I'm going to write this entry really quick because it's 11:30pm and I have to be at my new job as a PSA (Patient Service Associate..a really fancy way of saying Nursing Assistant) tomorrow morning at 7am. This has been a REALLY crazy and tiring week! Monday I worked as a substitute teacher and then that night, took my exam and had class. Tuesday, up early for 8am orientation for previously said PSA position..finished at 3pm..and then class from 5pm until 9:30pm. Came home...did clinical homework..studied for Pharm exam and then did some MedsPub (which I'll explain at some later time) until 1:30am. Today, up again for 8am orientation. Finished at 3pm..then clinical from 4pm until 10pm. So, I'm about to crash soon since I have to be up in a few hours.
I'm writing because I had the sweetest old lady today as my patient in clinical..but she touched me deeper than I thought she would. 94 years old..medical reason for coming into the hospital is really irrelevant (atleast for this story). What is relevant was that she was HOH (hard of hearing -- just trying to introduce myself was crazy. She didn't understand so somehow we ended up with Mary..so we went with that and that's what she called me for the entire night) and had very bad vision due to glaucoma.
I knew that she was not married and had no children and that she had a niece and nephew. But, when I asked about family visiting (trying to get her family/psychosocial background), she mentioned how no one had came to visit..or ever came to visit. She normally lived at home alone with a home health aide but due to different circumstances, was in and out of an assisted living facility. She had gotten ill and had to go to the Emergency Department in an ambulance and she stated how she had to ride in it alone. Also, about how her niece and nephew had so many excuses as to why they couldn't come and visit..and she started to cry. Mind you, as she's telling me all of this..I start to tear up but to see her cry just sent me over the edge. Now, I think it's because I'm PMSing that I'm so sensitive..I'm still crying hours later! But, it's truly sad how the elderly are so forgotten! How can you NOT come visit your own family..your own flesh and blood? Yeah..we're all busy..but come on now! Not even once?!?! She didn't mentioned that they lived far so I'm pretty sure they are around here somewhere..just so sad!
But, I did have a funny moment. She had mentioned that she had lost her hairbrush. She was brushing her hair when she was told that she would be moved from the previous floor she was on to the one she's at now. She remembered putting her brush in her tissue box but couldn't find it anymore. Of course, she can't see well so it almost seemed hopeless to her. So, me trying to help..I'm searching the tissuebox (obviously not there). I looked under her bed and felt around in the covers. I just happen to glance over to her little night stand in the corner and lo and behold, there's the brush as well as a comb. I shout with glee "I think I found it!" When I held up the brush and comb for her (within 2 inches of her face so she could see it), I'm telling you..it was like I told her I found a million bucks for her. I had to stifle a laugh when she replied "Oh, Mary! Thank you so much!" It was quite humorous because she replied like I really did find a million bucks for her! Hilarious but I could tell she really appreciated it and I was glad I was able to bring her that little bit of joy.
I visited her regularly through the eveing and told her that I would be back tomorrow. I start work at the same hospital as my clinical so I may try to go visit her during my break..but I'm wondering if that's getting too attached. I really wished I could bring her home with me. Even though my apartment is such a mess because it's been so neglected because of my crazy, busy schedule..but that's a whole 'nother topic!
Anyway, I'm off to bed..but not before I send up prayers of comfort for my patient. I feel like I really need to do that..
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