Saturday, June 18, 2011

Just me and the skeeters

Finally, the long awaited and hard earned weekend is here and I can't sleep in for the life of me. First I awakened around 2:53 AM with the sun shining in my face. Oh wait, that wasn't the sun, that was my lamp. Must have fallen asleep reading my Kindle again.

Because one of the kids is sacked out on my sofa in the living room, I'm on the back porch with my coffee and my laptop. Every once in awhile, a mosquito buzzes my ear, but for the most part, it's just me, the birds and a few brave squirrels. When I see more than two squirrels, I open the door and let Leo have at them. He clears the yard pretty quickly. I'd let him stay out here with me, but it's early, neighbors are still sleeping, and for whatever reason, the dog won't use his indoor voice. Yesterday, one of the squirrels was doing a tightrope act from my house to the garage, fell, and nearly became Leo's first capture. It was a harrowing few moments. Part of me really wanted Leo to win, but the animal lover in me was goading the squirrel into moving its ass out of the way. Leo might be a good hunter, but I don't have the stomach for seeing the remains.

Speaking of that, I'll leave you with this story before I go to the farmer's market this morning.

Late last night, making my last run of the shift, I saw a patient who had not peed all day. She had a home health aide living with her who agreed to assist me in putting a urinary catheter in the patient. One moment, I'm mumbling to myself because I can't see where X marks the spot--it was dark in that room--and the next I'm abruptly aware that the aide has abandoned her duties. I looked up and there she was, all 6 feet and likely 220 pounds of her, wedged between the bed and the wall with a goofy look on her face. She had fainted when she got a good look at what I was doing. And just like that, one patient had magically turned into two.

My job isn't boring, that's for sure.

14 comments:

SkippyMom said...

I have to crack up everytime Spot [the little one] goes after squirrels. Pooldad just shakes his head and says "Put your money on the squirrel." And he isn't kidding.

And yes - your job is definitely not boring. giggle Hope the aide was okay.

Brenda said...

Enjoy your weekend Rudee! You deserve it.

Charlene said...

I hope you have a relaxing week end. I've never fainted but if I had to have a catheter I might!

Celia said...

Maybe this isn't a good career choice for the CNA. Hospice care is not for the faint of heart.

Stephanie V said...

Yes, I remember I was a bit queasy with the thought of my Dad's catheter. I probably would have fainted if I'd had to witness the procedure. Another reason I'm not a nurse. You are all so amazing!

Hope you find lots of good stuff at the farmers' market. Enjoy your weekend.

Gail said...

Nurses are, for the most part, an amazingly special branch of care givers...thank you.

Enjoy your weekend.

NCmountainwoman said...

I've had them fall while helping with a blood draw, but never with a catheter insertion.

I read an article recently that Absorbine Jr. was a good insect repellent, especially against those nasty little gnats. Haven't tried it myself, but supposedly a little dab behind each ear will do the trick.

The Bug said...

Ooh - I'll have to try to Absorbine Jr - I might even use it on some of my aching muscles!

Having fainted twice in medical situations I know what I'm not cut out for. But I think I could handle watching a catheter insertion. I certainly never minded my mom's.

Anonymous said...

Boring it most certainly is not! I'm so glad you didn't let the dog have the squirrel. I believe they taste awful... lol

CJ xx

Unknown said...

Enjoy your weekend off.

I'd be right there with you, unless you did any intravenous punctures then I would be out in the corner with the aide. Need to figure out how to get over that.

Jane said...

As always I'm full of admiration for you Rudee. Your job sure is a calling! Enjoy your weekend off.

Alice said...

We would take the kids, (long-term pediatrics), camping . . . yes, in tents! Anyway, I would be the lone nurse, and would have med., g-tube feeding, and catheter duties. You haven't lived until you have done a cath with a penlight in your mouth, on the floor of a tent!

ONCE a year, it was fun!

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

nope, not boring! ha ha ha

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoox

Larjmarj said...

I don't know that I've ever known any of my dogs or my mom's to actually nail a squirrel. They've come close, esp. with the scenario you described.
Fainting from a straight cath? (eyeroll). Even the OT's can handle that.