Hello to all.. I thought I would take a minute and blog about my knee surgery tomorrow that's going to happen at 10:00. Here's a couple of thoughts that have been passing through my mind..
1. I sure hope I go to sleep during the anesthesia and don't feel anything.
2.I sure hope I wake up from the anesthesia.
3. I hope that I am a good patient during my single day surgery. I plan to be but one never knows how one will react to drugs.
4. I hope I get some good drugs during my recovery room period. I don't take pain medication very often and I plan to enjoy my brief interlude. No I'm not a drug addict. If anything, I don't take it enough. I'm a Motrin fan big time!
5. I hope that my son enjoys our reading and singing time tonight and remembers everything about me if something happens.
6. I hope that Michael understands that even though I yell at him a lot, I do it out of love. I hope he remembers that I chose to be his Mom. The other ones were just stuck with me.
7. I hope that my daughter understands how much I really love her even if she didn't think I showed it enough. I hope she follows my footsteps into nursing but if not, finds a passion that she will love for a lifetime instead of just having a job. I miss her around the house. The stubborn ass needs to come back home!
8. I hope my oldest son knows that I'm very proud of him trying to get his act together with college. He needs to buckle down and find a career as well.. I miss him being around the house sitting on my lap even though he's almost 6 foot tall. He's such a MaMa's boy and I love it!!
9. I hope my mother in law truly understands how much I've come to care about her. I wish that she would take better care of herself so that she's around for a long time. I know we got off on a rocky start but I love her dearly.
10. I hope my husband understands how much he means to me. He takes such good care of me and the kids. He puts up with my laziness and my idiocyncrases.(sp) I so enjoy our alone time together even if it's just the ride to work and back on a daily basis. We don't get enough alone time between work and school. I can't wait to be done with this so we can take a little trip somewhere nice.
I didn't mean to get sappy but what are some things you would want your family to know if you were about to go under the knife?????
Monday, February 27, 2006
Pictures from your favorite Nurse Practitioner Student
You guys asked for it.... Drum roll please!!!!! Here I am holding my favorite drink in the world behind Pepsi and iced tea.. I don't imbibe too often but I do love a great Margarita.. These pictures are from my husband's cousin's wedding last year. The suit makes him look bigger than he really is. Today is our 9th wedding anniversary and I love him soooo much! I couldn't ask for a better husband. Here's to many more!!!
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Nurse practitioner student's favorite Civil War Reenactors!
Here's a little peek at some of my favorite Civil War reenactors!! Hope you like! If you like personal pics on websites like mine, leave a comment and let me know!!
Friday, February 24, 2006
People stealing body parts
February 24, 2006 -- Four ghouls ran a multimillion-dollar body-parts ring, hoisting corpses into a secret, surgically pristine operating room where they removed bones, tendons and heart valves, authorities revealed yesterday.
Once their gruesome task was done, the body snatchers replaced the bones with plastic piping, callously tossed their gloves and aprons into the desecrated corpses and sewed them up, authorities said.
Over almost four years, the men allegedly harvested parts from 1,077 bodies, but only once obtained the OK from relatives. In all the other cases, they forged the consent forms, prosecutors said.
The purloined parts were sold to tissue-transplant companies for use in back and hip replacements, knee operations and dental implants around the world.
Click on the title to read the entire story from The New York Post...
This is just too disgusting to think about right now. I am scheduled for double meniscus replacement on Tuesday. It's bad enough that I have to get over having dead people's parts in my knee with all the inherent risks involved. I know that they screen as well as they can, but after reading this horrific article.... What's really sad is that I am a hugh supporter of organ, bone and tissue donation. I am one myself but this needs to be SEVERELY dealt with!!!
EEWWWWWWWW!!!!!!
Once their gruesome task was done, the body snatchers replaced the bones with plastic piping, callously tossed their gloves and aprons into the desecrated corpses and sewed them up, authorities said.
Over almost four years, the men allegedly harvested parts from 1,077 bodies, but only once obtained the OK from relatives. In all the other cases, they forged the consent forms, prosecutors said.
The purloined parts were sold to tissue-transplant companies for use in back and hip replacements, knee operations and dental implants around the world.
Click on the title to read the entire story from The New York Post...
