So my first weekend on the night shift went swimmingly and passed with little incident. I am enjoying the work immensely. I have done everything from given a quadriplegic a sponge bath to toe tag and prep a recently deceased patient for transport. Its definitely been a huge learning experience and it's been very relieving and refreshing to find out that I'm kinda good it.
You may be wondering why the title of this post was Nightshift = Time Travel. I experienced this odd phenomenon all weekend. It's very strange to get home from work when everyone else is getting up and going to their jobs or to school. This morning I pulled up to park as some of the college kids were setting off to class. It didn't even feel like I had just worked 13 hours. I was almost compelled to eat breakfast and head back out (of course I ate breakfast, but then proceeded to shower and sleep).
While it didn't really feel like I had just worked nearly 40 hours my entire weekend was gone. It was as if I stepped into a time vortex that pushed me from Friday to Monday night. Its almost like Tyler Durden worked in my stead all weekend. Right now I'm awake at 1:30 in the morning and I'm going to do some homework for the online course we have to take. Actually I'm bending the space-time continuum right now, I've been logged onto the course while I blog so I can get closer to the 40 hour "log-in" requirement.
I'm a fucking TIME TRAVELER!
OK, last thing before I take an online test. The two things I'm really coming away with while working this short time in the hospital. There are two "statements" that tumble through my head as I roam the darkened halls of the hospital around 3 AM.
1) Health is wealth
2) Love is fucking awesome
Lets break those down really quickly shall we:
Heath is wealth: My mom always used to say this to us. She was the ultimate expert in such matters, from both sides of the hospital equation. As a nurse for over 30 some years she has probably seen it all. As a cancer survivor and stroke victim she has suffered through it all. Needless to say, my mom is a rock, she is a stubborn bitch that just plows through her ailments. =) Unfortunately, I never really understood what she meant nor took her advice as seriously as I should. I'm sure I suffered from the youthful thoughts of my own immortality.
Thus, being exposed to such sickness and suffering really makes me worry sometimes about my own health and mortality. Since we deal with a lot of cancer patients, I'm still shocked that some nurses go out for smoke breaks. Admittedly, my eating habits seem to be deteriorating by all the eating at odd hours, but hopefully I can keep my diet somewhat healthy.
Oh well, I suppose my message here is, take a look at yourself my dear reader, and make sure you are doing what you can to keep yourself healthy as best you can. The last thing you want to do is end up in the hospital where some guy like me is cleaning you with a soapy wash cloth.
Love is fucking awesome: There are always family members of the patients strutting through the halls of our floor. Some are allowed to sleep in their loved one's room while many stay the night in the family lounges. Husbands, wives, siblings and children, all stick around to help their family get better.
While its gratifying to see the family members around, what strikes me more are the patients that don't seem to ever have any visitors. No, I'm not trying to breakout into some kind of Kodak moment here, but just seeing that loneliness really, really sucks.
I guess all that any of us can really hope for is that when our time is up and it's our turn to start the final journey, that we are surrounded by those who love and care for us.
FYI: In case you were wondering, when I die I want it to be a celebration. No crying or no somber black attire (unless its a really sexy black dress or suave suit you've been wanting to rock). I want it to be a celebration of how I lived and how stupid I was. Also, I wanted to be cremated like a Viking king. I want a 20 foot Dragon boat filled with Gold Coins (the chocolate kind of course), Swords and Weaponry (plastic knives can be used if no Toledo Blades are available) and my favorite ales and spirits (Hypnotic and Pineapple Orange juice).
If there isn't isn't an ocean, river or lake nearby in which to release this burning flotilla, then do this instead. I'll be cremated at the morgue but at the service, everyone will be given a small paper boat and a small paper pouch with some of my ashes.
Each person can then take said boat and pouch to their home. From there, each person can perform a Viking funeral ceremony in the comfort of their own bathroom. Place the pouch into the boat and gently drop into the toilet. Courageously light the boat aflame while playing "The Ride of the Valkyries".
Don't worry, I won't haunt your house. Though, I may tickle your butt whenever you go number 2.
Sorry...I must still be delirious
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
My body is confused!
No, don't get all crazy, I don't mean "sexual orientation" confusion. My body is confused about my sleeping schedule. Just as my body had adapted to waking up at 6 am regularly (probably the first time since high school) I'm switching to the night shift.
Tonight is my first weekend of the 7 pm to 7:30 am shift. I would be lying if I didn't admit that I'm a bit apprehensive. I'm not exactly sure why I'm a little nervous. I've been told that the night shift is much more relaxed and a lot less stressful than the days.
For one, there really isn't any bathing during the night (of course unless a patient has an "accident"). Secondly, we won't really be required to ambulate (walk) the patients much. I won't really be needed to do many other activities like run EKG's, pull IV's or strip beds if a patient is discharged. I suppose I'm just a little nervous because it is the first time and I want to make sure I do a good job.
My biggest challenge will probably be staying awake. As in most cases, work tends to fly by quickly if one is busy doing several tasks. My primary duties during the night will be to take vital signs every 4 hours or so, drain any fluid bags (catheters and what not) and to answer any call lights should the patients require anything.
The good thing about working consecutive days is that you tend to get to know some of the patients. You can build good rapport with them and it makes it much more enjoyable when you have to barge into their room to take vital signs or help them to the commode. Since I haven't worked in the week, I'm guessing it will be pretty much all new faces tonight.
Oh well, I am looking forward to tonight, I just hope my body adjusts...if not, I have a couple Redbulls in my locker to push me along.
I haven't done any movie reviews of late so I thought I'd bore you with a few right now. I'll break it down by movies that I think you absolutely have to seen, then movies that I would only recommend if you're really bored. Oddly, most of the movies I've seen lately have been snoozefests.
Alas, here we go.
