Adventures of a Wild Heart: November 2012

USNS Mercy

As a so called medical professional and having spent many years in Hawaii I had seen the two hospital ships, USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, pull into and out of port on a couple of occasions while enroute to the pacific area of operations (AOR). Since I first learned this wonder-boat was even in existence I have been amazed at its capacity and capabilities. This thing has everything you could possible need, minus an MRI! Fully functioning CT scanner, more trauma beds than my ER has total beds, and more DoD Civilians to limit working hours than you can imagine. I've been on many Naval ship tours when they've pulled into port and every single one of them has opened their ship store for us so we could purchase some trinkets like belt buckles and ship coins, but the USNS Mercy's store is run by non-military personnel and even though they were literally right around the corner, they would not open the store because they were "off-duty". The rest of the tour was quite impressive and I believe time on this mighty ship would be an extraordinary experience.

Things I Don't Do but others might...Quality security watch

So, anyone who's ever worked in an emergency room knows the suicidal/homicidal and the pysch patients pose a danger to self and staff. We have the great benefit of having our very own hospital police force and they excitedly run over when we call a code grey (hospital speak for agitated person) so they can sit on the sidelines and watch my dainty and/or PTSD laden staff can take-down patients. This fine gentleman must have been working a triple shift because he was more comatose than the patient. I can't imagine why he fell asleep; all my conversations with these types of patients are very enlightening and extremely entertaining.

Things I Do...ER Fun

Never leave something you value unattended, especially around a bunch pranksters. Here he left his workstation unattended so we thought we'd show the world his newest background favorite. You'd think he would have learned after this, but....

New iphone 5 left unattended by the new Clinical Nurse Officer in Charge (CNOIC). He's been working in this ED for some time as a civilian (he's a reservist now on active duty orders), so you'd think he would have learned. YES....for anyone who is worried about the phone, it was wrapped in casting material. It was super padded and protected inside to prevent any damage from the casting material heat and the fact he had to use a cast saw to open it! It still works perfectly! I must say this was awesome!