This is just too disgusting to think about right now. I am scheduled for double meniscus replacement on Tuesday. It's bad enough that I have to get over having dead people's parts in my knee with all the inherent risks involved. I know that they screen as well as they can, but after reading this horrific article.... What's really sad is that I am a hugh supporter of organ, bone and tissue donation. I am one myself but this needs to be SEVERELY dealt with!!!
EEWWWWWWWW!!!!!!
South Dakota Passes Ban on Nearly All Abortions
PIERRE, S.D.(AP) The Legislature on Friday approved a ban on nearly all abortions in South Dakota, setting up a direct legal assault on Roe v. Wade.
Republican Gov. Mike Rounds said he was inclined to sign the bill, which would make it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion unless it was necessary to save the woman's life. The measure would make no exception in cases of rape or incest.
Many opponents and supporters of abortion rights believe the U.S. Supreme Court is more likely to overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion now that Justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito are on the bench.
Planned Parenthood, which operates the only abortion clinic in South Dakota, has pledged to sue over the measure, which would become law July 1. The clinic does about 800 abortions a year.
The House passed the bill 50-18 on Friday. The Senate approved the measure 23-12 earlier this week.
Under the measure, doctors could get up to five years in prison for performing an illegal abortion.
The governor said he believes it would be better to eliminate abortion in a series of steps, but some abortion opponents want a court challenge that could wipe out abortion in one fell swoop.
"I've indicated I'm pro-life and I do believe abortion is wrong, and that we should do everything we can to save lives," Rounds said. "If this bill accomplishes that, then I am inclined to sign the bill into law."
During debate on the measure, lawmakers were told that an anonymous donor has pledged to give the state $1 million to defend the abortion ban in court. The Legislature is setting up a special account to accept donations for the legal fight.
"I can tell you first-hand we've had people stopping in our office trying to drop off checks to promote the defense of this legislation already," Rounds said.
Opponents of the bill argued that abortion should at least be allowed in cases involving rape, incest and a threat to a women's health.
If a woman who is raped becomes pregnant, the rapist would have the same rights to the child as the mother, said Krista Heeren-Graber, executive director of the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault.
"The idea the rapist could be in the child's life ... makes the woman very, very fearful. Sometimes they need to have choice," Heeren-Graber said.
What the hell are they thinking? I am definitely pro-choice, ESPECIALLY when it comes to incest and rape. I don't believe that it should be used as regular birth control at all. Indiscriminate abortions are just wrong, but a woman should have the choice to make those decisions.(All you men out there who are screaming, "What about me?? How can she have an abortion without taking into my consideration? I would raise the baby myself." I don't know how to answer those questions, but I think that cry would change a little when science can make birth happen for men themselves.) I ABSOLUTELY am against partial birth, late term abortions. It's inhumane and I think that if someone wants one, they should have to watch several in a row first. There are too many people who cannot have children who would love to adopt out in the world to be doing that. What do you think about this threat to Roe Vs Wade?
Republican Gov. Mike Rounds said he was inclined to sign the bill, which would make it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion unless it was necessary to save the woman's life. The measure would make no exception in cases of rape or incest.
Many opponents and supporters of abortion rights believe the U.S. Supreme Court is more likely to overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion now that Justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito are on the bench.
Planned Parenthood, which operates the only abortion clinic in South Dakota, has pledged to sue over the measure, which would become law July 1. The clinic does about 800 abortions a year.
The House passed the bill 50-18 on Friday. The Senate approved the measure 23-12 earlier this week.
Under the measure, doctors could get up to five years in prison for performing an illegal abortion.
The governor said he believes it would be better to eliminate abortion in a series of steps, but some abortion opponents want a court challenge that could wipe out abortion in one fell swoop.
"I've indicated I'm pro-life and I do believe abortion is wrong, and that we should do everything we can to save lives," Rounds said. "If this bill accomplishes that, then I am inclined to sign the bill into law."
During debate on the measure, lawmakers were told that an anonymous donor has pledged to give the state $1 million to defend the abortion ban in court. The Legislature is setting up a special account to accept donations for the legal fight.
"I can tell you first-hand we've had people stopping in our office trying to drop off checks to promote the defense of this legislation already," Rounds said.
Opponents of the bill argued that abortion should at least be allowed in cases involving rape, incest and a threat to a women's health.
If a woman who is raped becomes pregnant, the rapist would have the same rights to the child as the mother, said Krista Heeren-Graber, executive director of the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault.
