Job update

As I mentioned, I have been working lately. I worked Mon-Wed and then Sat-Sun, all nights (7PM to 7:30AM). For the most part, it was what anyone on 5C would consider incredibly slow (3 RN's and 1-2 CNA's for 8-10 patients on the entire floor which has 21 beds). One of those shifts I think I only had to administer one medication all night. This weekend I only had 3-4 patients and they were easy. I haven't seen any PCA's, epidurals, tube feedings, etc. Patients don't have a lot of meds and they aren't nearly as sick as those at UVa. For example, my "ICU transfer" was well enough to go home and was discharged within 10 hours of being transferred to the floor! This is definitely a welcome break from the pace at UVa. It isn't all gravy, you know (as Maxwell Smart would say) - there was one night where I had 7 patients and it was obviously much busier. The patient census seems to vary so much from day to day so one never knows what to expect.

A couple reflections on the patients. They seem to be very concerned with making sure that I am happy and doing well and enjoying my time in St. Thomas. When I walk in the room to check on them, they quickly answer my questions so that they can get to the part where they ask me how I am doing, how my night is going, what time I get off, where I am staying, how long I have been here, etc. On my first time in the room at the start of my shift, my usual question of "how are you this evening" is often met with the answer "better now that I see you again!" It seems like they would rather chat than talk about their health, which can make assessment difficult, not to mention time-consuming. I am so used to having to run, run, run, and they are forcing me to slow down and take time for the pleasantries. It's definitely a good challenge.