As some of you might have already heard, the hostage crisis in Manila, which left eight Hong Kong tourists dead, is a tragedy that left us with great sorrow and anger. The nightmare began when the suspect, armed with an M-16 assault rifle, hijacked the bus with 25 people aboard in Manila’s tourist district. He later freed seven Hong Kong tourists and two Filipinos. But negotiations broke down after nightfall when the gunman, former senior police inspector, began shooting and commandos were forced to storm the bus, firing dozens of bullets of their own into the vehicle. This tragedy raises many questions about the handling of the crisis. Then it made me think back to all that we had learned in our nursing classes – crisis, critical thinking, and human relationships.

In this situation, the Filipino driver escaped just before the shooting, claiming that all passengers had been shot. It was incorrect. Police action was then initiated only because they thought all the hostages were “dead”. Why was the bus driver not questioned properly, so that the exact facts could be determined before initiating armed action?

The negotiators could have managed the situation better. After all, what was the dismissed policeman demanding? Reinstatement and settlement of some duty! Why the negotiators didn’t simply agree to this, free the hostages and then deal with the kidnapper and his requests later?

Next time when you read about crisis, critical thinking, and human relationships, do not think these things are unrelated to you…because as a nurse your patients may be dealing with crisis (psychologically and physiologically). These skills will be your tools!

Lastly, I wanted to say no amount of condolences can make up for the loss of those who have lost their relatives and friends in this senseless, meaningless killing. However, I hope no such tragedy will happen again in the future.

May all the hijacked victims rest in peace and may time heal the pain of the families who had just lost their loved ones.

Every now and then, when you read the newspaper, you will come across some tragic news on the death of a child as a result of poor parenting. Last month, I remember reading in the news that somewhere in the United States; a mom inadvertently killed her daughter when she was backing out of the driveway. She didn’t even realize her daughter was lying dead on the driveway until she came back home from shopping.

News like this is certainly tragic and disturbing, but what I want to bring up from this kind of news is the importance of good parenting. Even though I am not a parent yet, I understand parenting takes a lot of work and effort. As a responsible parent, not only do you have to take care of your children’s basic needs like diet, health, and safety, you also want to provide good education, entertainment, and the best you could possibly afford for them. As one of my friends that is seriously considering of becoming a mom puts it, “When they are young, you are worried about whether they are getting enough nutrients, whether they will get sick, whether they will be bright in the future; when they grow older, you are worried about whether they can keep up with school, whether they can get along with friends, and whether they can protect themselves. Will they be able to get a decent job? Will they be able to sustain themselves? Once you become a parent, all you would think about is your children.”

I can see my friend’s anxiety in becoming a parent. After all, she might be right, once you become a parent, you would be full of questions and worries regarding your child. Nevertheless, personally I do think that a family would be a whole lot more complete with the presence of children. I can imagine the satisfaction and fulfillment that you get from seeing your children growing up is indescribable. To all of you fellow students who are moms, you are just amazing! Keep up the good work in both home and school, you guys are doing great! And to those of you who are yet to be moms, I think we should be appreciative of what our parents have done for us.

When we unfold the road map of our life and look at all the twists and turns, detours, mountains and valleys that we have travelled it is truly fascinating to try and see what the next section of the map will look like.  Will it be a steep peak to climb, a delta with many lakes and rivers to cross or a long flat boring prairie drive?

As I approach 45 and I look at my road map I see a life filled with adventure, twisting roads,  surprise road blocks, gravel roads and speed free zones.  What I do know is that all of these roads eventually met and led me here to Stenberg and to the Special Education Assistant Program.

Making a decision at my age to go back to school is considered by some to be crazy – “But you have a degree already”, “Why do you want to do homework?”,

“Aren’t you going to be older than everyone else?” are just some of the more common questions I get asked.

My answer:  “Yes, I do have a degree, which, with my SEA diploma, will make me an even greater asset for any Special Needs program.  It’s not “homework” if it’s something you love learning, and at my age I have the luxury of going back to school to only take something I really want to learn – and no, I will not be the oldest in the class, and even if I was, it wouldn’t matter because, today, in 2010, classrooms are filled with people of all ages going back to school to increase their level of education.”

I have always wanted to work in the area of Special Needs, but the road wasn’t open for me when I was younger – I had chosen detours that led me to other destinations.  Last year I saw the opportunity, and the timing was right, and I knew it was my turn to go through the green light and grab onto my dream.  In a matter of a few months I will be starting to apply for a job in the field of work I have always wanted to be in, and thanks to the society we now live in, it’s not too late to be doing this – even at 44!!

