Ever seen anyone with this expression?

I certainly have. I've seen this expression on many a face... doctors, other nurses, patients, or worse... the patient's family...

I've seen it on members of my own family including Husband, Son, and even (hanging head low here) myself. This is actually the expression I have worn for the most part of the day. Why? You might ask? Well, let me enlighten you. Sometimes it is not good to try to help an in-law out of an unfortunate financial situation. You can be repaid with the said in-law going out on the town enjoying life while you are working extra shifts to pay not only your own bills but to also try to keep a roof over their heads as well. Lesson learned.. never rent to in-laws! At least the in-law is not living under the same roof as myself! Okay, I'm through whining about this, moving on...

Patients.. for the most part I actually enjoy taking care of my patients. Pain control is one of our main concerns (after the ABC's you know.. airway, breathing and circulation) in the PACU, or Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. Morphine, Demerol, Dilaudid, and good old Phenergan (Versed if you've been very bad) can be a nurse's best friend. With the right combinations of these medications, you have the ability to significantly ease almost any pain imaginable. It's absolutely wonderful to be able to help someone in a time of crisis. Of course, there is the occasional crack-head, drug abuser or what-have-you that no matter how much pain medication you give them, it isn't going to help! Then they have the audacity to accuse you of not giving them any meds even after you have explained the reason that they are continuing to have pain.

One good thing about working in the PACU is the fact that visitors, as a general rule, are not allowed in the PACU. We are simply too busy extubating patients, monitoring the ABC's, taking care of vent patients, etc. to have family members asking questions or making demands on our precious time. The bottom line here is that the PACU is a critical care unit such as any other ICU. We are here for the patient first and foremost. Problems do arise when family members cannot understand the rationale behind it being a closed unit... they get the "expression."

More to come...