3 Strictor Heads:
I won't get into these movies too deeply since they've been around forever and I'm sure you've already seen them. But, if you haven't seen these movies already then you should just go ahead and buy a plane ticket to Australia, purchase a boomerang then walk into the outback because you no longer deserve to live among us in civilized society.
Avatar
I'm pretty sure you've heard of this one, only the highest grossing movie of all time. Its got 10 foot tall blue people who have sex through their hair. Strange, but oddly arousing. Then again, they hook up with everything through their hair. Does that mean they're having sex with the horsey things and the dragon things? Either way, F'ing fantastic movie.
Inglorious Basterds
Definitely not what I expected, but in a very good way. I expected more Reservoir Dogs but got a very, very smart movie. I especially liked the revisionist history...any many of you know that I pretend to be a history buff.
2 Strictor Heads:
Here are a couple movies that I would suggest watching. I liked them, and while they didn't necessarily exceed any of my expectations, I thought it was good popcorn fare.
Up in the Air
Clooney is definitely a guy who got better looking as he aged, I was looking at the list of movies he's been in and its getting quite lengthy. I liked the movie and thought the twist was refreshing. However, I didn't think Vera Farmiga's role was Oscar worthy. She was good in the movie, but I didn't think it was anything special.
Food Inc.
And no, I'm not just going off of the Oscar lists. But in case you ever wondered where and how you're food made it to your plate and into your belly, here you go.
1 Strictor Head:
I've seen several movies lately that have either disappointed me or were just kinda lacking. I know, you're probably shocked since I try and appreciate every single movie I watch, but there have been a few recently that just didn't live up to my very low standards. I won't list them all, just the ones that are somewhat fresh in my mind.
Year One
I thought this movie should have been much funnier. But something was really missing. I think maybe Jack Black and Michael Cera playing the exact roles they almost always play was tedious. I think they were aiming for a PG rating, but a movie like this could always use some on screen boobies. Onscreen boobies is always a good thing. Everyone say it with me: "Onscreen boobies is always a good thing"
Zombieland
Again, another movie that I thought should have been a lot funnier. I couldn't pinpoint it but something was lacking. It had funny moments, and it reminded me of a fun video game called Dead Rising, but it just didn't really work. Hmm, maybe it could have used some onscreen boobies.
FYI, I think I could survive a zombie apocalypse, IF I have the right people with me...and if there's a Wal-Mart nearby.
Last thing, I realized one error when I went ahead and allowed them to move my shift for this weekend...I'm going to miss the Paquiao vs. Clottey fight! Dammmmit!
Oh well, maybe some one out there can just text me the outcome of each round. Word.
Ok, I'm not sure what to do with myself since I have to to to work in a couple hours. I think I'll work out, shower, eat then iron my scrubs. Sound like a plan? Ok, ready? Break!
SLTSFMM
Oh, its another rainy day,
Another excuse for me to hide away,
Fog on the window, I write your name,
Oh, its another rainy day.
"Rainy Day" by Plain White T's
Tonight is my first weekend of the 7 pm to 7:30 am shift. I would be lying if I didn't admit that I'm a bit apprehensive. I'm not exactly sure why I'm a little nervous. I've been told that the night shift is much more relaxed and a lot less stressful than the days.
For one, there really isn't any bathing during the night (of course unless a patient has an "accident"). Secondly, we won't really be required to ambulate (walk) the patients much. I won't really be needed to do many other activities like run EKG's, pull IV's or strip beds if a patient is discharged. I suppose I'm just a little nervous because it is the first time and I want to make sure I do a good job.
My biggest challenge will probably be staying awake. As in most cases, work tends to fly by quickly if one is busy doing several tasks. My primary duties during the night will be to take vital signs every 4 hours or so, drain any fluid bags (catheters and what not) and to answer any call lights should the patients require anything.
The good thing about working consecutive days is that you tend to get to know some of the patients. You can build good rapport with them and it makes it much more enjoyable when you have to barge into their room to take vital signs or help them to the commode. Since I haven't worked in the week, I'm guessing it will be pretty much all new faces tonight.
Oh well, I am looking forward to tonight, I just hope my body adjusts...if not, I have a couple Redbulls in my locker to push me along.
I haven't done any movie reviews of late so I thought I'd bore you with a few right now. I'll break it down by movies that I think you absolutely have to seen, then movies that I would only recommend if you're really bored. Oddly, most of the movies I've seen lately have been snoozefests.
Alas, here we go.
3 Strictor Heads:
I won't get into these movies too deeply since they've been around forever and I'm sure you've already seen them. But, if you haven't seen these movies already then you should just go ahead and buy a plane ticket to Australia, purchase a boomerang then walk into the outback because you no longer deserve to live among us in civilized society.
Avatar
I'm pretty sure you've heard of this one, only the highest grossing movie of all time. Its got 10 foot tall blue people who have sex through their hair. Strange, but oddly arousing. Then again, they hook up with everything through their hair. Does that mean they're having sex with the horsey things and the dragon things? Either way, F'ing fantastic movie.
Inglorious Basterds
Definitely not what I expected, but in a very good way. I expected more Reservoir Dogs but got a very, very smart movie. I especially liked the revisionist history...any many of you know that I pretend to be a history buff.
2 Strictor Heads:
Here are a couple movies that I would suggest watching. I liked them, and while they didn't necessarily exceed any of my expectations, I thought it was good popcorn fare.
Up in the Air
Clooney is definitely a guy who got better looking as he aged, I was looking at the list of movies he's been in and its getting quite lengthy. I liked the movie and thought the twist was refreshing. However, I didn't think Vera Farmiga's role was Oscar worthy. She was good in the movie, but I didn't think it was anything special.
Food Inc.
And no, I'm not just going off of the Oscar lists. But in case you ever wondered where and how you're food made it to your plate and into your belly, here you go.
