April 28

Today was a bit crazy, but everyone could feel the heat from outside. I think the promise of going home to sleep in for the weekend is what got everyone through today. (Maybe not the ones who are working the weekends though.)

Like always, phones were ringing every ten minutes, call bells went off one after the other, and the heat from the nice weather made everyone inside feel sticky with the humidity. Nonetheless, everyone seemed to get along.

I was able to talk about college with some of the nurses, as well. They congratulated me on my acceptance to Caldwell University's pre-medical program! Even though everything is happening so fast, things look bright up ahead.

The even brighter side is that today is Friday!

Hooray!

Dysrhythmias

Watching over a patient's heart rhythym is important. Sometimes influctuations and abnomalities can happen unexpectedly, so everyone on the floor is always on alert. Here are some examples of dysrhythmias to watch out for!

The top line shows an example of a normal rhythym, while the bottom shows an abnormal example.

Make Room!

 When patients request for a private room, the nurses and some of the cleaning staff help set up beds and little articles they think the patient may need. A water pitcher, pink basin, toothbrush, toothpaste, baby powder, etc. are all provided. This is one of the smaller rooms, but they all come with a bathroom for privacy.

Hectic Beginnings

No matter what happens, Monday is always the first crazy day of the week. Even some of the nurses feel the jitter once they walk onto the floor. Today was pretty crazy. There was new admissions while discharges left, nurses and PCAs were running around to take care their patients and almost every patient had a visitor so the floor was packed.

Everyone still feels the aftermath of Easter break, making the day drag on. Today was okay though, despite the busy environment. I was able to talk to some of the nurses about school and even get advice from doctors.

The one thing that they kept repeating was, "Coffee is your friend! Don't leave them behind!"

It definitely made me laugh for the day!

Music Therapy

There are different types of therapy Valley offers along with pet and music therapy. There are volunteers that come and play instruments like the guitar, harmonica, and harp! I usually see the harpists on my way upstairs, and they sound so soothing! It makes the patients feel so relaxed as well!