Friday - And Happy Halloween!

Just a little political humor I got from my Stepmom to get you going for the day. The boy and I are going to dress up (well he is at least) and go to the church carnival tonight. It's called Hallowpalozza and sounds like tons of fun including some fireworks. Hope you have a safe trick and treating night!

If you don't hear from me the next few days it is because I'm working Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues. But I'm going to VOTE no matter how tired I am. Here's hoping you do the same.

Ciao! De ;)

Wednesday - And Sometimes It Would Be Easier if I Were Lazy

Well you know the old saying "be careful what you wish for"? That's exactly what I got at work last night. Sunday and Monday were down right weird with hardly any patients after midnight. I mean we only had one patient for two hours on Sunday night (unheard of) and we didn't have any patients several times for about 15-20minute intervals on Monday night. Being charge I don't usually take a room assignment until the 3pm-3am nurse goes home, that way it's easier to facilitate the flow of the ER and be a resource for whoever needs it. I usually "swat" meaning I triage the patients from the lobby and all incoming ambulance and help out whoever needs it. Well I had felt like a tech (and don't get me wrong, please, i love techs...I'm just not one) Sunday and Monday only doing the barest minimal nursing, so what did I do? I wished for us to be busy last night, and I wished for me to take rooms. Well, I got both, lol.

I decided come hell or high water (which I think we got both of last night) I was taking rooms and that I did. Okay...we got hammered, and I had two ICU patients at one time. One of them I wasn't surprised ended up in the ICU. She was 81yrs old, has been undergoing radiation for mouth cancer, and was feverish. Good golly, her WBCs were 1.4 and her H&H were in the toilet. Poor thing needed emergent blood transfusions which we initiated in the ER. Poor sweet thing.

The second one kinda snuck up on me. I was busy with my 81yr old and my other patients got placed unintentionally on the back burner. Well I had a 60yr old diabetic woman who had a UTI and all I had to do was give her some insulin, antibiotics, fluids and then send her home when her glucose got more under control (she started out with a blood sugar of 405 and normal is 80-110). Well I kept popping back in there when I could and was all ready to let her go after checking her blood sugar at 255, but while I was taking her blood pressure it read 55/32. I'm like "oh let me adjust the bp cuff and retake this". 60/36. Grrrrr. "Hey hon, let's sit you up in bed, there you go. I'm gonna switch this cuff to the other arm." 72/54. **Sigh** Okay, hang some more fluids to get the pressure up and recheck later...68/50. **double sigh**. Hang some more fluids and recheck later **80/52** Get PA to look at her as something obviously isn't right (and no, Veronica, she was not tachycardic, pulse was in 70s, or have a fever). He does and agrees. Big, big workup, more work on my part, lots more work. Her WBC went from 12.4 (normal 4-10) at 6:30pm to 16.8 at 12:30am. Big jump for four hours considering we were already giving her antibiotics IV. Another thing which caught my attention was that she was soooo lethargic, I mean she couldn't stay awake long enough to finish a sentence. That's not right either. I think she must have been about to go into septic shock when I caught it because the other thing that led me to believe she might be headed there was when I placed the foley catheter she only put out about 200mls of urine when she had received 2000mls of fluid. Doesn't equal out. I really do think I kept her from crashing, even the PA said "thanks for keeping such a close eye on her". Lots of work later, got her settled into the ICU. BP was 104/66 by then. Must of cured her, lol.

Yep, sometimes it is definitely easier to be lazy.

Ciao! De ;)

Monday - And A Meme for Lyn

1. Do you believe in seeing a rainbow after the rain? I love rainbows, they always seem to appear when I need to see them the most.

2. If you have a dream come true, what would it be? Health, happiness, no money problems, and world peace (yes I said that).

3. Do you believe in eternity love? Used to.

4. What feeling do you love most? Love and hugs from my kids.

5. What feeling do you hate the most? Helplessness.

6. Do you cherish every single friendship of yours? Yes!

7. Do you believe in God? Absolutely!

8. Who cares for you most? My family.

9. What do you think is the most important thing in your life? My family, especially my kids.

10. What emotion do you like to show? Happiness!

11. If you have something troubling you, what do you do? Get in what I call my "hermit mode" where I just hunker down and don't talk to anyone.

