Everyone changes in the morning in various places, and today all the women were to be found in the supply room. I could not pass on a "girl shot"; Deb (anesthesia), Kristin (surgery), Manon (coordinator), Sarah (nursing), Pam (hand therapy), Marion (nursing), and Barbara (surgery), with me (Bonnie, anesthesia) down in front. Missing are our two PACU nurses, Lorry and Vickie. There is not much luxury to these trips, and we all share and cohabitate like a big camping trip. Usually two persons to a room, and a chance to get to know another team member that much better by sharing hotel space.
]We have all noticed how stoic and brave these children are. They do not seem any less afraid than other children, and some do throw a total fit when we take them back (all done without sedation), but many others swallow their fear and hold it in, possibly betrayed only by a small tear, a trembling lip, or a shake. Imagine how it must feel to be taken away from one's family by people you have never met, can't understand, and all you may know is that something is going to be done that will probably hurt.
We try to anticipate the supplies we will need and bring what will be used. The patients who are finally signed up may or may not fit with the exact packing for the trip. Some things run out, and other in excess may either be left or returned, as are the "hard" items like monitors, suction, and surgical tools. We had so many local trainees come to help, watch, and assist that we ran out of gloves and had to ask them to bring their own. Manon, in her own sweet way, made a note to request everyone please bring their own supplies if they want to scrub and watch.
This little boy came back for a dressing change, and it was determined that he had to come back for a cleaning and some repair under anesthesia. He had not eaten or had anything to drink, so he was ready to go. Unfortunately, a break in cases did not come for him for about five more hours. During this time, his father sat in the entryway with his son on his lap. His son fell asleep, and the man did not move, not taking a break or getting water.
A while later, after a few hours had passed and the little boy had wakened, the boy was sitting on the floor coloring and the father still waited. I offered to sit with the boy if the father would take a break and go for a walk to get a drink and a rest. He reluctantly agreed, saying the boy did not like to be with anyone else. I insisted, sat down with the crayons and the boy, and the father finally ambled off.
After about five minutes, the jig was up and the boy began to look around and started to cry. I tried and tried to distract him, make faces, and get him to smile, but only made things worse. Luckily, at about this time, Oumar walked in and saved the day. He scooped the boy up, swung him around, and made little noises that comforted the boy. As I caught this photo, Oumar looked askance at me as if to say, "How am I doing?" Great, Oumar, perfect.
The father returned, the patient was eventually done, and all worked out well. Meanwhile, I noticed this adorable little girl, twirling and running about. As soon as I came out and looked, she crouched and got very suspicious. Turned out she was one of our next patients, and knew it would soon be her turn.
Comic relief: her brother got into the act. Not about to be outdone by her sister, he came over for a photo too. He seemed to be enjoying the whole scene, especially since he was not in line for surgery!
As if two such gremlins aren't enough of a handful, the mother turned around and here was this little face. Nestled safely next to his mom's back, he had the same engaging grin as his brother, then became very intent when he saw the camera.
Now sister is inside being readied to go, and the suspicion is back. Luckily Chuck has placed her on his lap, mama is nearby laughing, and her look says it all. She sees me in my scrub suit and funny hat and she knows I mean trouble.
Finally the day is done and we all crowd into a great Thai restaurant, owned by a Belgian man and his Thai wife. These meals are very restorative, giving us time to decompress, relax, and close the day. What a great team!