1 Strictor Head:
I've seen several movies lately that have either disappointed me or were just kinda lacking. I know, you're probably shocked since I try and appreciate every single movie I watch, but there have been a few recently that just didn't live up to my very low standards. I won't list them all, just the ones that are somewhat fresh in my mind.
Year One
I thought this movie should have been much funnier. But something was really missing. I think maybe Jack Black and Michael Cera playing the exact roles they almost always play was tedious. I think they were aiming for a PG rating, but a movie like this could always use some on screen boobies. Onscreen boobies is always a good thing. Everyone say it with me: "Onscreen boobies is always a good thing"
Zombieland
Again, another movie that I thought should have been a lot funnier. I couldn't pinpoint it but something was lacking. It had funny moments, and it reminded me of a fun video game called Dead Rising, but it just didn't really work. Hmm, maybe it could have used some onscreen boobies.
FYI, I think I could survive a zombie apocalypse, IF I have the right people with me...and if there's a Wal-Mart nearby.
Last thing, I realized one error when I went ahead and allowed them to move my shift for this weekend...I'm going to miss the Paquiao vs. Clottey fight! Dammmmit!
Oh well, maybe some one out there can just text me the outcome of each round. Word.
Ok, I'm not sure what to do with myself since I have to to to work in a couple hours. I think I'll work out, shower, eat then iron my scrubs. Sound like a plan? Ok, ready? Break!
SLTSFMM
Oh, its another rainy day,
Another excuse for me to hide away,
Fog on the window, I write your name,
Oh, its another rainy day.
"Rainy Day" by Plain White T's
Thursday, March 4, 2010
I want the caramel filled one...
Well, tomorrow should be my last day of the "day shift" orientation. Unless the floor nurse feels otherwise, I should be switching over to the weekend night shift next weekend. I must say that I've had a lot of fun working this week.
Undoubtedly this brings me great relief. My biggest worry is that I would either hate working in a hospital or that I wouldn't be able to take the close proximity of the bodily fluids and injuries. Now, to give full closure, I do still try to look away when I'm encountering a new type of gaping wound, but for the most part I'm slowly desensitizing myself to the various medical conditions I'll be seeing.
The awesome thing about the floor I'm working on is the variety of the patients we see. Its supposed to be an Oncology wing, but we tend to get patients ranging from Urology to Neurology to Orthopedics. So, we have everything from the feet to the head covered.
I've pretty been much on my own the past few days so I feel confident moving on to the night shift. Though, I will miss my trainer and the awesome folks I've been working with. Thankfully, I have been assured that I'll have a great time with the night shift crew. My one worry is that night shift folks (and I've confirmed this with multiple sources) EAT ALL THE TIME.
Could the Hoze-B of "Fine in 09" usher a new era of "Pigpen in 2010"?
Hopefully I can curb the late night munchies. Hmm...maybe we can get all Grey's Anatomy in that piece. Actually, hold that thought until I get to meet the night shift crew.
Some of you may be thinking that last statement is what I was referencing in the blog entry title. While I'm not sure if there's a caramel skinned butter-pecan Puerto Rican female nurse working the night shift...that wasn't what I was referring too.
Interestingly, I got to talking to one of the patients today about a topic I hold dear. No, not boobies, but rather, movies. Yes, with an "M".
I popped in to take her vital signs and Forrest Gump was playing on the TV. It happened to be on the iconic scene featuring Forrest and the nurse sitting at the bus stop. Forrest then utters those famous words..."I like boobies"....oh wait, I mean, "Momma always said life is like a box of chocolates.
So, as I'm taking the patient blood pressure and other vitals she turns to me and says: "You know, that is so true. What's a line from a movie that you think is real?"
What? How could she bombard me with such an awesome question at 7:30 am!
My mind raced and I frantically tried calling up some of my favorite movie quotes. I wanted to sound cool and knowledgeable about my movie prowess. I quickly accessed my mind's data bank to try and pry out a particularly thoughtful and heartfelt quote. I racked my brain to find that singular statement that would prove the power that motion pictures held as a medium.
I thought of some of my favorite movies and some quotes began tumbling in my head. I was about to regale her with a quote from the movie Braveheart: "Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it", but she surprised me by saying:
"Everyone is Tad Hamilton to someone"
A smile crept across my face. Did my 60 some year old patient just quote the movie Win a Date with Tad Hamilton?
She must have noticed the stupid smile on my face because she then explained that she had gone with her young teenage granddaughter to that movie years ago and absolutely loved it. I laughed and remarked that she probably only liked it because of Josh Duhamel.
After her admission to liking this movie we had a great conversation about the meaning of this quote. I would admit that I mostly find this quote true. While I don't think it's as apt as the Forrest Gump quote, I think its is very accurate.
I would have to think that there are a few folks out there on this earth that are no one's Tad Hamilton, but for the majority of people, there is someone out there that would find them ideal.
Here's to hoping you get your Tad Hamilton (or whatever the female equivalent would be...Tadiesha Hamilton???)
Whoa...its only 11 pm and I'm already sleepy. Great, I'm starting to get used to waking up early and I'll be switching to crazy nocturnal.
Ok, that's it for me.
SLTSFMM
Some dudes know all the right things to say.
When it comes down to it, it’s all just game.
Instead of talking let me demonstrate. Yeah.
Get down to business and skip foreplay.
"In My Head" by Jason Derulo
Undoubtedly this brings me great relief. My biggest worry is that I would either hate working in a hospital or that I wouldn't be able to take the close proximity of the bodily fluids and injuries. Now, to give full closure, I do still try to look away when I'm encountering a new type of gaping wound, but for the most part I'm slowly desensitizing myself to the various medical conditions I'll be seeing.
The awesome thing about the floor I'm working on is the variety of the patients we see. Its supposed to be an Oncology wing, but we tend to get patients ranging from Urology to Neurology to Orthopedics. So, we have everything from the feet to the head covered.
