Late Night Trip To The ER

Last night around 1am we decided to take Reagan to the ER. She has had a runny nose for about 2 weeks now, it was clear, she didn't have a fever and there were no other symptoms. However about 2 days ago it changed to green, low fewer and a deep cough. I called her pediatrician's office on Monday, but they were closed for President's day, they tried to squeeze her in on Tueday but there was nothing available. The fastest they could get her in was today at 9 am, which was fine, until last night while she was sleeping her cough became worse. I went in there around midnight, gave her some warm milk, (Darrin said if I wet her whistle she might feel a little better and it could help her cough.) felt her temperature and rocked her for a bit. I could tell she wasn't feeling well so I took her in our room to Darrin and we decided to go ahead and just take her in. We weren't sleeping anyways because we were worried about her, we didn't want it to worsen in her lungs to phenomena. We didn't know what it was, so to ease our mind we just went up there. After being there for almost 2 1/2 hours, taking chest x-rays and waiting she has an ear infection. Her x-rays came back normal (phew), her fever was now 99.6, they gave us some antibiotics and told us she just had alot of gooey gunk.

We got home around 4 am, poor Darrin had almost been up for 24 hours. He wakes up at 5:15 for work so he was running on empty. Then we were all out for the night/part of the day. Luckily this is really the first time Reagan has been sick. She has had a few clear runny noses but other than that we are lucky. This is her first ear infection, first trip to the ER and really the first time we have ever really worried about her being sick. Isn't it the worst feeling when your child is sick? Terrible.

On another note I was looking around at all the nurses/doctors last night just thinking about my sister. Not only do I think she is the greatest Sister ever, but I think she will be the greatest nurse ever. I am so proud of her for all her hard work. Becoming a nurse is a very tough job and is an extremely important role. It can be emotionally draining at times and I could see how it would be hard to leave "work" once you got home. Trying not to get to attached to a paitent, but being there for them and their family though whatever they may be going through. Being the care taker, the positve one, the patient one, holding their hand as they experience life. For most of us we do not have to live in that type of reality unless we are currently or have been through it. For her she lives everyday witnessing deaths, treatments, pain and devestation. Not that she will only handle negative situations, she will have good days and in those are the days she will remember why she chose to become a nurse. I have faith she will leave lasting impressions on people and impact everyone that is around her.

I am extremely proud of you Sister for all her hard work and determination. Way to go on your tests this week! 96 on Mental Health test and 92 on Med Surge. Not to mention your A last week. That is awesome!

Each and every person that comes your way is truly blessed. I love you!