you hugs!

Lisa L said...

so sorry to hear about your awful night rudee...there are some mean, cruel people out there...and when you're trying to help them? and they are cursing at you? omg...how dare they. i hope your wrist/hand is ok. ((((rudee))))

Quiltluver said...

Oh my, you have a tough job. And to top it off by getting hurt? Ouch! I can't imagine how you do it. Your patients are lucky to have someone like you taking care of them. My DH has to deal with stuff like this too, and it is never very pleasant. Hope you can get out and enjoy the rest of the weekend and the beautiful weather. Take care, Karen

Kat Mortensen said...

What an inspiring post, Rudee. Inspired in the face of adversity. I really need to pay attention to this.
Isn't it nice to know that no matter what, God will always come through for you?

Kat

debra said...

I am so sorry to hear about you night, rudee. I hope you're feeling better and got some rest today. I am sending you love, good thoughts and a cyber glass of whatever would make you feel loved and wanted. And a bit of chocolate, too. xoxo

laurie said...

that sounds awful. although with a pretty good ending. i hope your wrist is ok.

Darci said...

I sure hope your wrist heals quickly.

Betty F said...

OH Rudee.. How awful.. Hospice nurses are angels . REALLY and to have been treated this way.. I can't stop crying it's so awful. ( I also have to go back on my prozac :) ) I'm so glad you had a "moment with God" Hope your wrist is better

Miss T said...

Yikes, what an awful day. I hope you're much better now, and that you don't have to deal with those people again.