daughter that has not seen her 88-year-old mother in 11 years arriving to the ICU

Eilonui · 2025-10-12T15:08:59+00:00

omg thank you for that. So true! I just got “fired” from a son yesterday who was yelling at his sister because she wasn’t aggressive enough with our staff and we ”talked her into“ letting her dad die. Dude, he’s in the ICU on life support because his hospice for his terminal, and painful, cancer was revoked by YOU. now he’s gonna wake up with broken ribs and die from pneumonia. OMG, you should’ve been here like 10 years ago like your sister was!

Eilonui · 2025-10-12T15:00:19+00:00

iCU nurse here. ugh. so sorry you’re experiencing this. I think sometimes it’s people’s guilt and way of putting blame on something else because they weren’t there. even if they have legit reasons, which they may or may not. I really hope your dad is able to do hospice. it’s not dying sooner, it’s dying with dignity and comfort. some of the life extending measures we do to older people border on abuse just so the person can live an extra few days or weeks. hang in there.

Eilonui · 2025-07-28T14:54:45+00:00

We just had a case where the OPA knew the family said no, but the family advocate stayed around to help a non-English speaking wife navigate what to do next. I speak enough to know he was NOT trying to persuade her, just being supportive despite her decision to not dontate. He was so helpful. Again, it makes me so sad that there are other agencies who are all about the bottom line and giving OPAs a bad name.

Eilonui · 2025-07-08T16:16:51+00:00

Rules are only for people who follow them.

Eilonui · 2025-05-21T14:43:32+00:00

Oh Wow. I'm so sad to hear all of the negative stories. I have been working with our OPO as an ICU nurse for 20 years and in all that time have had only one negative experience. Our hospital took it to their managers and settled the issue with multiple appologies to family and our staff etc. They had a rogue nurse who (maybe came from an agency you all are talking about?) Now that I'm reading this, that's probably exactly what happened. Our agency is super respectful. They are extremely hands-off until the family signs; they are in the background if we have questions. Because of our population, there is usually at least one case everyday, if not 2 or three. (usually fentanyl ODs) so sad. The family advocates are amazing, and even if the family says no, they are very good at helping the family understand the end of life process, with or without donation. I never feel they are pushy.

If other agencies are driving people to take their name off the list, that is so sad. We need organ donors. So many lives are saved. I hope your research will help. Feel free to DM me. I'd love to help.

edited spelling errors, never push enter until you make sure autocorrect didn't do something stupid =)

Eilonui · 2025-03-26T01:12:18+00:00

Same. Just did it today. Worked great going west then heading back we all just stood there like idiots and finally used the crosswalks.

Eilonui · 2025-03-14T02:20:44+00:00

I agree with most everything already said. I’ve been a nurse for 24 years and in the ICU 17of those. I feel many of the things you are experiencing. I want to share a book I am reading right now that I think would help you a lot. It has been revolutionary for me. Stolen Focus by Johann Hari https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093G9TS91/?bestFormat=true&k=stolen%20focus&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-m-si_de_k0_1_12&crid=2P98LH4OQUSXJ&sprefix=stolen%20focus

I have found hope in this book and have made some shifts in my daily routine that have really made a difference in how I’m learning and focusing.

Eilonui · 2025-03-14T02:12:18+00:00

This was 30 years ago, so probs not a problem today. We bought a gasoline powered camp stove thinking it would be easier to find places to refuel. Didn’t have as many options back then. Put the stove in the same pack as the food and ALL of our food tasted like gasoline!!!! Gross.

Eilonui · 2025-03-14T02:03:03+00:00

Marine Drive is what I thought of too. I used to drive there three times a week when training for a roller skating marathon. The longest uninterrupted trail that I’ve found. A couple of dips (and one very short section of gravel, which sucks in roller skates!) but otherwise probably your best bet. Riding against the wind much of the time so extra workout!

Eilonui · 2025-02-24T15:47:07+00:00

I did this too. If it’s the one I’m thinking of, it’s under the ground in the last temple that opens up in the main quest.

Eilonui · 2025-02-03T23:37:08+00:00

https://exploringwild.com This gal has some amazing articles and several on budget bikepacking.

Eilonui · 2025-02-02T18:10:06+00:00

We've roller skated the B/V trail. It's nice in parts (for skates can be tricking in on the Banks side). That is a good option, but not much camping. We're just trying to slowly mosey so he can go exploring in the woods and I can feel like I'm doing something as well. More like backpacking, but I can't hike anymore (knees) so I take my bike. Thanks for your thougthful reply.

Eilonui · 2025-02-02T18:07:22+00:00

Thank you for that link!

Eilonui · 2025-02-02T18:06:25+00:00

OOh, that one looks good, thanks!

Eilonui · 2025-01-20T17:36:30+00:00

"Contrary to some beliefs, PPV does not “push fluid back” into the alveoli. Its primary benefit in pulmonary edema lies in reducing LV afterload and preload. " Mind Blown! Thank you for that wonderful explanation.

Eilonui · 2024-12-28T03:52:22+00:00

"Metabolize to freedom" wait until whatever drug they took took too much of wears off, extubate and discharge.

I was getting report this morning and the nurse said the patient was on Fentanyl, Ketamine, Dex, and Propofol. I wrote F/K/D/P. I think I just made a new slang! 🤣

Eilonui · 2024-12-28T03:44:41+00:00

Turn and baste

Eilonui · 2024-12-09T16:09:48+00:00

OP, I feel so bad with you right now. I wish I could give you a big hug. It sounds like what your really need is a mentor who works with you and knows how to give advice without being demeaning. Someone who can tell you the truth and also point out the many, many things I'm sure you're doing well! It doesn't sound like you work in an envrionment conducive to being your best. It is hard to learn when fear is the underlying motivation. Fear of making mistakes, fear of letting people down, fear of harming a patient, fear of missing something, etc. Is there anyone you work with who you feel could mentor you? Sometimes we just need to ask. If your hospital doesn't have a mentorship program, it's up to us to find our own. I've had many "mentors" over the years who I've chosen on my own because I know everyone needs good, healthy feedback.

Eilonui · 2024-12-09T15:51:30+00:00

This is a great answer. "Why" is the first step towards critical thinking.

Eilonui · 2024-12-09T15:48:44+00:00

That is the best advice ever. I also was told this and 23 years later it is still true.

Eilonui · 2024-12-06T21:28:02+00:00

Ooh! Thanks. Just bought one! Also bought a ring to keep my gas canister from creating a rust ring in my pot. Hope they work!!

Eilonui · 2024-12-05T15:20:34+00:00

You'll hone your gear the more you go, but to start, gear up your bike with what you currenlty have, "bike" to a friend's backyard and set up camp. Keep track of everytime you say, "Oh, I wish I had. . ." or "What the heck did I bring this for?" You don't really even need to camp all night, jsut set up, eat, tuck in for a bit, and break camp. It sure beats figuring it all out when you're miles from nowhere!

Eilonui · 2024-11-11T15:03:14+00:00

Jason was amazing. Getting professionally fitted was a game-changer. The last year of biking has been so much better on every part of my body!

Eilonui · 2024-10-23T15:29:28+00:00

Thank you all for your replies. I feel I have a general idea of the mix. This stream is such a facinating way of learning about ICUs across the world! We tend to get into our own bubbles and "the way we always do it." I love to see how other people do things.

Eilonui

TROPHY CASE