Did my shift as a visitor to the Intensive Care Unit today. Really enjoyed it but did feel like a fish out of water. It is 14 years since I've worked on a ward with male patients on it. The staff were all brilliant and eager to show me their equipment and care routines which differ a hell of a lot to ours. The only thing that bothered me a bit was that the nurses had absolutely no autonomy. Everything was dictated by the Anaesthetists and despite the nurses being very experienced, even something as simple as drops to keep the eyes moist while the patients are unconscious had to be prescribed by a doctor. I don't think I could stand to work like this. It's only through going there today that I realise just how many decisions midwives make as autonomous practitioners and I hope that this reflects fairly in the forthcoming agenda for change pay and conditions shake up.
When I got home I decided to chase the dog around the garden in a vain attempt to obtain a urine sample. This is a task which is easier said than done and I am ashamed to say that I failed miserably. However, I did manage to get on my hands and knees in the mud on Highams to inspect the micturating dog and I am happy to say that the urine appeared to be clear. I shall be keeping a close eye on that in the next few days, so if anyone out there sees a mad woman kneeling in the mud on the playing field in the next few days, give me a wave before you phone the RSPCA.
When I got home I decided to chase the dog around the garden in a vain attempt to obtain a urine sample. This is a task which is easier said than done and I am ashamed to say that I failed miserably. However, I did manage to get on my hands and knees in the mud on Highams to inspect the micturating dog and I am happy to say that the urine appeared to be clear. I shall be keeping a close eye on that in the next few days, so if anyone out there sees a mad woman kneeling in the mud on the playing field in the next few days, give me a wave before you phone the RSPCA.