I am coming to you live, never before have I done this until this evening, BLOGGED right after I volunteer ... I've come to realized that my blog is a mode for decompressing.
I am starting to see some mind changing things, wives sitting by a husbands side as he is being diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer, old men with dementia, screaming not knowing where they are, spit that looks like chewed peanuts, old women with their life savings in their wallet - seriously - cash people (no wonder robbers steal old women's handbags). It's REALLLY a lot to process and I've come to realize that this blog serves as a mode of decompressing. Some nurses do yoga, some get massages once a week, some nurses even go to the local massage parlor and get a massage during their break (this is good news for me, next time I want a massage, I'll just tell Brett that all the nurses are getting them, and did I mention ONCE A WEEK!).
Another surprising thing, is nurses sense of urgency. I would expect them to have a greater sense of this, but I guess, after all the years, I think they just come to be really good at telling who needs urgent immediate care and who doesn't - plain and simple. And what a double edge sword that is... you want care, but really don't need it or you need care and really don't want it. Also, I think that they tend to start seeing the same 20 problems and things really end up being task based. I'll tell you one thing, whatever the case maybe, it's exhausting - I am exhausted, and I was only there today for 4 hours, they run 10-12 hour shifts!
Something funny did happen today though. One of the nurses asked me to do a belongs list for a patient, so I eagerly grabbed a belongs list, stamped it with the patient card and grabbed my handy dandy clipboard and pen and waltz right into the patients room. Well - I guess when they are standing in their robed with their back to you, bare bum showing it means that they are having a private moment (he was taking a leak). He felt bad, I felt bad, we all felt bad but then we had a good laugh about it, or maybe they were all just laughing at me, the ever eager volunteer.
September 30, 2009
September 29, 2009
My first heart attack
Today voluteering in the emergency deparment I witnessed my first heart attack. A man was brought in by ambulance after he was playing tennis with a friend and just dropped to the ground. One of the nurses came up to me and said if you are interested, there is a man on his way who has just coded. I watched in the corner of the room while the nurses and doctors all did their thing. It was pretty controlled for what it was, and it immediately made me realized that you really have to make a conscious effort to live each day like it is your last, for you never know what tomorrow will bring. He still had tennis balls in his pockets, this I noticed as I was taking off his shoes. It just makes you think - I mean he double knotted his shoes, well actually only the one on his right foot, and that could have been the last time he tied his shoes. I could really go on forever here...
One of the nurses, she's from the Davies Campus, so I've never worked with her before, she was like "Oh, you're new, what's your name." And you know how that goes...
Nurse: "Oh you're a lil' bit hoarse today..." (she was British)
Gina: No I was in a car accident 6 years ago.
Nurse: "Oh my gosh - and you volunteer now!"
Gina: Ya, well I -
Nurse: "You back in school for nursing now?"
Gina: Yes, I was a CPA and now I am going back to school to become an RN."
Nurse: "Wow, you are amazing, my hats off to you, you are truly an incredible girl - you are lucky to be alive - you had a trache didn't you? I feel so lucky to be in your presence, you are truly amazing girl. It's great to meet you.
Gina: Thank you? ;)
Nurse: "Oh, you are going to make a great nurse, you are so beautiful and have such a beatiful smile."
Gina: Thank you very much.
I could barely get a work in edge wise. Later during the day, she kept asking me questions about my accident and when I told her what had happened her response was ...
"Well, just when you think you've heard it all..."
One of the nurses, she's from the Davies Campus, so I've never worked with her before, she was like "Oh, you're new, what's your name." And you know how that goes...
Nurse: "Oh you're a lil' bit hoarse today..." (she was British)
Gina: No I was in a car accident 6 years ago.
Nurse: "Oh my gosh - and you volunteer now!"
Gina: Ya, well I -
Nurse: "You back in school for nursing now?"
Gina: Yes, I was a CPA and now I am going back to school to become an RN."
Nurse: "Wow, you are amazing, my hats off to you, you are truly an incredible girl - you are lucky to be alive - you had a trache didn't you? I feel so lucky to be in your presence, you are truly amazing girl. It's great to meet you.
Gina: Thank you? ;)
Nurse: "Oh, you are going to make a great nurse, you are so beautiful and have such a beatiful smile."
Gina: Thank you very much.
I could barely get a work in edge wise. Later during the day, she kept asking me questions about my accident and when I told her what had happened her response was ...
"Well, just when you think you've heard it all..."
September 27, 2009
September 22, 2009
Sick as a DOG!
