#nofilter

I've had to explain so many times already that since starting my per diem job, I'm not a new nurse, just a nurse new to the world of LTC (long term care) nursing. LTC was my first rotation in nursing school, so other than that that was the only exposure to it I had previously, until now. Quite honestly, I didn't think I was going to enjoy it, but I really have so far! The elderly was a population I never cared for in the psych world, but in the not psych world, they are quite entertaining. And they've lived these long and very fruitful lives, and meeting their families and other loved ones has been rather amazing to see. Of course, there are the sad cases too; individuals imprisoned in their own minds with such lacks in cognition that make connecting with reality impossible. Family visits for some of these come far and few in between. To me, it's just really helped put into perspective my own wishes when that time in my own life will come. Who will make those important decisions for me if I'm unable to do so? Who will care for me? It's all the more reason for me to try and be a better advocate.

Learning the ropes hasn't been too challenging, but the medications passes are honestly quite brutal. With one nurse per hallway of up to 20 some residents, it can be tough. My AM med pass most recently took about 4 hours; granted, half of that time was fumbling with finding the meds in the cart, getting them out and waiting for the newly added computer system to catch up with me (hmm...kind of like my computer right now which is deciding to be exceedingly glitchy this evening). Even in the short time I've been there, there have been so much more about the elderly I've learned. One thing in particular I've learned is that in many ways they're like children, namely that some of them have no filter. None whatsoever, and quite literally at any given moment will word vomit whatever is on their minds. Had to dish out a few gentle reminders that it's really not nice to call someone fat or ugly. Then on the flip side, some of the residents are some of the nicest, gentlest and most caring souls I've ever met and who have taken the time to already know my name. It speaks volume and quite honestly is a bit of a welcoming respite from the yelling, screaming, getting cursed at. Oh, fear not, I'm sure my time will come. Oh yeah, it already has. I was thrown out of a room because I was "too happy." So it starts.

I still have a few more shifts to complete before I'm technically "off orientation." I like it because it's fast paced, but it's not fast paced due to a chaotic milieu. It's just that there's a lot of work to be done and though I'm unbelievably exhausted, I'm quite satisfied in the day's work I put in. Not that I'm unsatisfied at my psych job, but do you know what I mean? It just goes to show you that sometimes change really can be a good thing.