Sorry it's been awhile!

I realize it's been awhile since I've written but we finally got the internet today! It's pretty much been the best day ever, we got hooked up to the internet and then I proceeded to buy tickets to see Prince at Croke Park in June with Jenny on my newly hooked up internet. 

I continue to settle in well. Work is very different. The people are extremely nice but things are going to take some getting used to. I didn't realize how great I had it at home. Here are some things that I'll have to adjust to:

1) No AC in the hospital. As nice as it is to be able to open the windows and get some fresh air, I can't imagine it's good as far as infection control goes. I really hope it's a mild summer otherwise I will refuse to work day shifts. 

2) No computers, well, I take that back, there is one computer used only for looking up labs and ordering formula. We're talking stacks and stacks of paper. 

3) The hospital sort of shuts down after business hours. If you want labs run at night, you have to call an on call lab person to come in and run them...and it better be important. Forget about any PT/OT/Social work/etc on the weekends or after business hours. There isn't even a pharmacist in the hospital at night. If the phlebotomy team is gone, an MD has to place IVs and draw labs...suckers!

4) Nursing Assistants have a completely different role. All they do is pass meals and stock the unit. Allyson, I love and appreciate you! There is no such thing as Respiratory Therapists here, I also love and appreciate you guys. 

5) Report takes forever! No, seriously, like 45 minutes. The night charge gives report and then the day manager lays out how the day is going to go. I hope they don't notice me in the corner rolling my eyes and doodling on my paper. We have to know about every patient for whatever reason. Everyone does 12 hour shifts, but despite that, we have another report at 3 p.m. even though it's the same staff. Drives me nuts.

6) Forget about Pyxis. You have to find keys to the drug cart and then a second person to check drugs with...very efficient.

7) We actually get breaks! I almost feel like we get too many breaks. You get a breakfast break in the morning after passing meds, then you get a lunch break, then you get a tea break later in the day. They make you go, it's crazy. In total I must get 2 hours worth of breaks. 

8) Working with kids has its perks. I haven't checked a single blood sugar. Baby nappies (diapers) are way easier to change than adult ones. Kids are easier to lift and turn. 

9) There are not bathrooms in the rooms. There is one shared lavatory with a few toilets. If a kid uses a urinal or bedpan, you have to walk it down the hall to the "sluice" (still haven't quite figured out what this means) and put it into this crazy dishwasher type thing. 

10) "Isolation" is a joke. No yellow gowns here, just an apron that doesn't even cover your arms made out of plastic. No hats or masks. I've only seen people use gloves a couple of times. My co-workers probably think I'm some kind of OCD freak that's obsessed with hygiene. They're probably going to have to increase their glove budget now that I'm here. I'm sorry but I'm not changing some strange kid's nappie with my bare hands. Shake your head at me if you will. 

There is so much more I could add but we'll let that rest for awhile. Regions folks, just know you have it way better than you'll ever know. 

I went to Sam's (Chandra's husband) American Football game yesterday. It was pretty entertaining. We represented in our Packers gear. Chandra's mom was recruited to be in the chain gang. Chandra and I got sun burns. Ireland isn't really a place where you think about the threat of sun very often but...lesson learned. 

The apartment is awesome. I have a view of Drimnagh Castle from my bedroom and a view of the golf course from our balcony. There is a little creek below us too. 

I had a great birthday weekend with everyone. The international nurse facilitator at the hospital gave me a list of pubs/clubs to go as homework so we tackled that. I was hoping to run into Collin Farrell along the way but he must have been busy that weekend. 

That's all I can think of for now. Now that I have the internet (!) I'll be updating more frequently. Thanks for all the nice birthday messages.