Driven to Distraction

Sunday Stealing--Another Meme About Me

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:13:00 +0000

1. Are you currently in a serious relationship?

I'm married. I'd say that's pretty serious.

2. What was your dream growing up?

I had horses my whole childhood, up until the age of 25. My dream was to be an Olympic equestrienne. I didn't happen, but I was successful on the show circuit. It was enough.

3. What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I could draw and paint.

4. If I bought you a drink, what would it be?

Sweet tea. I don't drink alcohol.

5. What was the last book you read?

The Golden Torc, by Julian May

6. What zodiac sign are you?

Sagittarius

7. Any tattoos and/or piercings? Explain where.

4 tats. One on each shoulder blade, one on my right breast, and an armband on my left upper arm.

8. Worst habit?

Smoking

9. What is your favorite sport?

None really. I used to like Hockey, but don't really follow it anymore.

10. Do you have a pessimistic or optimistic attitude?

Neither. I consider myself a realist.

11. Worst thing to ever happen to you?

I'd rather not share that.

12. Tell me one weird fact about you.

I drink at least six 32 oz glasses of iced coffee with milk every day.

13. Do you think clowns are cute or scary?

Scary. Can't stand 'em

14. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?

A tummy tuck would be nice.

15. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?

Conscience.

16. Ever been arrested?

Nope.

17. If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?

Pay off my hospital bill, and use the rest for a vacation.

18. What's your favorite place to hang out at?

On my couch, computer on my lap.

19. Do you believe in ghosts?

No. Not at all.

20. Favorite thing to do in your spare time?

Surf the internet, read, watch movies.

21. Do you swear a lot?

Not a lot.

22. Biggest pet peeve?

People who drive slow in the passing lane. Move over already!

23. In one word, how would you describe yourself?

Smart

24. Do you believe/appreciate romance?

Sure.

25. Do you believe in God?

No, I don't.

Saturday 9--Your Smiling Face

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:46:00 +0000

1. No matter what's going on in your life, what always makes you smile?

My husband's dance moves. He does them just to make me smile, and they never fail.

2. What's the biggest lie you've ever told?

I don't have a drinking problem--to myself. Fortunately, I got to a place where I stopped lying to myself and realized that I *did* have a problem, and went to rehab. I've been sober 10 years.

3. Do you hold a grudge?

Very rarely.

4. What is the worst job you've ever had?

3-11 supervisor in a pit of a nursing home for 2 months. The staff was horrible. The care was horrible. I couldn't get out of there fast enough.

5. What would be your dream job?

The job I've got right now is pretty close. I love being a director of nursing. If we're talking super dream job, I'd love to be a travel writer. Travel all over the world and write about it--what's not to like?

6. What is the happiest event you've experienced?

I can't think of a "happiest" event. There have been a lot of happy events this year. Getting out of debt. Getting my old job back. I think the happiest event for me is being stable. I spent so long fighting with my bipolar disorder (about 2 years) and being unstable that finally being stable on a regimen of meds and feeling wonderful for a change is just the happiest event that I can think of.

7. What is the saddest thing you've experienced?

Losing our house to foreclosure was, hands down, the saddest thing that has happened in recent memory.

8. Do you tend to exaggerate or underestimate?

Neither. I consider myself a realist. When I'm making decisions (especially at work) I always consider what the staff will actually do, not what I hope they will do.

9. List the cars that you have owned. Give us just a few words about each one.

Datsun 510. Inherited from Mom.

Datsun 210 Inherited from Mom. Totalled when a 95 year old man ran a red light and T-boned me. Fortunately he hit the passenger side. I had my seat belt on.

Camaro. Piece of shit. Why I bought it I have no idea.

Toyota Sporty something or other, bought with 100,000 miles on it. Drove 120 miles a day to nursing school for 3 years. Never let me down.

Suburu Legacy Wagon. First new car. Bought for our move to Colorado snow country. Then to Nevada. Then to Montana snow country. Then to Alaska. Fantastic car.

Toyota Tacoma 4WD Pickup. Liked the truck, hated the payments.

2001 Toyota Corolla. Still have this car. Runs like a top. I drive it back and forth to work (all of 5 miles)

2006 Ford Mustang. Our other car. Hubby drives this one.

Friday Grab Bag

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:28:00 +0000

I haven't been in much of a blogging mood lately, so it's meme and randomness posts are all I can manage. Thanks for hanging with me.

I am addicted to Farmville. Yes, I know it's stupid, mindless, and juvenile, but I enjoy it.

Work has been absolutely fantastic since the promotion. I love being DON, and I didn't realize how I really missed it. I've had a non-stop smile on my face for two weeks.

