the Graham Cracker House

Since Salt Lake City is swimming in RSV,  there seems to be almost NO escaping it.  The virus is hitting everyone, young and old, and those under age 5 often end up in the hospital.  Our unit at Primary Children's  is overflowing (literally) with RSV patients.  in Lieu of focusing on the darkness of these times, I am trying to find the positive perks to RSV season.

1- I get the satisfying feeling of sucking snot out with a tiny cather.  Kind of gross I know, but it's good to know I played a part in helping the kid be able to breathe.
2- I get to wear a stylin' yellow gown every time I enter a patients room, forever imprinting a fear of yellow monsters into their young brains.
3- I get to interact with some amazing parents, and
4- occasionally see friends and family at the hospital
5-  I find myself exhausted after working four of these extra shifts in a row, and realize that I am just preparing for parenthood (someday)
6- I wear a mask pretty much all day, which supposedly prevents me from getting any airborne viruses (not sure if it's working, I've had a cough all week)
7- I get to work a lot of extra shifts and make more money (hoping to take a vacation with my hubby in the summer!)
8- mentor and coach student nurses (especially those from BYU) so they will be fabulous RN's when it's their turn to take care of RSV-ers
9- taking care of GI/short-gut kids is fun again, (even though their room smells like TPN and fish oil) just  because it's something different
10- occasionally getting to work half shifts (for extras) which are infinitely easier than 12 hours.

click here for a recent DeseretNews article about RSV in Utah

One more story from the infant unit, not related to RSV:  a 2-year old patient was left by himself when his mom went to the cafeteria.  He had the remote in his hand, and accidently pushed the nurse call-light button.  Two of us came rushing in, saw what he did, laughed and just cancelled it.  The patient seemed to think this reaction was great however, because as soon as we left he did it again.  I answered it this time, and again- another nurse got it, and AGAIN!  He thought he was being pret-ty powerful.  The other nurse finally went in and took the remote out of his hands. He gave her the biggest crusty! but didn't cry.  We told his mom about it when she got back, she laughed with us.  Gotta love those little ones!

Since this is the Graham family blog I must mention that my husband has been amazing while I have been working tons this week.  He is doing great in school, and buckles down for long days of homework while I work. He has made dinner for me every night, makes the bed, and does the dishes.  It is so wonderful to come home to a clean house! He even came up to the hospital once to visit me on my lunch break.  Being married is wonderful.