Have You Ever Put Someone On A Pedestal?

Some of the facts have been changed so that the woman on the pedestal would be protected.

Have you ever put someone up on a pedestal? You know, thought that they were so special that they could do no wrong? That's how I felt about Mandy. When I lived in Syracuse I met an RN who was very special. She was not only a very caring and good nurse, but she was a Christian, and a perfect example. It wasn't just me that thought so, but many others.

Mandy had more then her share of problems. She had a chronic disease, and was often in pain. She had an abusive husband who was diagnoses as a sociopath. Yet, Mandy relied, and trusted in God so much that she acted like she didn't have a care in the world. She was upbeat, and joyful. She loved helping others, and had a huge heart. Mandy was very approachable, had many friends, and admiring peers. The patients respected, and liked her. She read the Bible on her breaks, and sometimes discussed it with others. More then that she seemed to embody love, joy, and forgiveness. In my book she was the very definition of an nearly perfect nurse, person, and Christian.

Today things changed a bit. Reality set in a bit. I Googled Mandy's name and found out that she had an action of misconduct as a nurse, and admitted to it. Mandy had taken a narcotic for her own use at work. The narcotic was meant for a patient. At first I was shocked, then I started to make excuses for her in my mind- She had a painful, chronic, disease, perhaps she was out of her own medication. Perhaps the patient was a sleep, and didn't need the med. Maybe that's what happened? Or maybe it was worse. Maybe Mandy had been on pain meds for so long that she was addicted.

At any rate, I know that her actions were wrong, and I'm sure that Mandy does too. Isn't it odd that some people can do 99% right, and good in there lives. Then there is that 1% that dashes them down to the ground. It reminds me of that movie Crash, best picture Oscar for 2005. Have you ever seen it? If you haven't, you should! I highly recommend it. Early in that movie you think that you have the good guys, and bad guys all figured out. Then at the end you realize that no one is 100% good, or bad, but we are all just human. We all make mistakes. That's not to say that we shouldn't try to do our best, but one quick wrong decision can mess up a life. I guess we can only do our best, and hope that we don't get slapped down to hard when we make a mistake. Or at lest that those around us, especially our loved ones, will be understanding.

Tonight my heart goes out to an old friend and colleague, her family, especially her children. I hope that her children realize that their mother is special in spite of imperfections.

Note to readers - I do not condone abuse, and personal believe that it is a deal breaker in a marriage. However, I understand Mandy's decision to stay with her husband, and respect her determination, love, and ability to forgive. She was not alone. Family members, some friends, and key people in her church knew. Both her, and her husband were receiving church, and professional counseling. I also would have respected Mandy if she had chosen to leave him.

The Card: A Sign of Dementia?

The following has been altered due to respect, and confidentiality.


A relative sent me a card recently. I will call her Katie. The card was about a special family occasion that takes place every year. This year Katie signed it "Love Granny." The problem is, she is not my Grandmother. She has grandchildren, and might have gotten mixed up, but I think it's more then that. I have noticed a slight decline in her memory for the last few years. Nothing major, but noticeable. Katie is in her late 70's. Her only sibling, (Mag), had dementia and was tested for Alzheimer's disease just before she died. Mag died before the results came back, but it was probably positive. So I'm a bit worried about Katie. I can't call her. She is gone for the summer, and I don't have long distance. At lest some of the family will be with her.

Katie is one of the nicest, sweetest, people you could know. She loves her family, is very caring, generous, loving, very friendly. She is the type of person that you would feel proud to have as a friend. A good, loyal, friend. But time might be taking a toll on her.

As a Nursing Assistant, (CNA.) I know that old age can be cruel. I have seen some people decline physically, and mentally to the point of torture. That's what I would call it. If one human did those things to another, it would be considered torture. I just don't want that to happen to Katie.

Several years ago Katie had a heart condition, and was operated on. If she hadn't had the operation she might have died. But it might have been a relatively quick death. Unfortunately modern science, (medicine), sometimes can be a curse in old age. I hope that when it is her time, that she goes quickly. I hope that she never regrets having that operation.

Please say a prayer for her.

