Before I was a nurse I would have thought that 60 hours in 6 days is a long week but no biggie. Having just come to the end of that 60 hours I can tell you that I am thoroughly exhausted. My feet hurt, my shoulder hurts, and I've had a headache for the last three days.
Over the last 72 hours I've been screamed at, shoved, pinched, elbowed and peed on. We had one patient in 4 point leather locked restraints and another patient who tackled the staff 2 separate times, dowsed their sitter in a pitcher of water, threw their food tray at us, threatened us, faked a 'seizure' and threw themselves on the floor claiming they had 'fallen' and that we made them do it.
We had patients who were wannabe hero's, obsessive compulsive control freaks, drama queens, uncontrolled schizophrenics, rich b*tch diva's and also some of the most inspiring people I've ever known.
My co-workers this weekend were phenomenal. The floor was hell on earth and basically everything but a full out code happened. But even with crazy patients and belligerent visitors and no breaks we had each others backs. No one was left to fend for themselves and we pulled together. I've never felt so proud of my unit before.
Today we sent home a few patients who'd been around quite a while by a surgical floors standpoint. Some of those discharges had us doing cartwheels down the halls and some of them we had to hug twice before letting them go. A smile and a thank you goes a very long way to a worn out nurse.
We know when you are hurting and we can tell when your scared. I wish we had the answers you wanted and could always tell you everything was going to be alright. We can't take away the pain completely but will bend over backwards to get you whatever relief is available. We can't take away your fears but will hold your hand and make you laugh and explain all the doctor-jargon so you understand. We won't always give you everything you want, but I promise we're doing everything we can to make sure you have the care you need. Try not to be upset with us when we are frustrated that you worry more about your meal tray than your meds*.
We're your nurses. It's our jobs and our duty and our calling to help you in your time of need.
For the last few days I was your nurse. I'm tired and it's time rub loose those tight shoulder muscles, snuggle with my husband and my furry babies, and get to bed.
No worries though, the next nurse is just around the corner to take up the reins. See you in 24.
*In healthcare you'd be surprised to find out how often patient's prioritize customer service over medical care. It's incredibly aggravating.
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