It was too good to last. Yes, summer is trying to escape here in RehabLand. It didn't even get to 90 degrees today, and for August, that's cool. The pools are still open (mostly on the weekends) but many are getting ready for the last weekend: Labor Day.
I escaped today as I usually do. I have to go on rounds at Washington, so if I'm not feeling adventurous, I just hop on a shuttle bus. The trip is short, so I don't see much. Standing outside is the part I like if the weather is nice: seeing the sun and soaking up some rays (even if I'm wearing heavy-duty sunscreen to avoid both cancer and wrinkles). Today was glorious. The potted plants aren't wilted and the flowers are blooming again as if it's spring.
The patients like this weather too. When you can convince your therapist to take you outside for a game, or to go wheeling around campus, you've won. We call it community integration and on days like today, it's a good thing.
Why? Because you learn how to get up and down curbs (and how to gauge where the water will be when it rains) and despite whatever illness or injury put you in a wheelchair, for the moment, you're free to hang out and be a lounge lizard. Don't worry, our patients get sunscreen too. Orders for sunscreen are harbingers of spring around the Hotel, just like the swallows coming back to Capistrano.
However, the shuttle trips never last. I'm always dropped off at the door to reality. And today, someone is waiting. Waiting for me, the resident expert, to help them solve one more problem, before they go off into the summery, yet cool sunshine.
I'll take it any day! Hope you enjoy every minute of gorgeous whenever it comes your way.
More later...
Showing posts with label RehabLand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RehabLand. Show all posts
Monday, August 22, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
I wonder if...
The moon is changing. Lots of weirdness going on in this neck of the woods in RehabLand.
1. I was doing a patient visit today and I thought I was going to hear a sad tale of woe. Said patient got one of those "grandkids need money to stay out of jail" scammer calls. He almost fell for it, but his daughter called some of my friends (yes, I do have some) at ReallySwankySuburb PD and they told her not to do anything, since it's a scam. It's a very good one, too, with multiple phone calls, etc. The patient was pretty proud that it was Senior 1, Scammer 0, and so was I.
2. The boys at home are crabby. All day, every day. Bubba forgot his lacrosse stick and missed his last game. Puberty is driving everyone nuts.
3. My equipment I wished for is messed up. Hopefully, our guy in safety can get it fixed. Hurry up and wait for the specialty mechanics.
Will Friday get her sooner? If only...
Stay tuned.
1. I was doing a patient visit today and I thought I was going to hear a sad tale of woe. Said patient got one of those "grandkids need money to stay out of jail" scammer calls. He almost fell for it, but his daughter called some of my friends (yes, I do have some) at ReallySwankySuburb PD and they told her not to do anything, since it's a scam. It's a very good one, too, with multiple phone calls, etc. The patient was pretty proud that it was Senior 1, Scammer 0, and so was I.
2. The boys at home are crabby. All day, every day. Bubba forgot his lacrosse stick and missed his last game. Puberty is driving everyone nuts.
3. My equipment I wished for is messed up. Hopefully, our guy in safety can get it fixed. Hurry up and wait for the specialty mechanics.
Will Friday get her sooner? If only...
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
What not to do: February edition
Yes, the mail came...and the stories abound in RehabLand's Board of Nursing newsletter. Students, take note. These things noted below can cause you to lose your license.
1. Make up stuff
Making up visits, vital signs, or even, whether a dialysis machine works is not good. Can you say "fraud"? Fraud means fabricating the truth, whether it's in documentation or conversation.. The truth really is a good thing, and should be obvious in your work, so don't bother making up a bunch of tales that you have to remember.
2. Commit another felony
Yes, it is hard to get and keep a nursing job if you're convicted of a felony. This edition has some new ones: video voyeurism, tampering, and deviant sexual assault. Friends, do your self a favor: forget about felonies.
3. Forgetting to call
If you do have a drug problem, and you're required to call in, call. Don't forget 79 times. Call.
4. Appearance is everything
If your eyes are glassy and red, if you smell like you've been drinking, you may lose you license.
Stay tuned for our next edition. Never a dull moment!
1. Make up stuff
Making up visits, vital signs, or even, whether a dialysis machine works is not good. Can you say "fraud"? Fraud means fabricating the truth, whether it's in documentation or conversation.. The truth really is a good thing, and should be obvious in your work, so don't bother making up a bunch of tales that you have to remember.
