On Touching and Saving Lives!

Comforting Tales

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:18:00 +0000

Tale 1:
She was crying. Her husband just died because of heart attack. I saw her incessantly crying as tears went down her face. Deep inside, I feel so sorry for her. I came near the crying lady, tapped her shoulder and later placed my arms around her, extending my greatest sympathy for the loss of her husband. We allowed her to grieve while she waited for some family members to arrive before we finally sent her husband's dead body to the morgue.

Tale 2:
After all the tasks were done, I checked on my patient who's been admitted for about a month (he just turned 1 month with us today). The sight of him gave me a description of a tired-looking man. He even looked older than he is compared to when he was just admitted in the facility. I could sense that he's tired and so stressed with his medical condition. While arranging the water bags under his right hand, I talked to one of his sons. I could sense the sadness in his son's words. I could tell how hard it is for them to see their dad in that state. At that time, I only had one prayer to GOD for their dad whom I think is a good man to his children --- that he may be well-taken care of by GOD and may he be more blessed.

** All these tales happened in my shift earlier. I thanked GOD for giving me a comforting soul even if my heart's been secretly crumpled having to witness such scenes.

The Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:12:00 +0000

I was surprised when my favorite kid cancer patient visited me in my current ward assignment last, last week. I was quite busy at that time but when I saw her outside along with her mom, I hurriedly went to her and gave her my hugs. It was nice to see her with glow in her eyes. Yes, there's also hope in her eyes and I was even more glad to know that she's already done with her chemotherapy for her leukemia. The last time I saw her, she's a bit chubby but at present, she's a bit slimmer and is gearing toward adolescence.

Again, I am praying to GOD for her guidance and may she lives long in this world.

A Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:56:00 +0000

Working in a tertiary hospital with lots of patients to attend to is quite hard to manage especially if there's a heavy workload and only a few staff to handle all of them. Really, it is that hard to manage everything at a glance. The past few years and until now, we are just grateful to the City Government of Davao for the deployment of additional nurses in the hospital where I am currently working. With the deployment of additional nurses through RN Heals, a DOH project, tasks will equally be delegated among the nurses and division of labor will be the scheme. With this, patient management and total care is assured to our clientele.

Thank you so much to the City Government of Davao, to DOH, and of course a sense of gratitude to the helping hands, the helping fellow RNs.

A Simple Act Of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:21:00 +0000

I was seated in the hospital chapel earlier near a woman in her early 40s while waiting for my friend. I was too silent just checking on my cell phone from time to time if there's an incoming message from the friend I was waiting for. All of a sudden, this woman talked to me. She asked if I also have a patient confined in there. I told her I didn't and that I was waiting for my friend. Then she began talking to me about her child being confined because of dengue. She mentioned she's staying in the chapel because she can't go home to get some stuff for her kid because she had no money. She talked most of the time and I just listened. On the verge of her talking, I felt that my heart had been crumpled. Without further ado, I gave her a money bill. She thanked me so much and I felt great for that simple little thing I did.

A Smart HD Patient =)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:18:00 +0000

I was doing my nursing rounds earlier when I found a pediatric patient alone in her bed while both her parents made a follow up for her diagnostic exams needed for her anticipated surgical procedure. Because she looked friendly and approachable, I asked her what happened to her and why she's admitted. She confidently answered she's a Hirschsprung's Disease patient and is admitted for closure of colostomy. What's more surprising was when she related that she had been diagnosed with HD when she was still 40 days old and it's only on this recent admission that her colostomy would finally be closed. I found it very smart for a girl like her to really know her physical condition. When asked if she's been teased by friends in school because of her colostomy, she just nodded which I'm sure she's not been ashamed off.

I just hope for a successful operation for her in the next couple of days.
To you kid L, I am so proud of you!

SPMC For Mindanao

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:04:00 +0000

The Southern Philippines Medical Center boosts itself as the healthcare institution for people all over Mindanao. People from all walks of life come all the way from far-flung areas just to avail of the hospital's services. Even people just within the city area still chooses to be with SPMC for their health concerns. As part of the SPMC family, I am more than glad that our institution has a lot of services in store for its growing number of clients. =)
Long live SPMC!=)

My Former Patient Kurt Bringas @ Pilipinas Got Talent

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 04:19:00 +0000

In a certain social network, I saw a friend of mine posted the link of Jefferson and Kurt Bringas who showcased their talent in front of the Pilipinas Got Talent jurors. Reading the name "Kurt Bringas" rung in my ears. Yes! How can I ever forgot Kurt Bringas who became my patient for repeated admissions in 2007-2008 for his chemotherapy. Looking on the video, I still couldn't believe it's him on stage with his brother, which I could also well remember taking care of him at that time. The video itself drove me into tears especially on the interview part where Jefferson talked about Kurt. And oh boy, I never imagined they're so talented for real. Had I known that they're bestowed with such talent, I could have wished them to sing for us during our nursing rounds. Kidding aside, I could not believe how far Kurt have gone in battling his cancer and surprisingly, he's super duper okay when I saw him on TV. The once bald-headed Kurt Bringas have turned into someone worthy to be proud of and is worthy to be regarded as an inspiration to all cancer-stricken patients. I also admired how Jefferson sacrificed all the way for Kurt, even to the extent of not taking too much attention to his personal life just because of his brother. Their relationship as siblings is very much admirable.

