[eightofhearts]

so last week we went out with ellen and some of her friends/ co-workers to a tea house next to west lake. and they taught us how to play chinese poker. we had a wonderful time getting to socialize and eating quite the spread of food. i loved my almond milk tea and really enjoyed learning how to play chinese poker. note to all, don't play against jordan, she'll give you a run for your money... here are some photos to share (and i even took most of these)

it looked cool i'm sure it tasted good too. 

the spread

almond milk tea. SO GOOD

richie's blue strawberry tea

the girls vegging out

1/2 deck in ONE hand... ahhhhh

the FUN group!

learning poker

so, obviously i have been in the cardiovascular unit/ CCU for 4 days and I haven't said much about it yet. report happens with ALL the nurses and doctors in the morning, the 2 night nurses (yes, only 2 for the whole floor) reports on all patients- not really sure what exactly they say, i hear a few words i recognize, mostly numbers. everyone also stand in specific places depending on their job. after report the charge nurse and the oncoming nurses do patient rounds inspecting IV's and checking on their patients-- this is what they consider a re-assessment... i know that not all nurses in the US do a good head to toe, but i have been taught and have seen quite a few nurses do an appropriate re-assessment. i only saw one nurse even listen to the heart or lungs on this unit, with me... WHAT?!! there is only one medication nurse who prepares all the oral medications for the unit- mostly she just hands them to the patient and leaves, i suppose they trust the patients will just take the medication. the primary nurses are still responsible for all IV medications, lab draws (without gloves), patient education, discharges, wound care, vitals, etc... they have at least 8 patients each if not more...  and the "CNA's" can't do anything but basic hygiene assistance, there are no phlebotomists, EKG techs, etc.  i have been able to prepare and give some IV meds, start IV's, do a million lab draws, and even a skin test! finally the consistent practice i needed to feel like i can do any lab draw or IV start on any patient. :) the first day i didn't do any physical assessments because i wanted to observe what their standard practice was. when i whipped out my stethoscope the subsequent days, i think they were a little surprised with what i would do everyday. when i interviewed my 'case study' patient with ellen translating of course, she was surprised when i asked what the patient's preferred learning style was. i also discussed spiritual care with her before asking about it, and she admitted that the nurses here rarely ask about that, so she was also surprised when i asked the patient what makes his 'spirit' well and what resources he had to help him be happy. needless to say, the nurses here work VERY hard, but it is still different then what i have experienced in the United States. 

we were able to participate in observing a 'case study' report on a teenager with peripartum cardiomyopathy. the nurse manager of the unit, and the nurse administrator of all the medical units were also in attendance. they started with the history and then did a great physical assessment and even percussed her heart to demonstrate how big it had gotten. they talked about nursing diagnosis' and care plans. i asked ellen and lesly why they didn't do psychosocial assessment... ellen urged me to ask at the end. with fear in my voice i said, "i'm wondering what nursing diagnosis' you would add to include the social issues and how she is coping with having a baby so young with all of this going on too?". needless to say, they were glad i asked and wanted to ask more questions. ellen said this is the area of care that they would like to improve on. 

i also got to do a day of EKG monitoring. if you know me, i love EKG's... it's really nerdy. i even baked cookies of rhythms for our class with Jenny after i had learned them.

i'm thinking i'm considering being open to a position on a cardiovascular unit. still not my first choice, but i think i'd be happy with it :)

i also decided during this time that i am playing a game of I spy with God. i have to find God's little hidden letters and clues each day. call it child-ish, but i'm having fun with it. it helps me not get discouraged when its hard to feel close to God, because i am not the best 'spy-er' in I Spy. it makes me look harder so i can turn to the next page in the book. 

that's all for now!

prayer requests

-chinese class- i really don't want to go today. 

-sunshine. i don't mind the rain but i would love exercise and adventure outside more. it's not exactly conducive in the rain.