2. Commit another felony
Yes, it is hard to get and keep a nursing job if you're convicted of a felony. This edition has some new ones: video voyeurism, tampering, and deviant sexual assault. Friends, do your self a favor: forget about felonies.
3. Forgetting to call
If you do have a drug problem, and you're required to call in, call. Don't forget 79 times. Call.
4. Appearance is everything
If your eyes are glassy and red, if you smell like you've been drinking, you may lose you license.
Stay tuned for our next edition. Never a dull moment!
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
The bracing chill
Winter's hanging on here in RehabLand. I took a walk tonight in the brisk air after dinner. Glad I had on many layers and a good hat to cover my ears.
Work is still work, but at least, I'm rousing the troops. Things I've been trying to accomplish are finally falling into place. Even without a lot of executive buy-in, we're getting things done. It's going to change the dynamics of what we do in many ways.
I had a interview recently for a new job. It'll mean leaving the Hotel, but staying in the same hospital system. It really stressed me out (because I was a half hour early), but I was happy when I got it done. I know there were a lot of applicants. I just hope I'll be the one who gets it. I've passed up on a job like this twice before.
I'm hoping third time's the charm. Cross your fingers, light your candles, etc.
Stay tuned...
Work is still work, but at least, I'm rousing the troops. Things I've been trying to accomplish are finally falling into place. Even without a lot of executive buy-in, we're getting things done. It's going to change the dynamics of what we do in many ways.
I had a interview recently for a new job. It'll mean leaving the Hotel, but staying in the same hospital system. It really stressed me out (because I was a half hour early), but I was happy when I got it done. I know there were a lot of applicants. I just hope I'll be the one who gets it. I've passed up on a job like this twice before.
I'm hoping third time's the charm. Cross your fingers, light your candles, etc.
Stay tuned...
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Things not to do as a nurse, February edition
Yes, the fun never stops in RehabLand. Days ago, the State Board sends out renewal notices and today, they send out their regular newsletter.
Guess it's a reminder to answer those questions correctly.
We have plenty of our regulars: lapsed licenses and drug testing abuses. Here's the ones from this edition that you really need to put on your "DO NOT" list, students (and any other RNs for that matter...).
1. Do not attempt to substitute blue mouthwash.
Yes, we all know that certain forms of morphine smell just like some of the mouthwashes on the market, but stealing pain meds from terminally ill patients, is, was, and ever shall be unforgivable.
It will also cost you your license (there were actually two mouthwash switchers in this edition from RehabLand State Board of Nursing).
2. Don't go to a party, get wasted, then trespass.
This is also a problem, especially when you are convicted.
3. Do not share your Pyxis/Omnicell/drug dispenser password.
One person lost his/her license for this (and diverting narcs), but my question is, what happened to the idiot who shared the password?
Here at the Hotel, you would be fired for violating the information security policy.
Speaking of policies...follow them.
4. Don't assess the patient after a violent incident involving security.
This nurse was reprimanded for leaving that lil' old task to someone else. If your facility states you will assess following any altercations you must.
Besides, it's a lawsuit waiting to happen. Remember: you're considered in a position of power.
5. Don't just "borrow" a retiring physician's prescription pad.
When you are from a little town, people talk. And those pharmacists are smart. Hence the reason why they didn't fill any of your prescriptions.
And finally, my personal favorite:
6. Don't go offroading in the company car.
This applies to anyone really, not just nurses, unless of course your company car is an off-road vehicle and/or your job demands it.
Home health RN was out on his/her regular route seeing patients when he/she ran off road and damaged the axel of the car, requiring towing. Luckily, no one was hurt, but since this is a recordable incident while on duty, HHRN was required to submit to a drug screen.
As you may have guessed, he/she flunked (positive for marijuana). Remember kids, buzzed driving, driving while high (or getting high during working hours) is really NOT a good thing.
Guess it's a reminder to answer those questions correctly.
We have plenty of our regulars: lapsed licenses and drug testing abuses. Here's the ones from this edition that you really need to put on your "DO NOT" list, students (and any other RNs for that matter...).
