Why do nurses make bad patients?

Follow me and take a look into my recent experiences as an in-patient at the hospital that I work at.
As I lay on the hospital bed, bored, I was thinking about how this experience would make me a better nurse. Because let me tell you, it's not very fun.
It was in that time that I also realised that I must be an annoying patient to have.

Let me give you the humorous insight as to why nurses make the worst patients!

So, how did it all start?
Well, anyone that knows me, knows that I love my garden. Especially my fruit trees, herbs and veges. There's nothing better than cooking with food you grew yourself!
Anyway, this one particular day I decided that it would be the perfect day to pressure clean the house. It was sunny and warm so I put on my swimmers and my flip flops - it was gonna get wet!
Barely had I started until I felt something stab into my the base of my toe - this stupid thorn! I had no idea that a thorn would cause so many problems!

But being the good nurse that I am, I just washed my foot and kept about my business. For two weeks I noticed some mild swelling, redness and tenderness. But, it was after a long ten hour shift that I could barely walk back to my car because it was horribly swollen and inflamed. This was my first night in hospital. Diagnosed with septic arthritis and given IV antibiotics. I stayed in hospital for awhile, and nothing seemed to make it much better. It was only then that an MRI revealed a torn tendon and joint effusion. So, this tiny minuscule thorn kept in hospital for two nights, nearly made me septic, and tore a tendon and damaged the joint. It is now week two of keeping my foot elevated at home (#boring). So what better time to share with you why I think nurses make bad patients.

1 - We know too much!
We spend all this time looking after patients, and often it comes with a lack of self care for ourselves. But when we are forced to become the patient we remember all the bad things that could happen, and we become a bit paranoid.
2 - We know everyone!
I work in a smaller regional hospital, and we are all a rather close-knit family at work. So, you can be a patient or every second person that walks past will stop and make sure you're okay. This isn't a problem, in fact its rather sweet. However, I know where the left over hospital sandwiches are kept ;) So if you don't find me in my bed at midnight, you know where I'll be!
3 - We tell you where to cannulate!
I know where my good veins are! Trust me! What I don't know is how to keep my mouth shut and let you do your job without interfering. A gentle reminder every now and then would be well appreciated.
But, if you're lucky, I might just let you use a larger gauge cannula on me. Because we all know how hard it is to practice this skill!
4 - We touch the IV pump!
Okay, so its beeping it gets pretty annoying, yeah? Don't worry, I know where the silence button is! IV Antibiotics finished? Don't worry, I know you're busy with the other patient so I'll just flush the cannula myself!
5 - We clean up (Don't worry - this is a good one!)
Time for discharge? I'll be taking my own sheets off and putting them in the linen skip, and putting my water jug and cup with the dirty dishes.

But whats the most annoying of all? NOT WORKING! I wasn't made to sit around all day, and I miss my colleagues and patients. Oh well, not long left before I get to see them again!

Writing my blog like a champ - and following doctors orders!

A special thanks to all the nurses, doctors, radiologists and staff who looked after me. You're all amazing! Thanks to everyone that kept me company, and kept me sane!