Deep thoughts

I really loved Jack Handey on Saturday Night Live. Some things they mentioned on that segment of the show were delightfully sarcastic.

While some of you might say the same thing about two things I'll address below, I'm going to say them. Because someone needs to mention them. Because my patients mention them.

So sit down and listen, please.

First, I enjoy getting my regular copy of the American Journal of Nursing every month. Since I subscribe to the newsletter, too, I also get a copy of the electronic table of contents. I saw this listed in the TOC and just about blew a gasket. Why you ask?

Because we have a whole lot more idiots, or shall we say "free spirits" out in the world who are so nervous they have to make fun of things they don't like or understand. Since I am not allowed to discuss politics in my home, I won't even discuss a certain political candidate who has endeared himself to the physically challenged, prisoners of war (also military veterans) and something I can identify with: women.

The point: Nurse researchers, please get with the program. While my folks may use safety belts, I have yet to see any "bound" to a wheelchair. If you are so up-to-date, please use modern terminology, please. Wheelchair user would do just fine in your article.

Finally, never assume. Wheelchair users most likely are not deaf, nor stupid. Treat them the way you'd want to be treated. In the fine words of one of my friends with multiple sclerosis (who celebrated World MS Day this past week), "I have MS, but it doesn't have me!"

And now for a moment from our sponsor. Stay tuned! 

Deep Thoughts

With all due respect to Jack Handey, I've been pondering the following lately.

1. Why, oh, why would someone's family think it's appropriate to bring granddad alcohol to the hospital? Especially when he's on meds that will make him really, really stupid (and potentially sick)?

2. What doctor would purposely forget a patient's Baclofen order, when s/he's been on a high oral dose for ages?

3. Why on earth, in this, the 21st century, do we still have to have books that read like this? And why on earth would your coworkers tell you, in a diverse organization, "That's just the way it is."
That, like rehab bowel programs, smells really bad and for one, I'm tired of it. It's one of the things that drives me nuts about Madison.

And on that note, I leave you, back with Jack...check out the notecards. They are a riot!

More to come....from happier climes.