"The idea the rapist could be in the child's life ... makes the woman very, very fearful. Sometimes they need to have choice," Heeren-Graber said.
What the hell are they thinking? I am definitely pro-choice, ESPECIALLY when it comes to incest and rape. I don't believe that it should be used as regular birth control at all. Indiscriminate abortions are just wrong, but a woman should have the choice to make those decisions.(All you men out there who are screaming, "What about me?? How can she have an abortion without taking into my consideration? I would raise the baby myself." I don't know how to answer those questions, but I think that cry would change a little when science can make birth happen for men themselves.) I ABSOLUTELY am against partial birth, late term abortions. It's inhumane and I think that if someone wants one, they should have to watch several in a row first. There are too many people who cannot have children who would love to adopt out in the world to be doing that. What do you think about this threat to Roe Vs Wade?
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Nursing School Gremlin
I've decided that there must be a nursing school gremlin. You'll know what I'm talking about if you are in some type of nursing school.. Here's some signs that you know it's lurking around your neck of the woods...
1. EVERY semester you get some type of illness.. This is not the usual cold but something that takes antibiotics to kick the crap out of.
2. You know you're desperate when you are contemplating taking a nasal spray that has been expired for a year.
3. You snap aware and realize that an entire week has passed and you aren't sure what's even due... OMG!! Did I miss any deadlines??????
4. You realize that you haven't felt like blogstalking or blogging. (I must be seriously ill!)
5. You find yourself seriously burned out at work and daydreaming about what your "true" career will be like when school is over. (Nursing is my true career but I can't wait to be an official NP!)
6. Sex??? Nuf said....
7. Mommy and kid time??? Nuf said...
But.. I know there is my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!! I just have to figure out how to keep the Nursing School Gremlin in it's place...
1. EVERY semester you get some type of illness.. This is not the usual cold but something that takes antibiotics to kick the crap out of.
2. You know you're desperate when you are contemplating taking a nasal spray that has been expired for a year.
3. You snap aware and realize that an entire week has passed and you aren't sure what's even due... OMG!! Did I miss any deadlines??????
4. You realize that you haven't felt like blogstalking or blogging. (I must be seriously ill!)
5. You find yourself seriously burned out at work and daydreaming about what your "true" career will be like when school is over. (Nursing is my true career but I can't wait to be an official NP!)
6. Sex??? Nuf said....
7. Mommy and kid time??? Nuf said...
But.. I know there is my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!! I just have to figure out how to keep the Nursing School Gremlin in it's place...
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Nurse Practitioners in Minute Clinics
Thanks to NurseJoan for sending me this little tidbit!
Physicians are critical of the concept, calling the sites "convenient-store care" and "retail clinics."
Dr. Elisabeth L. Righter, president of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians, said the emphasis at clinics such as these is on time and money, not safety and quality. She said there should be physician supervision.
"It’s a retail ploy to increase their market share," she said. "It’s a gimmick to me. It’s a way to get them inside the store to buy more things."
CVS officials did not return phone calls. MinuteClinic officials said patients can fill prescriptions anywhere.
Tim Maglione, spokesman for the Ohio State Medical Association, said doctors know their patients and will ask more questions.
"What may appear to be trivial can be a very serious health situation, and these clinics are not equipped to handle that," he said.
But Dr. Jim Woodburn, medical director for MinuteClinic, said no one wants to replace doctors.
"We’ll encourage people to find a doctor and give them a list of clinics in your neighborhood (that) . . . are accepting new patients," he said.
MinuteClinic has electronic medical records to keep track of visits and can fax copies of records to the patients’ physicians.
Nurse practitioners treat a specific list of minor illnesses and refer patients with serious or chronic conditions to urgentcare centers, hospitals or doctors’ offices.
Click on the title to read the whole story...
I think that part of the problem with this concept is in the naming "Minute Clinic". It implies fast, shoddy healthcare and gives nurse practitioners who work there the same persona. I think that it will help decompress the ER departments by giving people the option to get a diagnosis for the easy things. I think that people SHOULD NOT use these places as primary healthcare providers. But after hours and on the weekends when the sudden earache or sore throat kicks in.. I might give it a shot. Beats the crap out of sitting in the ER for hours taking up precious resources for trauma patients who truly need their help. Nurse practitioners ask the right questions just like doctors do. I resent the fact that doctors "know their patients" better and that NPs don't know how to ask important diagnositic questions.. If doctors or NPs don't ask the right questions, they aren't qualified professionals. Besides, how many minutes do you actually get at your doctor's office??? 15??? Point made....