Grey's Anatomy: Lesbian Kiss, and Suicide

Grey's Anatomy - Lesbian Storyline


Did you see the Grey's Anatomy season final? If you didn't, don't worry, I won't revel a great deal here. Just my favorite, and lest favorite scenes.

My favorite scene was the kiss between Erica Hahn, and Callie Torres. (I'm predictable, ha?) I think Torres is hot!

My least favorite scene was between Meredith, and her shrink. Meredith had a revelation, and realized that when her mother cut her wrist it was to get attention. After all she was a "excellent surgical nurse", and would have cut her -----, if she meant it. (or similar words). I hate that scene for several reasons.

1) If someone tries to commit suicide they are not in a rational state of mind, and they might try to kill themselves by any means. It might not be the most logic means. It should be seen as a serious attempt, and not just an attention getter.

2) They mention a more effective way to commit suicide then cutting wrists. I hate that! I don't want to mention it. Oh, I knew it before, but someone not so familiar with anatomy and who saw the program might not have considered it. It might have given someone who is suicidal a deadly idea. You've heard of copy cat murders? Well, I'm sure that there are copy cat suicides. Well, at least Meredith didn't point to the area.

Did you know that the suicide rate in the U.S. is twice as large as the homicide rate? (There are an estimated 8-25 attempted suicides to one completion.) It is hidden, a stigma is still attached. I mean, when is the last time you read the obits, and saw that someone committed suicide? It's all swept under the rug.

My Friend has Superbug MRSA, Please Pray!

A friend of mine has a Superbug - community-associated MRSA, or CA-MRSA. She has had emergency surgery. The wound was infected. She is on maga antibiotics now. The doctor will get the test results soon, and find out if the antibiotics are working, or not. Today she told me that she felt VERY sick. She could only eat half of one of her favorite sandwiches. I am asking everyone to please pray for her. If your not into praying then please send her your good thoughts, and wishes. She has had more then her share of physical problems. She will see the Doctor soon. Thank you!

UPDATE: She saw her Doctor. The antibiotics she was taking didn't do the trick. She is on new antibiotics, and they hope that it will not go to the BONE. Ekk!

Twitter and People on My Blogroll

Have you heard about Twitter? It's a cool way to stay connected though short messages. A way to network, and publicize your blog, or anything else. I found out that FatDoctor accidentally erased her blog through Twitter. It only takes a moment to join. I have a new Twitter Wedget on my blog, you can join, and follow me on Twitter that way. Or you can just click here. But be careful it's almost as addictive as Blogging! I thought that I would Twitter about the wonderful people that are on my blogroll list, and spread some link love too.

The two most frequent, and faithful at commenting are Moments Of Randomness, and Sheep and Goats. (by Tom sheepandgoats). Thanks guys! Against the Grain, written by a lesbian who won an historic and precedent setting ruling which says that all legal same-sex marriages must be recognized in New York State. Yahoooo! Thanks Pat, and Lisa! And So It Goes On - A caregiver in Michigan who has an obvious flair for writing, and a good heart. Debo Hobo dot Com - She just had a birthday. Can you guess her age? If you can you just might win a $10 Amazon.com gift card. Check out her post dated March 13, 2008. Dr. Deb is a Psychologist. I'm not big on therapists, but I would like to be on her couch. Ahh, no Freudian slip intended. dcr Blogs- A smart cookie who likes to blog about blogging, and other things. I've learned from him. Eastcoastlife has a very popular blog. I'm learning about Singapore from her.

Forging Iron Man - He's a nursing student, into martial arts, and cancer survivor. We have several things in common- Christianity, Health Care, and Star Trek. We have had our disagreements, but work though them, (see link below). He's a good guy. Lady Banana is a cheeky Brit who has an addiction problem. She blogs about it openly. Laurensfitness.com - I wish I could hire her as my personal trainer. I could have used this info when I was a vegetarian. Living Our Dream is about a couple from my area who sold everything they owned and purchased a boat. They have been traveling around the world for 3 years. Now that's living!