I've pretty been much on my own the past few days so I feel confident moving on to the night shift. Though, I will miss my trainer and the awesome folks I've been working with. Thankfully, I have been assured that I'll have a great time with the night shift crew. My one worry is that night shift folks (and I've confirmed this with multiple sources) EAT ALL THE TIME.
Could the Hoze-B of "Fine in 09" usher a new era of "Pigpen in 2010"?
Hopefully I can curb the late night munchies. Hmm...maybe we can get all Grey's Anatomy in that piece. Actually, hold that thought until I get to meet the night shift crew.
Some of you may be thinking that last statement is what I was referencing in the blog entry title. While I'm not sure if there's a caramel skinned butter-pecan Puerto Rican female nurse working the night shift...that wasn't what I was referring too.
Interestingly, I got to talking to one of the patients today about a topic I hold dear. No, not boobies, but rather, movies. Yes, with an "M".
I popped in to take her vital signs and Forrest Gump was playing on the TV. It happened to be on the iconic scene featuring Forrest and the nurse sitting at the bus stop. Forrest then utters those famous words..."I like boobies"....oh wait, I mean, "Momma always said life is like a box of chocolates.
So, as I'm taking the patient blood pressure and other vitals she turns to me and says: "You know, that is so true. What's a line from a movie that you think is real?"
What? How could she bombard me with such an awesome question at 7:30 am!
My mind raced and I frantically tried calling up some of my favorite movie quotes. I wanted to sound cool and knowledgeable about my movie prowess. I quickly accessed my mind's data bank to try and pry out a particularly thoughtful and heartfelt quote. I racked my brain to find that singular statement that would prove the power that motion pictures held as a medium.
I thought of some of my favorite movies and some quotes began tumbling in my head. I was about to regale her with a quote from the movie Braveheart: "Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it", but she surprised me by saying:
"Everyone is Tad Hamilton to someone"
A smile crept across my face. Did my 60 some year old patient just quote the movie Win a Date with Tad Hamilton?
She must have noticed the stupid smile on my face because she then explained that she had gone with her young teenage granddaughter to that movie years ago and absolutely loved it. I laughed and remarked that she probably only liked it because of Josh Duhamel.
After her admission to liking this movie we had a great conversation about the meaning of this quote. I would admit that I mostly find this quote true. While I don't think it's as apt as the Forrest Gump quote, I think its is very accurate.
I would have to think that there are a few folks out there on this earth that are no one's Tad Hamilton, but for the majority of people, there is someone out there that would find them ideal.
Here's to hoping you get your Tad Hamilton (or whatever the female equivalent would be...Tadiesha Hamilton???)
Whoa...its only 11 pm and I'm already sleepy. Great, I'm starting to get used to waking up early and I'll be switching to crazy nocturnal.
Ok, that's it for me.
SLTSFMM
Some dudes know all the right things to say.
When it comes down to it, it’s all just game.
Instead of talking let me demonstrate. Yeah.
Get down to business and skip foreplay.
"In My Head" by Jason Derulo
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Ahh, the smell of Racism...
I'm actually killing a little time between some online sessions for a course I'm taking and decided to slip on last February blog entry in. I'm going to try and update a little bit more again, well, at least once a week. Hopefully my life will be a little more eventful and I'll actually have something somewhat entertaining to share.
I wanted to start with something stupid that happened here in town Friday. It looks like some dumbasses wanted to perform a racially insensitive act on the Mizzou campus on Friday. You can see the article about it here.
It seems some folks thought it would be funny to spread cotton ball all over the lawn of the Black Culture Center on campus. An obviously social commentary about the horrid past of cotton plantations.
Not only racist, but also a waste. Think about how much nail polish could have been removed.
I wanted to start with something stupid that happened here in town Friday. It looks like some dumbasses wanted to perform a racially insensitive act on the Mizzou campus on Friday. You can see the article about it here.
It seems some folks thought it would be funny to spread cotton ball all over the lawn of the Black Culture Center on campus. An obviously social commentary about the horrid past of cotton plantations.
Not only racist, but also a waste. Think about how much nail polish could have been removed.
Growing up here in the Midwest, I thankfully didn't get too much overt racism thrown my way. I'm sure I was discriminated against, however it was done slyly and probably behind the scenes. I will also attest that most people I've met throughout the years have been relatively open. And while some may have had preconceived notions and prejudices, I escaped harassment.
However, I do wholeheartedly believe that Everybody's a little bit racist. FYI, click the link for a funny ass song from the musical Avenue Q.
Eh, enough about that and more pictures of half-naked women.
RCCOTM
Claudia Toth
Ok, I can't really call this one random, since I actually googled her after someone mentioned her to me. I wanted this month's RCCOTM to have an Olympic feel and I could have easily gone with Tanith Belbin, but that would be following the crowd to much. Reset Button likes to go off the beaten track to find these ladies.
Ms. Toth was the Austrian curling team's Skip. If you've watched any curling, the Skip is the person who is aiming or "bowling" that big ass rock down the ice. As far as I know Claudia didn't compete in the Vancouver games, but after the picture below....she gets elected as February's RCCOTM (I'm sure this is an honor she's been seeking for years now).
I was trying to think of sexually suggestive Curling references. I apologize that I only came up with a couple bad ones: 1) I feel something uncurling in my pants 2) She can skip with my rock. Again, I'm sorry those both sucked, can't say I've spent too much time thinking about that.
Well, that's it for me. I want to get in a quick workout before doing some more online stuff for that course. Hope all is well out there in cyberspace!
SLTSFMM
All the time I wasted on you
All the bullshit you put me through
I'm checking into rehab 'cause everything that we had
Didn't mean a thing to you
I used to be love drunk, but now I'm hungover
I love you forever, but now I'm sober
"Love Drunk" by Boys Like Girls
However, I do wholeheartedly believe that Everybody's a little bit racist. FYI, click the link for a funny ass song from the musical Avenue Q.
Eh, enough about that and more pictures of half-naked women.
