Taking care of Geriatric Patient

Wow, is this right? 4 days down the road and it's 2012!!! Damn, time really flies in a blink of an eye. So, what you waiting for – hurry up and finish your resolutions for 2011 before making any new ones for 2012. Ha! Ha! Oh yea, that's what I am saying. As I was telling you all that I might be heading to Straits Quay for the countdown, well, I guess not :'( Will instead have a family dinner with my family obviously (how else is it called family dinner :p)

By the way, today I gain another lesson by taking care a geriatric patient. Wait, you do not know what geriatric means right. . . I thought so! C'mon let us check out what geriatric means.
Geriatric basically means old age. Now what are you thinking when I am saying 'old age'. Yes, I told you earlier at the main title... Basically, I am reading your mind now, cos I know you are wondering who am I taking care of.

Madam Mary T, who is in her 80's I suppose. Well, I forgot to be 'kaypo' (busybody) today. I will tell you next time if I remember to go 'kaypo' about it yea. Ha! Ha! As you have known, I am a student nurse in which it should not be difficult handling a geriatric patient. However, that is all in the hospital settings where there are people giving you a helping hand when you need it.

Oh yes, now you are getting the picture are you not. I was all alone while taking care of this lady. The thing is I am not complaining here but I am sharing! I know you do not believe me :P
Madam Mary is quite a big size person for her age, and considering her a bedridden patient which is totally out of the ratio to my size I am handling her myself.

Like I say, I am not complaining OK! My job was I would say an easy task which is to just feed her according to the time and her menu is basically ready. I have all the things I need and of course to change her diaper as when necessary. Didn't I tell you she is quite big size? Yes, that's my problem here! Yea, I know I learn all the basics skills in college but how come is it difficult for me? That is because as I have mention earlier when working in a hospital setting, you have people to help you but not when you are all ALONE!!!

The lesson learn today is, you gotta learn to be independent and to do things yourself and not to depend on others all the time. Let's just take today as an example, I was all alone with this lady at home and yes, she is nurse on a ripple mattress and she's unable to move at all. So, she slides down of her bed quite frequently and it was really tough to move her back into position.

Thank God for her kind daughters, one came home during lunch hour whereby she's a nurse tutor herself in Lam Wah Ee Hospital (LWEH). She bought me lunch and she handled her mum alone and guess what – her body size is even smaller than me! Gosh, I felt so embarrassed not knowing how to handle Madam Mary. And at approximately 15:30H, her youngest daughter who was a teacher in a private school came home, and she as well taught me on how to lift her mum when she's alone.

Sometimes in life, you just cannot rely on people too much. One needs to learn to be independent and that will help in living up to ones own responsibility. Over the hours spent with Madam Mary, she knew she needed help and she felt like she was a burden and keeps saying sorry over and over again because she thinks that she's a burden to me. However, to me she is not a burden. She was just another person in this world who is sick and needed help and it is my responsibility to help her where I can.

Yes, geriatric patients need your attention and a lot of them out there are being neglected. Yes, old people can be a real fuss to us young ones. Nevertheless, do you realise if without these 'old people' in our life, do you think you are able to survive? Well, the answer to that is a big NO! You are no where without them and that includes me. Therefore, learn another thing which is to appreciate your elders because without them, you will not be where you are right now. Success does not come easy without a proper foundation in which you can only get it from your family. They could spend their time teaching you and to help you build up your foundation, so why not give them back something in return in a simple act by spending time with them.

May God bless all of you out there. Think again – should you start to appreciate your elder! I will tell you YES you should and instead you MUST. 

Men that comes and go from my life...

Hey fellow readers! How are you all today? Today, I am gonna rewind a little back to my history back in 2008 till present. Who would have actually thought I will get myself involved with foreigner who lives abroad that I have not met in person and yet I call him my 'boyfriend'. 


It all begins with Chris P. from the Bristol in United Kingdom. We texted daily, I stayed up late at  night just to wait for him to come online on MSN for a chat. Things went pretty smooth and eventually I got to know his family members and that all happen in less than 2 months. Finally, after 4 months. . . that was the end of our relationship. However, I never had any regrets on this relationship that I had with Chris. After breaking up, of course I got so emotional and cried for weeks before I finally got over it. Well, that's not true, I FINALLY got over him only after 2 years. Like I said earlier, that's HISTORY. 


Dennis S. then came along into my life. Yup, another foreigner! The big bang here was he is an African and I came from a typical Asian Chinese family. I hid about my relationship from my family members not wanting them to know anything between us but I didn't do quite a good job at it so, yea they finally got to know I had an African boyfriend who lives in Malaysia as well. Oh hell yea, I was like in a time bomb where it will explode at anytime. Anyway, the story between me and him didn't last long either... I broke his heart into million pieces. He was upset, devastated but life moves on and the thing is we are still friends.. VERY GOOD FRIENDS indeed. It is sort of a friendship I would treasure throughout my life.


