Hello everyone!!
I can't believe it's been over two weeks since I posted my last message! Time seems to have flown by. Honestly I can't even explain why I haven't had time to write - it just seems that between working, doing a little bit of reading and learning after work, and eating, the day is done before I can get to writing. I suppose I would have time if I kept my postings shorter and just wrote more of them! Maybe I will have to try that...the way I'm doing it now is daunting, because I feel like I have so much to write and I have to put it all into one message.
This week I have learned a little bit about how the weather can affect how we care for patients here. On Tuesday morning we had a man come in who had overdosed on some pills, to the point that he needed to be cared for in the Intensive Care Unit (if we had been down South, he would have been transferred to the ICU right away for observation). Normally, we would call the air ambulance and have the patient transferred down to the Timmins hospital, or to Kingston if he was in need of more specialized care. Unfortunately, a fairly deep fog had set in over the coast of James Bay early Tuesday morning, and no airplanes were able to land here in Kash. So, the patient is currently STILL in our Emerge department on a stretcher being observed by us. Luckily the patient has been fairly stable all the way along, so it hasn't been too bad, but it still hasn't worked exactly how it would ideally. I think this kind of situation probably happens fairly often here...we are so dependent on the weather! Between fog, snow, ice, and other weather phenomenon (I don't know exactly what types of weather pilots can't fly in), there are lots of things that can affect our ability to get people out. It really makes me appreciate the nice weather more though!
The past two weeks have been very exciting for me, because I have been working with 4 new colleagues up here! I know that doesn't sound very exciting, because as I explained in earlier messages, there are always new people coming and going. The difference is that these 4 people are more full time Nurses like me! Usually people come up for 1 or 2 or 3 weeks at a time and then leave. Sometimes they never come back to Kash, or they don't come back for months. Now it seems that I am going to have a more consistent team to work with for awhile. Diane and Scott have signed up to stay for a year like I have, and Beth and Meagin are doing 1 month in and 1 month out. They are all really nice people, and I think we will work very well together. Everyone comes with their own strengths and experiences, so I think we will all be able to help each other.
I've been seriously thinking of starting a distance education course to do while I'm up here. I've been researching online, and I've found a few really interesting courses that would teach me lots of really valuable information for working up here. The thing is, I'd really like to find one that will count towards the Nurse Practitioner certificate...since I'm planning on doing the NP course eventually when I get home anyways, I might as well work towards it if I can. So far it's kind of difficult to get the information I'm looking for though. I can't seem to find out if there are any courses that I can take that would count towards the NP program. Oh well, I'm going to keep looking, and I plan to start something soon!
Well, I think that is long enough for tonight. I have more to write about, so watch for something new in a couple of days. The weekend is coming up (WOOHOO!!), so I should have some time to write another message. As of the schedule that's posted right now, I'm on call Saturday night from 8:00 p.m. to Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m.
I love you all...once again, thanks for stopping by! :)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Online!
Hello everyone! Just a quick (happy) note to let you know we had our satellite internet installed this afternoon, so we're online for the rest of the year. Hooray!! So drop me a line anytime, I will try my best to keep in touch with everyone.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Northern Nursing
Well, I think things have finally (thankfully!) settled down up here. Last week was probably the busiest week I've ever experienced in my life. There was a lot going on between giving H1N1 vaccines and treating people with influenza-like illnesses. We had about 60% of the community show up for immunization, which is awesome because that is a large percentage of people that won't be coming in later with the flu! But because of the great turnout, lots of our Nursing resources were going toward immunizations. Unfortunately, like myself, there were a bunch of people who got the shot too late, and ended up (probably) getting the flu. So another big portion of our resources went to assessing/treating people with influenza-like illnesses. Then, on top of all of that there were all the regular clinic issues and emergency issues too keep up with, as well as a Doctor clinic to manage. Busy, busy, busy! But I think we're through the majority of the flu stuff (hopefully!), so things will be back to normal now.
