An Amazing Day

I had an amazing day today. Watched three surgeries, two of whom I would be seeing later in the day on my shift ... in fact I was actually working PACU (recovery room for you non-medical folks) for awhile, so "recovered" them and then took one of them as my patient over in ICU. A small 5 year old boy post spleenectomy ... a challenge in itself since pediatric ICU is different than adults ... Between Morphine IV, and Fentatnyl drips in this litte tiny body, I was on high alert the whole time. Especially when he started itching and spiking a temp. He had an epidural that started leaking, and I had to get the anesthesiologist up stat. We ended up putting in an artline, and a central line---for which I was grateful. His only other IV access was in his foot (that's normal for a pedi nurse, but very strange and awkward to me!) ...Flexibility is the key here (we have a saying that Sandra, one of the nurses on my unit at home will love: Sempre Gumby!) After OR I was invited to lunch with the Captain of the Ship, at his table, at his deco, in his private dining room! Table cloth! A watier! A WINDOW!!!...and the best part ....QUIET! We were actually able to have a conversation with each person at the table withoug yelling and straining to hear. I hadn't realized how noisy the ship is until I was in a quiet zone. What a treat!

Also at the table was the Chief Engineer (he's equal in rank to the Capt.) as well as the Head of OR and their chief surgeon. Also joining us was a govt representative specializing in Infection Control. It was a stimulating lunch with rapid and broad reaching exchange of ideas. We all had suggestions for the ship when it goes for retrofit...things to update some of the processes and equipment, explaining the flow we had, and what could be done to enhance it, and to enhance the care and comfort of the patients. It was a very "think tank" type of lunch discussing merits and areas of improvement for future missions. The Captain made many notes, and questioned us often to better understand the needs of the ship from a medical standpoint. I was privileged to be a part of this exchange.

Like I said, I had an amazing day.