Yes, I've escaped the land of Hotel Rehab with my trusty conference partner (and a couple of friends, too) and we're coming the hills and dales of another country...okay, it's part of the US but they call it that in some of their ads.
You gotta love it when your fancy schmancy alarm clock awakens you to Chaka Khan...and it's right next to your ear.
Off we go to be tourists for a while....stay tuned.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Soon and very soon...
I'll have my very own guest post touting rehab nursing up on Who's Life is this Anyways?
Thanks for featuring me in Sunday Specialty.
Thanks for featuring me in Sunday Specialty.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
It's flying by...
I can't believe the month is flying by so quickly. Not long now until the conference starts....yippee!
Travelling partner and I are up to no good, according to her man. Imagine, two nurses using free time to shop and be tourists and share all the sale info with your fellow conference attendees.
For shame...!
Stay tuned for more sales, I mean, conference, updates.
Travelling partner and I are up to no good, according to her man. Imagine, two nurses using free time to shop and be tourists and share all the sale info with your fellow conference attendees.
For shame...!
Stay tuned for more sales, I mean, conference, updates.
Lest we forget
Freedom Is Not Free
I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Get out the running shoes...
Run to this required class, run to the door, 'cause with the holidays coming, they'll be lots of running in the Hotel Rehab. The weather's nice, so everyone wants to get out.
I'm so glad I can recuperate this weekend! Stay tuned!
I'm so glad I can recuperate this weekend! Stay tuned!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Making nursing visible #1
You may think it's a load of *&^( to think that nursing is an "invisible" profession, but in many ways, it is.
The following blerb came from Ye Old State Nurses Association, and I recommend you follow the link and share it with your nursing friends, far and wide. Please make sure you vote. There are even suggestions, and include one of my former bosses among them (and no, I won't tell you who she is!).
I can tell you she is 1) powerful and 2) listed with a whole lot of other powerful nurses who should be recognized. Recognize one and you recognize us all. We are powerful. Let the rest of the world know, too.
======================
The following blerb came from Ye Old State Nurses Association, and I recommend you follow the link and share it with your nursing friends, far and wide. Please make sure you vote. There are even suggestions, and include one of my former bosses among them (and no, I won't tell you who she is!).
I can tell you she is 1) powerful and 2) listed with a whole lot of other powerful nurses who should be recognized. Recognize one and you recognize us all. We are powerful. Let the rest of the world know, too.
======================
[Sent on behalf of ANA’s Communications Dept]
RECOGNIZE NURSES AS POWERFUL PEOPLE
Vote for Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Powerful People
Silver Spring, MD- The American Nurses Association (ANA), the largest nursing organization in the U.S., encourages nurses to show support for the leaders in our profession by voting for nurses in Modern Healthcare’s “100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare” ranking. Nurses played a key role in the passage of health reform legislation this year. We helped make history! Getting nurse leaders included in the “Most Powerful” rankings is an excellent way to bring much deserved visibility to the nursing profession.
Let’s work together to get nurses on the list. You can help make it happen by voting here. Voting will continue through Friday, June 25. The final ranking will be published in the Aug. 23, 2010, issue of Modern Healthcare.
Nurses nominated:
Linda Aiken Univ. of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Karen Ballard New York State Nurses Association Geraldine “Polly” Bednash American Association of Colleges of Nursing Colleen Conway-Welch Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Barbara Crane New York State Nurses Association Sister Carol Keehan Catholic Health Association | Beverly Malone National League for Nursing Rebecca Patton American Nurses Association Sister Mary Jean Ryan SSM Healthcare Pamela Thompson American Organization of Nurse Executives Mary Wakefield Health Resources and Services Administration Marla Weston American Nurses Association |
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
So close...
I'm so close to being out the door for the weekend that I can taste it. My travelling partner will be getting ready a day ahead of me, so I am jealous! Will have to run errands and act crazy packing things up for the household right before I head to the airport.
Nevertheless, it's a lot of work, but I'm glad to be getting out on the road again. Creating and presenting material at conferences is fun!
More later...
Nevertheless, it's a lot of work, but I'm glad to be getting out on the road again. Creating and presenting material at conferences is fun!
More later...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Heard on the unit
It's the sounds of summer, and so it goes for the latest installment of Heard on the Unit...
"Thank you for everything. You made me feel like a real person." Mr. D.