Most of you are probably aware of the raffle basket fundraiser some two weeks ago at Stenberg; it was just amazing. The fundraiser was for one of our fellow classmates diagnosed with breast cancer, and it turned out to be very successful. Almost $4,000 was raised in the end! We all hope that the money raised will help her in some way, but what’s more important is that we all want her to feel our care and support for her.

I came across this awesome nursing joke online the other day, and thought I would share with all of you for a little laughter. Enjoy!

A nursing assistant, floor nurse, and charge nurse from a small nursing home were taking a lunch break in the break room. In walks a lady dressed in silk scarfs and wearing large polished stoned jewelry.

“I am ‘Gina the Great’,” stated the lady. “I am so pleased with the way you have taken care of my aunt that I will now grant the next three wishes!” With a wave of her hand and a puff of smoke, the room was filled with flowers, fruit and bottles of drink, proving that she did have the power to grant wishes before any of the nurses could think otherwise.

The nurses quickly argued among themselves as to which one would ask for the first wish. Speaking up, the nursing assistant wished first. “I wish I were on a tropical island beach, with single, well-built men feeding me fruit and tending to my every need.”

With a puff of smoke, the nursing assistant was gone.

The floor nurse went next.”I wish I were rich and retired and spending my days in my own warm cabin at a ski resort with well groomed men feeding me coccoa and doughnuts.” With a puff of smoke, she too was gone.

“Now, what is the last wish?” asked the lady.

The charge nurse said,” I want those two back on the floor at the end of the lunch break.”

Source: http://www.nursingfun.com/jokes/nurses/3nurses.htm

So, the big question with Nursing is “Is it okay to cry when our patient is terminally ill or dying?”

Personally, if I was a patient (heaven forbid), I’d rather have a nurse who is not afraid to cry during my sickest time, than to have one that just stands there coldly without any emotions. Of course, crying uncontrollably and breaking down in front of everyone else in the room when a patient passes away certainly hurts your professionalism, but shedding a few tears? I don’t think so. As human beings, we all have emotions, even if we are well-trained health care professionals. A lot of times, if a patient is hospitalized for an extended period, it is normal for nurses and doctors to build up a relationship with the patient over time. To sob when the patient has passed away, what it means to the patient and the patient’s family is that you care about them. Being professional is certainly a huge part in Nursing, but it’s not ALL about Nursing. Not only do  I think it’s okay to sob, I think it’s also okay to give the family a pat on the shoulder, share a hug or a heartfelt prayer with them afterwards. Sometimes these simple acts can connect both you and the patient and those who have left behind, and make you a more empathetic nurse.

For the last two weeks all of the students and staff at Stenberg became united to help a fellow student.  We were all so shocked when we heard that one of our fellow classmates, at the incredibly young age of 23, had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  This happens to moms, aunts, grandmothers and older women, not a young woman just starting out life and going to school to begin her career.

Immediately there was the want by everyone at Stenberg, students and faculty alike, to reach out and help this incredibly strong and courageous fellow student.  It was decided to hold a raffle on baskets that would be created by the individual classes at Stenberg.

All the classes had one week to come up with their irresistible raffle prizes.  By the time the baskets had been stuffed and wrapped I don’t think, by the looks of them, that there was a single person on campus who had not contributed to the baskets.

These prize baskets would have made any professional corporate gift company jealous – there was every theme and size imaginable, from a Staycation basket to picture frames stuffed with lottery tickets and a beach basket to a movie basket – really amazing and beautiful tributes to just how much a student in need means to the Stenberg community.

After the raffle tickets were all sold, it has been said that we raised just over $1400 – an incredible feat considering the timeline and the size of our community.  Then the piece de résistance  – the College matched the amount we made.  The final amount including  donations was close to $4000!

After all was said and done, we all united, came together as a community of students, friends, teachers and caring people and helped out a wonderful young woman who will be able to face her upcoming battle knowing that she has an entire College supporting her and sending her all of their prayers, positive energy and well wishes.

My son, who is 5, was talking about when he gets older and things he was going to do. Then, he got really sad. When I asked him, why he said that I was not going to be there when he was 13. I asked why and he said “cause you will be dead.” Well, this threw me off. I guess he did not get the concept of years. To him, being 13 was many, many years away.  So, I had to reassure him mommy would be around for hundreds of years lol.

Funny how kids see things….

This made me think of the first time as a nurse I had to go through having a patient pass away. It is never something you get used to. It is never something you are prepared for. AND each time I cry.