RCCOTM
Claudia Toth
Ok, I can't really call this one random, since I actually googled her after someone mentioned her to me. I wanted this month's RCCOTM to have an Olympic feel and I could have easily gone with Tanith Belbin, but that would be following the crowd to much. Reset Button likes to go off the beaten track to find these ladies.
Ms. Toth was the Austrian curling team's Skip. If you've watched any curling, the Skip is the person who is aiming or "bowling" that big ass rock down the ice. As far as I know Claudia didn't compete in the Vancouver games, but after the picture below....she gets elected as February's RCCOTM (I'm sure this is an honor she's been seeking for years now).
I was trying to think of sexually suggestive Curling references. I apologize that I only came up with a couple bad ones: 1) I feel something uncurling in my pants 2) She can skip with my rock. Again, I'm sorry those both sucked, can't say I've spent too much time thinking about that.
Well, that's it for me. I want to get in a quick workout before doing some more online stuff for that course. Hope all is well out there in cyberspace!
SLTSFMM
All the time I wasted on you
All the bullshit you put me through
I'm checking into rehab 'cause everything that we had
Didn't mean a thing to you
I used to be love drunk, but now I'm hungover
I love you forever, but now I'm sober
"Love Drunk" by Boys Like Girls
Thursday, February 25, 2010
WOMBATMAN!
So three days in I'm quite excited to be back in the working world. I had my first day on the Oncology floor yesterday and I must say it went very well. My number one goal was not to faint or puke...so MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
I was also very worried about the 07 to 15:30 shift (I'm trying to get accustomed to military time as this is what hospitals do) but I made it through the day without a single caffienated drink. I think being on my feet and constantly doing something helped. I'm sure I was pretty excited/scared so this also prevented me from getting too sleepy.
All things considered it was quite a smooth day. I pretty much shadowed another Nurse Tech around as we took vital signs, answered call lights and help people move about. I didn't see anything too nasty yesterday. I did see some intestines, a bleeding back wound, lots and lots of surgical stitching. Good times!
I'm sure the more time I'm on the floor the better acclimated I'll be to all of the things that are typically seen in the hospital.
The one good thing I'm glad about working during the night shift is that I won't be doing much bathing. Of course there will be some bathing if a patient vomits on themselves or has some other bodily fluid issue, but it won't be a regular occurrence like it is during the day shift.
In case you're wondering why I'm posting during the day instead of back at the hospital, I actually got to sleep in today. I'll be attending another offsite training/certification course every over Thursday. Since that is paid training, I'm not needed at the hospital today. So I slept in all the way to 9:30! Last week, 9:30 would have been very early for me to awaken, but this week it is a luxury.
Since work is going well, my only complaint so far has to be the hospital scrubs. As some of you may have seen on Facebook, I was lamenting over an issue with the sizes of the scrubs. Most scrubs are unisex, so the regular Small-Medium-Large sizing can be a little tricky. I've been to Wal-Mart a couple times to try and get the correct sizing.
As a set the medium sized scrubs were a little tricky. The pant legs were a bit too long, while the arm sleeves were quite tight across the shoulders. My mobility is at a premium with this job position so I needed to get a comfortable fit. I went back to get Small sized pants but found that they cradled my baby/love making apparatus too snugly. I decided to keep the medium pants but to give the waist a slight roll down. I went with the large sized top to give me some more breathing room. Its still a bit tight, but much more manageable.
I have come to conclude that I have stumpy legs and fat shoulders. I thought, how could I best describe my body shape. One animal came immediately to mind:
The Wombat.
This cuddly Australian marsupial shares my dilemma of owning short legs and thick haunches. And we're both a little fat, though extremely lovable.
So, in case you were wondering what I look like roaming the halls of the hospital, let me present you with this imagery.
For you old-school-tv-cartoon-watching-cats out there, the title of this post refers to a fake TV show seen on the Saturday morning cartoon Captain N - The Game Master.
Time to do some laundry and clean up a bit before my course. Till next time!
SLTSFMM
Monday to Sunday I hit all the clubs
And everybody knows me when I pull up
I got the real big posse with me, yeah I'm deep
And if your looking for me I'm in VIP
"Can't Stop Partying" by Weezer
I was also very worried about the 07 to 15:30 shift (I'm trying to get accustomed to military time as this is what hospitals do) but I made it through the day without a single caffienated drink. I think being on my feet and constantly doing something helped. I'm sure I was pretty excited/scared so this also prevented me from getting too sleepy.
All things considered it was quite a smooth day. I pretty much shadowed another Nurse Tech around as we took vital signs, answered call lights and help people move about. I didn't see anything too nasty yesterday. I did see some intestines, a bleeding back wound, lots and lots of surgical stitching. Good times!
I'm sure the more time I'm on the floor the better acclimated I'll be to all of the things that are typically seen in the hospital.
The one good thing I'm glad about working during the night shift is that I won't be doing much bathing. Of course there will be some bathing if a patient vomits on themselves or has some other bodily fluid issue, but it won't be a regular occurrence like it is during the day shift.
In case you're wondering why I'm posting during the day instead of back at the hospital, I actually got to sleep in today. I'll be attending another offsite training/certification course every over Thursday. Since that is paid training, I'm not needed at the hospital today. So I slept in all the way to 9:30! Last week, 9:30 would have been very early for me to awaken, but this week it is a luxury.
Since work is going well, my only complaint so far has to be the hospital scrubs. As some of you may have seen on Facebook, I was lamenting over an issue with the sizes of the scrubs. Most scrubs are unisex, so the regular Small-Medium-Large sizing can be a little tricky. I've been to Wal-Mart a couple times to try and get the correct sizing.
