Our WHOLE family, 10 total, met this year in Macomb, Illinois, at Ben and Tandalee's apartment for Thanksgiving. What may have been quite an in-law experience for Tandalee, with 8 extra hungry mouths to feed and 6 extra full beds, couches, and blow-up mattresses, was a good time for the rest of us:) We had some very nice meals and time to just relax and visit. The weather was sunny and gorgeous, so we got in some Frisbee throwing and walks. I got to spend nearly a week there enjoying family and reading books.
My week to rest, visit, and just think was broken harshly by my first days of work when I returned to Rochester. Those first two days in particular were full of new doctors' orders, constant patient needs and complications, extensive coordination, a constantly beeping pager, and phone calls to prepare patients for discharge and transfer. I failed to take a break those first two days, and an unexpected encounter in the hall resulted in person breaking a bone. It was not directly anyone's fault, but I felt indirectly responsible and was the only witness, so I had to report what happened to security. Yesterday, I was able to visit with the person, who does not blame me and is able to laugh about it all inspite of being in the hospital.
The last couple of days carried an interesting twist as well. Yesterday I had a patient adamantly request another nurse. The day before, I was a good nurse, though the patient was crabby. I was dreading having this patient again, but kept telling myself that just one patient like that should not be able to ruin my day or control me. Well, I saw the spouse in the hall, who wanted me to come in and say "Hi." The patient didn't remember me right away, then it dawned; I was that horrible, incompetent, in-your-face nurse from the day before. From that moment on, it was impossible to regain my reputation. Anything I did or said was wrong. My best plan of action was to get other nurses to help me as much as possible and keep my mouth tightly shut. You know, it's rather hard to care for a patient who constantly gives you the hate stare and snaps at you occasionally, making a point to complement the care of the other nurses. One bright spot is that the spouse kept hugging me and telling me not to take it hard. I just feel sorry for what that spouse goes through day in day out. Finally, at 7pm, I was able to take another patient and give mine away.
Over the last couple of weeks, I feel like I have learned a lot through my difficult experiences. I'm beginning to feel much more competent and confident. I came home laughing about it all yesterday. Give me all kinds of tubes and wounds, and I'm ready to take them on!
8 comments:
That patient must really be out of it to say that you were in his/her face! Aren't you glad that God isn't so easily swayed against us as humans are? He knows our intentions, and doesn't judge on the account of the way something came out, but on the way the heart meant it. You are all heart, dear Amy. I know that your intentions are to be like Jesus.
It looks like the Thanksgiving gathering was fun! Ben and Tandalee's place looks nice!
I can't wait to see you! Keep your chin up!
Oh, Jolynn! Thank you for the encouragement; I needed that just now!
Hey girl! Isn't it strange how bad days just come in clumps like that? The good news is that the good days do too! Sometimes working with people is just difficult, because they are just that, people, with moods and emotions and pressures. We interact with them when they are in the one place that everybody dreads. . . .the hospital. So sometimes we bear the brunt of their frustrations. Hand in there. I admire your attitude that you would not let her spoil your day. I would love for you to be my nurse/ Love you girl
Hi Amy! It sounds like ya'll had a very good Thanksgiving! I am thankful you all were able to be together. Could the second picture be titled "watching Herbie the Love Bug?"
On some days, some of the residents at the nursing home can be so mean, that I forget how human those emotions are. For me, the difference is, is they are displaying the emotions that I sometimes feel. It really keeps me in check, because I realize what I predominantly am thinking now, will be what I do or say, when I'm older, or sick.
Having said that, I NEVER have felt that way towards you... And I do find it a very sad thing to do towards someone who is caring for me as best they can.(and your best is BEST ( :)
Hi Again Amy. It was nice of you to leave your thoughts on my blog. Maybe you should post your "essay" reply here! :) I'm definitely long-winded in my comments too!
Anyhow, I really liked your thoughts on Grace and Freedom. I started questioning what that looked like early in my study, but haven't had a chance to get back to it. Thanks for jogging my memory.
I really like that "freedom in Christ" is not freedom to sin or do whatever we want, but freedom to serve God.
I love your Thanksgiving photos. That big group of people spending time together brings happy thoughts.
Heidi
Ha, you're right about that second picture, Kaylene!
Hi! Thanks for your comment over at my place and for the link to your friend's xanga post on literature abuse. :) I did enjoy reading it.
Your blog looks very interesting. I'm very curious about different religions and people groups - not because I'm not happy with my own, by any means - I just find "culture" fascinating. :)
I'll have to come back and check it all out when I have a bit more time.
Come back and visit me anytime! :)
Looks like you had a fun time at Ben and Tandalee's!
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