Documenting my journey through the mental health system

My catatonic patient is moving and responding to questions, albeit slowly. Tonight, I could barely keep him in the bed, he was jumping around so much.

Everyone is talking about the email with included resignation letter from the nutcase-in-chief titled “Fork in the Road.” It’s really quite comical. He doesn’t have the power to unilaterally decide to create severance packages worth 8 months’ pay. Anyone who takes him up on the offer is a fool – Trump is a grifter and conman above all else. He will stiff you.

I certainly won’t be taking the offer. The VA is mine, not his.

I’ve been working my new job a couple months now. I’ve worked with a lot of shitty nurses and aides over the years, but this night shift crew is excellent. Everyone is quick to help each other and it’s so busy that that level of comradery is crucial.

Sometimes I feel a little useless. I put a patient on a bedpan and went to get another’s vital signs, figuring I’d just come back when she was done. When I got back, two nurses were already in there cleaning her up and getting her repositioned. I felt bad I wasn’t fast enough. Another nurse said when she got to work and sees that I am the nurse assistant, she is relieved. So, I’ve made a good first impression I think, now I just have to maintain it.

Another nurse and I were talking, and I was telling him about my demanding work schedule. He asked how I have so much energy. “I have bipolar disorder, and I use work as a coping mechanism.” He chuckled but I was serious. In a joking way of course.

My brother got out of detox after the PO made him go in. He apparently “didn’t qualify” for inpatient. His PO took issue with that when George went to see him yesterday. I got a text later from him that said his PO figured out a way to get him inpatient and that he has to go by the 7th. He is unhappy about this of course. I think it’s great. The PO isn’t asking for much – just sobriety. And god knows my brother can’t handle his liquor.