Apparently, I've hit what we call a little speed bump in my serendipitous quest. While I am aware that there are worse things out there, the painful swallowing and constant taste of cough drops in my mouth is getting quite old. The idea of where I received this awful contaimination of strep throat from gives me the heebie jeebies due to my current understanding of microbes from my microbiology course - say it with me, YUCK!!
The worst part about being sick, is Brett is not home and I had to call in sick for volunteering today and tomorrow. I just got moved to the Emergency department full time, so that is very exciting for me! And Brett flew down to Scottsdale for work with his CFO, literally flew down, they flew his personal jet (I guess that's next on Brett's "To Do's"), which is exciting and scary at the same time, and if you are wondering, this is what a run one sentance look like.
I'm really, truthfully, the LAST person to complain about being sick (because I hate it when people do that) but I must indulge myself. I just feel like a horses you - know - what! Our coffee table looks like a Rite-Aid and I feel like a giant spore, so much so I'm even afraid I'll get Hurley sick. So I'll leave myself to a day of movies and rest (and painful swallowing). Sidenote: Girls, for those of you with babies - you should watch the National Geographic movie "In the Womb." I got it off netflix :) So amazing how precious life is and your little ones and to remember we have all been there too.
The worst part about being sick, is Brett is not home and I had to call in sick for volunteering today and tomorrow. I just got moved to the Emergency department full time, so that is very exciting for me! And Brett flew down to Scottsdale for work with his CFO, literally flew down, they flew his personal jet (I guess that's next on Brett's "To Do's"), which is exciting and scary at the same time, and if you are wondering, this is what a run one sentance look like.
I'm really, truthfully, the LAST person to complain about being sick (because I hate it when people do that) but I must indulge myself. I just feel like a horses you - know - what! Our coffee table looks like a Rite-Aid and I feel like a giant spore, so much so I'm even afraid I'll get Hurley sick. So I'll leave myself to a day of movies and rest (and painful swallowing). Sidenote: Girls, for those of you with babies - you should watch the National Geographic movie "In the Womb." I got it off netflix :) So amazing how precious life is and your little ones and to remember we have all been there too.
September 15, 2009
"You, Inc"
'Most people work 40 plus hours a week at jobs they don't like to buy things they don't need." - Madeline Nelson
September 13, 2009
A three day camping makes you feel like you've gone on vacation for three weeks
Here are some photos of Brett and I and our baby (aka Hurl-bop)
on our camping trip we took last weekend! We're going for my birthday and you're invited (just let us know if you wanna go) ...
September 10, 2009
Thank you for the Incense!
Today I was sitting at starbucks having a coffee with Hurley and studying, and all of a sudden, I I think to myself, "I thought that I was in Russina Hill, but it's smells like I am in the Haight." I suddenly turn to the woman next to me to share my thought, and three hours later, I have just had one of the best conversations of my life.
Have you ever wondered why you are where you are when you are there? Or have you ever heard of the old saying "Like attracts like?" Well, today, I think I attacked "like." I spoke with my new friend, who after I turned to and said, "It smells like the Haight!" her response was "Oh, well I have insense burning on the back of my parked bike over there, I like to think that when someone smells them, that for one brief second in time, they think about something that the smell reminds them of, and stop worrying or thinking 100 miles a minute." And that is pretty much how the rest of our conversation went. She was inspiring.
She moved to SF 5 years ago with $1,000 in her pocket to follow a woman who is an 89 year old healing arts dancer and has let life take here where it may since then. But not without her fair share of set backs (but aren't what those that make us human and build character). Talk about a quest!! She is an AMAZINGLY spiritual woman, plays a flute in the presido many mornings and mediatates daily, among other things amazing. She is the 10th of 12 children and her dad passed when she was only 6 years old. Imagine her mother, left with 12 children to take care of. The way she spoke about life made me feel free and weightless and just being in her presence (I felt like I as free as the smoke coming from her insence). I never worried about what time it was or whatever else I "had to do," it was as if for three hours I was completely lost in time and space. We spoke about life and decisions, and just being. It was serendipitious. . .
Have you ever wondered why you are where you are when you are there? Or have you ever heard of the old saying "Like attracts like?" Well, today, I think I attacked "like." I spoke with my new friend, who after I turned to and said, "It smells like the Haight!" her response was "Oh, well I have insense burning on the back of my parked bike over there, I like to think that when someone smells them, that for one brief second in time, they think about something that the smell reminds them of, and stop worrying or thinking 100 miles a minute." And that is pretty much how the rest of our conversation went. She was inspiring.