The new kitty has finally relaxed and has found her place in the pecking order. She's not afraid of the dog at all, the oldest cat (and alpha pet) doesn't deign to notice her much at all, and the alien cat (and former lowest animal on the pecking order) doesn't like her one little bit. I don't know what all that means, but she is very loving, and loves the high places in our house. Look up, and she's bound to be there.

It's still getting down t4o freezing at night. What the hell? It's March already, which is supposed to mean Spring here in our part of FL. Enough with the scraping of the windshields already. My library card is getting pretty beat up. No, I do not have a window scraper. It's not supposed to freeze here, dammit?!

Pizza tonight. The new Dominos pizza is really good. Hubby doesn't have to cook, which he's happy about, and no clean-up. Yay.

Sunday Randomness

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:33:00 +0000

I'm passing on Sunday Stealing this week--I'm just not into Disney, so I don't feel like playing along.

We adopted a new kitty this week. Boss lady couldn't keep her--she has two toddlers and the combination of toddlers and kitten was not working out. She's an adorable 6 month old kitten, white with dark grey/black tabby markings. Her name was Oreo, but that just had to go. We renamed her Lucy. She's a smart cookie, and already knows her new name. It took her three or four days of hiding out in the spare bedroom to get used to the concept of the other cats and OMG, the DOG, but she's finally spending all her time out and about and is no longer hissing and growling at the other pets. She's super lovable!

I'm settling in very nicely to my new (old) job as the Director of Nursing. It's soooo good to be back in the saddle again so to speak. This time around, I have an Assistant Director of Nursing to take some of the workload, which will make a huge difference in my stress level. Not to mention a 30% (!!) raise, 4 weeks of vacation, and a nice bonus program. Life is good.

Archer Farms Wasabi Soy Almonds from Target are the best snack food ever.

Now that we have three kitties, I am going to finally break down and invest in one of those mack daddy automatic cleaning litterboxes. Yes, yes I am. They are about $175 for the extra large one, but it will beat scooping every day. Yes, yes, I am lazy like that.

Saturday 9--Should I Stay or Should I Go

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:25:00 +0000

1. Have you ever been on a date and you had to tell the person to just go away?

I can't say that I have. I've been on a few that I wished I could have, but I politely stuck it out, and never dated that person again.

2. Do you wish you were someplace else right now? If yes, where?

I'd love to be on vacation somewhere. Maybe a cruise, or a trip to Europe. All expenses paid, of course.

3. Do you have any pet peeves?

People who drive slow in the left lane. Move the f&%k over already!

4. Tell us about a guilty pleasure of yours.

Playing Farmville. It's mindless entertainment, and I'm soooo hooked.

5. If you could change places and become a celebrity, who would you'd like to be?

I have zero interest in being a celebrity.

6. What do you consider your biggest talent?

Critical thinking.

7. Do you have a favorite actor/actress that is not a big star, yet they are your favorite?

I'm liking Sam Worthington. He was good in Avatar. I also like Jorge Garcia, who plays Hurley in Lost.

8. Name your five favorite rock bands of all time.

Pink Floyd (I really prefer David Gilmour solo)

Alice in Chains

The Allman Brothers

Dave Matthews Band

9. If you were to start a new relationship (for whatever reason), how much of your sexual history would you share? Would you resort to lying?

I wouldn't lie, but I wouldn't share my sexual history either. If the person I was starting a new relationship with demanded to know my sexual history, I'd be saying sayonara. That's just creepy.

Twelve Questions for Friday

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:19:00 +0000

With thanks to Jodi at Moody Blue

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?
I never have. Not a big of guns, and never have had the opportunity to shoot a bow and arrow.

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?
We moved around a lot when I was a kid, so I never really made any "best friends" until we settled down during high school. I tracked my high school best friend down via Facebook, and she still lives in the same town.

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?
I'm a nut about being places on time, so I usually get there early. I can't STAND to be late.

4. Are you more of a New York or California type?
I'm not sure what this means exactly, but I always envision New Yorkers to be go-go-go types and Californians to be more laid back. That being said, I'm more the laid back type.

5. Do you have a special ring tone?
I have a special ring tone for work--loud and annoying so I can hear it with my iPod earphones in, and another ring tone for my boss. I also have a great ringtone for my husband--Darth Vaders March from Star Wars. Otherwise, I just have a regular "phone ringing" ringtone for all the other calls. Yeah, I know, boring right?

6. What is your favorite type of chip?
Kettle chips. Regular flavor. Nothing fancy.

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....
The Hangover. Hilarious!

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"
I've trimmed my own bangs. My hairstylist was pissed. I screwed it up royally. I'll never do THAT again, LOL!

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?
I like myself just fine. Even though I rent, I'd love to have it about the house. All new furniture, etc. would be great.

