One Down Twelve to Go

As the title of this entry states, I have finished the first week of thirteen here in Arizona.  In some ways it has flown by and in others time has felt like it has creeped and almost stood still.  When I think about at all that I have accomplished in the past week I am amazed. Not only did I drive cross country I started a new job and got settled in a new home. I have managed to stick to my reading, workout and dieting goals as well as writing this blog. For all this I am grateful.

Today has been one of just pure exhaustion and laziness. 

Last night work was VERY busy.  I was not only given a group of kids I was also left in charge or the unit for over an hour and had to not only lead staff and watch the unit I actually had to make decisions with supervision on admissions and staffing and yet I am used to doing that most every shift, somehow it seemed like a huge undertaking since I have only work one night here.  My trial was a success I came to find out. Even though I was freaking out on the inside, I passed with flying colors and my coworkers have no doubt that I will be able to be a leader and work with them during my stay here.

The most frustrating part of what I had to encounter last night was once again THE PAPERWORK! It is always the hardest part of a travel nurses job is having to learn it all so fast and by the time you get the hang of it... it is a new facility and a whole new set of forms.  We started out with only 9 of our beds filled and before we left this morning we had filled up to 13 and the other two beds were already spoken for and on the way. 

I spent the first hour and a half working with a very sick five month old girl who was struggling to breathe. Then I was getting another patient a 12 year old male with a severe infection on his leg and so I had to move patients rooms around. Not all of the rooms on this unit are private and so if a patient has to be put on isolation due to infection it sometimes is a challenge to work it all out.  The teamwork here is fantastic and everyone seems to pitch in and just gets the jobs done.  It is not about "it is not my job" it is about... this patient needs something and we will all get out of here together.

Most of the patients at this facility are Navajo and the rest comprise of Hopi. I was told of an interesting bit of Hopi culture that the mother and baby after birth are not in light the first 20 days. On the 20th day they go on top of a Mesa and once the sun hits the baby it is given its name.  The name of the baby is chosen by the baby's fathers family (usually by the women), although the parents can choose another name if not accepting a name from those brought. The women bring a name and a gift for the child. It was also interesting to learn that the children follow the Mother's clan. When a child is born, they receive a perfect ear of corn and a special blanket. The word Hopi can be translated as "peaceful ones" or "peaceful little ones"  To be Hopi is to strive toward this concept, which involves a state of total reverence and respect for all things, to be at peace with these things, and to live in accordance with the instructions of Maasaw, the Creator or Caretaker of Earth.

I have heard lots about Kachina dolls, which are made by the Hopi and usually the uncles make them and give them to the kids.  Maybe I will ask and learn about them Monday night when I go back for my first solo shift!

I was finally able to get all of my patients settled and stable and sleeping by 12:30 and got all the paperwork caught up by 4 am to have to start the final assessments and charting for the shift.  I got to take a break, although short to eat about 4:15 and before I knew it 6:30 had arrived and I was giving report to the oncoming staff.  I filled out my time, got it approved and faxed it off so I can actually get my first paycheck next week!

I walked wearily to the car to find it covered in ice and drove the 75miles back to the condo.  I am 2/3 of the way done listening to "Dear John".  I was not able to see the movie before leaving and I tend to like the books better than the movies.

Needless to say I made it home and once again ran for the bed and guess what... I actually slept!  I think it was honestly pure exhaustion.  I woke up after 6 hours and just did not even feel like getting up.  So my plan for today is just to finish out this lazy day as I even type this from my laptop in the bed. It is cold and the sound of water dripping is soothing... it is the sun melting the snow. It is forcasted to be 27 and more snow for the weekend.

Although I have been just resting today, I have still been able to get some thing accomplished, like writing some emails, and making some phone calls.  I spoke with some loved ones which always makes me smile.  I have though been frustrated again with the internet popping on and off all afternoon.

As for tomorrow I will not be this lazy and as a matter of fact may just take a day trip a little south where it will be 75 degrees and sunny! And to think it is only an hour away.  I am thinking of also going to a geocaching meeting to meet some new folks although I will have to make sure I bring my food as it is a pizza place and I have stuck well with my diet.  I did not lose weight today but no gain is the goal.

I hope the next twelve weeks go as quickly and I get as much accomplished as I have this week.

Until tomorrow!