1. Do not attempt to substitute blue mouthwash.
Yes, we all know that certain forms of morphine smell just like some of the mouthwashes on the market, but stealing pain meds from terminally ill patients, is, was, and ever shall be unforgivable.
It will also cost you your license (there were actually two mouthwash switchers in this edition from RehabLand State Board of Nursing).
2. Don't go to a party, get wasted, then trespass.
This is also a problem, especially when you are convicted.
3. Do not share your Pyxis/Omnicell/drug dispenser password.
One person lost his/her license for this (and diverting narcs), but my question is, what happened to the idiot who shared the password?
Here at the Hotel, you would be fired for violating the information security policy.
Speaking of policies...follow them.
4. Don't assess the patient after a violent incident involving security.
This nurse was reprimanded for leaving that lil' old task to someone else. If your facility states you will assess following any altercations you must.
Besides, it's a lawsuit waiting to happen. Remember: you're considered in a position of power.
5. Don't just "borrow" a retiring physician's prescription pad.
When you are from a little town, people talk. And those pharmacists are smart. Hence the reason why they didn't fill any of your prescriptions.
And finally, my personal favorite:
6. Don't go offroading in the company car.
This applies to anyone really, not just nurses, unless of course your company car is an off-road vehicle and/or your job demands it.
Home health RN was out on his/her regular route seeing patients when he/she ran off road and damaged the axel of the car, requiring towing. Luckily, no one was hurt, but since this is a recordable incident while on duty, HHRN was required to submit to a drug screen.
As you may have guessed, he/she flunked (positive for marijuana). Remember kids, buzzed driving, driving while high (or getting high during working hours) is really NOT a good thing.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
The joys of spring
RehabLand had a very long winter. Finally, spring came on March 21. Daffodils are popping up and the trees have buds.
Now, we're experiencing the not-so-hot stuff. Hail. Yesterday, it was golfball-sized near the Hotel, but thankfully, miniscule at the Hotel.
With almost 6 inches of rain in the last two days, there are lots of puddles that look like small lakes. Flash flooding really is not like a flash mob, folks.
And if that wasn't enough, here come the tornado warnings.
Let's just hope the power stays on...more later.
Now, we're experiencing the not-so-hot stuff. Hail. Yesterday, it was golfball-sized near the Hotel, but thankfully, miniscule at the Hotel.
With almost 6 inches of rain in the last two days, there are lots of puddles that look like small lakes. Flash flooding really is not like a flash mob, folks.
And if that wasn't enough, here come the tornado warnings.
Let's just hope the power stays on...more later.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Old school
It's always interesting to see people you don't normally see on a daily basis. I did that recently by going to one of the local watering holes and meeting up with some folks from high school.
We were mainly there since one of the group was in town for various graduations, weddings and other assorted upcoming trips. Another classmate drove across the country to RehabLand to pick up some relatives and head on out to a destination wedding.
The weather was glorious so we sat outside and just enjoyed the weather.
As usual, there are some curious dynamics. Many of the folks who were there are school teachers and assorted professionals. One is a housewife who raises animals for sale (chickens and pure breed dogs). Another person worked in health care on the administrative side. We had a nice long conversation.
But simmering beneath the surface, is always something. While I had that long conversation, I realized that some people are nursing grudges that are nearly 30 years old. I kept my therapeutic communication hat on, but later, the nurse appeared.
"You have options. You can let it sit there and drive you crazy, or you can do something about it and let it go. You are not where you grew up. It's only a part of you. What you choose to do with it, is your choice."
I don't think she really ever understood it that way, before.
And so we took off into the night, and left our erstwhile waiter a big tip. Because after all, we did take up his table forever.
More to come...
We were mainly there since one of the group was in town for various graduations, weddings and other assorted upcoming trips. Another classmate drove across the country to RehabLand to pick up some relatives and head on out to a destination wedding.
The weather was glorious so we sat outside and just enjoyed the weather.
As usual, there are some curious dynamics. Many of the folks who were there are school teachers and assorted professionals. One is a housewife who raises animals for sale (chickens and pure breed dogs). Another person worked in health care on the administrative side. We had a nice long conversation.
But simmering beneath the surface, is always something. While I had that long conversation, I realized that some people are nursing grudges that are nearly 30 years old. I kept my therapeutic communication hat on, but later, the nurse appeared.