In this kind of talent search, I know they deserve to win and I can't wait for them to reappear on TV again for the semi-finals.

To get a glimpse on their performance on stage as shown on Philippine TV, here's the video of Jefferson and Kurt. May this inspires you all:

Happy Fourth Year Anniversary in Service!

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:22:00 +0000

Just last August 1, 2011, I turned four (4) years old in the institution!:D What could I say? Personally, I am happy for reaching (at least) this far. I never thought I could survive the grueling experiences I encountered. I regard everything as a struggle because honestly, it really is difficult to handle our tasks when there's so much pressure in it. I knew I rant about discomforts and stress but these didn't prevent me from doing my tasks.

Now that I am four years old, I would like to ask GOD to guide me more, to help me achieve my everyday goal of making a difference in the lives of the people I cared for.

Happy 4 years in service to ME!:D

Just Grabbing The Opportunity!:D

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:11:00 +0000

Months ago, I've learned about the info that our institution is hiring for regular positions. Being a contractual employee for four years, I think it's time to grab it since this type of hiring happens so rarely. I submitted my papers and then we were all scheduled for an interview. Well, I was already interviewed and it drove me nervous to be in the middle being interrogated by the superiors and the Promotion and Placement team. The results aren't out yet and we're still waiting. I don't know when the announcement would be but there's one thing I am sure of, that I am very much thankful that this opportunity has come along. I would feel luckiest, if I'd be chosen.

To my fellow co-applicants, Good Luck to us.

Decently Toxic!:D

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

I don't know if 'decently toxic' is acceptable but this is how I would described Sir O, the husband and the consistent watcher of our patient who underwent Craniectomy & Excision of Hemeningioma on separate dates.

At first sight, Sir O looked so strict and I thought I would be having a hard time dealing with him. When I approached him on that very moment they were transferred in our unit, I just had positive thoughts in me. I talked. He answered in a loud voice. He asked me questions about the needs of his patient and luckily, I was able to manage it. As days went by, he still is the same. I know how much he cares for his ailing wife that's why I came to understand why he's just that.

The patient went home yesterday and surprisingly, Sir O smiled at us. He even went to the nurse station and thanked each one of us there. I was more than glad to serve his wife, who also is very patient and nice.

La Familia Outing (April 2011)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:41:00 +0000

To be able to balance work and leisure that makes one a successful person, our hospital supports any get together gathering of the staff in team building activities. Thus, last April 2011, our unit went to La Familia Beach Resort in Samal for an overnight stay.

With foods and sleeping bags in tow, we headed to La Familia Beach Resort just when the sun sets down. Via motorized boat, the travel from Davao City to La Familia only took 15-20 minutes. We chose the resort because in here, we can bring food free of corkage fees except for soft drinks.

The entire team building event spells FUN. We got games in store like Tug of War, the Longest Line, some relays, and even the famous Pinoy Henyo. We also got prizes for our winnings. The whole event did become indeed successful and we're looking forward to more events like this in the unit.

Rest In Peace Abby

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 03:56:00 +0000

Abby happened to be one of the kid patients I cared for 3 years ago who's been diagnosed with a case of cancer. Remembering back, it was really fun caring for her. What I can't forget bout this girl was when she seemed to start ignoring me when I later found out she got this huge crush to his pediatrician, his favorite doctor. I think she was kinda shy at her age back then.

When I transferred to another ward, I got to see them less often than usual and Abby. Much more when I was transferred in a unit located in the ground floor area. I got this thought deep in me that though I may not be able to see them, they'll always be the cutest patients I ever got and the most unforgettable amongst all my patient kids.

The other day, I learned that she already joined our Creator. Initially, I got surprised until I realized it's time she rest, it's time to let go of someone who brave her physical condition for years.

To Abby, may you rest in peace.
You will always be remembered.

Back To Where I Really Belong :D

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:57:00 +0000

Yes! Effective June 1, 2011, after a month-long substitute in a certain ward, I'm now back to where I really belong - my other Surgery Ward. It seemed like I was on hiatus for that month-long absence since I was used to a not-so-busy kind of routine while I was there. When I got back, I was like immersed right away into that busy kind of routine which I thought I couldn't handle. It was actually a trial when I got back because it's only the head nurse and I who were on duty plus the new trainees who were on their first duty rotation at that time. Despite this trial, Maam G and I managed to survive on that whole shift successfully!

