Saving Lives!!!

• And so is the world put back by the death of every one who has to sacrifice the development of his or her peculiar gifts (which were meant, not for selfish gratification, but for the improvement of that world) to conventionality. [1852] ~Florence Nightingale

Well, today I actually can say I saved someone's life on my own. There are so many times that nurses save lives at work, etc. We work together to save lives, and help others heal and feel better!! I have seen patients die, or come in D.O.A (dead on arrival). That horrible and just so, so sad. I have to say though, that I have never seen someone go from 90 to NOTHING in seriously ONE second. I had a patient today (I'm not saying any names, so I'm not violating HIPAA laws) that had neck surgery. The patient was doing great!! Recovering just wonderfully! Awake, alert and oriented x3. No history of respiratory problems, etc. She wanted something to drink, so I looked at her orders. On her orders, I saw that she could have clear liquids. So, I provided her with a sip of Sprite. No big deal right??? WRONG!!! Usually not a big deal! Usually a norm. in the PACU. She was loving the sprite until I look over after a sip, and she is gagging. Yep, she was talking to me, saying it just went down the wrong windpipe. All the sudden, she did the universal sign of choking (seriously, this is real, and it happens! It's not just on the silly videos) and turns blue. In one, I repeat one second, the patient was apneic and flopped back on the bed. I immediately jerk the side rail down, yell for everyone to come help, and give abdominal thrusts. I give 4 strong abdominal thrusts (only give abdominal thrust to unresponsive victims; just a side note), and she starts breathing again. Her color came back, and she is once again responsive. It felt so good to see her eyes open and look at me!!! Thank the LORD!! It all seems like a blur, but I'm so thankful that my patient is alive and well right now!! It just shows how fast things can happen, even to a healthy patient with no history. The way I felt today after this happened made me realize again why I became a nurse. I have so much passion for helping others, and making them better. I became so close to the patient, just talking to her for a hour. Even though I called 10 people to the bedside when the emergency happened, it felt like it was just my patient and me for about 10 secs. It seemed like eternity. The cool thing is that I just had a refresher CPR class yesterday. Even though I would know what to do, I know God was preparing me for what happened today. God was refreshing my mind to help my patient and make me stronger. Thank you Lord for preparing me for the unknown. God is good; ALL THE TIME!!

P.S. Zach has an interview in Bham tomorrow with Coca-Cola. Please pray for him to do well, and that God's will be done. We are ready to be closer to home...