10. Are you allergic to anything?
A drug called Ancef.

11. Why is it so hard to change?
Weird question. Because being in your comfort zone is .... comfortable.

12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.
When you're in love you let person you're in love with in to your life. You let your guard down. You trust them with your vulnerability.

Sunday Stealing--The Clown's Meme 2

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:55:00 +0000

34. What do you like about the summer?

Not much. It's not my favorite season. It's crazy hot here, and humid as hell. The best place to be is indoors, in the air conditioning.

35. What do you like about spring?

Azaleas. I wish they (and the season, for that matter) lasted more than a minute.

36. How many states provinces have you lived in?

Massachusetts, Mississippi, Connecticut, Virginia, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, Florida, Colorado, Nevada, Montana, Alaska, New Mexico

37. What cities/towns have you lived in?

Weymouth, MA; Ocean Springs, MS; Gautier, MS; Gales Ferry, CT; Newport News, VA; Hampton, VA; Yorktown, VA; Baton Rouge, LA; Augusta, GA; Abilene, TX; Orlando, FL; St. Augustine, FL; Palm Coast, FL; Boulder,CO; Carson City, NV; Missoula, MT; Eagle River, AK; Santa Fe, NM

38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet?

Socks and slippers

39. Are you a social person?

Not particularly

40. What was the last thing you ate?

Wasabi soy almonds

41. What is your favorite restaurant?

The Chart House

42. What is your favorite ice cream?

Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia

43. What is your favorite dessert?

Tiramisu

44. What is your favorite kind of soup?

My husband's Potato Soup

45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich?

Orange Marmalade

46. Do you like Chinese food?

Not so much

47. Do you like coffee?

Love it. I drink gallons of iced coffee every day.

48. How many glasses of water, a day, do you drink on average?

None. I don't like plain water. I drink iced coffee until about 4pm, and then decaf iced tea until bedtime.

49. What do you drink in the morning?

Iced coffee

50. What non-banking related card in your wallet is the most valuable to you?

My health insurance card

51. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed?

If you're looking at the bed from the foot of the bed, I sleep on the left side.

52. Do you know how to play poker?

Nope. Not interested.

53. Do you like to cuddle?

Yes.

54. Have you ever been to Canada?

Yes. I've driven the Alaska Highway three times.

55. Do you have an addictive personality?

Yes, unfortunately.

56. Do you eat out or at home more often?

Home. My husband is the best cook in the world.

57. What do you miss about highschool, if anything?

Don't miss it at all.

58. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you?

One of the residents at work shares my birthday.

59. Do you want kids?

Been there, done that.

60. Do you speak any other languages?

No.

61. Have you ever gotten stitches?

Yes.

62. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?

Yes, when I was training to be an EMT, way back in the day, before I got my RN.

63. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool?

Pool. I don't like the ocean.

64. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat?

Window.

65. Do you know how to drive stick?

Yes.

66. What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

Books. Always books.

Saturday 9--Don't Stand So Close to Me

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:46:00 +0000

1. Who would you like not to stand so close to you?

The medical director at work always gets in my personal space bubble. Back off buddy. Just because you're from Greece doesn't give you permission to get as close as you do.

2. Which of the following aspects of your life would you think rates the highest: mind, body or spirit?

Mind. I pride myself on my intelligence and critical thinking skills. My leisure activities are all centered around nourishing my mind--books, the internet, that sort of thing. I'm not a spiritual person, and I don't exercise so the other two are out.

3. What is your favorite movie line?

So many movies.....

I'm kind of partial to this line from Gladiator:

"Are you not entertained?!" --Russell Crowe, Gladiator

4. What is your favorite movie title?

Quantum of Solace. Ok, not really. It's my least favorite movie title ever. What does it mean?

5. What is something that has happened to you that you would consider a miracle?

Three things. One, I got sober, and have remained that way for 10 years now. Two, I had a gastric bypass and lost 120 pounds and have kept it off. Three, I finally found the right mix of bipolar meds, and I'm stable.

6. What do you try to stay away from?

Ice cream, cookies, that sort of thing.

7. What is it too late for?

To sleep in. I'm up now. Not that I ever sleep in anyway. I'm always up by 6:30 on work days, and 7:30 on weekends.

8. Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

My Mom has planned two trips for us this year. She generously pays for my plane tickets and foots the bill for the hotel room. All I have to do is bring spending money and myself. I have the most generous and wonderful Mom in the world! In April, we will be going to Seattle to visit Mom's 95 year old aunt. We'll also see the sights while we are there. In October, we'll be going to Colonial Williamsburg, VA.

9. Would you rather be famous now & forgotten after you die or forgotten now & famous after you die, forever? And why?

Forgotten now, and famous after I die. I'm not interested in fame now. Being followed by the paparazzi and all that doesn't interest me. It sounds positively horrible. Becoming famous after I die, well, then it wouldn't matter to me, now would it?