If you want a good laugh visit Odd Planet. which has humorous news stories, dumb criminals, odd people, and funny pictures. The Isle of Kevin- A brit with a very funny blog. Trying to Catch the Wind - She's from my area, a substitute teacher and an animal care assistant. Way Khool Sites has the most interesting websites listed in her blog. She lives in Hawaii. About a Nurse is the newest addition to my blog family. It's amazes me how well she treats her patients. Beth Allen ll Recommended blogger to me. Google Blogger has worked well for me, and blogging is additive. I now have a general rule to only put one blog site up per person, but back then I blogrolled 2 other of Beth's sites - Beth Allen Inc. and Writing 5 to 9.

So please visit my blogroll friends, tell them that Awake In Rochester sent you. And I would love it if you joined me on Twitter!

I have posted about some of you-

Monroe County to appeal same-sex ruling

As a Bible College graduate why can't you see that Homosexuality is a sin?

FatDoctor.org: Erased? Her Blog Erased?

UPDATED- FatDoctor.org: Erased? Her Blog Erased?

UPDATED- SHE'S BACK! ... The problem is solved, she now has all of her posts. FatDoctor is now back online with a new blog! Please stop over and say hi, give her your suport. Reconstructing a blog must be a pain in the butt. Tell her that I sent you ;o)

http://fatdoctor.blogspot.com/

My blog buddy FatDoctor of FatDoctor.org posted this on Twitter yesterday.... "Accidentally erased my whole blog. And I don't have a backup. No sense crying - it's not like a family member dying...or is it?" It was a shock to me. She had one of the best blogs I have ever seen, and is a very sweet, caring, down to earth person.

I have been working closely with FatDoctor, and managed to retrieve most of her posts, but without the graphics. I would like her to be able to retrieve ALL her posts, or her blog. I'm not very computer savvy, and am running out of ideas. So I am asking for your help. If you have any ideas on how she can get her blog back, or posts, please leave a comment. I have her e-mail, but will not give it out due to privacy issues. However, I will drop her an e-mail, and let her know about your comments.

As you many know my blog is only a few months old, so currently I don't have a huge following. I am asking that you consider telling your readers about her dilemma. Maybe creating a post about it. She is not the first one who has lost a blog, and will not be the last. I think that we can all sympathize with her.

I have heard that whatever has been placed on the internet never really gets erased, and can be retrieved. We would appreciate your help.

My Worst Easter

The following story has been altered in order to protect the confidentiality of the patient, and family members. This topic may not be suitable for young people.

This Sunday many have been my worst Easter ever. I worked in the nursing home that morning. I was assigned a 1 on 1 case. Before I walked in I received report from the Nurse on duty... "Joe is a dying patient. He had stopped eating, and drinking. Joe is in his late 80's, unresponsive, and had the death rattle, (chain stokes breathing), with slight modeling to one small area on one of his legs. He is DNR (do not resuscitate), and on hospice care." The Nurse added that she didn't believe that Joe would die on our shift.

The family was obviously grieving, but were as nice as could be. His daughter Julie came up to me immediately, and introduced herself, and her brother Sam. Throughout the shift they included me in the conversation, and even offered me some food that they had brought in. You could tell that they were both caring, down to earth people.

Throughout the shift I made sure that Joe received the best of care. I bathed him, put lotion on him, changed his gown, oral care, frequent repositioning. You know the works. When that family left to have lunch I read to Joe from his favorite book, and talked to him.

In my 20 years as a C.N.A. I have seen scores of dying patients. I have witnessed the death of about a half dozen or so. This was not foreigner to me. I noticed that Joe had some strength. He wasn't limp when I turned him. Also his breathing was very regular. I didn't need to count his reparations, but did often. They were always around 14 which was average. I concluded that Joe was to strong to die during my shift. I silently agreed with Nurse Julie's assessment. Of course I didn't tell the family that. Being an Aide, I was in no position to do so, besides it is all subjective.

Later in the shift the Nurse came in, and gave Joe his Morphine. I wish that I had looked at the clock, because that is when the change occurred. Minutes later there were several changes. Over a period of about 20 minutes Joe seem to weaken, his jaw dropped, his breathing changed. Breathing wise, he went on automatic. That's what I call it. It's the very slight difference between an unresponsive patient having some input into his breathing, to no input. It was like he was no longer in control, and part of him seemed gone. I can't describe it other then that.