12. Who do you admire most? People who give up themselves for the good of others...thank you going out to our soldiers!

13. Who did you last chat with in a chat room? I don't ever do that.

14. What kind of person do you think the one we stole this meme from is? A meme lover.

15. What color did you use to dye your hair? Blonde and red mixed with my natural brown.

16. Why are you doing this meme? Because I just got pushed back two hours for work, so why not?

17. What do you do when you're moody? Try to get over it.

18. At which age do you wish to or did you, get married? I got married at 23 and at 32...and I'm never getting married again (right Betty?)!

19. If today is the last day of your life, what will you do? I'm going to steal Lyn's answers and say spend time with my family making memories.

20. Who is the person you trust the most? my Mom.

21. Last time you smiled? When I spoke with my son about 30minutes ago.

22. What are you listening to right now? Nothing.

23. Who was the last person you saw in your dream? I don't remember my dreams lately.

24. Are you talking to someone while doing this? Veronica.

25. Do you walk with your eyes open or closed? Eyes wide open..very wierd question.

26. Is there a quote you live by? I will not die an unlived life.

27. Do you want someone you cannot have? Does Johnny Depp count? ;)

28. Who always makes you laugh? My kids, family, friends, and some of the patients at work.

29. What was the worst idea you've had this week? Tell staffing to push a night shift person back to 9p if we are slow that way the 9a person will get more of their hours...they called 20minutes ago and pushed me back, lol.

30. Do you speak another language other than English? A minute amount of French left over from high school and what I call my "caveman" Spanish.


Now, wasn't that fun children?

Ciao! De ;)

Sunday - And It's Movie Review Time

Well, yesterday the boy took me to see HS3, and having never seen the first two didn't really care whether I saw this one or not. The boy, however, was totally psyched, lol. I have to admit that I did enjoy the movie, all though it was just a tad cheesy (tell me you are not surprised). And, I have to admit, that Zac Efron is a total babe (about right now Hannah is puking, ha ha). Music is catchy, making you want to stand up, sing, and dance along. Acting is Disney level, but well done. Looking forward to seeing what these kids can do in other venues. My sister Kathryn tells me that Zac has been tapped for the next Pirates of the Caribbean and he has a movie coming out soon along the lines of the 13 going on 30, boy style. Recommendation: Go see it at the matinee price or wait for the DVD, unless you are a die hard fan that is.

Well for an update on my job situation, I did go for an interview at another hospital on Wednesday, placed an application at another, and told my Clinical Manager that I will need to know by Tuesday whether he is going to put me in the Clinical Coordinator position I have been doing all year except in pay only. Interview went very well as far as I could tell, lasted about 2 hours. Will need to call the other hospital I dropped the application off at as I haven't heard from this after a week. But I have to tell you something funny...apparently my Clinical Manager has been receiving heat from several different sources, because Friday afternoon he called me and asked if I was interested in the Clinical Coordinator position. I was like what? and asked him if we lived on the same planet. He said "I'm new at this so help me out here". Okay. Well of course I am why do you need to ask after our conversations I asked. "Because I'm offering you this position if you are still interested". Well yes I am, depending on what you can offer me financially I told him. So tomorrow morning we are sitting down and going over the pay and then I will make my decision. This isn't the best corporation to work for, but I have been with them for over three years and like the people I work with and would like to stay, especially since I enjoy my current responsibilities. So I'll let you know how it goes. As far as the other hospital is concerned, they promised to get back with me this week after my background check is complete, standard stuff.

Now for my support issues...went to the settlement conference on Tuesday but never went before the Judge because we came to some agreements. David came in all huffing and puffing and spouting off about how what we were doing was illegal and he doesn't owe me any money, etc and the mediator put him in his place "sir, I do realize you have come here with your own agenda, but we are not here for that...what we are here for is to discuss when you are going to pay this woman the money you are legally obligated to pay". Ohhhhh Snap! I loved it. Throughout the whole conference she kept him in line. End result...didn't get any money that day (darn it) but he will begin paying the ordered amount in Nov and begin catching me up on the arrearage with monthly payments, plus pay me back for court fees and service on this motion. Now he better do it because the mediator told him if we had to return on this issue then he would be sanctioned by the Court (yes!). So I just have to hold on a little bit longer, and I can do that.