I was on my third practicum when it happened. It was not something they initially thought was going to happen while the patient was in the hospital, but over the days the patient deteriorated. It was hard for me to work with the patient, knowing what could happen at any time.

Even worse was the fact that the patient had no family. I did not want the patient to be alone, if I could help it. If I was around and free, I made sure I spent time with the patient. The patient did end up passing away when I was there. Now, having had many more patients pass away, I don’t always remember each of their names, but I do remember the first one.

It was emotionally very hard on me. Even now it still is. I guess I am sensitive to these things, and  I think that is ok. To me, it’s part of being a great nurse, when you can show emotion to your patients as well. I am not just at work to do my job. I am there to make a difference for my patients, and I truly show them I care.

So, for all you who are just heading out there….You will encounter similar things. Just remember, it’s ok to cry.

As you know, I am on maternity leave right now. My third baby is now over 5 months old! Time goes by so fast! But, I have to say I love this age much more. He was a difficult newborn, I look forward to the older baby months!

I am due to be back at work around December. I had a part-time line which I resigned, so I am casual. I have the choice to head back to Delta on the medical floor or to Surrey on Orthopedics. AND just the other day I was talked to about a new job! This one is in a 13 doctor medical clinic. A LOVELY Monday to Friday, 9-5 job! They are looking for a position, but for me casual is what I want. So, they would love to have someone fill in. Where in nursing can you find days and hours like this?! NOT often.

I was asking what kind of things do the nurses do. Well, assisting with simple procedures, injections, blood pressures, dressing changes etc. Well, sounds great!! So, this one for me sounds like it  may be worth while and I will be looking into it closer to my time to return to work. I want something that works well for my family….and 12 hour shifts are NOT that.

I took my nursing so that one day (when my babies were old lol) I would have something to return to. Now, I just want to work when I want, in order to keep up my skills, but put my family first. I love that this clinic lets you do that. The person who recommended me just works one day a week!

So, as I sit at home with my new baby, I keep thinking about the future. The one year off really goes way too fast. I LOVE being a nurse, and want to still have that in my life for sure. It’s my ME time…somewhere where I can have adult conversation lol.

I remember the first time I heard the word orthopedics. I had no idea what it meant. That is when my great knowledge of medical combining terms came in! I was able to figure out it referred to bones. This is the second unit I worked on.

I decided once I was confident in my surgical nursing skills, I would try something a bit different. The orthopedic unit was right beside the surgical one, but the patients were different. The unit deals with patients who have had surgery on their bones. Most commonly we see total knee and hip replacements.

I had heard that the unit was considered “heavy”. When I started orientation I figured out why. The patients require a lot more assistance when it comes to mobilization. Our main priority is to make sure they are able to mobilize on their own before discharge. Well, this is true for most cases.

As you probably figured, this unit has patient’s that are elderly a lot of the time. So, we create a plan that is best suited to each patient’s own abilities. We want then to be independent as much as they can, but we are there to help them reach that potential after surgery. And, I have to say patience is huge!

Just think if it were you having major surgery to replace a bone, and what it would be like to move or walk afterwords. It would take a lot of time  to do simple things. You cannot be rushed and you need to take your time, as it can be painful.

The unit can be heavy when it comes to the patient’s who are not able to mobilize and need your help to do any sort of care. Overall, it is a great floor to work on. It has a lot of the same skills as a surgical floor does. This is the unit I will be returning to once I am back from mat leave.

I am sure everyone knows the story about BCNU wanting the LPN’s to join their union, and that it did not work out. Then our contract with HEU was up, so negotiations happened, an agreement was met, and some things changed.  Good and not so good.

Of course, we are all happy that there is now pay scales and we get more money long term. But, the one thing I was not too happy about was the fact that I can no longer work in more then one place. I am currently employed at 2 hospitals, so when I return from maternity leave I will need to choose one. I love being able to work in different areas. This allowed me to see what type of nursing I wanted to do.

In my 2 years, I was able to work in Surgery, Orthopedics, Acute Medicine and Mental Health. I have great experience in all these areas, and feel it helped me become a more confident nurse. I know there are many LPN’s looking for work. Like I had said before it is REALLY important that while on your preceptorship you try and talk to the manager. Even getting hired as a casual is great. This will get your foot in the door!

Try not to be discouraged if it takes some time. You are not the only one going through this, and it will get better! So, I have 8 months to decide which area/hospital I want to go back to. I need to think about where it is I feel most valuable as I nurse. Where is it I enjoy going and feel I make a difference….