Mr. D. insisted on giving me a hug, because apparently, Mr. D's experiences with one of our sister hospitals has not been going too well. "I'm just going to come back here once a year, and not worry about them." he said before leaving recently.
"They're taking overtime away." Certain staff who work way too many OT hours elsewhere and want to call in sick on their home units.
Don't like it? Find another place to work. We aren't really thrilled by your calling-in behavior, either, since we get to stay over or come in early, whether we want to do OT or not.
(rumble, rumble, rumble) Outside the unit recently.
These sounds were caused by a bunch of these folks making their annual pilgrimage to Washington, DC in the Run for the Wall.
"Hooray!" RehabRN
Yes, I'm heading to my favorite Starbucks to chill with a cool drink, since someone gave me a free drink coupon. Life really is sweet!
More later...
"Thank you for everything. You made me feel like a real person." Mr. D.
Mr. D. insisted on giving me a hug, because apparently, Mr. D's experiences with one of our sister hospitals has not been going too well. "I'm just going to come back here once a year, and not worry about them." he said before leaving recently.
"They're taking overtime away." Certain staff who work way too many OT hours elsewhere and want to call in sick on their home units.
Don't like it? Find another place to work. We aren't really thrilled by your calling-in behavior, either, since we get to stay over or come in early, whether we want to do OT or not.
(rumble, rumble, rumble) Outside the unit recently.
These sounds were caused by a bunch of these folks making their annual pilgrimage to Washington, DC in the Run for the Wall.
"Hooray!" RehabRN
Yes, I'm heading to my favorite Starbucks to chill with a cool drink, since someone gave me a free drink coupon. Life really is sweet!
More later...
Monday, May 24, 2010
Thanks Grumpy!
I got this link to a cool cartoon site by a med student via Doc Grumpy. I'm sure there's a nursing student out there with similar talents...is that you? If so, send me your link.
Reminds me of my all-time favorite cartoon blog: Savage Chickens.
Health care is so entertaining!
Reminds me of my all-time favorite cartoon blog: Savage Chickens.
Health care is so entertaining!
Caregiver fatigue
There's always that patient who will wear you out...literally and figuratively. That's what happening at the Hotel right now. A whole lot of caregiver role strain.With the myriad terminal diagnoses we're seeing, everyone's getting fried. One patient in particular is viewed with such contempt, that some people don't want to care for him/her when family is not around. It's sad.
For my own knowledge, I've dug up a few resources from here and there, to change a few views. No one may read them on the nurses' lounge table, but it can't hurt. Hope you enjoy them.
For my own knowledge, I've dug up a few resources from here and there, to change a few views. No one may read them on the nurses' lounge table, but it can't hurt. Hope you enjoy them.
- Mayo Clinic has an entire section dedicated to end of life care.
- American Hospice Foundation has lots of articles on various topics, including a Grief at Work section.
- National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Reminds People, “It’s About How You LIVE”
Sunday, May 23, 2010
In the dark
It's been interesting lately. It always is when you work the evening and night shift. Most of your life actually happens in the dark.
First, you confide in your coworker who's sitting just outside in the darkened hallway of what you see around you. She's been a nurse forever (since dirt, she likes to say) so she tells you about life in other places, and it ain't like the soap opera of the Hotel, either! Yes, sistah!
Next, you eventually turn down the lights in the rooms so people drift off to sleep. Sometimes, they don't drift too quickly. They fear the dark, sleep apnea, and the doctor showing up tomorrow. They vent in the dark--"Why didn't Dr. X tell me why I had to have so many blood draws?", "How come I have this IV?" or "No one told me I had xx bug."
One of my patients confided a lot of firsts to me recently. First person he knew to become injured. First person in his family to have cancer. First one in his family who controlled his type II diabetes effectively. First one in his family not to have a heart attack. Now his cancer has caused his recent mayhem. He's going back and forth on a pendulum he did not choose--surgery here, treatment there, back to us, and the cycle swings back again.
He does have a little consolation. His siblings bought him a computer. While the internet's not working yet for him, he does play games, which keeps him occupied. One of these days, he says, he'll beat that computer in chess.
And off I go in the dark, for the next round of confidences and consolations.
More to come...
First, you confide in your coworker who's sitting just outside in the darkened hallway of what you see around you. She's been a nurse forever (since dirt, she likes to say) so she tells you about life in other places, and it ain't like the soap opera of the Hotel, either! Yes, sistah!
