The "Old Grizzled Veteran"

Over the past week and a half, we've encountered lots of nurses - they generally work a 12 hour shift - 7 to 7, and work for 3 days, then have a few days off.  We've had some favorites and some that aren't quite as awesome....but, overall we've been happy with the nurses and our staff interactions.

The nurses really are the workhorses of the ICU, and the hospital could not function without them.  They do the day to day care, interacting with the patient and family and keeping everyone informed.  Whatever they're getting paid, I'm sure it's not enough for all that they do.

When Abby was a newborn and spending time at Children's Hospital, George coined the term "old grizzled veteran."  Abby had a few trips between the ICU and the surgical recovery floor, where the nurses were very different.  The surgical recovery floor had quite a few young nurses, who I'm sure were competent and qualified to provide care, but as George said, he's never been so disappointed to see so many young, attractive nurses.  Abby was sent back to the ICU, and he was so happy to be with the more experienced nurses.

Back to Bob's story:

Day 3 at the hospital brought our favorite nurse to date, Ms. C (name abbreviated for her privacy)......the old grizzled veteran.  Experienced is probably the best way to say it.  (She was happy to inform us she was 12 shifts away from retiring.)  She came into the room and exuded confidence, control and had a very reassuring personality.  She helped mom get setup at a temporary housing place across the street for family of ICU patients.  I think we all rested a little better the 3 nights that she was on duty.