So last week I was the Nurse taking care of the Doctor's clinic, which is very hectic because it seems that everyone wants to see the Doc when they're in town. Because people are so excited when a Doctor comes, I thought there was only supposed to be a Doc here one week each month...but apparently I was mistaken. Apparently there is really supposed to be a Doctor here 4 weeks a month! The Docs have been working short lately, so there have been a decreased number of clinics, but apparently we're supposed to have them here the majority of the time. Although we Nurses have an expanded scope of practice, we still don't have prescribing rights, and there are lots of things that still need to be seen by a Dr. I'm still learning my role as a Nurse up here. We definitely take care of all the on-call emergency stuff...basically our role is to stabilize emergency patients until an airplane/helicopter can get up here to medevac the person to the hospital in Moose Factory. When you think about it, it's a very huge responsibility! Anything can walk through the door, so I really have to be prepared for any kind of situation (basically like any emerge department!). I think the most worrisome thing (in my mind) is when the weather gets bad and airplanes have decreased ability to fly. Well, we'll deal with that when it happens.
The Nurses' scope of practice up here also involved dealing with regular, day-to-day clinic issues. I think I've mentioned this in one of my other posts...things like strep throat, UTI's, prenatal assessments...basically things that a Nurse Practitioner can do. Granted, an NP has prescribing rights that I still don't have up here, and they can also order x-rays, ultrasounds, bloodwork...things that I still need a Doctor's order for. But we still have more abilities here then down South.
As far as things I've seen so far...I know people are interested in hearing crazy stories!
I can't say too too much, because of confidentiality, but I'll give you an idea. There's been a dehydrated 2 month old, a few kids with breathing troubles, a Tylenol OD, a couple of really high blood sugars (Diabetic Ketoacidosis), someone with sepsis (a blood infection), someone who stepped on a nail, a heart attack, a few people with chest pain...those are really the most intense things I've been a part of since I've been here. I'm very, very thankful that I haven't been around for anything worse than that (although the heart attack is about as bad as you can get), but especially that I haven't been alone for most of it. I'm kind of terrified for the night that I'm on call and at home in bed when I get the call at 4:00 a.m. that someone like...I dunno, that something terrible has happened. Well, I keep reminding myself that I'm not alone...I always have another Nurse I can call, and there is a Doctor to consult with 24/7.
We had a really nice weekend here. I heard it was beautiful at home in Owen Sound too...up to 18 degrees?!?! Well, we had sun and 8 degree weather both days this weekend. It was
very uplifting to see the sun!! I consider each nice day a bonus at this point, it's just a matter of time before we are forced into hibernation!
OH, I JUST remembered that Elsie (a reception staff member at the Nursing Station) told me that a barge came in on the river today. I will have to go out tomorrow after work to see if it's still there. I doubt it will still be there, I got the impression that they come and go fairly quickly. DARN, I meant to go out after work today to take a look. Oh well, I guess it will come again sometime in the year that we're here.
Guess what...we're finally getting internet in our apartment!!! HOORAY!!!!!!!! I was told that the equipment for the satellite would get up here to Kash around mid-week this week, and then there is someone here that works at the Band Office who installs the equipment. It's expensive to get everything set up, but it will be so worth it when we have access to the world!! I can't wait to be able to go online whenever I want. I can't wait to write back to all of you that have been so great about writing to me...I really WANT to write back to you all, but in order to be online at this point I have to be over in the Nursing Station...at work...where I don't particularly want to be when I'm not working! Hehe, I promise I will be better about writing back when we have our satellite.
Oh, by the way...I am REALLY missing shopping!!! For those of you that recall, I pretty much went to the grocery store every single day back home. I LOVE grocery shopping. Honestly I just love being out in a store and surrounded by people. I promise I will never take access to fresh fruits and vegetables for granted, ever again! There are several problems with the store here. The produce is very limited, and the things we do have access to are fairly expensive, and not the greatest quality. AND, even if the produce was fresh and varied and inexpensive, the store hours are still very limited. It's open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. As you will know from my earlier posts, my regular workdays are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. You will also know that, until now, I have worked several Saturdays. That has made it pretty hard to get to the store. But Wes isn't crazy about grocery shopping, plus I LOVE going to any store that's available to me, so I still find the time to get there at least once a week, usually twice. Even though I complain, we really have everything we need here...we're not suffering, that's for sure.
Hmm...well I think I've run out of topics AND brain power for writing tonight. As usually, I will sign off by saying thank you for caring about me enough to read my blog, and that I love you all. Talk to you soon!