Books, books, books

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:35:00 +0000

I love books. My husband loves books. Our house is full of them. In fact, so full, that we've recently had to buy three new bookcases to get all the books off the floors, tables, etc. It was getting a bit messy with them stacked everywhere. It's much neater with the new bookcases. But I digress.

I got an Amazon Kindle a while back, and I thought it would be the coolest thing ever. Not so much. I like it, but not as much as a real book. I tend to use it to buy new books that I don't want to pay $30 for, and that I know I'm not going to want to read over and over again. Things like Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol. It only cost me $10 on the Kindle.

I am an avid re-reader. Re-reading books is a source of relaxation for me, and I have many old favorites that are on the re-read list. Some of them are out of print now, and I have to take care with my copies, that I don't destroy them. I recently have tracked down a great series that I'm very excited to re-read--The Pleistocene Saga, by Julian May. The first book is titled "The Many-Colored Land". I'm waiting on it's arrival from a used book store in Seattle. Thank goodness for Amazon and their used book search!

But first, I'm going to re-read a science fiction classic--Grass, by Sheri Tepper. SF Masterworks publishes a new edition in paperback that's very nice.

I'm going reading!

Big News

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:32:00 +0000

It's been an interesting few days around Chez' NurseExec, work-wise. As I told ya'll back in January, my boss, the current Director of Nursing, applied for a high muckety-muck regional position. It's taken awhile, but things finally gelled on Friday, and final offers were made today.

I have been promoted to Director of Nursing. If you've been hanging around here long enough, you may remember that I used to BE the Director of Nursing of this very same facility. Yes, indeedy, in fact, it's been just about a year and a week ago that I resigned. The big, bad bipolar beast was majorly fucking with me, and I needed a break. My meds were all fouled up--not good, not good at all. I've spent this year getting my brain sane, and working for the most part, as the assistant DON.

So why am I putting myself back in the job? Well, simply put, I love it. It's never the same day, it's always a challenge, and it's fun. New meds have me in an entirely different headspace--frankly, I don't even feel like the same person that I was last year. Secondly, I have an Assistant DON. I did the job for three years without one (no small feat, let me tell you). The building truly requires a DON, an ADON, and two unit managers. Minimum. I have that--and the nurses that are in those positions are solid, smart, team players who I can count on.

It's a new era--DON 2.0! Away we go....

Sunday Stealing--The Clown's Meme 1

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:47:00 +0000

1. How old will you be in five years?

2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today?

My husband

3. How tall are you?

5' 3"

4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks?

Lot's of cool stuff happening at work.

5. What’s the last movie you saw?

Avatar--it was fantastic!

6. Who was the last person you called?

My mom

7. Who was the last person to call you?

My Dad

8. What was the last text message you received?

"one of the tubes blew and theres smoke coming out of it" -- my husbands amplifier kicked the bucket.

9. Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail?

My boss.

10. Do you prefer to call or text?

Call.

11. What were you doing at 12am last night?

Sleeping.

12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced?

Married. Next month it will be 49 years.

13. When is the last time you saw your mom?

This past Thanksgiving. They came here for a visit.

14. What color are your eyes?

Brown

15. What time did you wake up today?

5 am. The dog was restless.

16. What are you wearing right now?

Grey sweatpants and my favorite ratty hoodie

17. What is your favorite christmas song?

Really? Christmas songs? Bah humbug.

18. Where is your favorite place to be?

In my house, on my couch, laptop in lap

19. Where is your least favorite place to be?

In the hospital

20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?

I'd love to spend several weeks traveling around Europe

21. Where do you think you’ll be in 10 years?

Not a clue

22. Do you tan or burn?

Burn.

23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?

I don't remember having that kind of fear.

24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh?

Always the pets. They crack me up.

25. How many TVs do you have in your house?

Two.

26. How big is your bed?

King size.

27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer?

I have a laptop. Hubby has both a laptop and a desktop.

29. What color are your sheets?

Cream and gold

30. How many pillows do you sleep with?

One

31. What is your favorite season?

I prefer fall. We don't have much of one her in FL, so I'd go with winter. Low humidity.

32. What do you like about Autumn?

Crisp air, change in trees. Again, we don't have that here. Pine trees don't change color, and fall lasts all of a week. Boo-hoo.

33. What do you like about winter?

Manageable temperatures, low humidity, no hurricanes.

Saturday 9--It's a Beautiful Morning

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:22:00 +0000

1. Are you a morning person?

Oh, hell no. I just pretend I am. That being said, I get up at 6:30 every morning, get ready for work, check email, surf while I eat my cereal, and go to work--I get there at 7:30. Two 32 oz iced coffees (more coffee than milk) later and I'm good. That would be right around 9:00 am--just in time for our morning operations meeting, followed by clinical meeting, and the day is off and running.