Well while we were in this conference, David's daughter, Stephanie, went and filed his response to my divorce petition (darn it because he was almost up on time for another default). Do you know he said that there is only one issue between us and that is my arrest, and that we should go to counseling and get back together (for those of you who are knew to my blog, you can read up on this issue on my old AOL journal De's Lost Thoughts). The man is totally delusional and I told him so. I said that our marriage was irretrievably broken before my arrest and that there is not an ounce of hope for us to get back together, so let's move forward with our lives and work together to make sure Caleb is raised in healthy and emotionally stable environments. Jeez!

Okay, now there are three fun-filled days ahead as I have to work, so I wish you a good week. The boy and I are going to the early service this morning so I can take a nap before work.

Ciao! De ;)

Friday - And I'm Officially Mad

Okay, so it’s Friday and I’m just sitting here all mad. Why? Well you see, this is the second time I have been put on call at work this week. Sunday, I voluntarily came off the schedule as there were too many and it benefited me to do so (no sitter). Monday night I was low censused home. Tuesday, I was put on call, but got called in before 7pm meaning no call pay. And tonight, I had arranged with the new clinical manager for him to work WITH me to see how night shift runs, but I got a call at 4:30 telling me he instructed staffing to put me on call and was working INSTEAD of me. So I am officially mad as hell!! The man is dumber than a box of rocks and states we are overstaffed on nights, but our numbers consistently support the staff we have. When it doesn’t, someone goes home early. But really, this is dangerous for an ER because you have to staff for what potentially could come in your door, not what actually does. At a certain point during the shift, when it is not a danger to do so, then we start sending people home early, usually no more than 2 hours early. Another thing is that you cannot have the nurse/patient ratio too high (Julia, Melissa support me here) because it could be a disaster just waiting to happen if you can’t take care of all of your patients and someone unintentionally gets ignored and gets sicker. No other hospital in the Valley staffs this way and I can’t believe this hospital gets away with it like it does.

Another thing I am furious about is that I just got my raise and it was only 75cents. I know, I know, the economy is horrible, but let me explain. I didn’t get a raise last year because I was four days late on a couple of our mandatory education units. Not one single person was ever told we wouldn’t get a raise, just be taken off the schedule if the education wasn’t complete, so imagine my surprise when I got a 95% evaluation at year end and no raise. This year, we got our raises early so the corporation could save money, 2.25% instead of 3%. But what really makes me mad is that in January I applied for an open position of Clinical Coordinator and was given the job, only to have it “frozen” by corporate before my raise could go through. So all year long I have not only been doing the charge position, but everything that goes along with the Clinical Coordinator position including attending hospital meetings, evaluations, etc. I was promised that my raise would reflect my dedication and hard work, and would be promoted Oct 1st, neither happened. Instead I was told I would have to re-apply for the Clinical Coordinator position and would be considered along with all other applicants. I told the Clinical Manger (he has only been at this hospital 2 months) I have never been more insulted and wouldn’t be staying if I was not recognized as already being in this position and my raise reflected accordingly. He said “you do what you have to do”. Okay I will!

So, Sunday night I applied for a position with another hospital group and have an interview on Wednesday. I haven’t left my current employer not because I feel like we have been treated fairly (our pay was reduced in April to “accurately reflect the current market value” and our overtime restricted and they got rid of bonuses for extra shifts – I am now making $7.50 LESS than when I moved to this state), and not because I like who I work for, but who I work with, but it’s time to move on. I am on schedule for tomorrow and I had better NOT get put on call. As it is I won’t be able to pay all my bills after payday next Friday so I will have to choose what I will have to push off and pay late.