Thank You GOD for bestowing me more with strength and courage!:D

Ward Reliever For May 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 30 May 2011 02:18:00 +0000

One more day left and I'd be back to where my work assignment really is. A month ago, I got hold of the news telling me about my May 2011 Assignment - to work in a different ward where preoperative patients are located. It was surprising I would say because it was a last minute notice. I was too excited about my May 2011 schedule then all of a sudden that news came out.

How did I take it?
On the first few hours, I was a bit bothered. However, after a few days, I just conditioned myself that it's another challenging task to take. It's only for a month anyway. When I stepped into that ward, I armed myself with optimisms. In a few days, I got accustomed with the ward's routines and the best part - I gained another set of friends who made my tasks a bit lighter.

Now the month is about to end. I can't help but think of the happy memories I had working in this ward. I'd be returning again to my previous ward and with me are the memories worthy to be treasured. I won't really forget this experience!;)

Thank You Surgery West for enriching my life with another colorful experience worthy to be cherished!;) I will miss everyone.

Effective Therapeutic Communication Seminar

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 03:13:00 +0000

Photo Credits: Scienceforall.org

Yesterday, I attended another seminar being offered by our Training Office and it's indeed a very great opportunity to be among the participants. The seminar itself is all about Effective Therapeutic Communication which is the most common topic seminar in all workplaces either in the medical field or in corporate industries.

I found the speakers, Ma'am Melba Gabuya and Sir Rolando Borja, very effective and very well-versed on what they want to impart to us. I mean, they're just very good in letting us understand the essentials and the basics to make the seminar easily understandable and eventually apply it in our daily lives. Furthermore, the seminar itself made me reassess myself on my personal dealings with my patients and the patients significant others and I had this realization that I should improve myself more in terms of the way I communicate with them. After all, they're my clients and they're all important.

Overall, I've learned much from the seminar and hopefully all those I've learned will always remain as my guide to foster effective therapeutic communication to everyone I meet.

First Party with Colleagues (2011)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:11:00 +0000

Who says we can't party like everyone else does?

Busy as we are, we still find time to party, party! This is actually done quarterly depending on the unit member's decision. A unit gathering is aimed at developing camaraderie with the staff as well as to unite more of ourselves in socialization. Thus, this 2011's first quarterly gathering was being agreed upon and celebrated it with my Surgery Ward colleagues. It was actually my first time to join them since I am just new in the unit. This was held at Diez's residence in Buhangin, Davao City. As expected, we have prepared foods to satisfy our palates. Plus, the host had managed to turn their living room into a great party scene with loud speakers, a tv screen, and great music playing in it! We also had our videoke sessions where we felt like we're the great performers that night, Lol. ;)

It was really whole lot of fun partying with these peeps for the first time.
This 2nd quarter, we're looking forward to convene once again together and take some time to go to the beach. Oh yes, it's another gathering on a beach! Can't wait!

Here are the pics taken during our first quarter's Party, Party:

'til our next party!;)

Contract Signing!;)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:45:00 +0000

Photo Credits: Clipartguide.com

Yesterday together with my colleagues, I signed up a work contract for the next quarter (yey!). As a contractual (which I've been for three years already), we're always meant to sign out new work contracts so we could be able to continue working. Thank GOD, I'm still meant to be in the contract though I heard there are some who were not able to make it. Well, it really pays enough to be competitive at work while being assertive at the same time. What's the good news when we signed our contracts? We got a salary increase, at least!;) With that, I am still very thankful and blessed that I have this job to die for.;) Thank GOD for every opportunity given to me.

Busy Busy Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:18:00 +0000

Yes, busy busy Surgery is the appropriate title for this entry because in the surgery ward where I am presently in, it really is a busy working place for us. We cater to an average of 50-55 patients including the Surgery Intensive Care Unit we have within our ward that houses to about 7 patients as full house. Who says life isn't busy there? Lol. Everyday, we happen to care for critically post-operative patients plus the many post-operative cases being housed in our ward. And meds? Yes, medications! We have an ample of them because they're always needing pain relievers and antibiotics. The only consolation we have? We have nice colleagues to work with including the medical residents who's responsible for the therapeutic/medical regimen of their patients. ;)

Busy Busy Surgery, it still is A-Okay!;)

General Nursing Assembly 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 01:52:00 +0000

The Southern Philippines Medical Center held its General Nursing Assembly 2010 last December 2, 2010 @ The Mahogany Room that convened all the employees under the Nursing Services Department. It was an event organized by the Nursing Services Office spearheaded by our Chief Nurse, Ms. Vilma Comoda, RN, MAN.