2. Tell us of a news story that truly shocked you.

Hurricane Katrina pretty much blew my mind. Katrina was sort of personal, because it really did a number on the town that I grew up in on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi (Ocean Springs, MS). It also reminded me a lot of Hurricane Camille in 1969. I spent that particular hurricane hiding under my bed with my Mom and my brother. I was six. It was the same sort of devastation afterwards.

3. What was your very first job?

I was a carhop on rollerskates at a Sonic Drive-In.

4. What characteristics do you despise?

I can't stand people who are always trying to "get over."

Liars.

Control freaks.

5. To where would you retire?

You know, here wouldn't be so bad. Florida is such a cliche', but I'm kind of used to it by now.

6. Are you named after anyone?

Nope. All original. Nothing fancy, but original.

7. How do you release anger?

I vent to someone I trust. I might raise my voice some, but I don't yell.

8. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Not particularly.

9. What is your least favorite thing about yourself?

The fact that I have bipolar disorder. I wouldn't mind some fairy godmother coming along and tapping me on the head and *poof*, no more bipolar disorder. But, I'm stuck with it, so I make the best of it. Life has been really good lately, thanks to the right drugs, so yay.

A Nice Award From A Friend

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:46:00 +0000

I was given this lovely award by my friend Debbie over at Through Thick and Thin. Thanks, Debbie!

Here are the suggestions

1. Link the blogger who gave you the award on your post--see above

2. Write 10 things that make you happy--done

3. Share it with at least 10 friends. Instead of this, I'm opening it up to everyone. You're all special in my eyes!

Away we go...

Happiness is...being married to my wonderful hubby.

Happiness is....payday. It makes me happy to be able to pay all the bills and have something left over.

Happiness is...being stable. Being bipolar is hard, but when I'm stable, life is pretty damn good. Hooray for the current drug cocktail I'm on, because it's working great!

Happiness is...having a job I love.

Happiness is...iced coffee. I love the stuff.

Happiness is...our pets. Especially Ginger, our dog.

Happiness is...my Dell widescreen laptop. Couldn't live without it.

Happiness is...a good nap. I love napping.

Happiness is...a good book.

Happiness is...being sober. I celebrated 10 years of sobriety on 2/4/10. Yay me!

Patient Care--Then and Now

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:32:00 +0000

I'm not going to join in today's Sunday Stealing. I'm just not interested in more belly button gazing about why I blog. Instead, I want to talk about a question that StorytellERdoc asked me in a comment to one of my posts a while back. His comment was this:

"Do you miss patient care at all?"

The answer is complicated. When I was an ICU nurse, I thrived on the adrenaline rush of multiple drips, ventilators, balloon pumps, and the like. The sicker the better. I felt like I was fighting with death itself. When my patients got better, and transferred out to stepdown, it was cause for celebration. I still remember many of them, and one in particular, years later. I was careful to never let myself get attached, to keep that professional distance, but him, I got attached to. I'm glad he lived.

What ultimately drove me out of ICU was burnout. I can remember the exact patient that I lost it over. A 19 year old massive head injury who became an organ donor. His mother and I shared a first name. She and I walked his body to the OR together. They were able to use his heart, liver, kidneys, eyes, bone, and cartilage. His mother became a fierce advocate for organ donation, and helmet use, travelling the state with his X-rays, showing them to young people. After that case, I realized that I was done. Eight years is a long time for an ICU nurse. I've read that 18 months is the average. I transferred to OR.

OR was interesting. I enjoyed it a lot. I moved though, and there wasn't a position open in my local hospital when I got here. Plan B time. I applied at the SNF (skilled nursing facility) that I currently work in, for a charge nurse position. It was a huge mindset change, to take care of, and pass meds to, 30 people, instead of one. I didn't think I was going to succeed at it, frankly. But with some help from some really amazing LPNs, I did. Nine months after I joined the building, I was promoted away from the bedside to a management position.

So, back to the original question. Do I miss it? Sometimes. I miss ICU and the rush. I miss the problem solving and the technology. I miss bringing someone from near death to wellness. I miss OR, the camraderie, and the fascination with what the surgeon is doing. I just plain like watching surgery. I miss being a charge nurse sometimes, being involved daily with the same group of residents and getting to know them and their families day to day.

But I don't miss it enough to do it again. I like wearing a lot of different hats. I'm never bored. I get to work with lots of different residents all over the building. I'll never have to have that sinking feeling in my gut knowing that my patient is crashing and burning and not being able to figure it out. I won't be coding anybody any time soon. No vents. No balloon pumps. Don't miss 'em.