As a set the medium sized scrubs were a little tricky. The pant legs were a bit too long, while the arm sleeves were quite tight across the shoulders. My mobility is at a premium with this job position so I needed to get a comfortable fit. I went back to get Small sized pants but found that they cradled my baby/love making apparatus too snugly. I decided to keep the medium pants but to give the waist a slight roll down. I went with the large sized top to give me some more breathing room. Its still a bit tight, but much more manageable.
I have come to conclude that I have stumpy legs and fat shoulders. I thought, how could I best describe my body shape. One animal came immediately to mind:
The Wombat.
This cuddly Australian marsupial shares my dilemma of owning short legs and thick haunches. And we're both a little fat, though extremely lovable.
So, in case you were wondering what I look like roaming the halls of the hospital, let me present you with this imagery.
For you old-school-tv-cartoon-watching-cats out there, the title of this post refers to a fake TV show seen on the Saturday morning cartoon Captain N - The Game Master.Time to do some laundry and clean up a bit before my course. Till next time!
SLTSFMM
Monday to Sunday I hit all the clubs
And everybody knows me when I pull up
I got the real big posse with me, yeah I'm deep
And if your looking for me I'm in VIP
"Can't Stop Partying" by Weezer
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Like my IPod's stuck on replay...
So fellow denizens of cyberspace I say hello to you on Ash Wednesday. As many of you know, today signifies the first day of the Lent. I am Christian but not a staunch Catholic. I do enjoy Catholic mass but am probably a little too liberal and secular in most of my beliefs to be considered a viable Papal candidate. I do wonder what it would be really like inside the Papal Conclave though.
Getting back to Lent. I'm giving up soda pop for sure. Thank goodness for Red Bull and 5 Hour Energy drinks though, if not, staying fully awake during those morning shifts would be very, very difficult.
I think my body's already accustomed to staying up way late at night, so I've been slowly waking myself up earlier and earlier each day to make sure I'm ready for next week's 6 am wake up call. That is going to be a whole big ball of suck!
I listed them in the order I remembered them, so maybe that indicates how I may actually rank each album. I'd encourage you to check them out. If you don't know, now you know.
So, without further ado, take a peek into Boy Gaga's list of my favorite music albums.
Tamia - Tamia 1998
This is probably my all time favorite album and it probably doesn't have a song that I would consider in my top 10 favorites. The reason this album tops the list is somewhat interesting. Most of you know that I've developed a crippling phobia of flying. But, prior to this, for years I flew quite a bit, crisscrossing the country for fun and for work. I've even flown to Europe by myself. Even then I didn't enjoy flying, but I would pop in this Tamia album into the old discman and just lose myself in her voice. She got me through some turbulent skies for sure. Thanks Tamia!
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: Who do you tell?
Jodeci - Diary of a Mad Band 1993
Now, I debated between this album and Jodeci's first album Forever My Lady. It could be argued that pound for pound, song for song, their first album, with jams like Stay and Come and Talk to Me was a better ablum.
But, for the purposes of this list, it should be known that I rarely listened past track 5 on their first album. Can't really go wrong with either album, but man, Diary of a Mad Band had some sexin' music! Though the album was already a few years old when I lost my virginity, it still made the late night sound dampening rotation. (T.M.I. Factoid: Boy Gaga lost his virginity to the song For You by Kenny Lattimore)
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: Feenin
Joe - All That I Am 1997
To me, this is the ultimate sexin album. Back in college, I would pop in this CD, get to work and try to make it to track 8. Well, that was the goal anyways. The girl should feel lucky we made it to track 3. OK FINE, track 2.
This album has a great mix of songs you'd play at the wedding then songs for later on the honeymoon.
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: No One Else Comes Close
Craig David - Born To Do It 2000
In all my years living in California I only gone to 4 concerts: Craig David, Bush, Usher and...er, should I admit this...Brittany Spears (thanks again by the way to Thes for letting me come with on the later two concerts). I'm typically not a huge fan of music concerts but I was definitely glad to see them all perform live.
When Craig David was releasing his album here in the U.S. I was able to catch him at an intimate venue with some buddies. The highlight of the evening had to be when one of the guys tried convincing some girls at the show that we were actually Craig David's back up dancers on tour with him. How successful this ruse was I'll never know for sure.
This album introduced me to a more electronic pop and house music. Thus ushering in Boy Gaga's short lived "Rave Days". (Thankfully there is very little pictorial evidence of this era)
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: Fill Me In
Fall Out Boy - From Under the Cork Tree 2005
I think that if I had any musical abilities I would have wanted to be in a band like Fall Out Boy. Maybe it was the half deer-half teenager they had in their breakout video for Sugar, We're Going Down but I've liked Fall Out Boy ever since.
Strangely I like listening to this album when I'm working out. Maybe it takes my mind away from my aching muscles when I'm trying to do that epic third push-up. WEAK SAUCE!
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year
Veronicas - Hook Me Up 2007
I'm not quite sure how I got started listening to the Veronica's. I'm pretty certain that I'm not necessarily in their target audience, however I've been smitten. I wouldn't consider either "Veronica" cute, but they do have sex appeal. Maybe it's that angry girl vibe they give out.
This album is definitely a guilty pleasure that I don't mind hyping up to other people.
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: I Can't Stay Away
There are a few more a few more albums but I'm pretty sure you've grown bored reading this long ass post so I'll leave it at that. Besides, its time for me to pan fry some steaks and get ready for the Mizzou vs. Texas bball game. Later on kids!
Getting back to Lent. I'm giving up soda pop for sure. Thank goodness for Red Bull and 5 Hour Energy drinks though, if not, staying fully awake during those morning shifts would be very, very difficult.
I think my body's already accustomed to staying up way late at night, so I've been slowly waking myself up earlier and earlier each day to make sure I'm ready for next week's 6 am wake up call. That is going to be a whole big ball of suck!
I couldn't really find an image of a "Big Ball of Suck". A Google search of that phrase may return some icky pictures; so I found this pretty fucking awesome water-walking-ball thing. However, do not use this where there is a strong current. It doesn't look like you can control this very well so don't go in the damn river with this thing. If you do, your fun ball will soon turn into a big ball of suck. Hey! That picture is perfect!