Next, you eventually turn down the lights in the rooms so people drift off to sleep. Sometimes, they don't drift too quickly. They fear the dark, sleep apnea, and the doctor showing up tomorrow. They vent in the dark--"Why didn't Dr. X tell me why I had to have so many blood draws?", "How come I have this IV?" or "No one told me I had xx bug."
One of my patients confided a lot of firsts to me recently. First person he knew to become injured. First person in his family to have cancer. First one in his family who controlled his type II diabetes effectively. First one in his family not to have a heart attack. Now his cancer has caused his recent mayhem. He's going back and forth on a pendulum he did not choose--surgery here, treatment there, back to us, and the cycle swings back again.
He does have a little consolation. His siblings bought him a computer. While the internet's not working yet for him, he does play games, which keeps him occupied. One of these days, he says, he'll beat that computer in chess.
And off I go in the dark, for the next round of confidences and consolations.
More to come...
Saturday, May 22, 2010
So many things...
End of school year for Bubba, camping trips, parties, and work for another week.
Stay tuned...more to come.
Stay tuned...more to come.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Nuggets for May 19
Happy birthday to my ol' grade school pal, T. She survived her girls dancing marathon where no hair went unsprayed and no makeup wilted on the dancing kids.
And for something completely different...you know people think too much of your nursing job when they ask you "can you be too constipated?" and proceed to rattle off their bowel history and comments on clients who tell them theirs. Oh.My.Freaking.Heavens! Here I thought I was doing something relaxing...aargh!
So now, for something completely different, here are the latest nuggets for your view pleasure (no bowel ones, I promise!)
Ease, sneeze and a little hygiene
How to squash worry (from www.cnn.com) I love this title, even if it's abbreviated here. Worry can weigh you down like a lead weight. Sometimes, you just have to let go!
Pollen allergies aren't the only ones out there. This recent NYTimes article discusses food allergies and it's impact on people and their families, in ways you may not have even thought about, including the cost of food.
I love this online excerpt from Dr. Atul Gawande's book, Better about washing your hands. Amen!
A cool concept
The Boston Home, is a home for people with MS and other progressive neuromuscular disorders. Thanks, T. for the link! In case you need more information on neuromuscular disorders, check out the following links:
May is ALS Awareness month, according to the ALS society. Visit their website at www.alsa.org for more information, with lots of healthcare professional and patient tools.
MDA (aka the Muscular Dystrophy Association) has this great page on the myriad types of neuromuscular disorders out there, with explanations.
And for something completely different...you know people think too much of your nursing job when they ask you "can you be too constipated?" and proceed to rattle off their bowel history and comments on clients who tell them theirs. Oh.My.Freaking.Heavens! Here I thought I was doing something relaxing...aargh!
So now, for something completely different, here are the latest nuggets for your view pleasure (no bowel ones, I promise!)
Ease, sneeze and a little hygiene
How to squash worry (from www.cnn.com) I love this title, even if it's abbreviated here. Worry can weigh you down like a lead weight. Sometimes, you just have to let go!
Pollen allergies aren't the only ones out there. This recent NYTimes article discusses food allergies and it's impact on people and their families, in ways you may not have even thought about, including the cost of food.
I love this online excerpt from Dr. Atul Gawande's book, Better about washing your hands. Amen!
A cool concept
The Boston Home, is a home for people with MS and other progressive neuromuscular disorders. Thanks, T. for the link! In case you need more information on neuromuscular disorders, check out the following links:
May is ALS Awareness month, according to the ALS society. Visit their website at www.alsa.org for more information, with lots of healthcare professional and patient tools.
MDA (aka the Muscular Dystrophy Association) has this great page on the myriad types of neuromuscular disorders out there, with explanations.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Lord, grant me...
Forgiveness, when I accidentally spill coffee on our most senior nurse as I pass.
Patience, when some patients think up all sorts of excuses.
Fortitude, when I have to transfer people who just want to give up, no matter how you try to give them a sense of dignity.
Restraint, when I really want to reach across the bed and strangle the specialist who tells me I am "leading the patient" with my questions. I really wanted to say, "Since I'm with him a little more than you and he told me xx (see that note), how am I leading him, when I'm asking for an update?"
Strength as I push, pull and move people around.
The ability not to cry, when my favorite patient (who's been here the longest of anyone we have right now) goes home. What a day to do it...bright and sunny!
