all in a days work

work can appear so random at times, for instance... today I helped someone get dressed, taught someone learn how to use a cell phone, cooked rice and beans aruban style, and gave a massage. And that's all in between reading charts, lab values, chasing down doctors, and speaking with family members about their loved ones. Man, no wonder why I'm exhausted at the end of the day!

can't fix 'em all

It's difficult to accept, but true. I'm not a super healer. I can't make it all better for everyone. Not to say that this was ever my assumption, but some days it's just more apparent than others. Like today, the look on Mrs.'s P's face said it all. Her husband sits in his hospital bed staring out the window to the right, unaware of the left side of the room. He needs two people to help him with washing in bed, someone to clean up his bottom several times a day as he cannot control his bowels, and someone to feed him. His mind is clear, he knows and is able to say where he is and what time it is. He knows he's impaired, but wants to get home so he can help his wife. He's concerned about her, asking her "Who's helping you take out the trash? I gotta get home so I can help you with the bills." She's called asking her husband for directions to her doctors office. They have no children and few friends have come to visit or show support. All they seem to have is each other and I'm witnessing the slow painful awakening that their lives are completely changed. I want to do more. I want to make it all better.