So last week I was the Nurse taking care of the Doctor's clinic, which is very hectic because it seems that everyone wants to see the Doc when they're in town. Because people are so excited when a Doctor comes, I thought there was only supposed to be a Doc here one week each month...but apparently I was mistaken. Apparently there is really supposed to be a Doctor here 4 weeks a month! The Docs have been working short lately, so there have been a decreased number of clinics, but apparently we're supposed to have them here the majority of the time. Although we Nurses have an expanded scope of practice, we still don't have prescribing rights, and there are lots of things that still need to be seen by a Dr. I'm still learning my role as a Nurse up here. We definitely take care of all the on-call emergency stuff...basically our role is to stabilize emergency patients until an airplane/helicopter can get up here to medevac the person to the hospital in Moose Factory. When you think about it, it's a very huge responsibility! Anything can walk through the door, so I really have to be prepared for any kind of situation (basically like any emerge department!). I think the most worrisome thing (in my mind) is when the weather gets bad and airplanes have decreased ability to fly. Well, we'll deal with that when it happens.
The Nurses' scope of practice up here also involved dealing with regular, day-to-day clinic issues. I think I've mentioned this in one of my other posts...things like strep throat, UTI's, prenatal assessments...basically things that a Nurse Practitioner can do. Granted, an NP has prescribing rights that I still don't have up here, and they can also order x-rays, ultrasounds, bloodwork...things that I still need a Doctor's order for. But we still have more abilities here then down South.
As far as things I've seen so far...I know people are interested in hearing crazy stories!
I can't say too too much, because of confidentiality, but I'll give you an idea. There's been a dehydrated 2 month old, a few kids with breathing troubles, a Tylenol OD, a couple of really high blood sugars (Diabetic Ketoacidosis), someone with sepsis (a blood infection), someone who stepped on a nail, a heart attack, a few people with chest pain...those are really the most intense things I've been a part of since I've been here. I'm very, very thankful that I haven't been around for anything worse than that (although the heart attack is about as bad as you can get), but especially that I haven't been alone for most of it. I'm kind of terrified for the night that I'm on call and at home in bed when I get the call at 4:00 a.m. that someone like...I dunno, that something terrible has happened. Well, I keep reminding myself that I'm not alone...I always have another Nurse I can call, and there is a Doctor to consult with 24/7.
We had a really nice weekend here. I heard it was beautiful at home in Owen Sound too...up to 18 degrees?!?! Well, we had sun and 8 degree weather both days this weekend. It was
very uplifting to see the sun!! I consider each nice day a bonus at this point, it's just a matter of time before we are forced into hibernation!
OH, I JUST remembered that Elsie (a reception staff member at the Nursing Station) told me that a barge came in on the river today. I will have to go out tomorrow after work to see if it's still there. I doubt it will still be there, I got the impression that they come and go fairly quickly. DARN, I meant to go out after work today to take a look. Oh well, I guess it will come again sometime in the year that we're here.
Guess what...we're finally getting internet in our apartment!!! HOORAY!!!!!!!! I was told that the equipment for the satellite would get up here to Kash around mid-week this week, and then there is someone here that works at the Band Office who installs the equipment. It's expensive to get everything set up, but it will be so worth it when we have access to the world!! I can't wait to be able to go online whenever I want. I can't wait to write back to all of you that have been so great about writing to me...I really WANT to write back to you all, but in order to be online at this point I have to be over in the Nursing Station...at work...where I don't particularly want to be when I'm not working! Hehe, I promise I will be better about writing back when we have our satellite.
Oh, by the way...I am REALLY missing shopping!!! For those of you that recall, I pretty much went to the grocery store every single day back home. I LOVE grocery shopping. Honestly I just love being out in a store and surrounded by people. I promise I will never take access to fresh fruits and vegetables for granted, ever again! There are several problems with the store here. The produce is very limited, and the things we do have access to are fairly expensive, and not the greatest quality. AND, even if the produce was fresh and varied and inexpensive, the store hours are still very limited. It's open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. As you will know from my earlier posts, my regular workdays are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. You will also know that, until now, I have worked several Saturdays. That has made it pretty hard to get to the store. But Wes isn't crazy about grocery shopping, plus I LOVE going to any store that's available to me, so I still find the time to get there at least once a week, usually twice. Even though I complain, we really have everything we need here...we're not suffering, that's for sure.
Hmm...well I think I've run out of topics AND brain power for writing tonight. As usually, I will sign off by saying thank you for caring about me enough to read my blog, and that I love you all. Talk to you soon!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Swine Time
Here we are at the beginning of week #5. The past 4 weeks have been a flash and an eternity at the same time. The longer we're here, the more I am encouraged that I've stuck it out as long as I have, and I feel like I can do it. On the other hand, it DOES seem like it's been a long time, and I start to wonder how I'll make it through 11 times what I've been through already. But Wes is such a good supporter, so don't worry - he's keeping me together! And don't worry, I'm not really as jaded as this paragraph is making me sound. I'm just reflecting as I go.