I guess I've just moved on.

Saturday 9--I Started a Joke

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:41:00 +0000

1. Tell us a joke that you think is funny. If you don't tell jokes tell us why.

I'm not a joke teller. I can never get the punch line right, thereby ruining the joke.

2. Where do you buy most of your clothes?

I get my work clothes (scrubs) from a local scrubs outlet or at Tafford, an online scrub store. My "at home" clothes mostly come from trips to visit my Mom, LOL. She likes to shop for me, I like to let her. The last bunch of things came from Dillard's and Talbot's. I do shop for myself on occasion, mostly at a Florida department store called Beall's that has nice things and great sales.

3. Which famous person would you like to meet? Why?

I think I'd like to meet James Cameron. I know he has a reputation as an asshole, but the man is a stone-cold genius, and I'd like to pick his brain about Avatar. That movie knocked my socks off.

4. What is your ultimate ambition?

One of these days, I'd like to be a Director of Nursing again.

5. Do you like to live in the area of your country or would you prefer something a little different?

That's a hard one. Florida is alright, but frankly, I'd rather live someplace else. I just don't know where. My parents getting older tells me to move up their way (SC/NC), but I love New Mexico, and wouldn't mind going back. It's all really going to hinge on what jobs present themselves when hubby graduates university.

6. Has a newspaper or television reporter ever interviewed you? If so, what were the circumstances and what did you think when you read or saw what you said?

Nope. I've managed to stay out of the media. Very happily, I might add.

7. What was the last CD/mp3 album that you purchased? How did you like it?

I have no idea. I don't remember the last one I purchased. My husband bought me "Safe Trip Home" by Dido, which I love, because I use it to go to sleep. I find her voice extremely soothing.

8. Write down 5 songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you.

Cathedral--Crosby,Stills,& Nash.

Quiet Times--Dido

For What It's Worth--Buffalo Springfield

Crash Into Me--Dave Matthews Band

Pride and Joy--Stevie Ray Vaughan

9. Do you or your partner usually begin intimacy?

One or the other. It's not set in stone.

Off to Orlando

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:05:00 +0000

I'm off to Orlando today to attend a seminar given by our pharmacy provider at work. Something along the lines of how to use the pharmacy system (it's all computerized) to control our pharmacy costs. I have a feeling it's going to be a big snoozefest, but I'm going to go with a good attitude.

I'm going with my boss, the DON, so we'll have a nice little bonding day. *eyeroll*

I'd better get going--Orlando traffic is notoriously awful, and I don't want to be late. Laters.

Sunday Stealing--The Pretentious Blogging Meme

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:33:00 +0000

1. How long have you been blogging?

Since June 2007

2. What made you start?

I started with documenting my progress on my weight loss after I'd had my gastric bypass. After awhile, that became pretty boring, and it became much more than that.

3. Who inspired you?

I was inspired by a blogger called Melting Mama, initially.

4. About how many hours a week would you estimate you spend on your blog?

A few hours a week. Nothing spectacular.

5. What kind of experience or background do you have with writing?

I've journaled on and off my whole life.

6. Talk about how you come up with blog topics. Where do you get your ideas?

It's just daily life stuff. I don't plan blog entries or anything, they just come from daily life stuff.

7. What or who inspires you and your blog?

There's no particular inspiration.

8. Where and/or how do your brainstorming for your blog?

I blog sitting in my favorite spot on the couch, laptop in my lap, iced tea at hand. Nothing special.

9. Do you have any blogging rules or guidelines you follow?

There are certain things that I never blog about. Things I prefer to keep private. I also make sure that I don't violate HIPAA when I'm talking about work. Otherwise, no rules to speak of really.

10. Is there anything you will not blog about?

See #9.

11. Do you have any sort of a publishing schedule in terms of day of week or topic?

I occasionally do a Friday Grab Bag thing of my own, and always do Saturday 9, and Sunday Stealing. Otherwise, it's whatever comes to mind.

Saturday 9--Everybody is a Star

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:57:00 +0000

1. Did you ever think that you'd be a star? If yes, doing what?

Hmmmm. I never thought I'd be a "star" per se. I've always been very good at whatever I've set my hand to, though.

2. Tell us about the last time you had a romantic dinner.

I can't remember. But in a few weeks, we're going all out for our 5th anniversary, and taking ourselves to the Chart House. We deserve it!

3. Tell us about your worst job interview.

I've never liked the kind of interview where you sit in front of multiple people who are asking you questions. I prefer one on one interviews.

4. Tell us about your stupidest date.

I have no idea. I don't remember going on anything other than your normal run of the mill date.

5. How much in common do you think you should have with a romantic partner?

I think you should have a lot in common. Otherwise, what do you have to talk about?