Patience, when some patients think up all sorts of excuses.
Fortitude, when I have to transfer people who just want to give up, no matter how you try to give them a sense of dignity.
Restraint, when I really want to reach across the bed and strangle the specialist who tells me I am "leading the patient" with my questions. I really wanted to say, "Since I'm with him a little more than you and he told me xx (see that note), how am I leading him, when I'm asking for an update?"
Strength as I push, pull and move people around.
The ability not to cry, when my favorite patient (who's been here the longest of anyone we have right now) goes home. What a day to do it...bright and sunny!
What else can happen?
And no I'm not bringing up any scenarios. We've had plenty lately, thank you very much!
More later!
More later!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Robots?
One of my patients recently asked me when we were going to get robots to hand out the meds like they did in another hospital he visited. They've been in the media a few times, so you just never know....
I can think of a few uses for a robot right now at the Hotel.
1. Monitoring one-to-one patients. If we equipped one with Taser turned on a low setting, maybe we could keep one particular character from ripping off his/her dressings all the time.
2. Entertainment. When someone wants to talk for ages, we'd send in our friend, the robot. "Gotta run, but BOB the robot will be glad to talk to you for a while." Or you could play a video game on BOB's screen.
3. Send the robot on emergency call lights runs for things like ice, water, and blankets. Now if we could add an ice maker to said robot...ooh!
But finally, I don't think we'll be doing this with our robot: marrying folks on the unit. I just don't think Giacomo and the other chaplains would go for it!
More later...stay tuned!
I can think of a few uses for a robot right now at the Hotel.
1. Monitoring one-to-one patients. If we equipped one with Taser turned on a low setting, maybe we could keep one particular character from ripping off his/her dressings all the time.
2. Entertainment. When someone wants to talk for ages, we'd send in our friend, the robot. "Gotta run, but BOB the robot will be glad to talk to you for a while." Or you could play a video game on BOB's screen.
3. Send the robot on emergency call lights runs for things like ice, water, and blankets. Now if we could add an ice maker to said robot...ooh!
But finally, I don't think we'll be doing this with our robot: marrying folks on the unit. I just don't think Giacomo and the other chaplains would go for it!
More later...stay tuned!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Happy, happy, joy, joy
The latest semester of grad school is finally over.
Dahey and I celebrated by going out to eat and I had a very lovely sangria. We had dinner at a hip restaurant with some of these funky bar stools. Afterwards, we marched around the neighborhood sampling at a few of the stores, and then we sat out on a patio with a coffee and an espresso version of these treats while the weather was lovely.
More to come....
Dahey and I celebrated by going out to eat and I had a very lovely sangria. We had dinner at a hip restaurant with some of these funky bar stools. Afterwards, we marched around the neighborhood sampling at a few of the stores, and then we sat out on a patio with a coffee and an espresso version of these treats while the weather was lovely.
More to come....
Thursday, May 13, 2010
And to end Nurses' Week...
The Muse, RN is hosting Change of Shift at her place...go check it out!
Thanks for including me in your list, and to start things off, even. Wow!
Back to the final paper....almost over!
Thanks for including me in your list, and to start things off, even. Wow!
Back to the final paper....almost over!
You are the best
Thank you readers for nominating me for the Best Nurse Blog list over at Lydia's Uniforms. I didn't top it, but RehabRN made it into the top 5 (see this page).
Thank you all!
Thank you all!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Nuggets for May 12
Yes, it's nugget time again, and I'm blogging on my lunch break here at the Hotel. Here are a few goodies I've encountered in between reading, writing, and working.
From the blogosphere...
Just don't go there
As ER Doc points out in a recent post at Serenity Now Hospital, some people just shouldn't have an iPhone.
Finding a pearl
NYCRN has this great post of the same name on his blog about how his reasons for being a nurse are reaffirmed regularly.
Don't just sit there...
Dr Ves over at casesblog tells us we gotta get up and going while we're blogging. So do I get points for standing and blogging?
Open a window...
Kim at emergiblog got the door shut on her plans, but a window just may be opening...you go, girl!
Off I go...enjoy your day!
From the blogosphere...
Just don't go there
As ER Doc points out in a recent post at Serenity Now Hospital, some people just shouldn't have an iPhone.
Finding a pearl
NYCRN has this great post of the same name on his blog about how his reasons for being a nurse are reaffirmed regularly.
Don't just sit there...