Between very intense matches of Call of Duty, I've been reading through a very, very handy book called Photo Guide of Nursing Skills. Its a thick book that goes step by step over pretty much every technique and skill a nurse will need. While the extent of the medical requirements of my position will be to take temperature and vital signs, its good to see many of the procedures and have this reference to familiarize myself with.
While I read this book and enjoy the illustrations and photos, I've been listening to Jodeci Radio on Pandora. That station is the shit! Its pretty much any and every song you could want if you're getting it on with someone. So I guess its kinda sad that I'm listening to it while looking at how to properly insert an IV.
Listening to the station made me think about some of my favorite songs and albums throughout the years. Now, by no means am I a musical expert. I wouldn't even say my taste in music is refined or sophisticated. But I thought I'd share with you all which albums I particularly liked. I'm sure if you're reading this, then you're probably pretty bored and you always wanted a little more insight into my musical tastes.
Now, to make this list I thought of the albums where I would listen to nearly every single track. I would play the hell out of all the songs until I got sick of the whole thing and wouldn't listen to it again for weeks. For each of these albums, there was rarely a "skip" song for me. I could listen to pretty much the whole thing, which I think is somewhat rare for most music albums. I didn't include any "greatest hits" or sound tracks in this list.
SIDE NOTE: Best musical score sound tracks are: Braveheart and Last of the Mohicans.
While I read this book and enjoy the illustrations and photos, I've been listening to Jodeci Radio on Pandora. That station is the shit! Its pretty much any and every song you could want if you're getting it on with someone. So I guess its kinda sad that I'm listening to it while looking at how to properly insert an IV.
Listening to the station made me think about some of my favorite songs and albums throughout the years. Now, by no means am I a musical expert. I wouldn't even say my taste in music is refined or sophisticated. But I thought I'd share with you all which albums I particularly liked. I'm sure if you're reading this, then you're probably pretty bored and you always wanted a little more insight into my musical tastes.
Now, to make this list I thought of the albums where I would listen to nearly every single track. I would play the hell out of all the songs until I got sick of the whole thing and wouldn't listen to it again for weeks. For each of these albums, there was rarely a "skip" song for me. I could listen to pretty much the whole thing, which I think is somewhat rare for most music albums. I didn't include any "greatest hits" or sound tracks in this list.
SIDE NOTE: Best musical score sound tracks are: Braveheart and Last of the Mohicans.
I listed them in the order I remembered them, so maybe that indicates how I may actually rank each album. I'd encourage you to check them out. If you don't know, now you know.
So, without further ado, take a peek into Boy Gaga's list of my favorite music albums.
Tamia - Tamia 1998
This is probably my all time favorite album and it probably doesn't have a song that I would consider in my top 10 favorites. The reason this album tops the list is somewhat interesting. Most of you know that I've developed a crippling phobia of flying. But, prior to this, for years I flew quite a bit, crisscrossing the country for fun and for work. I've even flown to Europe by myself. Even then I didn't enjoy flying, but I would pop in this Tamia album into the old discman and just lose myself in her voice. She got me through some turbulent skies for sure. Thanks Tamia!
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: Who do you tell?
Jodeci - Diary of a Mad Band 1993
Now, I debated between this album and Jodeci's first album Forever My Lady. It could be argued that pound for pound, song for song, their first album, with jams like Stay and Come and Talk to Me was a better ablum.
But, for the purposes of this list, it should be known that I rarely listened past track 5 on their first album. Can't really go wrong with either album, but man, Diary of a Mad Band had some sexin' music! Though the album was already a few years old when I lost my virginity, it still made the late night sound dampening rotation. (T.M.I. Factoid: Boy Gaga lost his virginity to the song For You by Kenny Lattimore)
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: Feenin
Joe - All That I Am 1997
To me, this is the ultimate sexin album. Back in college, I would pop in this CD, get to work and try to make it to track 8. Well, that was the goal anyways. The girl should feel lucky we made it to track 3. OK FINE, track 2.
This album has a great mix of songs you'd play at the wedding then songs for later on the honeymoon.
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: No One Else Comes Close
Craig David - Born To Do It 2000
In all my years living in California I only gone to 4 concerts: Craig David, Bush, Usher and...er, should I admit this...Brittany Spears (thanks again by the way to Thes for letting me come with on the later two concerts). I'm typically not a huge fan of music concerts but I was definitely glad to see them all perform live.
When Craig David was releasing his album here in the U.S. I was able to catch him at an intimate venue with some buddies. The highlight of the evening had to be when one of the guys tried convincing some girls at the show that we were actually Craig David's back up dancers on tour with him. How successful this ruse was I'll never know for sure.
This album introduced me to a more electronic pop and house music. Thus ushering in Boy Gaga's short lived "Rave Days". (Thankfully there is very little pictorial evidence of this era)
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: Fill Me In
Fall Out Boy - From Under the Cork Tree 2005
I think that if I had any musical abilities I would have wanted to be in a band like Fall Out Boy. Maybe it was the half deer-half teenager they had in their breakout video for Sugar, We're Going Down but I've liked Fall Out Boy ever since.
Strangely I like listening to this album when I'm working out. Maybe it takes my mind away from my aching muscles when I'm trying to do that epic third push-up. WEAK SAUCE!
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year
Veronicas - Hook Me Up 2007
I'm not quite sure how I got started listening to the Veronica's. I'm pretty certain that I'm not necessarily in their target audience, however I've been smitten. I wouldn't consider either "Veronica" cute, but they do have sex appeal. Maybe it's that angry girl vibe they give out.
This album is definitely a guilty pleasure that I don't mind hyping up to other people.
