On Touching and Saving Lives!

Year-Long Hiatus!

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 02:48:00 +0000

It's more than one year of hiatus, more than one year of not being able to post. There's so much to tell really but I guess I was too busy with my transition from my home country to a different country now. I still am engage to the same profession. I still touch and save lives. But I am more focused with taking care of those who need assistance in their activities of daily living.

Looking back, my last post was my first anniversary at the Orthopedics Ward. See? I haven't updated this blog really. I left my beloved hospital institution being assigned at the OB-ER. I got rotated from Orthopedics to OB-ER but only got to stay there for a month. Short as it may seem, my stay was very great since I easily got adjusted to the wonderful people I worked with.

I honestly left my hospital institution with a sad heart, but bid I must.

I am now situated in the land of the free and with my almost a year stay, I still am adjusting to everything. However, my fulfillment at this time still is to learn that the people I got to deal with is satisfied with what I give them. After all, my quest here is still to touch and save lives.

First OrthoVERSARY =)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:02:00 +0000

How fast really times flies!

Seems like it was only yesterday when I've shared in this blog that am gonna be assigned on a ward that deals with tractions, pins, needles, and patient amputees and now I couldn't believe it that I've gone this far. Rendering my professional services in this area is like a rollercoaster ride since I've got to deal with a lot of personalities from all walks of life plus the fact that my patients are considered long term patients for they're admitted for like months before they can finally be discharged.

Last March 1, 2013, I celebrated in what I termed as my First Year Ortho-versary!;) I never thought I couldn't endure the hardships and the trials here. But look how I am now? I still am enduring them all and I should say that I did survive and will continue to survive for as long as am there. Issues and trials are just part of my daily Ortho existence but I do not let them dwell in me.

With that, I should say "Congrats SELF" for successfully surpassing everything in there. Here's to more glorious months of stay!;)

Tatak Nars!

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 03:45:00 +0000

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang angkop na tawag sa mga bagay na ito sa larawan. Ang alam ko ang mga ito ay selyo o tatak ng isang nars na nakapasa sa pagsusulit ng mga narses. Kalakip sa tatak na ito ang lisensya ng isang rehistradong nars. Ang bagay na ito ay ginagamit sa tuwing may idinodokumento ang rehistradong nars sa kahit anong kanyang ginagawa sa pasyente.

Add caption

SPMC Building

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 03:15:00 +0000

Here's another pic of our SPMC Building taken early in the morning:

The ground floor on the left is the Admin Building while on the right is the Chapel Area. The lobby is situated in the middle. The second floor level on the left is our Payward 2 Unit and on the right is the newly opened Payward 3. Payward Units are all private rooms with a suite room, a single, double, or even triple accommodations. The third level on the left is the CCBDU or the General Ward Unit where Pedia Onco and Nephro patients are admitted and on its right is the PICU Unit.

Mindanao Heart Center - SPMC

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 03:09:00 +0000

I was on my way to the Central Supply Room for the submission of our CSR Requisition one fine morning before the end of my shift when I got hold of this beautiful sight. Thank GOD I brought my cam with me and I felt glad to have taken this:

This is the Mindanao Heart Center Building which is located on the vicinity of Southern Philippines Medical Center. As an SPMCian, we're proud that the Mindanao Heart Center is the only heart center in Mindanao. Cardio patients from all over Mindanao are being referred here and we have top caliber cardiologists in the institution. As far as I can remember, the Mindanao Heart Center has two ward units - the East Wing and the West Wing wards, the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), the Surgery Intensive Care Unit (SICU), an Operating Room, a Cath Lab, an RR unit, and also the Pedia ICU for cardio pedia patients. I was given the chance to be exposed at the CCU for only two days and I should say that it's really an honor and a great privilege to be assigned there even for a short period of time.

If you happen to be in Davao City, you can take a glimpse of this Mindanao Heart Center building inside the premises of Southern Philippines Medical Center.

Hey!

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 02:58:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

There ain't no more new posts since October 2012 last year. You might have thought that I've stopped being a patient's advocate. No! I still am working as one. It's just that a lot of things have happened, been busy, and can't even take some time to rest coz my mind is even working when am at rest. Seriously, I've missed a lot of stories to tell. I've missed sharing heart-warming stories and the like. Again, I can't promise to update it that often but still I would share it time permits me to. I know u guys understand why.;)

Abagan ang aking mga stories ha ;)

A Nurse's Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 07:02:00 +0000

We've been together since nursing school.

You've always been something we could rely upon.

You inspire us how we should get to care for our parents in the best way we can.

You help us out since then, and until now.

