Good Morning -
Gotta type before I forget to do it. . . again. . .
First. . . Seeing your post the other day, herring_RN, was a sight for sore eyes. (And, reading your response to my Private Message to you was also a welcomed and happy site to see.) On some level, we've all become friends on this web-site. I believe that I've known you the longest. I can not state this enough: You are warmly held for continued Recovery and Comfort.
Well. . . On to continued typing. . .
Yesterday. . . It was supposed to be my day off from work. At around 5:00 PM, I received a somewhat frantic phone call from the evening Shift Director. Apparently, one of his kids fell and needed to be seen in the ER. He needed to go pick up the rest of his kids from school, and meet his wife and child at the hospital ER. So, he asked if I'd finish the rest of his shift. Of course I said, "Yes!" Got to work around 5:45 PM. (It's a 40 minute commute to my hospital.) I was immediately "greeted" with the tasking of finding a nurse go on an ambulance run to Boston, which is a 3 hour drive one-way. Without getting into details, it was quite the task. I found out (later on) that one RN, with the training and capabilities to handle this particular case, has significant motion sickness. That person, in sharp terms, leaving no room to my imagination, refused to go. (Did NOT know that this individual had significant motion sickness at the time!!) My first reaction was to go to "Plan B", which worked, thankfully. That task to ensure an RN want on that particular ambulance run was completed. But my second reaction was to deal with my "red-in-the-face" frustration and anger towards that refusal, and the person refusing. Needless to say, I left little room to that person's imagination my frustration and anger towards that person's refusal. I said things that I now regret. We talked it over. . . at length. I processed the situation with, finally, a cool head, and composed a lengthy note to the Nurse Managers of the ICU and Emergency Room that our teeny-tiny hospital has some issues to deal with. First, apparently there is a shortage of paramedics for the two main ambulance squads that our hospital uses for patient transport. So, in all likelihood, the need for another RN to go on an ambulance run will present itself again until this shortage ends (if it will ever end). Second, there seems to be a small number of other-wise capable RNs who can NOT go on ambulance runs due to significant motion sickness. (As I've said time and time again, I work for a teeny-tiny hospital. Along with this comes the "teeny-tiny" number of staff available to go on ambulance runs, especially during the night shift!!) So, all of this was tactfully included in my lengthy note to the two Nurse Managers. Maybe, during this apparent crisis with paramedics, we can create a list of capable RNs (from the ICU and ER) who can be "On Call" for these Ambulance Runs?!? The thing is, I (we) used to go on ambulance runs all of the time. This was before paramedics were hired for some of the local ambulance squads that are used for transport. Anyway, I await a response from the two nurse managers. I offered my willingness to help problem-solve this situation that our teeny-tiny hospital faces - again.
Today, this evening, I work as Mr. Shift Director. Again. I'm filling in so that the normally-scheduled full-time Shift Director can enjoy a two-week vacation, which he really, really, really needs. (That person seems a bit burned-out. But that's another tale best left untold for now.)
Yesterday was a reminder that life just ain't perfect. That I surely am not perfect. That I need to step back, especially when I "See Red", and calm down. Yesterday was also a vivid reminder that our teeny-tiny hospital has significant "resource issues". It amazes me, at times, that we're still open and operating. We certainly have our strengths. But our weakness (or "challenges") must be recognized and dealt with, too.
The few nights off from work were nice ones. I did some yard work, and some videography, when weather permitted.
Apologies for the long post. I guess I'm still "processing".
BCgradnurse - It's sad to read about your BIL. Hopefully the treatment is effective. Also, it's very sad to read about your friend. Watching a beloved friend or family member develop dementia is a painful process to witness. (((Hugs)))
Joe - Conflicts in churches sure can be anxiety-producing. THAT is for sure! I hope all goes well with your church council meeting. Take care!
Tweety - I do not miss working for a Big Hospital, especially with the higher acuity and higher staffing ratios. (Although, any sized hospital has it challenges.) When I think back to when I started nursing at that one Big Hospital (29+ years ago), I shake my head and wonder how I (and the patients) survived. On the worst night, I had up to 15 patients (when one of the RNs called out sick). I couldn't do that now.
To everyone. . . Peace!
Ted