She moved to SF 5 years ago with $1,000 in her pocket to follow a woman who is an 89 year old healing arts dancer and has let life take here where it may since then. But not without her fair share of set backs (but aren't what those that make us human and build character). Talk about a quest!! She is an AMAZINGLY spiritual woman, plays a flute in the presido many mornings and mediatates daily, among other things amazing. She is the 10th of 12 children and her dad passed when she was only 6 years old. Imagine her mother, left with 12 children to take care of. The way she spoke about life made me feel free and weightless and just being in her presence (I felt like I as free as the smoke coming from her insence). I never worried about what time it was or whatever else I "had to do," it was as if for three hours I was completely lost in time and space. We spoke about life and decisions, and just being. It was serendipitious. . .
September 2, 2009
This little piggy went to the market, this little piggy stayed home ... and this little piggy went wee wee wee wee wee, all the way home.
I do not know - don't ask, but after today's shenanigans at the hospital in the emergency department, that is all that comes to mind.
Today's 3 hours of volunteering was jammed packed. I have to share my experiences with you, so here are my top 5 patients of the day:
In at number 5 - Beautiful 90 year old woman VERY hard of hearing (and with no help with my circumstance). With a magnifying glass, she read everything I wrote down with her tiny magnifying glass before she signed her belongings checklist. She was very cute and I had a giant smile on my face and my heart. Very cute.
4. The speechless, grunting 90 year old. She simply doesn't speak, so it doesn't matter that she can't hear me. I offered her a warm blanket on two seperate occassions, juice and a magazine, and I got nothing, just a blank stare (this was before I knew she didn't speak). Do you call that a job well done?
3. The steno pad - This patient visits the ER frequently. She travels with patient #1 below - I am kidding - but nonetheless is a common sight around the ER. This patient claims that there is video surveillance set up in her home, that additional surveillance is following her around the city, and that people are following her and harrassing her every which way she goes in the city. She also hears voices and claims that her phone lines are being tapped. The list goes on the steno pad, maybe?
2. My friends in bed 12A. Really, I made friends. They are what I would call my first real connection with a patient and their spouse. The patient had a feeding tube in their nose (which I can relate to, having had my fair share of artificial food supply in my day). We exchanged stories, and immediately that glorious cliche sounding "ahhhhhhhhh" like the window 96 welcome message came on in my head (maybe I deserve to make the top 5 patient list?).
1. The frequent flier - quasi idiot servant. An ex-professor at a California university (I can't say much more due to HIPPA). Nurses call him a frequent flier because he is in about 160 times a year, yes, per year. He constantly seeks psychiatric treatment, which is provided, only to turn around and check himself back into the ER. He has a Ph D in 4 different science fields, apparently there is a fine fine line between brilliance and insanity. He characterized himself as a melancholic depression, completely unable to function. However, he didn't stop talking, wanted to know nothing about his physical health, wanted to be provide ONLY mental health information. Refused to speak with nurses and refused to eat. Spoke in incomplete sentences. Imagine a turbulent freight train coming into a station at 100mph, that is what he sounded like, and possibly his mind felt like that as well.
Being in the ER today was pure exhilaration, like being in a symphony of sights and sounds, unorchestrated but heavily moderated. It was by definition, controlled chaos at it's finest.
Today's 3 hours of volunteering was jammed packed. I have to share my experiences with you, so here are my top 5 patients of the day:
In at number 5 - Beautiful 90 year old woman VERY hard of hearing (and with no help with my circumstance). With a magnifying glass, she read everything I wrote down with her tiny magnifying glass before she signed her belongings checklist. She was very cute and I had a giant smile on my face and my heart. Very cute.
4. The speechless, grunting 90 year old. She simply doesn't speak, so it doesn't matter that she can't hear me. I offered her a warm blanket on two seperate occassions, juice and a magazine, and I got nothing, just a blank stare (this was before I knew she didn't speak). Do you call that a job well done?
3. The steno pad - This patient visits the ER frequently. She travels with patient #1 below - I am kidding - but nonetheless is a common sight around the ER. This patient claims that there is video surveillance set up in her home, that additional surveillance is following her around the city, and that people are following her and harrassing her every which way she goes in the city. She also hears voices and claims that her phone lines are being tapped. The list goes on the steno pad, maybe?
2. My friends in bed 12A. Really, I made friends. They are what I would call my first real connection with a patient and their spouse. The patient had a feeding tube in their nose (which I can relate to, having had my fair share of artificial food supply in my day). We exchanged stories, and immediately that glorious cliche sounding "ahhhhhhhhh" like the window 96 welcome message came on in my head (maybe I deserve to make the top 5 patient list?).
