Friday, February 17, 2012

Passed the test?

Ok, God, I think I passed your test? Despite the fact that I was exposed to more sadness than joy last night at maternity clinical I haven't changed my mind. I still want to be at the bedside of pregnant and laboring women and share in their joys. . . and sorrows. I know it isn't all sunshine and rainbows, but I am still hearing the call to be a labor and delivery nurse.

So last night was a bit different than last week's rotation. This week I took care of a woman who had an ectopic pregnancy (the embryo imbedded in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus) and was having to go in for emergency surgery to end the "pregnancy" and remove the embryo. The danger is that the fallopian tube can only stretch so far before it ruptures and the patient can hemmorhage. It is actually very rare to see a fetal heart rate in this situation, but the ultrasound sound showed that tiny heart beating away like crazy. It was heartbreaking but the woman was doing really well (she had been told something was wrong about 6 days ago they just weren't sure exactly what was happening). Then there was a patient who came in 22 weeks pregnant with twins, I'm not really clear on all the details of her case, but she wound up losing both babies. I was not taking care of her but knew she was there and saw the family members crying in the hall way. It was a tough night for me, but I haven't changed my mind. These women need me regardless of whether their ending is happy or not. I am still heeding my call!!!

I did meet a really nice couple, pregnant with their first baby - a girl. I was with her while she got her epidural and really connected with her but it was right at the end of my shift! Bummer! They were so excited to meet that little girl! I wanted to share in their joy but I had to go home. :(

So I have seen a slow to start baby with an ultimate happy ending, and two tragedies -- all in two weeks. My wish is to see natural child birth with a baby who hits the ground running. Hopefully I will be able to report the details of that experience very soon!

This week has wiped me out. Funny, being that last week I was a single mom (Andy was away) and seemed to do really well - this week I had help and am exhausted! Go figure. I have an Psych exam Monday which I am TERRIFIED about because I have NO idea what to expect but I plan on taking the weekend to study and will be ready (*hopefully*) by Monday morning. The full report is coming your way.

Since it's Friday I figured it was a good time to share the 10 things I am thankful for this week. . .
1 - God. His presence in my life is overwhelming and I am so thankful!!!
2 - Date Night. Andy and I had a day after Valentine's Day date night this week (dinner and duck pin bowling) and it was awesome!
3 - My iPad. Taking notes in class and converting them to a study guide is wonderful!
4 - My Professors. They are all shaping me into the best nurse I can be!
5 - My classmates. They are all teaching me so much about who I want to be (and who I don't want to be sometimes). Without their support I would be lost!
6 - The Muppet Show on DVD. What a great stress reliever!
7 - My husband. His support and encouragement mean the world to me.
8 - Caffeine. It's been a long week and without caffeine I wouldn't have made it!
9 - My computer. If I had to hand write all this study guide stuff I would be in pain!
10 - Friends. Having lunch with some of my favorite ladies today, what a great thing to look forward to all week and then finally get to do today. :)

God Bless. More next week.

1 comment:

  1. Well sad to say I've been in all three of you're patients shoes. And it is VERY important to have someone there that is there to because they feel the want and need to be there and not that its brings home the check. I remember each and every face that was there with me each time. Some I'm so greatfull for their words and compassion and some I'm pretty sure should persue a different career maybe in the diner or dmv.
    You're put to the test with the happy and the sad to see if it's what you really want. Seems you have your answer. :)

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