Tuesday, April 29, 2008

piece of cake

Eight hours into my sixth straight day of work, I was sitting at the computer trying to figure out if the pain in my feet was traveling up into my legs or the pain in my back was coursing its way down to my feet. It had been a typical day so far - too many patients, too much status dramaticus and more than enough legitimate angst to go around. Except for the fact that I couldn't feel half of my body, it was actually alright...


Until the triage nurse came up to me and put her arm around my shoulders to tell me about my next patient. I knew the first words out of her mouth would be "I'm sorry" before she even told me what was heading my way. And I was right. And she should have been sorry. Maybe some day when I'm stronger I'll get into it. For now you just need two words - Train. Wreck.


As I stood at the med cart trying to swallow unopened bottles of ativan on the sly, one of my co-workers said to the room at large, "Has anyone else noticed that lately RC is a real shit magnet?"


And about three people said (simultaneously) "Well, we didn't really want to say anything..."


My response died on my lips as I looked up at the board and saw that my buddy from the other day had just checked back in. I laid my head on the counter and repeated my new mantra -


This too shall pass. This too shall pass. (Alternated with I will press charges next time. I will press charges next time).


When it rains, it pours.

14 comments:

ped crossing said...

I am so sorry. Please say that you have tomorrow off.

lebanesa said...

You are sounding really really tired and unhappy. Don't take on extra work again next week, look after yourself.
It isn't worth making yourself ill.

Maggie May said...

Blimey! That was bad luck! Your work sounds too much, 6 days in a row. I wish you could have some rest! Look after yourself.

-Ann said...

Geez. You really are having a tough run of it. I have a friend who believes that every lowest low in her life will, at some point in the near-ish future, be followed by an amazingly highest high. I hope your high point comes soon and that it's fantastic.

softinthehead said...

OMG doesn't sound like a lot of fun that's for sure. Take some time to yourself. Remember good health and happiness don't have a price tag!! :)

Kim said...

Poor baby. I've been worrying about you. I hope things look up very soon.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Ann, everything has to equalize eventually, I think you are due to win the lottery. Except wait until after the divorce is final to buy the ticket.

Akelamalu said...

Oh honey you need a break, and I don't just mean from work. x

Akelamalu said...

Oh honey you need a break, and I don't just mean from work. x

Beth said...

It's time for a day off. Did you remember to bring a roll of duct tape with you? You don't have to put it over his mouth so he aspirates, but you could tape him to the bed and then use it to "exfoliate" certain hairy areas necessary for the doctor's examination. That would be fun.

Two words: DAY OFF.

Hugs. If I had your address you would have a good supply of duct tape and homemade fudge. And a Nerf bat on the offspring when they need it.

the planet of janet said...

oh noooooooooo.....

repeat after me: i need a day off. i need a day off. i need a day off.

Jo Beaufoix said...

Oh sweetie, that's just mean. You really didn't have to deal with them did you?
Definitely no extra shifts next week. You need your sanity. x

Sandy said...

Go bowling. Picture whoever's head you want on the pins and just knock the crap out of them.

Honest, it helps.

Carolyn said...

This is exactly why I need to shut my own angsty trap and appreciate how good I've got it. Thanks for sharing and hang in there, eh.