This job situation is made worse by the fact that my soon-to-ex is STILL not paying me the child/spousal support he is Court ordered to do. My case with the DES is finally opened and I have a hearing on my motion to enforce the support on Tuesday, but I’m sure not to get any money. Ugh!

Money, or the lack of it…what a horrible subject for a blog entry. Oh well…wish me luck and have a good weekend!!

De ;)

Thursday - And the Face of Socialism

I know that everyone has their own political beliefs, but this ought to scare you. Obama wants to take your hard earned money, tax you more if you have worked hard and are at a place in your life where you make more, and "spread the wealth". This is about as close to the definition of socialism as you are going to get from the man who wants to be your next President.

Ciao! De ;)

Friday - And settling into the new spot

Hey all, looks like we are all getting used to this new “spot”. I have been a little conflicted on whether or not to stay here in my new home or continue where I left off on my AOL journal, which I was able to get transferred the other day. I already had this journal set up prior to AOL dissing their journals, and I think I’m just gonna stay here. Time for something new all the way around, don’t you agree? There are definitely some fun options, like the music. But tell me, honestly, do you like it, or does it bug you to hear music when you click on my journal? I have it set to shuffle so you shouldn't hear the same thing every time you get on.

So how’s it in your neck of the woods with the economy taking a nose dive? I keep saying there is no recession in health care because people just don’t stop getting sick because there is not as much money these days, but really, there is. What do you think happens when people don’t have much money? Do you think “I will just pay off that hospital/doctor/dentist bill?” No heck, they think just the opposite so we are definitely feeling the pinch at work. It started in April when they took aware our bonuses for extra shifts, then they decreased our pay (a market adjustment they called it), then they are severely limiting our overtime by migrating employees over from the other sister hospitals and canceling us (grrrr). Another thing our corporation did was combine two hospitals calling it “one hospital on two different campuses). The biggest noticeable effect is administration and management is slowly but surely being combined, and not only between the two, but now to include the third. The only part of that I’m really worried about is the staffing, which is being switched to the third hospital. Will I be called off a bunch and if I am how the frick and I going to pay my bills? Egads! I know that as a nurse I shouldn't’t have to worry about job security, but I am about to have an MI! Do you know I am making $7 LESS an hour than when I moved to this state almost 4 years ago? Hey Melissa, I’m curious how it is in Kentucky. Do you see some budget crunches at your hospital. And Betty, what about Jim, is he seeing cutbacks where he works as well?

