I worked Saturday night in a unit that makes me ill. It is one of the stepdown units that has a very bad reputation within the hospital. At one time there were four different stepdown units and one closed. The staff of the closed unit were given the chance to rank where they wanted to be placed in the remaining three stepdowns by selecting numbers one through three. This particular unit came in last on everyone's selections.
A few things make the unit a hell hole! It is the only stepdown that accepts stable vent patients. It is also the only stepdown unit that never received updating and looks drab and nasty. The real kicker is that every nurse/tech/secretary with a piss poor attitude seems to end up on this particular unit. Plus it is an enormous cluster fuck even on the best of days!
So I get the news that I am being sent there. I get my five patients and hear a rumor there is a tech on the floor, but I never see her. The staff are the weekend group and are particularly vile and very unprofessional. At one point during the shift they are all talking loud and laughing about shaving balls and oral sex. Mind you, family members are walking by and most of the patients can also hear these vile fat old birds cackling away at the nurses station.
I want nothing to do with this group, so I keep away and remain focused on my patients, who were not that bad a group.
My shift started out on a bad note as I am told there are no keys to the med boxes. Each floor is responsible for providing keys to the float pool and float nurses to access meds to give the patients, but far too often they do not have any. Their solution is to share with someone else or prop the doors open. Both solutions are unacceptable and it bugs the fuck out of me this place cannot seem to get its shit together!
I cannot stand this place and I count the days until freedom!!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Keep the lines open!
You know what I hate (okay many things but specifically at the moment)? People who call into radio show trivia contest who have no clue about the question or the answer. WTF if wrong with these people?
I am watching Regis & Kelly this morning and they do their call to a viewer to give away a vacation. They get this dumb ass woman on the line and she has not a clue to the answer.
The question was a easy breezy question. Something to the effect of what 2007 action movie was Josh Dummal in and he is now in the sequel.
Duh! It is not like Fergie's man has been in many flicks! Hell, he only had a few friggin lines in this movie and the dumb ass woman could not get this softball of a question - errrr.
Mood=BAD. Need More Coffee!!!
I am watching Regis & Kelly this morning and they do their call to a viewer to give away a vacation. They get this dumb ass woman on the line and she has not a clue to the answer.
The question was a easy breezy question. Something to the effect of what 2007 action movie was Josh Dummal in and he is now in the sequel.
Duh! It is not like Fergie's man has been in many flicks! Hell, he only had a few friggin lines in this movie and the dumb ass woman could not get this softball of a question - errrr.
Mood=BAD. Need More Coffee!!!
Friday, July 23, 2010
What have i got this time?
I, like many nurses, am a hypochondriac. Every time I have a new ache or pain I am convinced it is some type of cancer or tragic yet undiscovered disease.
My last ailement was the hip tendonitis which lasted for months and hampered my running. I was sure I was heading for a hip replacement or as my mind panicked, some sort of unusual bone cancer that would lead to amputation. However, the hip feels great now and my running is better than ever - whew!
Last week I was stricken with a new life altering ailement. I started getting sore throats. Not your run of the mill sore throats, but ones so bad I could barely swallow. Thay would come and go and my thinking led me to assume it was associated with the dry cool air and leaving my windows open at night.
We are a week later and there are swollen nodules in my throat that I am assuming are tonsils. Hmmm!
Years ago I had a bout of sore throats that went on for around a month. I attributed it to tonsils or possibly strep throat, but I endured and recovered fully and I am thinking this may be the same thing only with the little swollen nodules.
I am not one for running to the doctor unless I am close to death and I am hoping this little setback will run its course and I will be on to my next tragic disease, but in the meantime I start to worry about my ability to swallow completely and wonder if I may be aspirating on the fluids I have been drinking.
See, my nurosis is a continual cycle that grows with each new symptom.
So Saturday will mark a full week of these throat issues and I will give it an additional week. If it does not correct itself I may be forced to see someone about my newest disease, but until then I have seven full days to let my mind run wild with panic.
My last ailement was the hip tendonitis which lasted for months and hampered my running. I was sure I was heading for a hip replacement or as my mind panicked, some sort of unusual bone cancer that would lead to amputation. However, the hip feels great now and my running is better than ever - whew!
