I Remember When I Lost My Mind

September 28, 2010, 7:09 pmDoctor Psychobabble5 comments

“I remember when I lost my mind.
There was something so pleasant about that place.
Even your emotions have an echo in so much space.”
- Gnarls Barkley “Crazy” Lyrics

Litter Only

I know I keep saying this, but I really do have the best, and very strangest of jobs. I frequently wish I could wear a headcam all day long and post the video clip to my blog. But my HIPAA friends would not be very happy with that, so I am restricted.

Since I am tired (I just got home from an 8-mile run, after a long day at the hospital), I am going to share some random quotes and moments from today:

1. Quote from patient, “will you please pray to god to cast his vengeance against my neighbor who is working for the devil?” My response – “okay.”

2. I taught a psychotic patient how to “sign” the alphabet in American Sign Language.

3. I learned that I should bring packs of tissues to all family meetings.

4. I “re-directed” a manic and agitated patient by asking her to dance to Lady Gaga’s, “Poker Face” with me.

5. I was told that I look like a character from a video game by a patient.

6. I broke a hospital policy and bought a soda for a patient.

7. I purchased a pair of reading glasses for one of my patients. Also, technically against the rules.

8. I helped a patient do her laundry.

9. I convinced a patient to not urinate into a bedpan in the hallway.

10. Quote from a patient, “you know, I’m an MD too. I went to medical school with Sigmund Freud.”

Good night, all!

Photo: Taken on my walk to the hospital today. I heart trashy Brooklyn.

Part of My “Trash Talkin” Photo Series

  • tracy

    Heh, that should be my theme song! Way to break the rules, Dr. Campbell, you’re the best. And, an 8 mile run…!!! One more reason to totally admire you! :)

  • Sayeh

    Hey, I thought sigmund Freud was my classmate!! Or wait was that you?

  • http://rachsnewdestiny.blogspot.com Rach

    When I was hospitalized, on more than one occasion the nurses offered to bring stuff up for me (especially when I was there involuntarily – one particular nurse was going to baskin and robbins and offered to bring me back some ice cream. I was grateful but I declined).
    Just before I was discharged, my primary nurse bought me a copy of Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project , which was a total surprise.
    What kind of restrictions are on you regarding buying stuff for patients? And do the units you work on not have extras of stuff for patients in case they need stuff?

  • clairesmum

    I thought the rule about kleenex in family meetings was one that everyone knew!!! maybe it’s just the nurse in me, but you never know who is gonna need it! breaking rules, carefully, can be an effective intervention – a way to demonstrate by action that you care about the whole person, that he/she is not just “another patient”.

  • http://www.fmgpath.com Cindy

    ja ja ja me too!!!! I get some interesting ppl when I test them for HIV and STDs. I wish I could record the conversations…well we do, but it’s for research material only!!! And on lock down, but it’s crazy what ppl will share with you when you close the door and introduct yourself.