Dr Ves over at casesblog tells us we gotta get up and going while we're blogging. So do I get points for standing and blogging?
Open a window...
Kim at emergiblog got the door shut on her plans, but a window just may be opening...you go, girl!
Off I go...enjoy your day!
The greatest nurse
I've only been a nurse for a little while compared to the people I've worked with, but I've noticed a few traits to consider if you want to be the "greatest nurse."
1. Roll with it, baby. My preceptor and confidant, G., instilled that in me in my orientation at Saintarama. Life happens while you're making other plans, as the song says, so always go with the flow and use plan B if you have to do it!
2. Have a sense of humor. As a kid, I hated shots. One of my favorite nurses, Mitzi, always found a way to get me to take them without them hurting so much. I use her line, "Dangle that arm like a dishrag and relax." a whole lot. Her counterpart, Rita, used to do a Bickersons routine every time she saw my mom, which usually sent the office folks away laughing.
3. Appearances can be deceiving, so use it to your advantage. Moral of the story: never mess with a 4 foot eleven inch former Navy nurse. MMB taught me that a good nurse can be tough and tender at the same time....and that nurses who work with moms and babies will take you out in a heartbeat if you mess with either. (Said nurse had to diffuse a momma/baby daddy situation before security came on one clinical.) She managed to do it without force. Whew!
4. Do what you have to do to get done, but get a break wherever you can. You're not going to be a very good nurse if you're crabby, have to pee, or have six phone calls to make . Prioritize accordingly. It may not solve every problem, but your bladder will thank you.
5. Sleep. Get enough sleep so you can deal with the tasks of the day. Many of your coworkers will slack off or work too much overtime, so someone needs to be paying attention.
6. Old school's not always so bad. Don't knock primary nursing. You may end up with less patients. My professor gave me the greatest compliment when I told her I was going to be a rehab nurse on a primary care unit. "That's what nursing is all about!"
7. Vent and get it out, but treat everyone you can with dignity. Yes, we get frustrated, but if we do nothing about it, it bubbles up and takes over. Find ways to relieve stress in a constructive manner, both at home and at work.
1. Roll with it, baby. My preceptor and confidant, G., instilled that in me in my orientation at Saintarama. Life happens while you're making other plans, as the song says, so always go with the flow and use plan B if you have to do it!
2. Have a sense of humor. As a kid, I hated shots. One of my favorite nurses, Mitzi, always found a way to get me to take them without them hurting so much. I use her line, "Dangle that arm like a dishrag and relax." a whole lot. Her counterpart, Rita, used to do a Bickersons routine every time she saw my mom, which usually sent the office folks away laughing.
3. Appearances can be deceiving, so use it to your advantage. Moral of the story: never mess with a 4 foot eleven inch former Navy nurse. MMB taught me that a good nurse can be tough and tender at the same time....and that nurses who work with moms and babies will take you out in a heartbeat if you mess with either. (Said nurse had to diffuse a momma/baby daddy situation before security came on one clinical.) She managed to do it without force. Whew!
4. Do what you have to do to get done, but get a break wherever you can. You're not going to be a very good nurse if you're crabby, have to pee, or have six phone calls to make . Prioritize accordingly. It may not solve every problem, but your bladder will thank you.
5. Sleep. Get enough sleep so you can deal with the tasks of the day. Many of your coworkers will slack off or work too much overtime, so someone needs to be paying attention.
6. Old school's not always so bad. Don't knock primary nursing. You may end up with less patients. My professor gave me the greatest compliment when I told her I was going to be a rehab nurse on a primary care unit. "That's what nursing is all about!"
7. Vent and get it out, but treat everyone you can with dignity. Yes, we get frustrated, but if we do nothing about it, it bubbles up and takes over. Find ways to relieve stress in a constructive manner, both at home and at work.
Happy Birthday Flo
Found this interesting article about Florence Nightingale across the pond at BBC News...enjoy!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Caffeinate...
And the countdown begins, amid cup after cup of coffee....
Three more days and class is out...for a while. Twenty-two days until the start of my conference.
It makes staying inside on a pretty, cool day worth it.
Three more days and class is out...for a while. Twenty-two days until the start of my conference.
It makes staying inside on a pretty, cool day worth it.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Please stop me...
From killing my new nurse coworker (aka crack New Nurse--and not for those brain skills, either...can you say klutz?) who keeps saying "I'm bored."