Last week I was stricken with a new life altering ailement. I started getting sore throats. Not your run of the mill sore throats, but ones so bad I could barely swallow. Thay would come and go and my thinking led me to assume it was associated with the dry cool air and leaving my windows open at night.
We are a week later and there are swollen nodules in my throat that I am assuming are tonsils. Hmmm!
Years ago I had a bout of sore throats that went on for around a month. I attributed it to tonsils or possibly strep throat, but I endured and recovered fully and I am thinking this may be the same thing only with the little swollen nodules.
I am not one for running to the doctor unless I am close to death and I am hoping this little setback will run its course and I will be on to my next tragic disease, but in the meantime I start to worry about my ability to swallow completely and wonder if I may be aspirating on the fluids I have been drinking.
See, my nurosis is a continual cycle that grows with each new symptom.
So Saturday will mark a full week of these throat issues and I will give it an additional week. If it does not correct itself I may be forced to see someone about my newest disease, but until then I have seven full days to let my mind run wild with panic.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Peaches and a bit of Cheese, I think
One last inane post and I am done.
Yesterday, we are in our seats at the Pirates game. It is a beautiful night and the beers from the restaurant where we ate before the game are making us feel mighty relaxed.
The usher guides a family of five to the seats next to us. It was a man and woman and three very young children. My first thought was these are pricey tickets to get for three children of that age, but anyway.
I realise with the family so close I will need to be mindful of my language - damn! The mother is holding the youngest child so the seat next to me is empty for the beginning of the game.
Oh wait, something else! Time for the national anthem. Everyone is instructed to stand and remove their caps. I remove my cap and look around. Way down below is a kid about twelve with his cap on - someone needs to smack him across the head and make him take it off. Wait, their is a fat woman with her cap still on her head - WTF! I hate people who think things do not apply to them, especially when it comes to displaying the proper respect for the anthem.
One more thing about the whole anthem - the boy scouts and scout masters salute during the procession. I do not get it! It is not a REAL uniformed service - it is the scouts! A place that allows pedophiles access to small children!
Anyway, back to the family. Midway through the first ending I hear a noise that we all know well. The sound of sick. Yep, the small child ralphs all over the place. I felt bad for the little kid who was now covered in what looks like peaches mixed with cheese nachos. The father was trying to help the mom out and my buddy handed them a handful of wipes he had in his backpack. the mom and dad took the youngest to the bathroom while a lady a few rows back volunteered to watch after the remaining children.
The family came back ten minutes later to collect the other children and he apologized to us. We told him do not worry about it kids get sick - it happens. The usher let us move a few rows down as someone was called to clean up the vomit.
Yesterday, we are in our seats at the Pirates game. It is a beautiful night and the beers from the restaurant where we ate before the game are making us feel mighty relaxed.
The usher guides a family of five to the seats next to us. It was a man and woman and three very young children. My first thought was these are pricey tickets to get for three children of that age, but anyway.
I realise with the family so close I will need to be mindful of my language - damn! The mother is holding the youngest child so the seat next to me is empty for the beginning of the game.
Oh wait, something else! Time for the national anthem. Everyone is instructed to stand and remove their caps. I remove my cap and look around. Way down below is a kid about twelve with his cap on - someone needs to smack him across the head and make him take it off. Wait, their is a fat woman with her cap still on her head - WTF! I hate people who think things do not apply to them, especially when it comes to displaying the proper respect for the anthem.
One more thing about the whole anthem - the boy scouts and scout masters salute during the procession. I do not get it! It is not a REAL uniformed service - it is the scouts! A place that allows pedophiles access to small children!
Anyway, back to the family. Midway through the first ending I hear a noise that we all know well. The sound of sick. Yep, the small child ralphs all over the place. I felt bad for the little kid who was now covered in what looks like peaches mixed with cheese nachos. The father was trying to help the mom out and my buddy handed them a handful of wipes he had in his backpack. the mom and dad took the youngest to the bathroom while a lady a few rows back volunteered to watch after the remaining children.
The family came back ten minutes later to collect the other children and he apologized to us. We told him do not worry about it kids get sick - it happens. The usher let us move a few rows down as someone was called to clean up the vomit.