1. The frequent flier - quasi idiot servant. An ex-professor at a California university (I can't say much more due to HIPPA). Nurses call him a frequent flier because he is in about 160 times a year, yes, per year. He constantly seeks psychiatric treatment, which is provided, only to turn around and check himself back into the ER. He has a Ph D in 4 different science fields, apparently there is a fine fine line between brilliance and insanity. He characterized himself as a melancholic depression, completely unable to function. However, he didn't stop talking, wanted to know nothing about his physical health, wanted to be provide ONLY mental health information. Refused to speak with nurses and refused to eat. Spoke in incomplete sentences. Imagine a turbulent freight train coming into a station at 100mph, that is what he sounded like, and possibly his mind felt like that as well.
Being in the ER today was pure exhilaration, like being in a symphony of sights and sounds, unorchestrated but heavily moderated. It was by definition, controlled chaos at it's finest.
September 1, 2009
6 years, 3 months and 15 days later ....
I'm finally here! I've arrived!!
I feel like I am realizing my dream! Right now, finally... after all of these years - I am finally realizing my dream! (Smiley face) I'm applying to nursing school!!!!!! (enhancing exclamation points). This is truly so exciting! From most recent to furthest away here it goes.
1. At the present moment I am applying to nursing school!
2. I am volunteering - an achievement in itself, considering I use to commute from Walnut Creek to San Francisco while working at PwC, passing by Children's Hospital in Oakland, wishing I was volunteering, really wanting to get my foot (well both feet) in the door.
3. Speaking of the city, when I worked at JG&R I WISHED that Brett and I lived in the city and that I was going to nursing school - can you believe that! 2 years ago I wished that I lived and the city and was going to nursing school - certainly checked that box.
4. Rewind and additional 4 years and you'll see me in the hospital surrounded by excellent physicians and nurses helping me get better.
5. Rewind 6 years, 3 months and 15 days later and you'll see me, lost as any 20 year old, wishing I could help people and impact their lives for the better (reading between the lines, this is the night before my car accident - which as many of you know, would change my life as I knew it then, forever....)
Anyway, I am here, and I just wanted to share my thoughts/feelings with you, my "Serendipitous Questers." You would think that I am overly caffeinated, but I am not, just feeling that I am truly blessed as I sit right where I am suppose to be. I will finish my application (well the start of them anyway) and leave you with this remarkable quote:
"Remember that your thoughts are the primary cause of everything. So when you think a sustained thought it is immediately sent out into the Universe. That thought magnetically attaches itself to the like frequency, and then within seconds sends the reading of that frequency back to you through your feelings. Put another way, your feelings are communication back to you from the Universe, telling you what frequency you are currently on. Your feelings are your frequency feedback mechanism!"~ Jack Canfield ~
I feel like I am realizing my dream! Right now, finally... after all of these years - I am finally realizing my dream! (Smiley face) I'm applying to nursing school!!!!!! (enhancing exclamation points). This is truly so exciting! From most recent to furthest away here it goes.
1. At the present moment I am applying to nursing school!
2. I am volunteering - an achievement in itself, considering I use to commute from Walnut Creek to San Francisco while working at PwC, passing by Children's Hospital in Oakland, wishing I was volunteering, really wanting to get my foot (well both feet) in the door.
3. Speaking of the city, when I worked at JG&R I WISHED that Brett and I lived in the city and that I was going to nursing school - can you believe that! 2 years ago I wished that I lived and the city and was going to nursing school - certainly checked that box.
4. Rewind and additional 4 years and you'll see me in the hospital surrounded by excellent physicians and nurses helping me get better.
5. Rewind 6 years, 3 months and 15 days later and you'll see me, lost as any 20 year old, wishing I could help people and impact their lives for the better (reading between the lines, this is the night before my car accident - which as many of you know, would change my life as I knew it then, forever....)
Anyway, I am here, and I just wanted to share my thoughts/feelings with you, my "Serendipitous Questers." You would think that I am overly caffeinated, but I am not, just feeling that I am truly blessed as I sit right where I am suppose to be. I will finish my application (well the start of them anyway) and leave you with this remarkable quote:
"Remember that your thoughts are the primary cause of everything. So when you think a sustained thought it is immediately sent out into the Universe. That thought magnetically attaches itself to the like frequency, and then within seconds sends the reading of that frequency back to you through your feelings. Put another way, your feelings are communication back to you from the Universe, telling you what frequency you are currently on. Your feelings are your frequency feedback mechanism!"~ Jack Canfield ~
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