Blowing my own horn
Yesterday I had finished my work day early and was at home trying to make it less of a tip when my blackberry rang. Colleague was in our little village with a lady whose IV had gone wrong. Needed a new one, colleague wasn't able to do it and would I come. Only other option was a long drive to local hospital, many hours of waiting and ++ fatigue, stress for lady. I'm known for being good with IV's, wasn't too knackered so I agreed to go.
On arrival I was surprised that colleague was still there. Most times, they've moved on to other visits. I found a sweet little old dear in bed, frail, exhausted and anxious. She'd not been home long after a stressful hospital admission. After I said all that was needful, I got on with the job. In the back of my mind I was trying to figure out why colleague was still there, it had taken me a good half hour to get there, what with finishing what I was doing at home, changing and driving the 12 km into town.
Something made me offer to do some teaching to colleague - who has been nursing as long as I have and until recently was one of my supervisors. She'd moved out of that role after some illness earlier this year. I'm not good at subtext, need to be hit over the head when other people are not asking, but wanting something.
Somehow I got it right. She was very appreciative of my efforts and I feel that I gave her some help.
The IV was started on first go, dear lady and her hubby were relieved. Sweet dear asked me after it was all over if she could give me a hug. I gave her a big one and said that hugs were the best medicine.
I have strange job. I stick needles in people but sometimes they have to ask me for hugs. If I'd known her better, I wouldn't have had to be asked. It's difficult to figure out human dynamics in a few minutes when there are so many factors unknown. Add an audience and it becomes more complicated.
On arrival I was surprised that colleague was still there. Most times, they've moved on to other visits. I found a sweet little old dear in bed, frail, exhausted and anxious. She'd not been home long after a stressful hospital admission. After I said all that was needful, I got on with the job. In the back of my mind I was trying to figure out why colleague was still there, it had taken me a good half hour to get there, what with finishing what I was doing at home, changing and driving the 12 km into town.
Something made me offer to do some teaching to colleague - who has been nursing as long as I have and until recently was one of my supervisors. She'd moved out of that role after some illness earlier this year. I'm not good at subtext, need to be hit over the head when other people are not asking, but wanting something.
Somehow I got it right. She was very appreciative of my efforts and I feel that I gave her some help.
The IV was started on first go, dear lady and her hubby were relieved. Sweet dear asked me after it was all over if she could give me a hug. I gave her a big one and said that hugs were the best medicine.
I have strange job. I stick needles in people but sometimes they have to ask me for hugs. If I'd known her better, I wouldn't have had to be asked. It's difficult to figure out human dynamics in a few minutes when there are so many factors unknown. Add an audience and it becomes more complicated.