The Yuck Bus
This season we purchased a season ticket package for the Pirates. I love going to the games and on a rare occasion they actually win! Truthfully, they are among the very worst team in baseball and this year marks 19 consecutive losing seasons - a record in professional sports with no end in sight. But the stadium is amazing and it is just a fun outing!
Since we live so close to downtown we take the bus into town and walk across the bridge to the park. Riding the bus is a new experience for me here in Pittsburgh. I grew up in the south and the only people who rode the buses back home were the very old and the very poor. here in the city much more people ride the buses.
We ride a rather urban route to get to the game and over the last few months I have made some observations on things I do not like about riding the bus!
1. People talking on their damn cell phones. Mind you they do not whisper, no these people talk very LOUD and everyone is forced to listen to their boring conversations about their night out with NaNay or not getting any money from their Baby Daddy!
2. Smelly people on the bus. A bath once daily is not too much to ask. Some of the smellies can be three or four rows away, but their smell finds all!
3. Obese people. There are some people who are so fat they really should be made to purchase two seats, because there is no was another person can ride on the same bench with them.
4. People who resist sharing. These are people who find an empty bench and sit to the right and do not allow others to share the seat. I see older blacks really abuse this and when the bus fills up they need to slide their ass over, because they do not own those seats.
5. Eaters. I hate people who eat on the bus, jut yuck! Yesterday the woman in the seat in front of us was eating a blow pop and she just smacked away - nasty!
6. Ploppers. These are the people who get on and seem to throw their body and the closest possible seat with force - usually they're heavier folks who just can't find the energy to walk three to for steps to find another seat.
There are many other things about riding the bus that irritates me but these are the ones that currently irritate me.
Since we live so close to downtown we take the bus into town and walk across the bridge to the park. Riding the bus is a new experience for me here in Pittsburgh. I grew up in the south and the only people who rode the buses back home were the very old and the very poor. here in the city much more people ride the buses.
We ride a rather urban route to get to the game and over the last few months I have made some observations on things I do not like about riding the bus!
1. People talking on their damn cell phones. Mind you they do not whisper, no these people talk very LOUD and everyone is forced to listen to their boring conversations about their night out with NaNay or not getting any money from their Baby Daddy!
2. Smelly people on the bus. A bath once daily is not too much to ask. Some of the smellies can be three or four rows away, but their smell finds all!
3. Obese people. There are some people who are so fat they really should be made to purchase two seats, because there is no was another person can ride on the same bench with them.
4. People who resist sharing. These are people who find an empty bench and sit to the right and do not allow others to share the seat. I see older blacks really abuse this and when the bus fills up they need to slide their ass over, because they do not own those seats.
5. Eaters. I hate people who eat on the bus, jut yuck! Yesterday the woman in the seat in front of us was eating a blow pop and she just smacked away - nasty!
6. Ploppers. These are the people who get on and seem to throw their body and the closest possible seat with force - usually they're heavier folks who just can't find the energy to walk three to for steps to find another seat.
There are many other things about riding the bus that irritates me but these are the ones that currently irritate me.
Day by Day
Some things irritate the fuck out of me and I try to keep things in check, but the older I get the more difficult that process becomes.
We had one of the step-down units close a few months back and the staff were dispersed throughout the facility. All except the manager of the unit. No, the manager of the unit was GIVEN another management position with the sister hospital.
Let me explain why that chaps my ass!
First, the position she was handed was never posted for system wide applications. Many people had the right to be considered for the job she was handed.
Second, she was woefully under qualified.
Third, she was a horrible manager and should have been booted and not rewarded with a new position when some of the decent managers will be losing their jobs as the facility downsizes.
And why could she not take a staff position? oh but no she could never do that!
Some of these lazy fat women with no real qualifications scheme and angle for non-bedside positions and feel entitled from that point on. That is what really bugs the shit out of me! i have been a director, case manager, taught at the community college level and pretty much had every possible nursing position along the way and in a little over a year I should complete my doctoral program and my ass is working the floors and not sitting in some boring ass office.