Physicians are critical of the concept, calling the sites "convenient-store care" and "retail clinics."
Dr. Elisabeth L. Righter, president of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians, said the emphasis at clinics such as these is on time and money, not safety and quality. She said there should be physician supervision.
"It’s a retail ploy to increase their market share," she said. "It’s a gimmick to me. It’s a way to get them inside the store to buy more things."
CVS officials did not return phone calls. MinuteClinic officials said patients can fill prescriptions anywhere.
Tim Maglione, spokesman for the Ohio State Medical Association, said doctors know their patients and will ask more questions.
"What may appear to be trivial can be a very serious health situation, and these clinics are not equipped to handle that," he said.
But Dr. Jim Woodburn, medical director for MinuteClinic, said no one wants to replace doctors.
"We’ll encourage people to find a doctor and give them a list of clinics in your neighborhood (that) . . . are accepting new patients," he said.
MinuteClinic has electronic medical records to keep track of visits and can fax copies of records to the patients’ physicians.
Nurse practitioners treat a specific list of minor illnesses and refer patients with serious or chronic conditions to urgentcare centers, hospitals or doctors’ offices.
Click on the title to read the whole story...
I think that part of the problem with this concept is in the naming "Minute Clinic". It implies fast, shoddy healthcare and gives nurse practitioners who work there the same persona. I think that it will help decompress the ER departments by giving people the option to get a diagnosis for the easy things. I think that people SHOULD NOT use these places as primary healthcare providers. But after hours and on the weekends when the sudden earache or sore throat kicks in.. I might give it a shot. Beats the crap out of sitting in the ER for hours taking up precious resources for trauma patients who truly need their help. Nurse practitioners ask the right questions just like doctors do. I resent the fact that doctors "know their patients" better and that NPs don't know how to ask important diagnositic questions.. If doctors or NPs don't ask the right questions, they aren't qualified professionals. Besides, how many minutes do you actually get at your doctor's office??? 15??? Point made....
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Kentucky Nurse Practitioners Fight For Their Rights To Prescribe Controlled Substances
A bill moving through the legislature is causing some controversy between healthcare providers and law enforcement officials.
The bill would allow nurse practitioners to prescribe some controlled substances. While some think patient care would improve, others say it will only increase the drug problem.
Currently, nurse practitioners can only write prescriptions for routine illnesses. The proposed bill would add schedules II-IV controlled substances. There would be restrictions on the prescriptions, including time and refill limits.
Some law enforcement officials think the bill would hurt more than help.
A statement released by Operation UNITE said, "It is difficult enough to enforce existing drug laws without increasing the number of individuals who have authority to prescribe controlled substances... Kentucky does not need another portal for controlled substances... coupled with our current drug problem... Allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe controlled substances would only add to the potential for abuse."
Click on the title to read the whole story....
Kentucky nurse practitioners are fighting for their rights to prescribe controlled substances for their patients. I find it amusing that an argument against entails the idea that patients will abuse narcotics more if nurse practitioners gain the right to prescribe.
Ever heard of doctor shopping??? Patients will do whatever it takes to maintain a drug abuse habit. It makes no difference whether a nurse pracititioner has the authority to prescribe. We are completely aware of the risk when prescribing medications. We understand that there is a potential for abuse of any medication prescribed. That's the reason we need prescription databases so we can track abusers of the system. Even with the ability to prescribe narcotics, some nurse practitioners may choose not to do so due to their own comfort levels regarding narcotics. Give us some credit please!!!!
The bill would allow nurse practitioners to prescribe some controlled substances. While some think patient care would improve, others say it will only increase the drug problem.
Currently, nurse practitioners can only write prescriptions for routine illnesses. The proposed bill would add schedules II-IV controlled substances. There would be restrictions on the prescriptions, including time and refill limits.
Some law enforcement officials think the bill would hurt more than help.
A statement released by Operation UNITE said, "It is difficult enough to enforce existing drug laws without increasing the number of individuals who have authority to prescribe controlled substances... Kentucky does not need another portal for controlled substances... coupled with our current drug problem... Allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe controlled substances would only add to the potential for abuse."