I'm thinking up some stuff for you to do, like getting ice and materials that I need, etc., but can't you think up something yourself? Every heard of reading a journal article (the Hotel pays for them) or two...or doing those online learning modules?
If I only had a dollar for every time he/she says "I'm bored"! Now back to our regularly scheduled program...work.
I'm thinking up some stuff for you to do, like getting ice and materials that I need, etc., but can't you think up something yourself? Every heard of reading a journal article (the Hotel pays for them) or two...or doing those online learning modules?
If I only had a dollar for every time he/she says "I'm bored"! Now back to our regularly scheduled program...work.
Mother's Day epilogue
My day:
Wonderful brunch with Dahey and Bubba, even if it was a tad cool outside. We had a nice afternoon stroll immediately following in the sunshine, playing by a fountain, which was a magnet for all of the little boys nearby.
The volunteers at work brought us stuff: fast food. Not sure why...no bingo games were going on last night. Just because, I guess.
One of our groups brought flowers for all of the nurses who were mothers and the chaplain corps handed them out while they were in the neighborhood for services. I told Dahey I didn't want flowers, but got some anyway. It was nice.
We celebrated amongst ourselves with a dessert cart...cake, ice cream, cookies and pie. That trolley and brunch played hell with my diet yesterday, but thankfully, it's only one day.
Back to the lions' den tonight, for more wild and crazy excitement. Stay tuned!
Wonderful brunch with Dahey and Bubba, even if it was a tad cool outside. We had a nice afternoon stroll immediately following in the sunshine, playing by a fountain, which was a magnet for all of the little boys nearby.
The volunteers at work brought us stuff: fast food. Not sure why...no bingo games were going on last night. Just because, I guess.
One of our groups brought flowers for all of the nurses who were mothers and the chaplain corps handed them out while they were in the neighborhood for services. I told Dahey I didn't want flowers, but got some anyway. It was nice.
We celebrated amongst ourselves with a dessert cart...cake, ice cream, cookies and pie. That trolley and brunch played hell with my diet yesterday, but thankfully, it's only one day.
Back to the lions' den tonight, for more wild and crazy excitement. Stay tuned!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Reading and writhing
I had to take a break recently on a shift, because I got so tired of hearing everything second hand. Reading charts is a very important thing, especially, for all you new nurses, so you can really find out what's going on. Sometimes it doesn't matter if your facility uses SBAR, recorded, or in-person report, you just don't always get all the information, or you miss out on some interesting consults. Reading the chart will give you a glimpse into these items you missed.
One of our people had a CT scan recently that mentioned fungi balls. This page from an online medical dictionary tells you basics about fungi balls, and this one from the American Rhinological Society talks about sinus ones. (Warning: there are photos).
Another person had a PET scan. We don't have too many of those normally, but since a number of our patients have had cancer diagnosed while they're staying with us, we're seeing more of them done. I felt pretty confused reading the note on the procedure until I read this page (patient education from Cedars-Sinai) on PET scans.
While the material was not always the most comfortable to read, learning more about my patients helps me to take better care of them.
One of our people had a CT scan recently that mentioned fungi balls. This page from an online medical dictionary tells you basics about fungi balls, and this one from the American Rhinological Society talks about sinus ones. (Warning: there are photos).
Another person had a PET scan. We don't have too many of those normally, but since a number of our patients have had cancer diagnosed while they're staying with us, we're seeing more of them done. I felt pretty confused reading the note on the procedure until I read this page (patient education from Cedars-Sinai) on PET scans.
While the material was not always the most comfortable to read, learning more about my patients helps me to take better care of them.
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to all from one of the crew. Moms do what no one else will do, just like nurses.
One sweet patient talked Mom into bringing us flowers from the garden and another had a bouquet delivered to the nurses' station.
At least it covers up the bowel routines a little.
More to come...
One sweet patient talked Mom into bringing us flowers from the garden and another had a bouquet delivered to the nurses' station.
At least it covers up the bowel routines a little.
More to come...
Saturday, May 8, 2010
What more...
Can you ask for this lovely Mothers' Day weekend:
1. Weather prediction: storms.
2. Husband sick. Dahey worked and something worked him over.
3. That last paper of the semester looming over your head.
4. Working all weekend.
Here's to crossing fingers that I'll get to wear my new dress without being rained on!
More to come...