In this city unless you are a card carrying member of the uterus club you work the floors while newly minted BSNs are presented with leadership positions - reason number 28 as to why I am moving away and never coming back!
Anywho, I had the displeasure to get a call from that woman a few weeks back and she had the audacity to give moi attitude. What drew her ire was the fact I did know who she was or who another manager was. Frankly, i didn't care! like I said she is pretentious piece of trash and I have no use for her!
Many a day i go to work bite my tongue and try so hard to get trough without making my opinions known. i want to go under the radar and get the fuck out and responding to dumb chicks the way I want will not let me slide by - ugghghhhhh!!!
I am down to 18 weeks to go. Pray I make it!
We had one of the step-down units close a few months back and the staff were dispersed throughout the facility. All except the manager of the unit. No, the manager of the unit was GIVEN another management position with the sister hospital.
Let me explain why that chaps my ass!
First, the position she was handed was never posted for system wide applications. Many people had the right to be considered for the job she was handed.
Second, she was woefully under qualified.
Third, she was a horrible manager and should have been booted and not rewarded with a new position when some of the decent managers will be losing their jobs as the facility downsizes.
And why could she not take a staff position? oh but no she could never do that!
Some of these lazy fat women with no real qualifications scheme and angle for non-bedside positions and feel entitled from that point on. That is what really bugs the shit out of me! i have been a director, case manager, taught at the community college level and pretty much had every possible nursing position along the way and in a little over a year I should complete my doctoral program and my ass is working the floors and not sitting in some boring ass office.
In this city unless you are a card carrying member of the uterus club you work the floors while newly minted BSNs are presented with leadership positions - reason number 28 as to why I am moving away and never coming back!
Anywho, I had the displeasure to get a call from that woman a few weeks back and she had the audacity to give moi attitude. What drew her ire was the fact I did know who she was or who another manager was. Frankly, i didn't care! like I said she is pretentious piece of trash and I have no use for her!
Many a day i go to work bite my tongue and try so hard to get trough without making my opinions known. i want to go under the radar and get the fuck out and responding to dumb chicks the way I want will not let me slide by - ugghghhhhh!!!
I am down to 18 weeks to go. Pray I make it!
Facility bye bye
So, a lot has been going on and I have been neglecting my little corner of the blog world.
The hospital where I work announced they will undergo an urban realignment and trim down some 1500 jobs. This means the 167 year old hospital will be trimmed down to about 200 beds. Staying is OB and some minor peds beds, bariatric services and about 20 med/surg beds and rehab service. Everything else will go to the other hospital and the hobs will just go away.
They announced the changes in June and the plan is to shut down the ED in January and sometime in the first quarter move everything.
Funny thing is right after the plan was announced admissions went through the roof and the facility is busier than ever. Go figure!
Most people talk about resumes and interviews with other facilities and people are starting to leave. I imagine within a month or two there will be many vacant positions and the facility will be running short-staffed all the time. They will not be hiring into jobs at the dying facility and within the facility jobs are frozen. I think it is about eight weeks away from an ugly mess.
In the meetings since the announcement the administration fully admitted that they really do not have a firm plan on how this transition will take place. Well duh!
Anyway, I am here possibly til December unless my house sells earlier and after that I leave the burgh forever.
The hospital where I work announced they will undergo an urban realignment and trim down some 1500 jobs. This means the 167 year old hospital will be trimmed down to about 200 beds. Staying is OB and some minor peds beds, bariatric services and about 20 med/surg beds and rehab service. Everything else will go to the other hospital and the hobs will just go away.
They announced the changes in June and the plan is to shut down the ED in January and sometime in the first quarter move everything.
Funny thing is right after the plan was announced admissions went through the roof and the facility is busier than ever. Go figure!
Most people talk about resumes and interviews with other facilities and people are starting to leave. I imagine within a month or two there will be many vacant positions and the facility will be running short-staffed all the time. They will not be hiring into jobs at the dying facility and within the facility jobs are frozen. I think it is about eight weeks away from an ugly mess.
In the meetings since the announcement the administration fully admitted that they really do not have a firm plan on how this transition will take place. Well duh!
Anyway, I am here possibly til December unless my house sells earlier and after that I leave the burgh forever.
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