Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Feeling a bit Hum Bug

Today I think I may have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. I don't know why but I have been a bit blue all day. My husband called me to tell me the mill is shutting down for Christmas from 12/19 to 1/1. He has to use left over vacation time and next years vacation time so we have a pay check. Then my job I am a nurse so there will always be work for me, but I work for a state hospital who suffered a major loss last year. All I have been hearing is budget and cut backs till I could scream! I work in an out patient clinic which is where the crunch is felt. I am told they investigated several other clinics across the country and the have less nurses than we do.
Let me tell you what I do... I work in the clinic with two doctors both surgeons one breast cancer one endocrine. I see patients with them. In order to know what I am doing about 1-2 hours is spent before each clinic, Usually the day before, to prep for the clinic. I look up each patient find out why they are coming see if ordered tests were scheduled. Mainly so I know whats going on. After the clinic I must chart a note on each patient. I also get phone calls from patients of the docs I work with. I used to have at least 1 1/2 days to get all the behind the scenes work done now I have 1/2 if I am lucky. If I am not in a clinic I have been getting called off. Used all my vacation time so now I get called off with out pay.
SO I went into the hospital to see if they need work and I actually got hired for a part time position to get some hour to supplement my pay for days when I am called off. I am wondering should I just go back into the hospital. I like both. Other nurses tell me this to shall pass and we will be OK again. But I wonder how long can I do this feeling this blah!
The holidays are here and I feel humbug. We have no money right now to go shopping. Barely have enough to pay bills right now. Kevin is supposed to get his Christmas bonus this week. I am afraid to look forward to it. My work has already told us no bonus no pay raise this year.
So I changed my background and on Saturday we are going to get our tree half way between us and my son so they will meet us there and we will spend the day at the tree farm. I will keep trying to kick the humbug away from my Christmas spirit.

5 comments:

Washer Mom Val said...

Hang in there - holiday times can be hard. Move to KS - western Kansas can't find workers and they always need nurses as well! I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. God supposedly doesn't give us more than we can handle. PS: I like your new background.

Donna's Book Nook said...

I'm a nurse also, worked in a hospital, and almost never got called to take an extra day off. I just retired in October, and it has been wonderful. I've been in a place before with no money and stress of the job, so I understand. The Lord will see you through this. Donna

Dee said...

You need a hug..(((HUG))) I can sympathize with you. I had a worry marathon just recently as fear of losing our health care and pension swings over our head like a pendulum. I found this little prayer(i was thinking of putting it on my scrapbook Saturday post)....Sift my memory Lord, that good things shine, and bad things dim, give me clear thinking and help me bear my circumstances with cheerful patience. Dee

The Taylors said...

Hey Becky,
We're in the same situation, but John won't be called back to work until January 17! And he is not allowed to use vacation time. As a GM supplier, who knows if his employer will even survive. The economy is bad for everyone right now, but I have to believe that things will get better. It's our first Christmas as a family of five, which means more smiles even with fewer gifts. Tell Brian I said "Hi." Kim

Gina said...

I am praying for you Becky, it is a terrible time for many people. The one thing I know is the our Father in heaven loves us and will keep us in His hands.

You hang in there girl!