😒 Scrubs and Side Eyes

Tag: dementia

  • October Is Almost Over, the Holidays Are Coming, and Someone Said the Q-Word 👀

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    Julie Kay
    in

    October is almost over, which means those measly holidays are creeping up on us. 😂 And by measly holidays, I mean the ones where you’re still working while everyone else is enjoying their turkey, family time, and New Year’s celebrations. I’ll be working overnight the day before Thanksgiving, which absolutely counts as a holiday shift…

  • Am I Using My Nursing Brain… or Just Redirecting Everyone All Shift? 👀

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    Julie Kay
    in

    Being a new nurse in long-term care, learning the ropes, and wondering what comes next. Let’s talk about being a new nurse in long-term care. Specifically, working in a memory care unit. Because nursing school prepares you for a lot of things, but nobody can fully prepare you for repeating the same sentence approximately 47…

  • Monday Through Friday Is Mine Now

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    Julie Kay
    in

    Being a nurse has its advantages and disadvantages. The schedule can be weird.The hours can be long.Weekends, doubles, holidays… they’re all part of the deal. But one thing I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older is that I’m also much more self-aware about what I need to keep my peace. And right now? This schedule is…

  • The Healthcare Gods Heard Me Say “Smooth” 👀

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    Julie Kay
    in

    Well… I knew it was too good to be true. 😂 After my first overnight was almost suspiciously smooth, I should have known better than to get comfortable. Second overnight. And we have a fall. 😩😂 Thankfully, everyone is okay. Neuros have been started, things are being monitored, and now I’m waiting for med pass…

  • First Overnight Shift 👀

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    Julie Kay
    in

    It’s been a while since I’ve checked in from the nursing trenches. And honestly? That’s probably because things have been… dare I say… smooth. 😂 Work has been settling down a bit lately. This weekend especially has been pretty calm. No major emergencies, no huge problems, no shifts where I’m wondering how I’m going to…

  • What Nursing School Didn’t Teach Me

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    Julie Kay
    in

    I walked into work today expecting a regular shift. I did not expect to walk in and find out that our newest resident had passed away. She had only been with us for about a day and a half. One day you’re admitting someone, learning their routine, trying to get to know them, figuring out…

  • The Shift Is Over… So Why Is My Brain Still Working?

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    Julie Kay
    in

    I just got home. The shift is over. The keys are handed over. The rounds are done. The documentation is done. So why is my brain still at work? 😭 Tonight was a full moon double, and let me tell you… the energy was STRONG. Out of 15 residents, we had three pretty extreme behaviors.…

  • The Full Moon Double Is Back 🌕

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    Julie Kay
    in

    The full moon is back… and of course, I’m working a double. 😂 Oof. So far, the day has actually been pretty good—but I’m definitely noticing a lot more behaviors happening today. Agitation seems to be number one. The full moon phase is definitely in full effect, let me tell you. 🌕👀 But what can…

  • Four Days Off… But My Brain Didn’t Get the Memo

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    Julie Kay
    in

    And just like that… the work week is over. Four days off again. 🙌🏽 I’m not going to lie—I am really loving this schedule. I don’t even mind working the weekend doubles when I know I have four days waiting for me on the other side. But this weekend? Whew. It was a very anxiety-driven…

  • Back From Four Days Off… And Right Back into a Double

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    Julie Kay
    in

    After four glorious days off—which were amazing, by the way—it’s time to jump right back into a double. And yes… I think I may have jinxed myself a little. Remember when I said the last few weekends had been suspiciously calm? Yeah. I should probably stop saying things like that out loud. 👀 But honestly,…