Now onto a lighter note, I found this over at Lyn’s and decided to play along…

A blast from the past...one of my old school surveys...
1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? Girl you are F-A-T!
2. How much cash do you have on you? $20.00
3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR? Ummmmm...bore
4. Favorite planet? I have to agree with Lyn and say Pluto because it is just a little wanna-be according to the new mind-set, but I still love it.
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? “restricted”
6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? “So What” by Pink. Perfect for my current situation.
7. What shirt are you wearing? A raggedy old navy tshirt
8. Do you label yourself? Determined.
9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing? I’m barefoot.
10. Bright or Dark Room? Dark is always better, muahahaha!
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? I think she is a hoot.
12. What does your watch look like? Gold/platinum.
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? Awake rearranging my closet (yes, I have no life)
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? Miss you cmb.
15. Where is your nearest 7-11? Can hardly find one around here, mostly in Phoenix proper.
16. What’s a word that you say a lot? Jeez
17. Who told you he/she loved you last? My wonderful son.
18. Last furry thing you touched? Ummmm, I try to avoid furry things, lol.
19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? Just the same ole boring otc and rx ones. I think I get plenty of highs from just being at work and taking care of my patients thank you.
20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? Two.
21. Favorite age you have been so far? I would have to say 29 (and all who know me well should get a pretty big laugh out of that answer).
22. Your worst enemy? Easy to say...myself.
23. What is your current desktop picture? Thunderclouds with the bible verse “I am with you always” Matthew 28:20. Kinds reflects where my life is right now and keeps me grounded when I despair.
24. What was the last thing you said to someone? “Oh you scared me!” to my son.
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? Well this won’t be a surprise to anyone who knows me, especially Betty….A million bucks any day over flying!!!
26. Do you like someone? As in just “like”? I like a lot of people. As in “crush”, just my Hollywood fantasies and thank you that is where it needs to stay. Boy’s are stupid.
27. The last song you listened to? “Release Me” Wilson Phillips
28. What time of day were you born? Ummmm I think after 10pm on a Sunday
29. What’s your favorite number? 7
30. Where did you live in 1997? Midwest City, OK. I was single and just starting to date David…can I go back and change time…no never mind I wouldn’t have Caleb.
31. Are you jealous of anyone? No…
32. Is anyone jealous of you? Of course, isn’t everyone?
33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? Taking Hannah to school.
34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Cuss and hit them.
35. Do you consider yourself kind? Yes, for the most part.
36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? Well, I already have about five, and there is one I REALLY want to rework. NEVER do names guys!
37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? Spanish, and only because it would benefit me at work.
38. Would you move for the person you loved? I already did and now I’m stuck in Phoenix with my family 1100 miles away from my family
39. Are you touchy feely? Not at all
40. What’s your life motto? I’m never getting married again!
41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? My cell phone so my peeps can get hold of me, no really, so my kids can, lol.
42. What’s your favourite town/city? Ooo that is a hard one, I really don’t know. I do love Fort Worth.
43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? Dinner at work.
44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? Hmmm, does a Court motion count?
45. Can you change the oil on a car? Nope.
46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? Jeesh, I have absolutely no clue, ha ha
47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? To Europe.
48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? Ummmmm, that’s sad.
49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? Yeah, my freakin back. I’ve got to lose weight.
50. Have you been burned by love? I have to agree with Lyn and say “yes and there is no pain like it in the world”. Living it right now.

Okay that was painful, lol. Play along why don’t ya!

Ciao! De ;)

Wednesday - And The Top 10 Things I Notice When the Kids Are Not Here

10. It is terribly quite here, but I can listen to whatever music I like;
9. Quite can get boring after a bit, even with the TV going;
8. When I get up no one is there to laugh at my "sticking up hair".
7. There is no one to threaten to kill if they don't get along;
6. No one is hogging the computer or phone day and night;
5. There is no one to blame when the ice cream or chips are all eaten except me;
4. There is no one here to just walk with me while I take out the trash, or check the mail, or run to the store;
3. The house is still a mess;
2. I can save money on groceries, electricity, etc but it is a poor substitute for missing your kids; and the number one thing I notice when the kids are gone is...
1. Nobody wakes me up "just to say I love you Mom"

Ciao! De ;)

Sunday - And It's Movie Review Time

Caleb took me to see Igor yesterday. It was actually cuter than I thought it was going to be. Had both adult (snuck in) and kiddie humor. The blind orphans singing "I can see clearly now" was hilarious!!! We went to the matinee. Even though it was cute, save your money for the DVD.

Caleb also took me to his school carnival on Friday night, a yearly event that "we have been waiting for all year, right Mom?" Sure, dear, lol. It was better than the previous two years as a cool front rolled through and it wasn't sweltering. Nice comfortable 80s. More "rides" such as bouncers and rock climbing. Games were good too. Caleb met up with some friends and had a ball. Great event that raises money for PTO. I have to admit, this school is excellent at raising money, and you can clearly see where it is spent.

Another thing about Caleb's school is their lunch time. I have to admit that last week was the first time I went to lunch with him in the three years he has been at the school. I was more thank just a little bit surprised when he was able to sit wherever he wanted, with whomever he wanted, and talk as much as he wanted. What a difference from when Hannah was in grade school sitting boy/girl/boy/girl and not allowed to talk during lunch. I was so impressed that I made a point of telling the school office. They just looked looked at me and said "well that's their social time". Exactly! Something I pointed out repeatedly to Hannah's school. No wonder those kids acted out more in class.

Well, I'm off to get ready for work. Three in a row. Yea! Have a great few days.

Ciao! DE ;)

Thursday - And A New Beginning

Hello....welcome to my new home. Sit down, take your shoes off, stay for awhile. Let's pick up here where we left off...
Ciao! De ;)