25th November (Tuesday) - Okay, I think it's already been four days I'm taking care of Datin. Not that I'm complaining but, why are we inseparable? I think she must be getting tired of seeing my face. So are the other few who are regular patients. The first thing they asked me were, "Girl, why do you often appear in every shift? Do you even get a day off?" Well, I do get a day off, it's just randomized. It could be cause now I'm getting into the habit of going around to chat with my patients, made sure they have all eaten, bathe, stuff like that. Back in the old training days, we don't even have that much time to chat with your patients to know them better.
I didn't get to follow any profs today. When you are taking care of Datin, she's a little difficult, but a nice lady. I often have to use a lot of plastic and hypafix tapes to protect both of her legs getting soaked, together with her PICC. Well, today, I don't know why she wanted me to wrap in a different method. So I just did as she comply. The legs are okay, she could navigate easier, but the PICC one is really awkward. It was soaked while she took her nice shower. Awww, looks like I have to do my dressing in one shot instead of it being due tomorrow. Sigh, so here comes the trolley with my forceps and saline,
In between I did chat with some patients. Most of them are wondering why they often see my face and I just answered them that I'm on duty. Maybe i should disappear for a day and see.... Ah, I'm joking. But Datin, a patient's wife and the chemo lady turned out to be really chatty with me. Because all three, I often spend time with them to get their I/O done. Datin's case is mainly because I had to do her dressings when needed, or if the Matron is not around, and do all the wrappings. We talked about Arab cultures, GST implementation and she asked me why I became a nurse. I mentioned that I took up nursing cause it's one of the only ways I can write my stories. But Datin strike reality by saying, "I don't think nursing gives you enough time to write too, girl." She's right, in truth. Back when I was a student nurse, I actually had time to write. Seriously, despite all the heavy assignments because I actually have my weekends free. And usually if I have a super free day. I can usually write an average of 2 to 3 pages. Not this time. Datin suggested to me to try out writing comics, since one of her family members worked on the My Little Ponies comics. I admitted to Datin, I'm only good at drawing characters, but when it comes to backgrounds, I'm awful. And it looks really cartoony when I drew it in. But she said to me, "The most important thing is that you are using your own style. Don't give up." Awww, seriously, she gave me motivation to never give up on my writing. Who would've thought??? =D
http://elaynecapahony.deviantart.com/art/Rough-art-of-Chapter-1-392417163 (This is a link of the comic I attempted. You can have a look if you want.)
For the patient and his wife, well, like I said, he actually have cancer, but his wife is so optimistic. I never questioned her about it in case of hurting her or the uncle's feelings, but someone asked her right out, and she merely answered that she's being cheerful to support her husband. She asked me whether it's wrong and I said to her, "It's good to feel optimistic, no harm. Because for husband and wife, their support for each other is the strongest. If one feels sad, the other feels it too." She smiled and answered that's why she's being optimistic, for both her husband and herself. And her husband, although he rarely smiles, he actually feels good thanks to her support and encouragement.
Then there's the lady whom is another regular patient for chemo. She's a really nice lady, often likes talking to me about her life in Singapore. It's always interesting to hear her stories, if she's not in constant pain and I'm free. I really hope I get the chance to go to Singapore for holidays. It's been a long while.
The greatest surprise came when my old patient came, as she had promised, bringing us lunch. I can't believe she actually went to so much trouble, even though I told her she don't need to. Well, since she went to so much trouble, I guess I'll just accept it.
*Listen to this song, the meaning is really deep.
.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FWWePKj5rs
It sounds like you have a very important, very interesting and very useful job. It's good to be able to read your experiences. The way you write reminds me of a book called 'Bringing Out The Dead' which was written by a New York paramedic [Joe Connelly] based partly on his experiences.
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