Then in 2009, there's this guy by the name of Miloš Šijački from Novi Sad, Serbia who claims he loves me. How did we met? Hmm, from Facebook :D Yea, I know what you are thinking... "How can you get into a relationship with a guy from Facebook?". Oh, I forgot to tell you earlier, that is how I got a relationship with all 3 of them through Facebook using the same application - "ARE YOU INTERESTED?" Ha! Ha! So, what happen was this guy by the name of Miloš Šijački started talking to me on Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger and of course on Facebook Chat BUT I always give him reasons and excuses so as not to chat with him. I dislike him and never gave him a chance to get to know me. I know, I am being mean! Sorry Miloš *hope you have forgiven me*
Somehow, I don't really remember what happen but he was always there for me when I need to talk to someone. Nor did I give him my attention neither was I interested in getting to know him better but you know, things happen. Yup, that is how he came into my life then, I thought I would want to try out another relationship and hoping it's not gonna be another heart-broken one.

Therefore for the past 2 years, there has been lots of ups and downs for both of us. Cultural differences, family objections (mostly mine ='(), misunderstandings again from me and etc. etc. The best part of all, he has never even once gave up on me! Although, my father who wanted me to break his heart and I thought my father was right and I did hurt him so badly, he always stays and never once did he complain but instead constantly encouraging me. 

I do not know how much more to thank him (Miloš Šijački) for always being there for me, for your constant encouragement, for never giving up on our relationship. The promise that I gave you through the ring that says "STAY WITH ME" and that is what I will do. I will stay with you for all my life.

I LOVE YOU Miloš Šijački..... FOREVER & INFINITELY

End of 2011

Hey friends, I'm sorry for not writing over the last months. Oh well, same old me being busy with college stuff - studies, clinical, exams, and etc. etc.

Anyway, here we are... almost finishing the year and welcoming 2012 soon in like say ... 13 days... wow, that's just 2 weeks away.. how time flies??
So any plans yet people?? Oh c'mon, don't tell me you are going to stay home and watch tv and not doing countdowns when you get to see beautiful fireworks live...

So, this year I spot Straits Quay, I bet there will be many people yet myself.. yes, I am planning to be there! Come join me and some of my friends there for the countdown and let's welcome 2012 with joy and laughter..  Don't forget to make your new year resolution and try to complete your 2011 resolutions before it ends... :-D

New Year at Straits Quay, Penang

By the way, I know I am missing my love one, Milos... but I know he will have his fun in Serbia too.. I love you Milos Sijacki FOREVER

Lost

Although it has only been 5 days taking care of her, I felt very attached to her. Even though we have no blood ties, I treat her like my own Grandma. I never get to say goodbye for the last time to you. Yes, I am sad and my tears are rolling down non-stop from the time I received the news but I am happy for you as you are now back to a more peaceful and safe place, free from pain and sufferings. 


You will forever be cherish. I miss you Po Po. Even though it was only for 5 days I had known you, it felt like 5 years. I will cherish the moments I care for you. Though there wasn't much that has been spoken, but I could see tears in your eyes at times. I am sure you miss your kids and grandchildren as well. But now, you will protect them from harm and dangers and will always continue to guide them. They will forever feel your presence for you were a good mother and grandmother and a good friend to most of your friends. You will always be remembered for your love and care for them.


Po Po, may you R.I.P now as our Heavenly Father will care for you where you are in now. 

Memories!

It is a happy happy Fly-day... whoopps... I meant to say FRIDAY 
It has been a tiring week in which I would not deny.


This week, I had been assigned to care for 4 out of 7 patients in the ward cubicle. However, 2 of my clients were not that ill and they only needed minimal assistance in their daily activity.


However, caring for this one particular client brings back lots of memories of my paternal late-grandmother who had passed away 7 years ago. She was then diagnosed with cancer (CA) colon related to bowel obstruction. I was only 15years old then - a girl who knew nothing about CA. 


This week, I met this client who is in her 80's who was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction. She was ill and bedridden with complication of DVT. It reminds me of grandma. Back then, the family had kept away the diagnosis as a secret with fear that she will not go for further treatment. Nonetheless, she knew what she was going through as she was having abdominal discomfort very often.


In January 2004, she was admitted to the hospital ward in which I was assign to this week. It brings back memories where my Daddy took me to visit her every afternoon after I finishes school. 


While caring for this particular client, it felt like Grandma was there with me. It gives me a very loving feeling. I sincerely pray that this client will improve from her current condition. Although, it may seem to be nearing the end, but I am sure she has the will to live and that she is able to go through it. May prayers be with her and that she is able to discharge to be with her family soon.

