As we wait here at the Amtrak station, finally warmed up from the cold ride here it occurs to me we have already had quite the adventure! This has been the first time in over 20 years that I have ridden public transportation like this.  For many people, some of which may have been waiting and riding with us, this is their only means of transportation.  At $3 for a day pass, it seems rather cost effective although some people have struggles with finding that type of spare change to travel.  In my nursing career I have seen people that delay seeking care or do not follow up with appointments because of lack of transportation.  Delays that we experienced in the late arrival of our bus from Peoria to Champaign gave us a glimpse into what may be a frequent occurrence for many individuals.

We had a bit of excitement as an Amtrak worker came running into the station notifying authorities that one of the passengers fell on the concrete and was unconscious.  Prompted by one of the students, Jess H. about the situation, I went with her to the scene.  While off duty, it is our option if we choose to be "good Samaritan's " or not.  While I would have felt more comfortable having at bare minimum gloves and a barrier mask, it is part of who we are to want to assess the scene and help if possible.  Luckily, this man had a rapid and strong pulse and began regaining consciousness shortly after we arrived. As he  awoke, he was belligerent and you could smell ETOH, which may have contributed to his fall.  EMS personnel arrived minutes later and took him to get evaluated.  Regardless of this mans habits or situation, he ideally will receive the same work up anyone else would get regarding his fall.  It is possible that this man could have also suffered a concussion or have other problems that have similar symptoms as drunkenness.  It is a reality that the biases of health care workers could potentially get in the way of him receiving a full work up or being treated with dignity and respect.  I hope that this is not the case, but as I am writing this and know that many of you reading this are working in the health care field, may it be something to consider how our thoughts and biases may play a part in how we prioritize and deliver care to others. OK…so I am in teaching mode and can't help asking the question:
What do you think his work up should consist of?  I will resist having you send me a reply that includes priority nursing diagnosis and minimum of 3 interventions with rationale…but you can if you want. (Not sure Colleen will give you bonus for this, but critical thinking is always a good thing)  :)


On the ride from Peoria to Champaign, I found myself coveting Colleens gloves! Our bus had no heat and had terrible visibility for the bus driver as the windows were continually fogging up. I didn't realize the severity of the situation until the bus driver pulled off the road about 1 hour from our destination and   One of our own students, Megan C., noticed the continued poor visibility due to the fog and decided to do something about it.  She got out of her seat and headed to the front of the bus to offer to help wipe the windows as the bus driver drove.  Megan may just get the lifesaving award on this journey as we all arrived to Champaign in one piece, with a bit of time to spare before our train arrived.

There was a feeling of relaxation as we finally arrived to our seats. It was certainly more luxurious than our bus seats and WARM!  As this is my first train ride (besides a retro train ride to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado- which was completely different)…I am very impressed and amazed at all of it. I am working on getting my "train legs"  as I walk in the isles it is similar to how you feel when you are a kid and you have been rollerskating for  hours then take your skates off, combined with the equilibrium challenge you have after spinning in circles!  Fortunately no one seems affected by  motion sickness….I hope it stays that way.   Not too long into the journey, I was lulled to sleep by the rocking motion of the train; a combination of a rocking cradle and a porch swing.  The seats certainly have more leg room than I anticipated and almost too much as my legs didn't quite reach the foot rest- but it was a place to sleep!

While nurses tend to develop bigger bladders than most other people, we still have to take care of business. (yes…you young ones that are planning on holding it the entire trip will eventually have to go!) That is quite a strategy to maintain asepsis and use a bathroom that is  smaller than most closets!  I think I will elect to dehydrate myself on this journey to keep the visits to this small space to a minimum.  Colleen did recommend using the family restroom which was bigger!