6. Tell us about a favorite meme that you loved but no longer posts.

Can't think of one.

7. How did you get into blogging?

I had a lot rattling around in my head, and have always written journals and such, so it was sort of a natural progression, once I had my own computer.

8. Do you share all your fantasies with a significant other?

Not really.

9. What change in your life would you like to happen this year?

In a perfect world, I'd have my old job back, but that looks like it's on the back burner again. So, I think I'd just like to stay stable, stay out of debt (now that our tax refund is getting us out of debt), and stay well. I'd be happy with that.

The Wearing of the Hats

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:56:00 +0000

One of the interesting things about being the assistant director of nursing in my facility is that I wear lot of hats. And I get to wear them every day. Sometimes, I wear them all at once. I was thinking that I'd buy several hats as a joke, and come in with them stacked on my head one morning. At last count I was the:

Assistant Director of Nursing

Risk Manager

Restorative Nurse

Infection Control Nurse

Staff Development Nurse

Employee Health Nurse

I spend one dedicated day a week to orientation and staff development. The bulk of my time is spent in risk management and infection control. I have good restorative aides, and fortunately, therapy writes the restorative programs for me, so they just need a bit of overseeing. We have a quick face to face daily, and meet weekly to go over how the residents are progressing through their programs.

Meetings, just like anywhere else, are a time suck. Unfortunately, it's the only way to really convey a lot of resident information to the people who need to know it. We meet daily on new admissions, and Tuesdays is an all morning discharge planning meeting for short term rehab. Wednesday is an all morning care management meeting on residents with issues (usually encompassing the newbies, falls, wounds, smokers, weight losses, and such).

Today, I got to teach. I think that was the pink hat. With flowers. After I let them go, it was the inevitable paperwork. Why in the seven hells does CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, for those of you not in the biz) demand so much fucking paperwork? Paperwork on top of paperwork. The flippin' education files take up two 4 drawer filing cabinets. Insane. As longs as I've been doing this, you think that I'd be used to CMS and their ridiculous paperwork by now, but it still gets me.

The one hat I don't have is an honest to goodness nurse's cap. I was pinned in one, but lost it in my eighteen years of travels. I never actually practiced in one. Boss lady would faint if I walked in to work with a nurse's cap on my head. Now that WOULD be a sight, wouldn't it?!

Monday Randomness

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:27:00 +0000

It's my Mom's 69th birthday today. I really can't believe my Mom is 69. She doesn't look 69. She definitely doesn't act 69. I have patients that are younger than her. I'm glad she's so vibrant and alive, and I hope she stays that way for a long time to come. Happy Birthday, Mom!

The hardest, meanest, most negative CNA in my building sat in my office and sobbed today. I've never seen the first bit of emotion out of the woman, so this was a shocker. Her sister died, and her bereavement pay got jacked up because she didn't have proof of the service. I was able to do a quick google search, make a phone call, and get a quick fax of a record of her being at the service. Problem solved. She actually hugged me. And smiled. It was nice to do a good deed.

Tacos tonight. I love tacos. Good thing, because we eat them at least twice a week! :)

Sunday Stealing--The Negativity Meme

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:20:00 +0000

Foods which disgust the crap out of me:

Broccoli, brussels sprouts, lima beans

TV show I loathe:

Dr. Drew's exploitation reality shows

Movie I loathe:

Bruno

Music genres I loathe:

Gangsta Rap

Magazine which annoys me:

Grocery Store Tabloids

Makes me cranky at restaurant:

Table full of uncontrolled children

Makes me cranky in public:

People standing in lines talking on their cell phones

Makes me cranky in general:

Not enough sleep

Pisses me off at home:

The dog bugging me to go outside every 5 minutes to chase bunnies

Pisses me off at work:

Family members who never come to visit their elder

Pisses me off in general:

Republicans

Makes me impatient at home:

Nothing much

Makes me impatient at work:

The freaking pharmacy.

Makes me impatient in public:

Traffic

Celebrity I hate:

Sarah Palin. Moron.

Music artist I hate:

Lady GaGa. Get over yourself already.

I could care less about:

Tiger Woods

Annoys the crap out of me weekdays:

Having to get up at 6:30 for work. I am not a morning person.

Annoys the crap out of me weekends:

Lack of content in my reader. I like having lots of stuff to read.

Blogger's habit that annoys you:

Can't really think of anything.

Feature on your blog you hate:

Not being able to do a 3 column blog in Blogger easily.

Movie star you despise:

Tom Cruise. Dude is just too damn weird.

Politician that you hate:

That's easy. All republicans.