Dear Father Lord, I am sure as I am typing here on this blog, You know who I am referring to Lord. Lord, I pray that your Holy Angels and Holy Spirit will be with her. She is just like my Grandma, a loving, caring, and kind lady who is love by everyone. Lord, You know better than anyone of us what she is suffering from and what she has to go through now. I pray that Lord, Your healing hands will be upon her. Shower her with Your love and care and give us faith in You. Lord, I pray for her family members, that You give them all strength and wisdom on how to handle this rough time while having to juggle to care for their mother and work and also to take care of their own children. I may not be related to them Lord, but I sincerely pray that You will be with them Lord. Give them all the knowledge they are suppose to know in order to understand this client and to help this client. Oh Lord, I pray that you strengthen the will power of living in this client. Not only that Lord, please be with the doctors and nurses that are caring for her Lord. Lord, I know that in each and every second of our life, You are always listening to our prayer and I believe you are listening to this prayer now too. I pray and ask for your forgiveness on all the sins and mistakes that has been done unto You, I thank you for always being so good to us. I thank you, Lord, for listening to this prayer and I pray all this in Jesus Christ, our Saviour's name - AMEN!

BACK TO WORK, START FRESH!

Holidays are over and it is time to get back to work! Basically, my holidays were fulfilling as I had spend most of my time with my friends whom I had been rejecting their invites a lot due to time constrain for my education comes first at the moment! 


After having so much fun, I was pretty blurry getting back to clinical. First of all, it is due to too much of rest and I am lacking off on my skills. Thank God, my most important skill of communication still maintains. *sigh of relieve*
We are currently assigned with 4 patients as we are now the final year of nursing students - what I mean is Year 3 Diploma Nursing students. Having 4 patients is definitely something new as we used to only have 2 assigned patients.

It is of much more responsibilities and time to learn to manage our time. It wasn't an easy task though. Moreover, we are now on full shift as well which means 7am to 3pm (morning shift) OR 3pm to 11pm (afternoon shift)... oh, please bear in mind - we have to arrive at least 30mins before the start of shift to receive the pass over report.


Although I had been working on these kind of shifts before, it felt different. What's the difference then? It is definitely a new experience for me of course. I used to do what a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) does - [eg. changing diaper, sending slips to the pharmacy, help in taking vital signs]. However, now that I am actually studying in Nursing, it isn't just as simple as what you might think it is.


Nursing basically covers everything from changing diaper to assisting doctors in procedures. Nurses don't just take vital signs then sit down at the nursing station to do their documentation. Nurses don't dish out the medication and serve the patient their medications as ordered. They also monitor what are the outcome and reactions the patient has towards the medication. 

I have learnt that nursing isn't easy. It is so different from any other field. I now finally understand why people always have this saying, "Nursing is a very noble job, you will NEVER REGRET being a part of it".

Never thought that I would have survive in Nursing since it beginning, well, here I am now doing my final year. It was bumpy throughout the way but I realise that, this might have been what I wanted.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE
The Lady with Lamp

Nursing is an art:  and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation, as any painter's or sculptor's work; for what is the having to do with dead canvas or dead marble, compared with having to do with the living body, the temple of God's spirit?  It is one of the Fine Arts:  I had almost said, the finest of Fine Arts.  ~Florence Nightingale

Holidays

HOLIDAYS!!!
It is OVER :'(


1 week had past, and a new week coming up. I had a good time during this Raya break. Going to open houses and enjoy great delicious food.


Hanging out with classmates and enjoying each others' company just make me whole. :D


However, this holiday break is coming to an end and starts Monday, clinical resumes. After 3 months of not entering the clinical settings, now that I am about to get back to it, I am having a bit nervousness. Gonna start on full shift.

I pray that all goes well and this semester I am gonna do well in it. Wish me luck! 

Assignments!!!!!

Good morning everyone :-D Typical Saturday of mine will be in McDonald's soon enough and start typing again and crack head for my Community Health assignment (thanks to my brainless self for not backing up my files). To that I have to redo my assignment as the files are corrupted :'(


Then I have to write a journal for my religion class. Oh well, you must be wondering why am I taking up religion class.. that is because I am studying in a Christian institution named - ADVENTIST COLLEGE OF NURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES!!!! I know it is pretty lame, but hey, what can I do about it. Part of my course requirements.


What else do I have in mind now??? Hmm.... Oh, will be meeting up with my darling Jesse today and heading to church. I can't wait. Hahaha!!! I ain't that holy for your information but I do enjoy my time attending church services. :D


Okies, will update you people more soon! Have a good weekend everyone. Muackkkssss xoxo

I Am Back!

Being away from this blog for 5 months already!! Oh my, I am sorry for not updating. I am back anyway :D


New semester of college has started 3 weeks ago and that means I have 1 more year to go. Hopefully, I am gonna be able to hold on and get through this phase although it gets really challenging. 


Will be updating my blog more often from now on. See ya soon!
I gotta study for my tests tomorrow... Oh, will be in McDonald's till morning :O

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR