Things you really don't want to happen in a rehab hospital to your patients:
1. Falls
2. Osteomyelitis
3. Anemia
4. Heart attack
5. Organ rejection (transplant patient)
6. Pressure ulcer
Now imagine that this happens to one of the Hotel's patients. Not two patients, not three patients, not six. patients..one.
One patient ends up with all of these during their hospital stay.
It really is like a snowball rolling down a hill.
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Sunday silliness
Ah, the joys of bubble wrap. If only I really could do this, I'd take some to work tomorrow.
So if you don't have any on hand, don't fret. Virtual bubble wrap has been online for ages! (thank goodness!) The wonderful folks there even have an Android app and a desktop version for all of you looking for some therapeutic communication tools to use at home (check with your local IT folks if you want to try this in the break room at your hospital 'cause it may be verboten!)
If none of those are nearly annoying enough, check out the Insane version (and crank your speakers). Need help? Check out this video from CBS earlier this year about a world record bubble wrap session.
If all that bubble wrap popping doesn't work, check out Sunday Stealing's Three Wishes meme. Here are some of my answers below. Enjoy your day and your week wherever you are!
What is your dream career? Philanthropist with a flexible schedule.
If you had a dragon what would you name it? Angus (seems like a good dragon name) or something Slavic and about 9-12 letters long, like Bronislav.
What do you put on hot dogs? Ketchup, mustard and relish.
What's your favorite way to get inspired? Roam aimlessly, walking around or driving in my car listening to music.
If you could go back in time would you and why? There are so many places I'd want to go. I'd want to meet relatives who died when I was young or before I was born. I'd like to meet my parents as teenagers, and I'd like to see some friends again when they were younger (before I knew them). I'd also love to go back to the Hotel in the old days, to see what a "new" rehab hospital was like.
Would you rather be rich or healthy? I've tried healthy (reasonably speaking) so I'd like to try stinking rich, but, if I got that philanthropy job, I'd probably already be rich (or at least get paid to give away money to good causes, which would be a lot of fun.)
So if you don't have any on hand, don't fret. Virtual bubble wrap has been online for ages! (thank goodness!) The wonderful folks there even have an Android app and a desktop version for all of you looking for some therapeutic communication tools to use at home (check with your local IT folks if you want to try this in the break room at your hospital 'cause it may be verboten!)
If none of those are nearly annoying enough, check out the Insane version (and crank your speakers). Need help? Check out this video from CBS earlier this year about a world record bubble wrap session.
If all that bubble wrap popping doesn't work, check out Sunday Stealing's Three Wishes meme. Here are some of my answers below. Enjoy your day and your week wherever you are!
What is your dream career? Philanthropist with a flexible schedule.
If you had a dragon what would you name it? Angus (seems like a good dragon name) or something Slavic and about 9-12 letters long, like Bronislav.
What do you put on hot dogs? Ketchup, mustard and relish.
What's your favorite way to get inspired? Roam aimlessly, walking around or driving in my car listening to music.
If you could go back in time would you and why? There are so many places I'd want to go. I'd want to meet relatives who died when I was young or before I was born. I'd like to meet my parents as teenagers, and I'd like to see some friends again when they were younger (before I knew them). I'd also love to go back to the Hotel in the old days, to see what a "new" rehab hospital was like.
Would you rather be rich or healthy? I've tried healthy (reasonably speaking) so I'd like to try stinking rich, but, if I got that philanthropy job, I'd probably already be rich (or at least get paid to give away money to good causes, which would be a lot of fun.)
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Dear Mother Nature
Okay, I have to tolerate the full moon every month.
Please cut out all this rain and snow. Yes, it is almost May and it's NOT supposed to snow here in RehabLand.
Besides, I'm getting tired of my backyard flooding and WildDog refusing to go outside since the porch is damp.
And on top of this, the smokers at work are grumpy as hell. I have enough to deal with this week.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
Please cut out all this rain and snow. Yes, it is almost May and it's NOT supposed to snow here in RehabLand.
Besides, I'm getting tired of my backyard flooding and WildDog refusing to go outside since the porch is damp.
And on top of this, the smokers at work are grumpy as hell. I have enough to deal with this week.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
Friday, April 26, 2013
Yes, it's here!
The weekend, the weekend, the weekend.
It was a pretty productive week with a little weirdness added in for good measure. (What is that full moon for, anyway?) Yes, if you want to use the VPN client for Hotel work, you have to have the blessing of the Information Security Officer. It would have been nice if they'd have told my doc that before he/she left with a computer without access. (I got to play "scramble" to get things done.) I love HIPAA!
I got most of the work I'd started completed by the end of the week and lined up even more. For entertainment, we bet each other sodas (my favorite is Dr. Pepper) on the number of folks Dr. Q. would discharge by today. He was hoping for 6, but we did get 4. I guessed 5, so Mike, our nurse manager, won the prize, a Mountain Dew from me and two other folks who participated.
Now to face laundry and teach Dahey how to use his birthday present (an iPhone).
The fun never ends.
Stay tuned!
It was a pretty productive week with a little weirdness added in for good measure. (What is that full moon for, anyway?) Yes, if you want to use the VPN client for Hotel work, you have to have the blessing of the Information Security Officer. It would have been nice if they'd have told my doc that before he/she left with a computer without access. (I got to play "scramble" to get things done.) I love HIPAA!
I got most of the work I'd started completed by the end of the week and lined up even more. For entertainment, we bet each other sodas (my favorite is Dr. Pepper) on the number of folks Dr. Q. would discharge by today. He was hoping for 6, but we did get 4. I guessed 5, so Mike, our nurse manager, won the prize, a Mountain Dew from me and two other folks who participated.
Now to face laundry and teach Dahey how to use his birthday present (an iPhone).
The fun never ends.
Stay tuned!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
More signs of dysfunctional workplaces
This is a great article with a list of those infamous traits. The following seemed to jump out at me based on everything going on lately.
Decisions are made at the highest level possible.
Regardless of what it is, you have to check with your boss before doing it. She also has to check with her boss. So does anything really get done? No. Not without a lot of stone rolling up the hill.
Delegating means telling somebody to do something, not giving them the power to do it.
The total antithesis of nursing, but reality sometimes.
Management approaches from the latest best-seller are regularly misunderstood to mean what we're doing already is right on the mark.
"Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," "Good to Great" and "Who Moved My Cheese?" all seem to boil down to, "quit griping and do more with less."
Or a Lean Six Sigma class...where the resources just don't happen to be allocated to your department.
Stay tuned...more to come
Decisions are made at the highest level possible.
Regardless of what it is, you have to check with your boss before doing it. She also has to check with her boss. So does anything really get done? No. Not without a lot of stone rolling up the hill.
Delegating means telling somebody to do something, not giving them the power to do it.
The total antithesis of nursing, but reality sometimes.
Management approaches from the latest best-seller are regularly misunderstood to mean what we're doing already is right on the mark.
"Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," "Good to Great" and "Who Moved My Cheese?" all seem to boil down to, "quit griping and do more with less."
Or a Lean Six Sigma class...where the resources just don't happen to be allocated to your department.
Stay tuned...more to come
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Signs of a dysfunctional workplace #10
Today, I was fired on my second day of work after a year and a half of unemployment. Apparently, my "tendency to solve problems instead of just accepting them made the other workers uneasy".
Courtesy of FML
I really, really, really think the Hotel is heading this way somedays. (smacks head into desk)
Courtesy of FML
I really, really, really think the Hotel is heading this way somedays. (smacks head into desk)
They're back! Nuggets!
No, not those nuggets or even these nuggets, but good old nuggets of news carefully dug up by yours truly while I'm wasting time, er, waiting to do something at home or away.
Enjoy them one at a time or all at once!
One hell of a clinical day
This story from Medscape describes a clinical group that worked the Boston Marathon this year.
I want one!
This study from Medscape, discussed an emergency environment which tested the efficacy of ultrasound to get IVs in people who are tough sticks.
Glove it, doc
This article (from DailyRx) discusses a recent study with children where they had fewer HAIs (Hospital Acquired Infections) when their doctors wore gloves each time they examine patients.
Are you stressed?
Maybe you live in one of the states mentioned in this Atlantic article. I was surprised RehabLand wasn't included in the top five. Oh, well, we can't win 'em all. We've still got crime and chlamydia!
News you may not have heard about
I found out about the Kermit Gosnell story in my local paper when they mentioned him hiring teenagers to man his abortion clinic. No matter what side of this debate you are on, this story is unimaginably cruel, particularly for the women involved, maimed, mutilated or even dead, because of this man.
And that's what it's all about...
No, not that song, kids! However, patient engagement is a hot topic in the news lately. I like this article because Mayo Clinic acknowledges people may not learn everything they need in one try.
More to come...stay tuned! And that's what it IS all about...
Enjoy them one at a time or all at once!
One hell of a clinical day
This story from Medscape describes a clinical group that worked the Boston Marathon this year.
I want one!
This study from Medscape, discussed an emergency environment which tested the efficacy of ultrasound to get IVs in people who are tough sticks.
Glove it, doc
This article (from DailyRx) discusses a recent study with children where they had fewer HAIs (Hospital Acquired Infections) when their doctors wore gloves each time they examine patients.
Are you stressed?
Maybe you live in one of the states mentioned in this Atlantic article. I was surprised RehabLand wasn't included in the top five. Oh, well, we can't win 'em all. We've still got crime and chlamydia!
News you may not have heard about
I found out about the Kermit Gosnell story in my local paper when they mentioned him hiring teenagers to man his abortion clinic. No matter what side of this debate you are on, this story is unimaginably cruel, particularly for the women involved, maimed, mutilated or even dead, because of this man.
And that's what it's all about...
No, not that song, kids! However, patient engagement is a hot topic in the news lately. I like this article because Mayo Clinic acknowledges people may not learn everything they need in one try.
More to come...stay tuned! And that's what it IS all about...
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Sometimes
I wonder about my faith in humanity when I see the world around me. Idiots and criminals get me rattled.
But today, I have flashbacks to my former lives.
JJ, one of our tech folks, took good care of one of my doctors, when her laptop when crazy.
His cohort, who made various sexist remarks when I brought the laptop over yesterday, had me wishing I had a beer bottle. (One, to drink and two, to smash over his head for his callousness.) Too bad it's verboten on our property and two, I'd have a hard time justifying giving him a beer bottle headache.
All in all, after a nice chat with my new manager, I think the Hotel may get where we need it to be.
Cross your fingers (toes, and other appendages) because I will be too.
More later.
But today, I have flashbacks to my former lives.
JJ, one of our tech folks, took good care of one of my doctors, when her laptop when crazy.
His cohort, who made various sexist remarks when I brought the laptop over yesterday, had me wishing I had a beer bottle. (One, to drink and two, to smash over his head for his callousness.) Too bad it's verboten on our property and two, I'd have a hard time justifying giving him a beer bottle headache.
All in all, after a nice chat with my new manager, I think the Hotel may get where we need it to be.
Cross your fingers (toes, and other appendages) because I will be too.
More later.
Think pink
Now it all makes sense. Monday madness was just a harbinger of the full moon at the Hotel. But this one is special. It's pink and in some areas (not RehabLand, though), there's even a lunar eclipse.
No dogs eating girls this time, but it should be interesting!
Stay tuned...
No dogs eating girls this time, but it should be interesting!
Stay tuned...
Monday, April 22, 2013
Despite everything...
The day went reasonably well. Things went as well as expected for a Monday.
Let the rest of the week begin!
Let the rest of the week begin!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Peeling back the layers
While I'm not the one who waits to admit patients to the Hotel anymore, I have assessments to do for folks who end up in the SU, so I still visit. I knew this particular patient would be trouble from the start.
Mr. I. had a history from faraway. He was a complex character. I had fun trying to find his records but when I did, they told me two big things: mental illness and intractable pain. Many nurses, when they see this think of two words: drug seeker. Mr. I. had a life of ill repute, so certainly he must be addicted to those painkillers, one staff member told me matter of factly one day. He was also mentally ill.
I did my required assessment and found him pleasant and with his sister when I came to call. Mr. I was fine doing his assessment with the sister there. "Sure, she can be here. I tell her everything." I did my work and was on my way, thanking both of them. Mr. I had been estranged from his family for a long time due to the distance and his illness.
The course of his stay was usual. Patient caused trouble, psych was called, meds were changed, and the Caffeine free Diet Mountain Dew cans were thrown at staff. Empty, Mr. I told the security staff, when they called a surliness code one day. "I know a full can might hurt someone, so I'd never do that, but she (Nurse Suzy) made me mad." Nurse Suzy made him mad when his pain meds were late and he was in pain. Mr. I told everyone that he was in pain all the time and nothing worked. Mr. I also said he had pain for years. "I probably have terminal cancer." he told another nurse. "I've been reading about it on the internet."
Day after day, Mr. I still complained about this and that, and was finally consulted to the pain management doc, and he/she said to leave his pain meds alone. He/she didn't see any changes coming anytime soon, so it was best to leave them alone.
Well, change came soon enough. Mr. I complained, complained, and complained some more. The docs decided to give him big workup. We found out his one chronic problem wasn't the only thing causing his pain.
The workup found that Mr. I has cancer. Metastatic cancer, partly related to his chronic condition, but the rest they aren't sure of. The oncologist gently told him that they can't give him a realistic prognosis without one more test (that wouldn't be terribly invasive, but would answer his questions.) Mr. I said he wanted to know, so do the test.
It was a sad day recently when his sister showed up. I asked if she needed anything and she just looked up sadly and said, "I need to get I's things. He's going to hospice, instead of that assisted living place the social worker found." The nurses guided her to the room and one offered to help her. "I'm fine," she said. "I always knew something like this could happen. I just never thought it was true. Now I know."
I waited to see if there would be an emotional response, but she stoically packed his belongings and took the computer and clothes out of the room."I promised to be there for him this time, and now I've got my chance. I never thought it would happen because he was gone for so long."
She turned and with a look of calm said, "I'll take whatever time he's got to help. It's all I can do. I'm his sister after all."
Mr. I. had a history from faraway. He was a complex character. I had fun trying to find his records but when I did, they told me two big things: mental illness and intractable pain. Many nurses, when they see this think of two words: drug seeker. Mr. I. had a life of ill repute, so certainly he must be addicted to those painkillers, one staff member told me matter of factly one day. He was also mentally ill.
I did my required assessment and found him pleasant and with his sister when I came to call. Mr. I was fine doing his assessment with the sister there. "Sure, she can be here. I tell her everything." I did my work and was on my way, thanking both of them. Mr. I had been estranged from his family for a long time due to the distance and his illness.
The course of his stay was usual. Patient caused trouble, psych was called, meds were changed, and the Caffeine free Diet Mountain Dew cans were thrown at staff. Empty, Mr. I told the security staff, when they called a surliness code one day. "I know a full can might hurt someone, so I'd never do that, but she (Nurse Suzy) made me mad." Nurse Suzy made him mad when his pain meds were late and he was in pain. Mr. I told everyone that he was in pain all the time and nothing worked. Mr. I also said he had pain for years. "I probably have terminal cancer." he told another nurse. "I've been reading about it on the internet."
Day after day, Mr. I still complained about this and that, and was finally consulted to the pain management doc, and he/she said to leave his pain meds alone. He/she didn't see any changes coming anytime soon, so it was best to leave them alone.
Well, change came soon enough. Mr. I complained, complained, and complained some more. The docs decided to give him big workup. We found out his one chronic problem wasn't the only thing causing his pain.
The workup found that Mr. I has cancer. Metastatic cancer, partly related to his chronic condition, but the rest they aren't sure of. The oncologist gently told him that they can't give him a realistic prognosis without one more test (that wouldn't be terribly invasive, but would answer his questions.) Mr. I said he wanted to know, so do the test.
It was a sad day recently when his sister showed up. I asked if she needed anything and she just looked up sadly and said, "I need to get I's things. He's going to hospice, instead of that assisted living place the social worker found." The nurses guided her to the room and one offered to help her. "I'm fine," she said. "I always knew something like this could happen. I just never thought it was true. Now I know."
I waited to see if there would be an emotional response, but she stoically packed his belongings and took the computer and clothes out of the room."I promised to be there for him this time, and now I've got my chance. I never thought it would happen because he was gone for so long."
She turned and with a look of calm said, "I'll take whatever time he's got to help. It's all I can do. I'm his sister after all."
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Calling all neurologists...
Someone just needs to save Dick Van Dyke from his "throbbing headaches" which canceled his upcoming show in NY.My favorite line, in one article was that he has a "yet to be diagnosed neurological disorder".
Maybe Doc Grumpy or some of the other neurologists in the blogosphere can help him out while he waits for the tabloids to diagnose him.
Stay tuned...
Maybe Doc Grumpy or some of the other neurologists in the blogosphere can help him out while he waits for the tabloids to diagnose him.
Stay tuned...
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The joy of tests
I had no idea there were so many standardized tests for grade school kids until I did a little recon.
Bubba is in the throes of standardized testing this week. So what to kids do to prepare?
In my day, (eons) we did all our homework and showed up at school with a number 2 pencil. The scoring sheets were sent off, then returned on a little printed slip for our parents. Nothing significant was really done with the information.
For Bubba, it's been a completely different story. We were prepped for the tests by the teacher at the last parent-teacher conference. Notes came home telling us to make sure Bubba goes to bed early and no texting or game-playing while in bed.
If that parenting tidbit wasn't enough, we were also given a menu of what "good" breakfast food is, and how Bubba needed to make sure he eats breakfast every day of testing.
Finally, Dahey and I were asked to write "motivation letters" to get Bubba excited about sitting through hours of testing. Dahey, of course, found goofy photos on the internet, including certain cats like this one and even some sarcastic cats.
I'm glad the two of them have a similar sense of humor.
More test excitement to come...
Bubba is in the throes of standardized testing this week. So what to kids do to prepare?
In my day, (eons) we did all our homework and showed up at school with a number 2 pencil. The scoring sheets were sent off, then returned on a little printed slip for our parents. Nothing significant was really done with the information.
For Bubba, it's been a completely different story. We were prepped for the tests by the teacher at the last parent-teacher conference. Notes came home telling us to make sure Bubba goes to bed early and no texting or game-playing while in bed.
If that parenting tidbit wasn't enough, we were also given a menu of what "good" breakfast food is, and how Bubba needed to make sure he eats breakfast every day of testing.
Finally, Dahey and I were asked to write "motivation letters" to get Bubba excited about sitting through hours of testing. Dahey, of course, found goofy photos on the internet, including certain cats like this one and even some sarcastic cats.
I'm glad the two of them have a similar sense of humor.
More test excitement to come...
Happy Hump Day
An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.~ James Whistler
It's hard to have vision when the labor is all you have time for some days, when people absolutely, positively refuse to do what they say they will and leave you with the rest.
And do you think it could get worse? Yes, it could. Your big boss tells you to help him/her with the big chief of medicine meeting today. The one positive: you can just send your report, because, in finest tradition, the people in the field (i.e. troops) are not allowed to attend. (Hallelujah!)
Gotta love that interdisciplinary teamwork (head smacks firmly into table)!
Stay tuned...you never know what will happen at the Hotel.
It's hard to have vision when the labor is all you have time for some days, when people absolutely, positively refuse to do what they say they will and leave you with the rest.
And do you think it could get worse? Yes, it could. Your big boss tells you to help him/her with the big chief of medicine meeting today. The one positive: you can just send your report, because, in finest tradition, the people in the field (i.e. troops) are not allowed to attend. (Hallelujah!)
Gotta love that interdisciplinary teamwork (head smacks firmly into table)!
Stay tuned...you never know what will happen at the Hotel.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
No surprises here
I really love reading the news some days. This one is the best story I've seen in a while, and yes, often, very unfortunately true.
Hospitals profit from surgical errors (New York Times)
It should be criminal.
More to come...
Hospitals profit from surgical errors (New York Times)
It should be criminal.
More to come...
Monday, April 15, 2013
Patriots' Day
Paul Revere may have warned them the British were coming, but no one warned anyone of today's horrors at the finish line in Boston.
