The H1N1 virus continues to be a big news-maker here in Manitoba. Yesterday, Manitoba’s First Nations chiefs declared a state of emergency. Our Winnipeg hospitals, and especially the Intensive Care units are filled to capacity. Being that I am an ICU nurse, I am feeling the effects of this first hand.
With my blog I try to keep things at a personal level and rarely speak of my professional life… except for those times when my working life encompasses most of who I am.
This is such a time. To say we are busy at work is an understatement. The ICU beds are full.. many patients on ventilators. Last week I was mandated to work for an extra 8 hrs (16 hour shift) .. and I have a suspicion that it may happen this week as well. Nurses, doctors, and health care staff are working hard and diligently… not only in my particular ICU.. but throughout the city.
I am tired … and sometimes admit to being concerned for my own health as well of that of my family, but at the same time, I have an appreciation for the circumstances of the current situation.
I am also impressed… mostly with my fellow front line workers. Most are like me, tired… but few openly complain.
Often we laugh. Always we support.
Everyday we get a H1N1 update from our local hospital authority. So far the numbers effected are still increasing… but we remain hopeful and do what we can.
Yesterday, Manitoba Health reported 163 new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu, bringing the total number in the province to 458. As of Monday, 37 patients were in intensive-care units on ventilators (link)
My one bit of advice: remember.. above all else… wash your hands.
———-
And on a more pleasant note… a couple of photos of the dogs and I out for our morning walk.
These days we are out and at’em early, before the heat of the day. Walking out back behind our house, I noticed the field was adorned with the most beautiful wild flowers and daisies. Now there’s a nice way to start the day.
I’m sorry to hear about the flu hitting so hard there. I hope you stay well. When I went to a CF conference, I picked up a button that says, “Have you washed your hands?”
The daisies are beautiful…so simple, but one of my favorites.
Great daisy pic.
Don’t work too hard.
Coll so nice to see you back blogging. I so enjoy your take on life. Wonderful you put your blog in book format. I think we journal/blog because it’s part of nursing to chart what’s happening. I’m off for 3 weeks. I pray they don’t cancel our summer holidays. I’m scared what the 2nd wave of H1N1 will bring in the fall. Your right enjoy the summer, it’s much too short.
H
It’s so great that you have walks with your dogs to keep you grounded with such busy days and nights. Glad that summer finally reached up there and brought daisies.
I haven’t kept up with the number of cases here. It sounds like you have it much worse there right now. I worry about my parents.. in their 80′s and the immune system not so hot anymore. Yes, wash your hands. Oh. To top it off, I heard a report the other day that the hand sanitizers we buy to take on trips and such.. may actually be contaminated with bacteria themselves. Simple soap and water … really nothing much is better.
From one extreme of stress to the other… it’s a good thing there are so many dedicated professionals in the nursing profession.
I like both today’s photos very much.
Your photo skills continue to amaze me. Great pic of the daisies. Remember to breathe. (((Coll)))
It must be difficult to work under these circumstances and have to worry about your own health. I hope you remain healthy and positive. I am glad that there are people like you who are willing to do what must be done to help others. God bless.
Grandma! The pictures are beautiful as always. I hope the hospitals aren’t working you too hard. I hear there is a great shortage of nurses and doctors in Manitoba; this troubles me. I am coming out next week so I will see you soon. Love you
Chris. xoxoxoxoxo
Don’t worry about me Chris… I am fine. :-). I can hardly wait to see you. Love you so much!!
Col, as usual I am so proud of you and the work you do……I also know that the last blogger before me…Chris..is what you live for…your family. All the other stuff fades away with a blog comment like that from your Grandson.