So, I think it actually happened...I think we caught the flu. I got my flu shot on Wednesday (Oct. 28), but it was too little too late - I saw about 3 patients last Sunday and Monday (Oct. 25 and 26) who I thought might have strep throat, or a bad cold. This was before we knew there was any H1N1 in the community...so I wasn't wearing a mask. Turns out, the people I saw actually had the flu. So Friday (Oct. 30) I started developing the classic symptoms - cough, fever, headache/muscle aches, stuffy nose, sore throat...I pretty much covered them all! Working 12 hour days this past Saturday and Sunday probably didn't help my recovery much, so I'm still a little tired and weak. But unfortunately, as I'm on a slow mend, Wes has gotten pretty sick too. He doesn't think it's the flu, but considering both of our symptoms fit the definition, AND I know I've been exposed to people with it, I'm almost positive that we can officially say we got the dreaded H1N1. Thankfully we'll be ok though! All the cases we've seen up here have been pretty mild, so I'm sure we'll both be back to normal in no time.
The snow that we got about a week and a half ago melted completely. Hooray!! We had another little ground covering this morning, but it's gone too. Overall it's actually been fairly mild here the past couple of days. I think it got up to about +9 Celcius on Saturday. We have a thermometer that I'm looking at right now...it's 10:48 p.m. and +1.3 C. Not too shabby for November 2nd, and not too much different than it is at home, right? I'm sure we'll start seeing the difference sooner than we'd like, but I'll take all the "warm" weather I can get! :)
So I was thinking, I bet the Christmas decorations/merchandise have started to come out (hopefully still in SMALL quantities!) in the stores. I think I will miss that this year! Well, I'm finding that I'm missing a lot of what's going on in the "mainstream". It's amazing how big an impact surroundings and social interractions have on my mood/feelings/outlook, and how much I took for granted at home. I knew I would learn a lot about myself and about all of this during my time here, but it's still interesting to actually sit and think about it.
I know everyone is curious about the things I'm seeing in the clinic, and I promise that will be my next posting! For now, I think it's bedtime again. Ciao, for now!
So, I think it actually happened...I think we caught the flu. I got my flu shot on Wednesday (Oct. 28), but it was too little too late - I saw about 3 patients last Sunday and Monday (Oct. 25 and 26) who I thought might have strep throat, or a bad cold. This was before we knew there was any H1N1 in the community...so I wasn't wearing a mask. Turns out, the people I saw actually had the flu. So Friday (Oct. 30) I started developing the classic symptoms - cough, fever, headache/muscle aches, stuffy nose, sore throat...I pretty much covered them all! Working 12 hour days this past Saturday and Sunday probably didn't help my recovery much, so I'm still a little tired and weak. But unfortunately, as I'm on a slow mend, Wes has gotten pretty sick too. He doesn't think it's the flu, but considering both of our symptoms fit the definition, AND I know I've been exposed to people with it, I'm almost positive that we can officially say we got the dreaded H1N1. Thankfully we'll be ok though! All the cases we've seen up here have been pretty mild, so I'm sure we'll both be back to normal in no time.
The snow that we got about a week and a half ago melted completely. Hooray!! We had another little ground covering this morning, but it's gone too. Overall it's actually been fairly mild here the past couple of days. I think it got up to about +9 Celcius on Saturday. We have a thermometer that I'm looking at right now...it's 10:48 p.m. and +1.3 C. Not too shabby for November 2nd, and not too much different than it is at home, right? I'm sure we'll start seeing the difference sooner than we'd like, but I'll take all the "warm" weather I can get! :)
So I was thinking, I bet the Christmas decorations/merchandise have started to come out (hopefully still in SMALL quantities!) in the stores. I think I will miss that this year! Well, I'm finding that I'm missing a lot of what's going on in the "mainstream". It's amazing how big an impact surroundings and social interractions have on my mood/feelings/outlook, and how much I took for granted at home. I knew I would learn a lot about myself and about all of this during my time here, but it's still interesting to actually sit and think about it.
I know everyone is curious about the things I'm seeing in the clinic, and I promise that will be my next posting! For now, I think it's bedtime again. Ciao, for now!
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