Lives, legs, loved ones disappear in a moment. So sad.
Thoughts and prayers go out to all involved in Boston tonight. An unspeakable end to a journey so long awaited for many.
Lives, legs, loved ones disappear in a moment. So sad.
Thoughts and prayers go out to all involved in Boston tonight. An unspeakable end to a journey so long awaited for many.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Thanking the heavens
It's not good, but it is getting better. One of Dahey's relatives was out in the storms recently and was seriously injured because he couldn't been seen due to wind, rain and darkness.
He and his family were in a car accident and he was the worst injury of the lot (rest of the injuries were minor). The medical staff at PrivateU are watching and waiting since he had to have this procedure and a small part of his brain removed to reduce brain swelling post-injury.
Send all those good thoughts and prayers our way. It will be a long road ahead, no matter what happens.
Stay tuned...
He and his family were in a car accident and he was the worst injury of the lot (rest of the injuries were minor). The medical staff at PrivateU are watching and waiting since he had to have this procedure and a small part of his brain removed to reduce brain swelling post-injury.
Send all those good thoughts and prayers our way. It will be a long road ahead, no matter what happens.
Stay tuned...
Friday, April 12, 2013
Another week done
Hooray! Give me the weekend, even if it's colder than when the week started. If it's sunny (like they say it will be), I will rejoice.
I have seen way too many clouds lately, in the sky and at the Hotel.
One of my old regulars came back this week. He's sick. He tried to stay well he told me, and now it seems, his body's giving up. He sick and he's scared.
Another regular came back right in the "season" as he calls it on his farm. His family misses him and calls him with reports. Even the dog misses him.
Finally, I got to finish the day off by helping some of the case management folks review files for Hotel admissions. I learned a lot about syndromes that I never knew existed. One started when the patient's main complaint was "I keep falling". He fell one time, however, and couldn't get up.
And it's looking like the start of the "season" for me, too. One relative (who was hospitalized last year a long time) is going to the ER tonight. I hope it all goes well. I'm not sure if I'll be a good supporter this year or not. I'm drained after everything that happened last year. It was a wild roller coaster ride.
More to come...
I have seen way too many clouds lately, in the sky and at the Hotel.
One of my old regulars came back this week. He's sick. He tried to stay well he told me, and now it seems, his body's giving up. He sick and he's scared.
Another regular came back right in the "season" as he calls it on his farm. His family misses him and calls him with reports. Even the dog misses him.
Finally, I got to finish the day off by helping some of the case management folks review files for Hotel admissions. I learned a lot about syndromes that I never knew existed. One started when the patient's main complaint was "I keep falling". He fell one time, however, and couldn't get up.
And it's looking like the start of the "season" for me, too. One relative (who was hospitalized last year a long time) is going to the ER tonight. I hope it all goes well. I'm not sure if I'll be a good supporter this year or not. I'm drained after everything that happened last year. It was a wild roller coaster ride.
More to come...
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Field trip!
Bubba had the time of his life with the kids from school. They went to the tallest skyscraper in Major Metro City, had lunch at a restaurant (arranged by the PTO) and rode the bus a LONG way.
It's all he talked about for an hour when he got home. You'd have thought he met a bunch of celebrities in the elevator.
My day was busy troubleshooting. So glad the weekend is coming!
Stay tuned.
It's all he talked about for an hour when he got home. You'd have thought he met a bunch of celebrities in the elevator.
My day was busy troubleshooting. So glad the weekend is coming!
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Time to wake the lion...
Er, kid, I mean.
It is daylight longer so Mr. Bubba thinks it's fine and dandy to stay up goofing off as long as possible, since "my homework is done, and it's not dark yet."
Now, we have to get up for school (I love being the drop off queen for the neighborhood). Agony.
Stay tuned. The drama of statewide standardized testing starts soon!
It is daylight longer so Mr. Bubba thinks it's fine and dandy to stay up goofing off as long as possible, since "my homework is done, and it's not dark yet."
Now, we have to get up for school (I love being the drop off queen for the neighborhood). Agony.
Stay tuned. The drama of statewide standardized testing starts soon!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
After a rough day...
