A Note About Melinda's Work

We don't, very often, put YouTube videos on our blog - especially if they aren't ones that we've recorded ourselves.  I'm making an exception this time, however.  This one is near and dear to my heart - and a catchy tune you'll be singing in your head all day!

Due to HIPPA regulations, I really don't have much occasion to talk about my work as a NICU Nurse at UMC.  Suffice it to say, I love my job!  There are difficult days, but the good days outweigh the bad and there's nothing more satisfying than to know you've made an impact in someone's life - especially when they only weigh 1 or 2 pounds.  If I reflect over my career as a Nurse, these past couple of years in the NICU are the years that I feel most proud of the work I'm doing, most satisfied with the care I'm giving.  I am amazed, daily, by the level of knowledge and skill of my co-workers.  Each of them are champions, truly heroes!  So while I can't talk about my work very much, or very often - know that I'm doing exactly what I am meant to be doing - and enjoy this little video/song!

 music and lyrics by Hugh Blumenfeld

TGIF...

I'm so glad it's Friday! I still have to work a half shift tonight - having agreed to doing a split shift switch with one of my co-workers earlier in the week. It's nice to know that I'll only have to do 6 hours though. There's comfort in that! Last night was the proverbial "night from Hell". Of course I can't discuss it! HIPPA violation, you know! My patients were busy, but okay, but it seemed that every kid in the NICU had some sort of 'issue' going on. My co-workers and I were running all night - not to mention the Nurse Practioner and the Residents! Every once in a while it gets that way. It's during those times that it's tempting to grab my car keys and run for the car....but I don't. It's also during those times when my skills are tested, and I always feel good if we all make it through the night intact.

This weekend will be exciting! I am doing the All-Arizona Messier Marathon for the first time! The Messier Marathon is definitely an Astronomy Nerd sport. In a nutshell, it's going out observing from sunset to sunrise - looking for the 110 heavenly objects that Charles Messier catalogued in the 1700's. Some are easy to find, some are visible to the naked eye - but some are pretty tough to snag! Through the course of tomorrow night (this only happens once a year) all 110 objects will be visible (with a telescope) and able to be accounted for. Thousands of people, worldwide, will be doing the same thing I will be doing - finding the object and checking it off of their list. While many people aren't able to find all 110 objects (star clusters, nebulae, planetary nebulae, galaxies, etc.), if I find more than 50 or 60 I'll get a certificate saying I was somewhat successful in my quest. If I find 110 I'll get a plaque that I can put on my telescope! Cool beans! I've seen most of the objects before - the trick is seeing them all in one night. I would imagine that I could enlist Dean's help if I get to lost in the universe. He's good about that! We will be observing from a site sponsered by the Saguaro Astronmy Club from Phoenix. We'll also get to see and visit with friends from there - which is about half of the fun! I'll be able to post my results, and blog about the experience on Sunday. I should have some pictures to post then also..... stay tuned!

Orion's belt picture by hubby Dean!

Hi Ho..Hi Ho...It's off to work....

For the first time in a while, I saw Dean off to work this morning and I am left at home! He wasn't sure, last evening, if he was working today but they called him this morning. After the past 5 months of him waving me off to work - it seems strange for him to be going!

I have been working the past few nights and haven't been contributing to the blog - other than the Pluto debate from the other day. Work is improving steadily. I am learning lots of new things, and refreshing memories of things I've maybe done once before and now need to do them almost daily! Everyone I've met has been very supportive and encouraging, and that helps a lot. I finally had the opportunity to tour the Labor & Delivery area, as well as the Normal Newborn nursery. So, after a rocky first week of orientation - the second week was improved (additionally, it was pay week so now I have real incentive to work!). I'm still not wild about the concept of 12 hour shifts, but it's nice to get my hours done in three nights so that I have the rest of the week to do what I want. It just takes some getting used to. Fortunately, Dean packs me a sandwich to take with me to work. Yes, I could do it myself but he makes better sandwiches than I do! When I did 8 hour shifts I would snack a lot during the night, but not sit down and eat a sandwich (or meal). I find that with the 12 hour shift I don't snack, but really rely on that break and lunch about 2am. This is all pretty dull stuff to tell about!

Our friend, and matchmaker (she introduced Dean and I), Jane came over for dinner last night! We cooked burgers on the grill, had homemade potato salad, and grilled white asparagus. All was nummy and we had fun visiting! Tonight we are meeting our buddy, Chuck, at one of the new microbrewery's - just south of campus. As luck has it, Jane and friends will be there too! I think we'll be taking over the place! We haven't seen Chuck since the Grand Canyon, in June. It will be good to catch up with him.

Time for me to get busy and do some errands (bank, etc.). Since I don't make coffee here at home, I think that first errand stop will be at the local 'Bux or equivalent!

Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran's Day to all of the Vet's out there!

Well, yesterday was my first day at UMC. I got lost every where I went, the computer classes were endless, and I'm not sure they knew what to do with me (or the other person on orientation with me) for sure. I did get my orientation schedule, which is less than ideal (the next 4 weekends, 12 hour shifts, 3 nights in a row) - and all in all, I resisted the urge to quit. I've never been a quitter, and I'm not starting now! They have a lot of new equipment (though a lot I'm familiar with), but that doesn't scare me. I did get to snoop through cupboards and see where they keep their supplies, etc. Always good to know when looking for a pacifier or more diapers. The differences between my old department and my new one are interesting. Things that they allow (which weren't allowed in Illinois), and things that they don't allow. In some ways they are 'strict' about some things - and very lax about others - the same as very up to date about some things, but behind the curve on others. I got to peek in on all of the babies, though. Such sweet little souls! So, while I was somewhat discouraged (and very vocal about it, as Dean will attest) when I got home yesterday - I know it will get better. I will be on night shift for the rest of my orientation. Fire up the coffee pot!