nurse on vacation

i've recently been noticing that nursing seeps its way into all aspects of life. nursing is not just a profession; it's a mindset. we nurse everywhere we go. we take care of those around us, whether or not they are our patients. and sometimes, nursing rears its ugly head at the strangest and most inopportune of times.

i work with this fantastic nurse. she recently acknowledged that she needed a break; not a long one, but a good one. we've had numerous deaths recently on our unit. and it just becomes overwhelming sometimes. so, on a whim, she decided to fly to cabo san lucas. she and her husband spent 6 days sunning themselves without a care in the world. it's just the kind of break from nursing one needs. self-care is important.

but then, just when you least expect it...

A and her husband were on a boat. they were spending their last afternoon on the water. then, all of a sudden, in the distance, people were in the water, waving for help, signaling distress. turns out, a couple walking/wading on the beach were carried out to sea by an undertoe. with help from locals, the female drowning victim was pulled into A's boat and A did CPR. the woman was cold and blue. her pupils were fixed and dilated (not a good sign). but as a nurse, you do your best. you try to save lives. whether you're in the hospital or on vacation, once a nurse, always a nurse.

once on shore, the mexican paramedics took over. and within minutes, A left the beach and headed to the airport - not knowing the outcome of her heroic works.

so much for a relaxing vacation.

both the female and male drowning victims died. see this article for more information. oh, and by the way, never go swimming on divorce beach. the name says it all...

http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2011/02/05/17170151.html