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Jane
| I am reading the dialogue between you and Tapsal-T and thinking if I were in the hospital I would certainly appreciate someone with all the compassion you two have. I must say I have had very sweet people and great care the few times I have been in the hospital. |
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posted by
Justi
on December 7, 2004 at 5:55 PM
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Ah, we have some night shifters on board here, eh?
This was one reason why I hated working nights (and am thankful to say I no longer do!). I'd tiptoe in if the pt was sleeping, and attempt to quietly assess him or her without awakening the poor tired soul. I'd gently lay my stethoscope against their chest, and then we'd both be frightened out of our wits if I inadvertently awakened the pt. So much for the neuro assessment, of course. The alternative is to wait until the pt awakens naturally and then assess, but of course that may not happen until 05-06 in the AM. Or, I could have done as some nurses and just awaken each one at the beginning of the shift to do a head to toe assessment. . . which amounts to one more brutal awakening. So what's a person to do? Well, since I was personally falling apart because of lack of sleep, I decided I would get off nights. Thank God!
posted by
JanesOpinion
on December 4, 2004 at 8:19 AM
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JanesO - I tried so hard not to have to wake patients at night but it is no use. I never did become hardened to that and always apologized. But what good is that when the patient is already awake and can't go back to sleep.
posted by
TAPS.
on December 3, 2004 at 7:56 PM
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Oh Boy! Do I ever understand the Nurse's life!
Reading your post, I am reminded of my expereinces on the med surg floor. It was very hectic and sleep was hard to come by for both nurses and patients. I must admit that my favorite area of nursing is psychiatrics/mental health. I look forward to reading more :)
posted by
Dark_Dreamer
on December 3, 2004 at 11:00 AM
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Yes, how I wish I was a good napper, but sadly not. Thanks for the suggestion!
posted by
JanesOpinion
on December 3, 2004 at 10:54 AM
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A power nap might be good during such days.
posted by
Ariala
on December 3, 2004 at 9:20 AM
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