Memorial Day weekend was BIPOLAR week! Not only was 50% of the unit energized and manic, but hyper-sexual as all get out. For those of you that have never been on a psych ward, sex is not permitted. Peoples judgement is just a tad off, so having sex with another mentally ill person is not a great idea. Sure, it ensures job security for those of us in the field, but we've already got the ED stacked up with 20 patients waiting to get in...I'm pretty sure I'll have a job for the next few years.
This past week was "stinky person" week. I HATE stinky person week! One of my fellow nurses was walking around the unit with a can of Glade! I have a weak sense of smell (which is quite handy for a nurse), but we had 2 guys that bowled me over gagging. This is when the no holes barred bargaining begins. I mean we can't put someone in restraints just to wash them, not allowed to withhold food and fluids (in spite of the fact that no one else can eat within 10 feet of them), but there is always something they want, so let the negotiations begin! And this is key...when you finally get them in the shower in exchange for...maybe a status change or their Walkman....there has to be 1). running water 2). soap 3). more soap, and 4). a stealth move to grab their clothes and throw them in the washer X6 while they are naked in the running water with the soap. This step is imperative. Otherwise they will put the wretched clothes back on and the gagging will commence again.
For me, I'll take hyper-sexual over stinky every time, even though it involves 3 hours more paperwork if those hot and horny ones do hook up.
22 days off now! Yipeeeeeeeeeeee!
This past week was "stinky person" week. I HATE stinky person week! One of my fellow nurses was walking around the unit with a can of Glade! I have a weak sense of smell (which is quite handy for a nurse), but we had 2 guys that bowled me over gagging. This is when the no holes barred bargaining begins. I mean we can't put someone in restraints just to wash them, not allowed to withhold food and fluids (in spite of the fact that no one else can eat within 10 feet of them), but there is always something they want, so let the negotiations begin! And this is key...when you finally get them in the shower in exchange for...maybe a status change or their Walkman....there has to be 1). running water 2). soap 3). more soap, and 4). a stealth move to grab their clothes and throw them in the washer X6 while they are naked in the running water with the soap. This step is imperative. Otherwise they will put the wretched clothes back on and the gagging will commence again.
For me, I'll take hyper-sexual over stinky every time, even though it involves 3 hours more paperwork if those hot and horny ones do hook up.
22 days off now! Yipeeeeeeeeeeee!