1. Weather prediction: storms.
2. Husband sick. Dahey worked and something worked him over.
3. That last paper of the semester looming over your head.
4. Working all weekend.
Here's to crossing fingers that I'll get to wear my new dress without being rained on!
More to come...
Friday, May 7, 2010
Semester in the crosshairs
It's almost over, it's almost over...and then it will be summer, for a mere three weeks.
I love school when it's recess.
I love school when it's recess.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Low tech, high tech
This story below is from Giacomo, my friend, hospital chaplain at World Renown, a fancy-schmancy level one trauma center.
Giacomo was at the nurses' station in a certain ICU unit, talking to a fellow chaplain, when he noticed something move on the floor. Turns out one of the resident varmints (aka good sized cockroach) ambled into the nurses' station in the middle of day shift.
Giacomo says to the charge nurse, "What's your policy on him?" pointing to said cucharacha. Charge nurse just shrugged and took off.
Being the manly character he is, Giacomo strolls over to the stopped varmint, smashes him and with a tissue, picks it up and buries it in the nearest garbage can.
Giacomo goes back to his spot with the other chaplain and says, "It's nice to know in this high-tech ICU, some things are still low tech." which caused an enormous roar of laughter from the intensivist sitting nearby.
I'll have to remember to tell our chaplain this story the next time he's on the unit....
Giacomo was at the nurses' station in a certain ICU unit, talking to a fellow chaplain, when he noticed something move on the floor. Turns out one of the resident varmints (aka good sized cockroach) ambled into the nurses' station in the middle of day shift.
Giacomo says to the charge nurse, "What's your policy on him?" pointing to said cucharacha. Charge nurse just shrugged and took off.
Being the manly character he is, Giacomo strolls over to the stopped varmint, smashes him and with a tissue, picks it up and buries it in the nearest garbage can.
Giacomo goes back to his spot with the other chaplain and says, "It's nice to know in this high-tech ICU, some things are still low tech." which caused an enormous roar of laughter from the intensivist sitting nearby.
I'll have to remember to tell our chaplain this story the next time he's on the unit....
Nuggets for May 5
Yes, it's the Cinco de Mayo edition of Nuggets, so enjoy your selection wherever you are!
Thank you, Uncle
The Department of Veterans' Affairs has spent lots of money on electronic health records over the years, but it's gotten the bang for the buck according to this article from Medical News Today.
You just never know...
We've had more than a few cancer patients already with us this year and this article is absolutely amazing: Cases: 17 years later, a cancer survivor is savoring life. (from www.nytimes.com)
Artsy
Dahey is a big pop art lover, so he enjoyed this book review called the Pop Revolution (from www.wsj.com)
My addled brain ain't so bad
This article from the Well blog at www.nytimes.com sure made me, a middle-aged nurse, take heed: The talents of a Middle-Aged Brain.
Kiddos, the best IS really yet to come! More next time. Thanks for stopping by...and adios!
Thank you, Uncle
The Department of Veterans' Affairs has spent lots of money on electronic health records over the years, but it's gotten the bang for the buck according to this article from Medical News Today.
You just never know...
We've had more than a few cancer patients already with us this year and this article is absolutely amazing: Cases: 17 years later, a cancer survivor is savoring life. (from www.nytimes.com)
Artsy
Dahey is a big pop art lover, so he enjoyed this book review called the Pop Revolution (from www.wsj.com)
My addled brain ain't so bad
This article from the Well blog at www.nytimes.com sure made me, a middle-aged nurse, take heed: The talents of a Middle-Aged Brain.
Kiddos, the best IS really yet to come! More next time. Thanks for stopping by...and adios!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Whew!
The days fly by at the Hotel Rehab when you're busy. It's been a lot like a bus station this week, with all the discharges, admissions and tests here, there and everywhere.
I got the pleasure of orienting a guy who wants to do everything himself. Yes! We don't get too many motivated characters. He's plugging away and wants to make the best of everything. I hope it all works out well. Once we straighten out his bowel, bladder and skin issues, we'll be set.
On top of all this, we had an in-service today. The Slug was a primo b*&tch, snatching my materials, so I withheld something near and dear to her...the presenter's chocolate box. There's no better way to get the nurses' attention but with a large plastic box filled with chocolates at the end of the day. It just warmed the cockles of my heart, as I ate her favorite dark chocolates before the box managed to get passed to her at the end of the presentation.