Sometimes you need a break, after walking all of your 10000 daily steps going up and down hills to meetings.
So glad the weather is finally nice in RehabLand!
More to come...with a nice German Kolsch. Tasty relief!
So glad the weather is finally nice in RehabLand!
More to come...with a nice German Kolsch. Tasty relief!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Short weekend...
When you volunteer and spend most of the day working. It was fun, though, because I didn't do any work when I got done, like I would if I were in town. I liked that part of volunteering: to stay in a hotel and play tourist too, on my off time.
Bubba's favorite things: swimming and vegging out with Dahey watching basketball. When that gets old, play games on the computer.
But would someone please tell me why the bloody toads and frogs must welcome spring with an excessively loud chorus?
Ah, the joys of the changes of the seasons.
More to come later. Stay tuned!
Bubba's favorite things: swimming and vegging out with Dahey watching basketball. When that gets old, play games on the computer.
But would someone please tell me why the bloody toads and frogs must welcome spring with an excessively loud chorus?
Ah, the joys of the changes of the seasons.
More to come later. Stay tuned!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Murphy was here...
Yes, Murphy's Law was in force today at the Hotel.
1. We thought the TVs were firmly attached when they renovated the Hotel. Until one fell off and hit a patient and a staff member.
2. We thought the roof was fixed, until recently, when it rained and leaked all over in the break room and in the SU.
3. Today, the plumbers made it rain in another hallway. Some water pipe thing.
I am so glad I'm going to a seminar tomorrow. I just hope I come back to an office intact.
Stay tuned...
1. We thought the TVs were firmly attached when they renovated the Hotel. Until one fell off and hit a patient and a staff member.
2. We thought the roof was fixed, until recently, when it rained and leaked all over in the break room and in the SU.
3. Today, the plumbers made it rain in another hallway. Some water pipe thing.
I am so glad I'm going to a seminar tomorrow. I just hope I come back to an office intact.
Stay tuned...
One of these days...
That expense report will come on into my bank account. Meanwhile, I wait for Captain Obvious to fly over Accounting or these people will finally retire/quit/get fired..
Stay tuned!
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Dear Charge Nurse
Thanks for sitting on your lazy arse and pontificating about how "short" you really are today.
I will not create safety hazards because you just don't think I need the help in the SU. I will be happy to put your name on the accident report should the need arise.
Thankfully, one of the unlicensed staff shows more nursing judgment than you can. She rocks. Don't worry. I made sure to tell your manager how good SHE really is in a nice, glowing letter.
You. Not exactly the same...just saying, when they say the charge nurse is ultimately responsible for safety on a shift, they mean it.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
I will not create safety hazards because you just don't think I need the help in the SU. I will be happy to put your name on the accident report should the need arise.
Thankfully, one of the unlicensed staff shows more nursing judgment than you can. She rocks. Don't worry. I made sure to tell your manager how good SHE really is in a nice, glowing letter.
You. Not exactly the same...just saying, when they say the charge nurse is ultimately responsible for safety on a shift, they mean it.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
So much for...
Giving patients an easy way to remember their password on the Hotel's web portal. You can't even use even password-altered expletives on some sites anymore. Nice...
Guess I'll have to figure out more ways to alter pet names (as if I don't already).
Stay tuned.
Guess I'll have to figure out more ways to alter pet names (as if I don't already).
Stay tuned.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Two letters
In the grand scheme of things, it seems miniscule. To ask a favor for a friend who is dying. A friend you shared stories and did wonderful things with, all while doing your job.
It's a small token, but worthwhile nevertheless.
I read this story today and so many memories of patients and last requests came back to me: watching the baseball game, seeing your son/daughter/sister/brother/mother (pick a relative), dreaming about going home, hanging out and laughing.
No fooling. Making these requests come true is a gift we can all give...if we get lucky enough.
More later.
It's a small token, but worthwhile nevertheless.
I read this story today and so many memories of patients and last requests came back to me: watching the baseball game, seeing your son/daughter/sister/brother/mother (pick a relative), dreaming about going home, hanging out and laughing.
No fooling. Making these requests come true is a gift we can all give...if we get lucky enough.
More later.
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