How could we ever live our nursing careers without you?

With that, we're greatly indebted for everything.

Thank you so much for being a guide, and for being our inspiration as we continue to care and save lives.

My SPMC Hospital Week 2012 Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 06:10:00 +0000

This might be a late post though but still I am sharing this event with you.

August is a merry month for Southern Philippines Medical Center. It is during this time of the year that the hospital celebrates its Annual Hospital Week with a major goal of developing camaraderie among hospital employees and to showcase the talents of the SPMCians. This year 2012, it was celebrated last August 5-9 with a lot of activities in store. Our gratitude to the Hospital Week Committee for making the event a success with the full support of the Hospital Administration as well!

Personally, I did not witness all the events at all since we also got duties at that time. However, I got my share of hospital week experience to only a few events which was also considered as the highlights of the celebration.

The SPMC Hospital Week 2012 was opened with a parade, participated by all hospital departments with their respective department color and the affiliated institutions of SPMC. The assembly for the parade was held at the Abreeza Mall Grounds and it started from there, then to JP Laurel Avenue leading to SPMC. Well, I belonged to the Black Team, wearing a black shirt along with the Anesthsia, PACU, OR, Paywards, and the Orthopedics Department. The parade started past 7AM already of August 5, 2012 and I got so lucky because it did start shortly after I've arrived and it's not a long wait for me since I still got my AM shift duty that time. Here are the pics from a friend of mine CJMartel:

The pic here is a shot taken with my group mates who also belonged to the Black team. Can't you see the eagerness in their faces even if this was taken under the scorching heat of the sun?

The parade has just started in here.

And then came along the groups in their respective colors.

Taken along JP Laurel Avenue below the overpass :)

The parade was a 30-minute to one hour walk and I can see the joyous faces of the participants amidst the heat of the sun. After the parade, opening ceremonies was held including the flag raising contest participated by all teams. Parlor games were also held which I failed to witness since I had to report for work already.

There was also a dance contest held on the middle part of the week, where a remixed of LMFAO's Party Rock was the official dance music of the said contest. I personally haven't witnessed it neither coz I was on duty and at the same time it's so hard to get myself into a very large crowd who have witnessed the contest. Well, it's still the Surgery Department who got hailed as the Champion of the Contest and a major plus, plus: they got colorful costumes and great makeups along with their great dance moves (as shown on video which unfortunately I had a hard time to get a copy from.)

Here's a pic though of the said champions before the dance had ended, courtesy of Minnie's FB page (thank you Minnie).

Among the highlights of the Hospital Week 2012 is also the Search for Mr. and Ms. SPMC 2012. This time, I am so proud having been able to witness it LIVE though it was a hard try since I had to go there early to get the most convenient seats possible. And yes, it was just my luck, I was situated a few seats before the stage. As expected, the contest was a huge success! The participants that night were all beautiful and gorgeous and at the same time very competitive. I liked their Mardi Gras opening number because of their colorful costumes and the way contestants gracefully danced. The Ms. SPMC 2012 is Dr. Sanchez from Radio Department and the Mr. SPMC 2012 is Dr. Paderanga of the Surgery Department.

To the SPMC people, thank you so much for all the cooperation and the participation.

To the Hospital Week Committee and SPMC Admin, thanks for all the efforts made. It wouldn't be a huge success if you're not behind all these. Thank You.Til our next SPMC Hospital Week!:)

Surgery East Moments =)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 03:42:00 +0000

January 1, 2011 was the date I officially became a part of the family. It was a hard try at first (as always when being first deployed in a certain unit). I've witnessed tubes, a lot of them in this work assignment. Who would have missed seeing surgical incisions, drainage, foley catheters, CVPs, among other things in our patients? I've witnessed all of them there and as days turned into months, I became accustomed to the routines of the ward.

Before I transferred to another ward in March 2012, I looked back on the pics I had with the Surgery team. They're all really memorable!

As a keepsake, I made this for my Surgery East Family.

Thank You guys for the fun, for the learning, for the good company, and for every memory worth remembering!:D

New Work Assignment

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:23:00 +0000

Got so surprised last week of February when it was announced that I'd be assigned in a new area.

From wounds, JP drains, and incisions
To pins, screws, and skeletal/skin tractions.

Yes, Ortho it is - my new work assignment.

Please guide me GOD in this new assignment of mine.

Another Learning Sought

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:39:00 +0000

I was surprised when I was told about my exposure in special clinical area. That meant another lesson/exposure for me. Thanks though to my superior for that rare opportunity.

Indeed, there's always much to learn. I may not have been properly oriented but my exposure could account on the learning I gained.

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.