Saturday 9--I think We're Alone Now

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:40:00 +0000

1. What celebrity in a fantasy would you like to be alone with?

I've been crushing on Sam Worthington lately, although I just saw Gerard Butler all scruffy in Gamer and he wasn't half bad either. I kind of like scruffy.

2. Have ever dated a good friend?

Yes. He became my wonderful husband.

3. What is the most embarrassing song that you like?

I can't think of a single one.

4. What is your favorite tear jerker movie?

Titanic. My husband hates it.

5. What about yourself makes you least secure?

My mental illness. Although, I'm much less worried about it now than I have been in the past. Finally found the right mix of meds.

6. Do you believe in destiny?

No.

7. What 'issue' do you think your opinion is so right about that you end up trying to sway others to your point of view?

I don't believe in trying to sway people to my point of view. Everybody has the right to their own point of view. It irritates the hell out of me when people think that they are so right that I've got to think like them.

8. What are 5 things you don't care about?

Religion

Guns

Beer

Little black dresses

Sarah Palin

9. Have you ever been in a situation where you weren't sure if you were seducing or being seduced?

Can't say that I have.

Duck and Cover

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:49:00 +0000

OK, so maybe not. The tornadoes seem to have skipped right over us. At least according to the TV, which is blaring tornado warnings for the county just south of us. It's still pouring like crazy though, and the radar map at WESH.com has us in the middle of a mack daddy thunderstorm. Yay. At least the power is still on. I had serious doubts that we would still have power this long. Hubby has been charging up the batteries for the big flashlight, just in case.

I want a cigarette, but there's no way I'm taking the dog on her usual "mommy smokes and I romp" walk. Guess I'm going to smoke in the garage.

By the way, boss lady gave me a nice little pep talk today. Things will be looking up in the future. I'm just going to be patient (not in my nature usually) and let everything play out.

Wednesday Meme

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Thanks to Kwizgiver, as always, for the meme.

What type of day are you having? Not bad at all. I spent all day wearing my "staff development" hat at work, so I spent the morning giving the housekeeping staff their annual inservices, and the afternoon finally getting the staff development office organized. I've been wanting to do this for awhile.

Was there anyone who "made your day"? Anna. She offered to audit the education and skills files for me to make sure that we've got a file for each employee. Anna, I love you. I was dreading that job.

Are you liking how you look today? I wore what I wear every day--scrubs. I love working in what amounts to dressy pajamas. Today I was in pink.

Do you have anyone crushing on you? Hubby always crushes on me.

Have you ever eaten a bug? I don't think so.

Are you vegetarian? Not anymore. I'm happier as a carnivore.

When was the last time you kissed someone? I kissed the dog a little while ago. LOL.

Have you ever had something stuck between your teeth, but no one decided to tell you? I would hope they'd tell me, but I'm sure it's happened.

Are you a mother or a father? yes

When was your last paycheck? last week

How many pets do you have? Three. They're more like children. Ginger is the dog. Randall, the oldest cat. Ellie, we call her the alien, but she's really the younger cat. The alpha animal is Randall.

What kind of toothpaste do you use? Whatever hubby buys.

Are you closer to being rich or poor? We're smack dab in the middle.

Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? No. I sleep with the dog and hubby.

What was the last gift someone gave you? Boss lady gave me a gift card to Outback. Hubby and I used it the other night.

Do you appreciate that person? Yes, very much. She's the best boss I've ever had, hands down.

Did you talk to anyone you didn't like today? Yes. The man irritates the hell out of me.

Do you like picnics? Not really. I'm an indoor girl.

What book are you currently reading? Notorious Royal Marriages

What song did you last listen to? Something by Elton John....I don't remember the exact song

What movie is in your DVD player? 9, very cool animated flick. It was much more interesting and cool than I expected.

How many windows are open in your computer? two

Are you a very stressed out person? I can be. Survey season at work can definitely stress me out. I'm getting better.

Monday Randomness

nurseexec@yahoo.com (NurseExec) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:31:00 +0000

I'm back to feeling like my normal self, hallelujah. Bowel obstructions are no fun.

Touched base with all my Haitian employees today. One of our nurses has resigned, to go to Haiti to try to find family members. Another CNA still can't get in touch with her children. For the most part, most of our Haitian employees have their families here in FL. Lots of hugs and support from everyone, but I still feel so powerless. Donate if you can, won't you?

Met the nicest family today. I usually get called in when there's a problem family, so it was nice to meet and hang out with a family who are nice and thrilled to be here. Made my day.

Made $50 doing an online research survey on Alzheimer's drugs. Took 20 minutes of my time. It was an easy 50 bucks.

The people on Mythbusters have the best jobs ever. They get to do all kinds of cool experiments, and blow stuff up. What more could you ask for? My husband would KILL to be a Mythbuster.

Popcorn should be a food group. Just sayin'