Click on the title to read the whole story....
Kentucky nurse practitioners are fighting for their rights to prescribe controlled substances for their patients. I find it amusing that an argument against entails the idea that patients will abuse narcotics more if nurse practitioners gain the right to prescribe.
Ever heard of doctor shopping??? Patients will do whatever it takes to maintain a drug abuse habit. It makes no difference whether a nurse pracititioner has the authority to prescribe. We are completely aware of the risk when prescribing medications. We understand that there is a potential for abuse of any medication prescribed. That's the reason we need prescription databases so we can track abusers of the system. Even with the ability to prescribe narcotics, some nurse practitioners may choose not to do so due to their own comfort levels regarding narcotics. Give us some credit please!!!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
What a Great Valentine's Day!
Hello to all.. Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day! I received two beautiful sets of gold earrings (hummingbird and long gold fancy ones) with a dozen roses and a box of chocolates! Can't do much better than that!! But on a sour note, I did a real doozy to myself...
I bought some Nair hair remover and tried to get all smooth and sexy for my honey. Shouldn't be a problem, right??? WRONG!!!!!!!!
I had an allergic reaction to the stuff and now I have a horrible rash all over my legs up to my nether region! No... I didn't go there, thank goodness.. Guess I won't be giving my sexy nighty a test drive tonight!! Oh well... at least I tried.. It's the thought that counts... Thank goodness my husband has a sense of humor and compassion for the 1000 degree sunburn type of pain I'm eagerly awaiting to end...
Now, I've got to find the most comfortable uniform I can find for tomorrow...
Such is life!!!!!
P.S. Had a great set of clinicals with the Nurse Practitioner this week! Much more hands on this time. Was well worth the wait.... Gotta run for now!!
I bought some Nair hair remover and tried to get all smooth and sexy for my honey. Shouldn't be a problem, right??? WRONG!!!!!!!!
I had an allergic reaction to the stuff and now I have a horrible rash all over my legs up to my nether region! No... I didn't go there, thank goodness.. Guess I won't be giving my sexy nighty a test drive tonight!! Oh well... at least I tried.. It's the thought that counts... Thank goodness my husband has a sense of humor and compassion for the 1000 degree sunburn type of pain I'm eagerly awaiting to end...
Now, I've got to find the most comfortable uniform I can find for tomorrow...
Such is life!!!!!
P.S. Had a great set of clinicals with the Nurse Practitioner this week! Much more hands on this time. Was well worth the wait.... Gotta run for now!!
Friday, February 10, 2006
Nurse Practitioner student's brush with fame!
Hey everyone! My husband won lunch with Bob Rose. The best rant from each individual contest qualifies to win a free lunch with their hosts. The prize was lunch at Moe's Southwestern Grill with Bob Rose and Marty from the station. I enjoyed the stimulating conversation between my husband and the guys. Bob Rose is a standup guy who is very family oriented. He wished me well in my Nurse Practitioner program. If you are in the area, I highly recommend tuning into his show. What a class act!
Click the title for a link to the station's site..
Click the title for a link to the station's site..
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Just a little update from your favorite Nurse Practitioner student!
Hello to all! I finally got a date for surgery on my knee.. February 28th... So looking forward to it, not!!
Did some clinicals today and was totally bored because the doctor I followed wouldn't let me go into the rooms with him except for a few. I can't complain.. I guess it was also the easiest 6 hours I've spent in a while. He did discuss the cases and listened to me regarding a treatment option. I will be following his nurse practitioner on Monday and I expect to get more hands on which is the whole point!
I have to run off and take a test so this will be it for now!
P.S.. Please take some time and visit my husband's blog Independent News Service
He's new at this and has some interesting views regarding politics and sports.
Did some clinicals today and was totally bored because the doctor I followed wouldn't let me go into the rooms with him except for a few. I can't complain.. I guess it was also the easiest 6 hours I've spent in a while. He did discuss the cases and listened to me regarding a treatment option. I will be following his nurse practitioner on Monday and I expect to get more hands on which is the whole point!
I have to run off and take a test so this will be it for now!
P.S.. Please take some time and visit my husband's blog Independent News Service
He's new at this and has some interesting views regarding politics and sports.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Article on Indiana Nurse Practitioners
Here's another interesting article on Indiana nurse practitioners. Enjoy!
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