It's been very hectic and crazy lately. We've had lots of admissions. We get a lot of people that come in for rehab and they always seem to come and leave at the same time. Both admissions and discharges are tons of work, and when there are several of them, it can make for not a very good day, but it goes with the territory.
We also have had a few tough admissions; one that had a lot of psych issues and was very nasty and mean to the staff, one that needs constant watching because she's a huge fall risk, and also a few that are really sick and need watching because of that. Also, we just gave our residents their flu shots and they all needs temps monitored for 3 day, plus - a lot of people are sick with nasty colds, that have turned into pneumonia in a few cases. All of that means busy days, and long ones too.
However, there's always good things going on as well!
Our nursing home was presented with this award. It's always nice to be recognized for the care we give, especially when things are a little tough!
We love to have fun with our residents. There is always teasing and laughing in our halls. We recently had a lady in for rehab who was in an accident and had a lot of fractures. The first day I met her, I may have teased her just a bit. (You can tell who enjoys this - with some I just go about business because they don't appreciate goofing off). Anyway, this lady started threatening to toss a little water on me. After a few days of this, a sliver of ice "happened" to slip down her back. I told her ice was good for pain! The next day I was talking to her from the doorway, and she asked if I was scared to come in. I went in and was promptly doused with water. She had gotten therapy to give her a big syringe without a needle, and filled it with water. (They can shoot water a long distance!) She was laughing so hard, she could hardly breath, especially with her broken ribs! The day she went home, I had a day off, and was presented with this gift from her the next day:
Yes - that's the water shooting syringe, with the note she left. It gave me a good laugh. Therapy tells me there is still another "gift" waiting for me in their room.
Yes, we have some tough days, some difficult patients along with some sad times, but we also have a lot of fun!
15 comments:
I admire you so much....To have this kind of attitude in wake of all you see and hear is wonderful...My mother in law was in a nursing home and I can testify that it's a hard thankless job but nurses like you make it so much easier for the patients...at least the ones that will let you...
It sounds like this lady was lots of fun and gave you some relief from the mundane details of caring for sick people....
I love your awards... the one from the patient is the best!
Oh Mari, I think the residents that appreciate a bit of teasing also appreciate you. I am sure that lady with the water had moments of forgetting her problems when you two enjoyed a bit of joking around.
Sounds like a very busy time...and I'm sure some of them are not very pleasant. But your staff there sounds really great and how fun to have a patient with a sense of humor! What a cute story!
You are doing such important work. My brother-in-law is also a nurse at a care center. It is tough work. He works lots of nights, weekends and holidays. Sometimes he buys clothing and even underwear for the patients that come in with nothing. He has a good heart, like you. You have my admiration and respect. God bless you for your patience and good humor. You are helping a lot of people when they really need it!
So nice to receive the recognition of the achievements of your teams work. I can hear in the tone of the post how much you do enjoy your work. It is great how you are also able to have fun with the residents.
Cheri
What a wonderful story, I love it. You do a great job, and I love how you have fun with your residents too. I bet some of them don't want to go home.
You have a very difficult job and people dont realize, but when a laugh comes along, it is very very welcome.
Laughter indeed is the best remedy. I admire you and what you do. Blessings
Having had my very mean grandmother in an assisted living facility, I know what you all have to put up with. I also know when you have someone who really appreciates what you do for them, it can make your day. So nice of that woman to leave you the note! You made a huge difference in her life - more than just helping her recover from her accident.
Kudos to you, and all care givers!
I know you are a blessing to so many. I admire the work you do. I've been an at-home caretaker for many years. It's the smiles that get us through some days.
p.s. John's mom recently "got into trouble" at her home for "stealing" cookies! We giggle, cause that sounds just like her!!!!!
To do what you do and love it has to be a gift! Not everyone could do what you do, Mari. Blessings to you!
Laughter is after all, the best medicine. I think if you're willing to laugh with someone, it really shows you care. I am not surprised the home where you work so hard with your colleagues got the Above and Beyond award. Congratulations!
you're a special person with an incredible ministry! i love when you share bits and pieces of it with us.
What a great story! Having fun with co-workers is something I really miss. I spend a lot of time by myself at the church office and also when I'm cooking at Anthony and Lori's. A bit hard for a people person like me!
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