What to do...

So last sunday, I was a RN (Real Nurse) and on the floor, actually taking care of patients, instead of bossing around other nurses who take care of patients.  So really, I only had four things to worry about instead of my usual 50 things to worry about.  Ahh.  It was refreshing because it reminded me about all of the crap that the nurse on the floor has to deal with.  For instance, one of my patients needed something to control this HORRIBLE rash that threatened to jump off him and claim me as one of its victims.  Gross, I know... But anyway, Dr M scribbles some unreadable gobbledy gook on my order sheet.  (By the way, isn't it interesting that the stuff that the Dr. writes for the nurse to do is called an "order"?  Why can't it be called a "plan of care" or "steps for recovery" instead?  Nah, I think that Dr.s LIKE ordering around nurses)   The med that Dr M ordered of course is not available in the ER, I must fax, call, and visit pharmacy before the med is ready to give.  But not before I had to go back, find the Doc, and then ask him to explain his sanskrit handwriting to me.   Seriously, computerized orders would be SO much better.  

My patient with the spinal headache was so thankful for pain control, and my patient whose shoulder that was dislocated, and then replaced was also grateful for care.  

This is what made the day all worth while.