FAVORITE SONG FROM THIS ALBUM: I Can't Stay Away
There are a few more a few more albums but I'm pretty sure you've grown bored reading this long ass post so I'll leave it at that. Besides, its time for me to pan fry some steaks and get ready for the Mizzou vs. Texas bball game. Later on kids!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
I'll be stabbing you with a needle now.
Well, looking back at some of my old posts I think it was pretty good that I was even able to blog (though very inconsistently) for a whole year. It was one of my New Year's resolutions for 2009, so I suppose we can cross that one off the list.
SIDE NOTE: The other resolution was "FINE in 09". I'm pretty sure I didn't get "fine" per say, but I did lose 15-20 lbs since last January. No, no, I'm not all cut up or diesel by any stretch of the imagination. I think those 15-20 are more of a testament of how fat I allowed myself to get.
So going into 2010 I'll try and continue to keep my Reset Button journal going. I suppose I didn't have much news to relate to you nice folks, hence the dearth of blog entries lately. I tend to hibernate more in the wintertime so there really wasn't much going on to talk about. However...
There have been new developments that I will share. They primarily revolve around the reason I decided to move back to Missouri: Nursing school. Unfortunately, I did not get accepted this first time around to my program of choice. It is an accelerated Bachelors program that has seen a spike of application numbers. Though my grades were good and my interview went stellar, my lack of clinical experience lead to me not being chosen.
I had hoped to remedy this by getting a position at the University's hospital. I had applied last summer, and after 8 long months of waiting I finally was asked to interview. After some more waiting and a couple rounds of interviews I was hired as a Nursing Technician (read: nurse's aide and clinical butt wiper). I'm actually very excited about this opportunity. Its gonna give me the hand's on experience I need, and it'll be good to work in a hospital setting. I mean, if I start passing out all the time from all the exposure, it'll be a good sign that I'm really not supposed to be a nurse.
I start week after next, the 22nd is my orientation. I'll be working the days for a few weeks (7 am to 3:33 pm) but once I get acclimated enough I'll be switching over my my regular weekend nights shift (7 pm to 7:30 am Friday to Sunday). Being a night owl myself I'm looking forward to this shift since most patients will be sleeping during my shift. And who knows maybe I'll get some Grey's Anatomy type action during those late nights.
So that's pretty much all that's new with me. I'm shifting from school mode to work mode for a couple months. I'll look to take some more classes in the fall semester and I'ma try and get as many hours and as much clinical experience as I can until then. Good times!
One thing that is gonna be really jacked up though will be my sleep cycle. First, I need to start getting up around 6 am. But pretty much as soon as I get used to that I'll be switching over to the night shift. Thank goodness for energy drinks and cocaine! Um...I mean, energy drinks and coffee!
Oh, per my last blog entry, I received a couple requests to see pictures of my attempts at mustache school. I didn't post them up last time so here are a couple pictures for you to peruse. Let me know if you think one of them might have been worthy to keep.
Handle Bars
Curly Cues
El Guapo
I think I liked the "El Guapo" the best. Of course I had to throw in a picture of my super cute niece Veronica to offset my mustache goofiness.
SLTSFMM
There's a place I know
If you're looking for a show.
Where they go hardcore
And there's glitter on the floor
"Take it off" by Kesha
SIDE NOTE: The other resolution was "FINE in 09". I'm pretty sure I didn't get "fine" per say, but I did lose 15-20 lbs since last January. No, no, I'm not all cut up or diesel by any stretch of the imagination. I think those 15-20 are more of a testament of how fat I allowed myself to get.
So going into 2010 I'll try and continue to keep my Reset Button journal going. I suppose I didn't have much news to relate to you nice folks, hence the dearth of blog entries lately. I tend to hibernate more in the wintertime so there really wasn't much going on to talk about. However...
There have been new developments that I will share. They primarily revolve around the reason I decided to move back to Missouri: Nursing school. Unfortunately, I did not get accepted this first time around to my program of choice. It is an accelerated Bachelors program that has seen a spike of application numbers. Though my grades were good and my interview went stellar, my lack of clinical experience lead to me not being chosen.
I had hoped to remedy this by getting a position at the University's hospital. I had applied last summer, and after 8 long months of waiting I finally was asked to interview. After some more waiting and a couple rounds of interviews I was hired as a Nursing Technician (read: nurse's aide and clinical butt wiper). I'm actually very excited about this opportunity. Its gonna give me the hand's on experience I need, and it'll be good to work in a hospital setting. I mean, if I start passing out all the time from all the exposure, it'll be a good sign that I'm really not supposed to be a nurse.
I start week after next, the 22nd is my orientation. I'll be working the days for a few weeks (7 am to 3:33 pm) but once I get acclimated enough I'll be switching over my my regular weekend nights shift (7 pm to 7:30 am Friday to Sunday). Being a night owl myself I'm looking forward to this shift since most patients will be sleeping during my shift. And who knows maybe I'll get some Grey's Anatomy type action during those late nights.
So that's pretty much all that's new with me. I'm shifting from school mode to work mode for a couple months. I'll look to take some more classes in the fall semester and I'ma try and get as many hours and as much clinical experience as I can until then. Good times!
One thing that is gonna be really jacked up though will be my sleep cycle. First, I need to start getting up around 6 am. But pretty much as soon as I get used to that I'll be switching over to the night shift. Thank goodness for energy drinks and cocaine! Um...I mean, energy drinks and coffee!
Oh, per my last blog entry, I received a couple requests to see pictures of my attempts at mustache school. I didn't post them up last time so here are a couple pictures for you to peruse. Let me know if you think one of them might have been worthy to keep.
Handle Bars
Curly Cues
El Guapo
I think I liked the "El Guapo" the best. Of course I had to throw in a picture of my super cute niece Veronica to offset my mustache goofiness.
SLTSFMM
There's a place I know
If you're looking for a show.
Where they go hardcore
And there's glitter on the floor
"Take it off" by Kesha
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