There was a big crowd at the pain seminar. Our people are some of the best customers for Ye Old Pain Med manufacturers....Percs, Roxies, you name it...we could have some people on the wall of fame.
Thankfully, when I got home, Bubba felt much better. After significant GI upset yesterday, he was happy and smiling today. Probably had to do with all the quality time he spent with Dad.
Oh, to be a kid again...just without vomit! Stay tuned...
I got the pleasure of orienting a guy who wants to do everything himself. Yes! We don't get too many motivated characters. He's plugging away and wants to make the best of everything. I hope it all works out well. Once we straighten out his bowel, bladder and skin issues, we'll be set.
On top of all this, we had an in-service today. The Slug was a primo b*&tch, snatching my materials, so I withheld something near and dear to her...the presenter's chocolate box. There's no better way to get the nurses' attention but with a large plastic box filled with chocolates at the end of the day. It just warmed the cockles of my heart, as I ate her favorite dark chocolates before the box managed to get passed to her at the end of the presentation.
There was a big crowd at the pain seminar. Our people are some of the best customers for Ye Old Pain Med manufacturers....Percs, Roxies, you name it...we could have some people on the wall of fame.
Thankfully, when I got home, Bubba felt much better. After significant GI upset yesterday, he was happy and smiling today. Probably had to do with all the quality time he spent with Dad.
Oh, to be a kid again...just without vomit! Stay tuned...
Monday, May 3, 2010
Heard on the unit, volume 88
Oh, we have so many interesting characters coming and going, it's a laugh every minute.
Here are some of the silly scenarios we've had at the Hotel recently.
A little modesty?
"I gotta cover up." Mr. S.
"Okay. Let's pull up those pants and move the towel." Nurse A.
"Oh, I gotta stay covered up, so YOU don't look at me. I know you want to see!" Mr. S.
Say what? Do you know how many bare butts and gonads we have to look at every day? And, yes, as a professional, it IS strictly business. And no, I don't look anymore than is absolutely necessary.
But when you consider yourself Don Juan, I am not at all surprised you have such high esteem.
Why are you here?
Doc B:" Now we will start your liquid diet tomorrow and you'll have your procedure on Friday."
Patient Z: "Why do I have to keep pooping for an MRI?"
Maybe Patient Z misunderstood something when Doc B mentioned him/her about this earlier...oh no!
Patient satisfaction
Patient Y: "I want to talk to the head nurse. My nurse is sitting outside eating his/her lunch."
Head nurse: "It's his/her lunch time. What can we help you with?"
Patient Y: "Nothing. I'm just trying to stir up some trouble."
Yeah, so we don't look at you....right?
And last but not least, Mr. Demented left for a nursing home recently. He was in rare form screaming all night before he left. He cussed some on his way out and he said, "Hey babe" to others.
To me, he said, "See ya, babe." I'm sure we will...hopefully, not too soon!
More to come...stay tuned!
Here are some of the silly scenarios we've had at the Hotel recently.
A little modesty?
"I gotta cover up." Mr. S.
"Okay. Let's pull up those pants and move the towel." Nurse A.
"Oh, I gotta stay covered up, so YOU don't look at me. I know you want to see!" Mr. S.
Say what? Do you know how many bare butts and gonads we have to look at every day? And, yes, as a professional, it IS strictly business. And no, I don't look anymore than is absolutely necessary.
But when you consider yourself Don Juan, I am not at all surprised you have such high esteem.
Why are you here?
Doc B:" Now we will start your liquid diet tomorrow and you'll have your procedure on Friday."
Patient Z: "Why do I have to keep pooping for an MRI?"
Maybe Patient Z misunderstood something when Doc B mentioned him/her about this earlier...oh no!
Patient satisfaction
Patient Y: "I want to talk to the head nurse. My nurse is sitting outside eating his/her lunch."
Head nurse: "It's his/her lunch time. What can we help you with?"
Patient Y: "Nothing. I'm just trying to stir up some trouble."
Yeah, so we don't look at you....right?
And last but not least, Mr. Demented left for a nursing home recently. He was in rare form screaming all night before he left. He cussed some on his way out and he said, "Hey babe" to others.
To me, he said, "See ya, babe." I'm sure we will...hopefully, not too soon!
More to come...stay tuned!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The sun is shining...
The birds are singing, I've got a new car to ride around in while mine is in the shop...and I have a brain cramp.
My paper is due soon...hope it will go away!
My paper is due soon...hope it will go away!
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