The family had gathered around the bed, talking to him, and holding his hands. They were both crying. Joe soon stopped breathing, about 30 seconds later he was white as a sheet. Joe was gone. It happened so fast. I remember looking up just above Joe's head, half expecting to see his spirit, or feel his spiritual presents. It happened so fast, that I wondered if he was hovering over his body for a few seconds. But I saw/felt no ghost.

My eyes filled up. It caught me off guard. I didn't expect him to die. I muttered a few words to the family in a fruitless attempt to comfort. I have never been good at that. I never know what to say. My voice cracked as I spoke. I was on the verge of crying, but needed to get a hold of myself. I had learned professional distancing. Usually I could hold back the tears until I got home. That's something that you learn in this business, but still it is very difficult sometimes. Losing a patient is always hard.

Julie the Nurse came in. I couldn't help but wonder if she had killed Joe by administering the Morphine. I knew that the doctor ordered it, but she did administer it. There are some days that I am glad I didn't finish Nursing school.

Morphine is often given to dying patients in order to control pain. It can change breathing patterns, and decrease the respiration rate. It is somewhat controversial. I have heard discussions though out the years. Some Nurses refused to give the P.R.N. med, because they feel that it could kill the patient. Other Nurses give the Morphine to make sure the patient is comfortable.

When I was in my early 20's taking care of my mother who was dying of cancer, one of my mothers meds was Morphine. None of the hospice Nurses told me that it possibly could hasten my mothers death. They should have! The family should always know. Fortunately, I know from the circumstances that it was not the Morphine that killed mom. Otherwise I would feel guilt stricken even to this day. You would think that after all these years, they would have found a drug that could be effective for relieving pain without affecting the breathing. Yes, there are days that I am glad I am not a Nurse. They have to make some very difficult choices.

When I got home I received an e-mail from a friend. She had contracted a Superbug, and had to go into the hospital for surgery. Yes, this Easter was my worst Easter ever.


Additional reading:
Dying and Death in a Nursing Home

Legionnaires' Disease at RGH - Rochester General Hospital

(Rochester, N.Y.) -- The New York State Health Department is testing the water at Rochester General Hospital after a recent patient was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia.

The patient entered RGH in late January with an undisclosed condition and came down with Legionnaires’ disease at home, about a week after being admitted. The disease’s incubation period is two to ten days.... continued see link ...

Dashavu, two years go 6 patents at Strong Memorial Hospital had the same thing. Ekk! Maybe I should go back to bottled water for awhile.

Read more..."Legionnaires’ Disease Discovered at RGH"

10 Tips On How To Prevent The Flu

Its flu season again. As a C.N.A I work with nurses, and have received some advice from them. Some of these suggestions are from the nurses.

1) Wash your hands often. (This is always stressed in the health care field).

2) If you work with people who have the flu. When you get home wash your clothes, take a shower, and wash your hair. Germs can get on your clothes, hair, and skin.

3) Don't touch your hands to your face, use your knuckle if you have to. Your hands can easily carry germs. Touch them to your eyes, mouth, nose, and you could transfer the germs.

4) Eat garlic and onions. Both work similarly to antibiotics.

5) Get some ZZZ's. Make sure to get lots of sleep.

6) See your doctor as soon as you have flu symptoms. Doctors can give your medication that may lessen the severity, and duration of the flu.

7) Eat properly. Eat foods that are good for you, like fruits and veggies. Try to stay away from junk foods, highly prepossessed foods, high sugar, and salt.

8) Drink 8 cups of water. Water flushes the body of impurities.

9) Be careful of door and faucet handles. They are handled by numerous people, and are a breading ground of germs. Touch them, and consider your hands to be full of germs. In the restroom, you can use a paper towel to turn off a faucet, and to open the door after you wash our hands.

10) Telephones are also loaded with germs. Not only are they touched often, but people who have the flu can cough, or sneeze into them. Use your cell phone if you can. If not, take a minute to clean a public phone with a disinfectant if you can.

Related Post: Flu season expected to get worse


More tips... CDC- Preventing Seasonal Flu

WebMD: 12 Natural Tips to Prevent a Cold (and Flu)

Reader's Digest- Prevent Colds and the Flu 23 ways.

BBC- Health Flu (Good basic overview)

NYC Health- This great site can lead you to many other links about the flu.