worn

Our patients remember their age, particularly when it has been celebrated or otherwise marked in their past, but more often we notate ages as rough estimations based on a complicated series of calculations.

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a night nurse: on sooth and soothe

Lucy is sleeping soundly after her cataract surgery and soothing bath. Since she arrived, she has never looked so relaxed.

We are coming to realize here at the hospital how much of our care involves actions one might categorize under the heading of mere 'grooming.' Not so! Nurture, nurture. Simple dignities.

All the pants-less are now pantsed.

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a day nurse: paperwork

summary notes for the files:

1 - facilitated the ever-growing amputee support group. provided education on why this hospital does not supply nor promote prosthesis.

2 - anastazja swallowed her national pride when her colorful frock needed to be sliced in the emergency room for easier access. we let her keep her kerchief in surgery. currently sedated.

3 - completed and charted treatment plans for all our new patients.

4 - it was a hard call on whether or not to save ms. bright's orange hair. decided no.

5 - wendy asked the others for a signing of her leg cast. silence.

6 - it seems penelope belden is too stiff for traction.

7 - heavy bleaching during the laundering of several stained gowns. success!

8 - caught up with paperwork for the archive of bruises.

9 - one of the miniature girls, in an apparent fit of mania perhaps brought on by her meds (note: take her off the good and plenty), started her own version of the archives. perhaps it will help her make some friends on the ward.

waiting room

While our hospital undergoes construction, our patients wait...patiently. Right now, barely a peep.

Earlier a nurse noticed our big floppy girl patient named Angel, the one with the smudged "hug me" written on her apron, was frightened, lingering alone on the table, looking away from the others. She expressed worry that she carried jumpers in that plush head of hair. Examination proved negative.

Upon gentle inquiry, she then asked politely for more contact. Several others piled on (along with our resident therapy cat) and the pressure/weight helped her immediately. We have noted this response of the limbic system several times with our patients and believe it is linked to somatic memory regarding toyboxes and closets.

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patient #1, born bruised