A program gazed the event, that showcased the talents of the nursing personnel per department. Who would have thought that SPMC is actually a home of so many different talents? Even those in the Nursing Office did give their best shot! The event was a whole lot of fun with lots of surprises and games in store for the attendees. Everyone seemed to win in the raffle prizes too! Yours truly and my OB family had been so lucky to also win one of the major, major prizes in the raffle!:)

These are the pics of the said event:

Officially A Post-Op Surgery Nurse!;)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 01:31:00 +0000

Officially last January 1, 2011, I became a post-op surgery nurse. This only means that instead of caring for postpartum moms, I'd now be facing the challenge of caring for post operative patients. Scary though cos it's my first time to be assigned here, but at the same time I am armed with optimisms that as I go to work each day, my skills would be sharpened until I can get used to the routine set before me.

Oh well, there will always be 'firsts' among the 'firsts'!;)
I just hope everything goes out to be well.

Another Duty Rotation Coming Up!:)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 15:06:00 +0000

After dealing with this at work:

Photo Credits: Islandchildbirth.com

I'd soon be dealing with patients like this:

Best Treat When Feet Becomes Tired

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Unlike any office jobs, nurses aren't seated the whole time while at work. The nature of an RN job is to make sure that the patients are okay and are well-taken care of. This is the very main reason why RNs go about the ward of in the facility much too often. Walking to and from the patient and attending to each patient needs is the main concern of the job, the very reason why RNs often clamors for very, very tired feet.

Yours truly is very tired just now. I kept on walking to and from the patient to give them their medications had made my feet so tired! And yes, I haven't seated for a longer period of time, the very reason why I think my legs and feet are complaining right now. I even think of getting a foot massage right away but due to time constraints, I wasn't able to.

The best treat I did?
I got my both feet elevated as shown in the image below. I had them rested on the wall while I was resting. It took me for about 30 minutes to do it. And I felt relieved thereafter. From now on, I'd make it a habit to elevate my feet after a very tiring duty shift because I know comfort and satisfaction is guaranteed thereafter.

How about you? Do make it a habit too! I tell you, this really helps. =)

Photo Credits: bicyclewarehouse.com

My Kid Cancer Patient Visits Me At Work

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 14:04:00 +0000

I haven't seen JV for a very long time since my transfer to a different ward located at the ground floor of the hospital building. I never even got text messages BUT I knew she's really okay because she's now on her maintenance dose.

A few days back, I saw her mom at the Pharmacy. I eagerly asked her about JV and she mentioned that they'd only be in the hospital for a short period of time. Since I was in a hurry for work, I told her mom to pay me a visit w/ JV in the ward where I am assigned to. On that same day, I got so surprised that they've visited. She now turns out to be that little lady with a stuffed toy she's embracing. I gave her a hug and we talked for a short while. After 10 minutes, she bade goodbye planting a kiss on my cheek. Really so sweet of her to visit me.

Up to this time, I am still wishing all the best for her health and hope she'd survived on her battle against Leukemia.

May GOD Bless JV and all the cancer patients!

Sleep = A Must-DO for Nurses!:D

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 04:56:00 +0000

Photo Credits: sanovnik.freebg.eu

Sleep is always taken for granted by everybody. To some, sleeping for about 4-5 hours is already enough. I even knew some nurses who only got less sleep and more waking hours that the usual.

Personally, I am not really a fan of sleeping. Three hours of sleep can still keep me active on my normal waking hours. Not until I got exposed to the real world of my profession, where we got duty shift rotations. Being the day person that I am, I can sleep well at night. Sometimes I found it hard though to sleep on daytime after a graveyard shift, but at least I still get to sleep for more hours as expected with some modifications like putting on dark curtains and playing easy listening type of music.

Nurses should really get more sleeping hours than the usual. I believe that we deserve to sleep more hours for our body to recharge and be functionally well again. We know how tired our duty shifts can be, and the only consolation we can give to our body is to allow them to also REST. Take note, we are life savers. We are patient advocates. We take care of the sick. How can we take good care of our patient's health when we lack sleep which is so unhealthy?

So, are you free now? Why not take some time to sleep?
I care for you, colleague.
I care for our health's welfare in the same way as we care for our patients.

I Should Learn To LOVE Afternoon Shifts

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 04:15:00 +0000

October schedule is out. I've seen it, the whole of it. Whoa! Got lots of PM shifts, almost all are PM shifts. Now, what could I say? Oh well, I should really learn to love PM shifts. I should learn to value and grasp the beauty of working in this shift. I think I should buy a lot of blue pens come October 2010.

Nah. Nothing important though. Just can't help sharin'!