"You have options. You can let it sit there and drive you crazy, or you can do something about it and let it go. You are not where you grew up. It's only a part of you. What you choose to do with it, is your choice."
I don't think she really ever understood it that way, before.
And so we took off into the night, and left our erstwhile waiter a big tip. Because after all, we did take up his table forever.
More to come...
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Rain, hail, tornadoes
Dear Mother Nature:
Who says our Friday night wasn't exciting? I thank my lucky stars that I have a finished basement in which to hide from the rousing storms that were going through RehabLand.
Yes, we missed some fun Friday night stuff at baseball and the mall, because it got windy and spooked a lot of people, but there are bonuses. As I already mentioned the basement, I was thrilled that we still had electric and cold beer.
So let me just say thanks for avoiding my neighborhood. My nerves were frayed, WildDog was stressed, but happy with us.
At least, with a cold Hefeweizen, I could watch the storm reports and chill in a safe area.
Please send the next set of storms somewhere else. We (and all the folks in Oklahoma) have had enough water, hail and wind for quite a long time.
Sincerely (really, if it works...),
RehabRN
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Dear Door to Door Salesman
When Dahey told you to stay away from our house, he meant it. While it's a little rural out here, we're close enough to the big city that we've seen your racket already.You come to the door with the guise of selling stuff when, in reality, you're just trying to figure out what we have so you can steal it.
So it's not a good idea to come back when this nurse is at home with WildDog, Dahey just had dental work and feels like pummeling someone into the ground because the Novocaine is wearing off.
When WildDog barks that nasty, snarling bark, he's really saying, "Please leave now." When Dahey says, "Get the hell off my porch", he's saying the same thing.
Yours truly doesn't say much. I'm more than happy to whip out the phone, take your photo, and call the local police with a description of you and your getaway vehicle.
Because we really, really, told you no once, and it wasn't good enough.
Stay tuned...
So it's not a good idea to come back when this nurse is at home with WildDog, Dahey just had dental work and feels like pummeling someone into the ground because the Novocaine is wearing off.
When WildDog barks that nasty, snarling bark, he's really saying, "Please leave now." When Dahey says, "Get the hell off my porch", he's saying the same thing.
Yours truly doesn't say much. I'm more than happy to whip out the phone, take your photo, and call the local police with a description of you and your getaway vehicle.
Because we really, really, told you no once, and it wasn't good enough.
Stay tuned...
Thursday, November 15, 2012
A special delight
The weather. Hey, it's cold, because winter is really coming (barring no global warming) to RehabLand.
I ran around like crazy today filling in for a few folks AND doing my regular "yes, it's clinic day" and run all over the freaking place looking for patients and making copies.
But the special delight was a few of my patients. I had to do an two education sessions since today was the Great American Smokeout, I was worried during the second one when no one showed up.
I finally got two people --one clinic patient who watched my presentation just before his ride showed up and the other who I convinced to come in off the street following his therapy appointment.
Always a good day when people show up!
Stay tuned for more excitement in RehabLand...
I ran around like crazy today filling in for a few folks AND doing my regular "yes, it's clinic day" and run all over the freaking place looking for patients and making copies.
But the special delight was a few of my patients. I had to do an two education sessions since today was the Great American Smokeout, I was worried during the second one when no one showed up.
I finally got two people --one clinic patient who watched my presentation just before his ride showed up and the other who I convinced to come in off the street following his therapy appointment.
Always a good day when people show up!
Stay tuned for more excitement in RehabLand...
Sunday, November 27, 2011
It's nice to know...
We're not alone. Another parent from our daycare pulled their kid from there, for different reasons.
So, so, so happy Bubba's outta there. Now I'm just waiting for the bigwigs there to lose something.
Then it will really be a Merry Christmas in RehabLand. Cross your fingers and pray if you're so inclined, whatever your faith. We'll take it!
Stay tuned, kids. We're in for a wild ride, no matter what.
So, so, so happy Bubba's outta there. Now I'm just waiting for the bigwigs there to lose something.
Then it will really be a Merry Christmas in RehabLand. Cross your fingers and pray if you're so inclined, whatever your faith. We'll take it!
Stay tuned, kids. We're in for a wild ride, no matter what.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
My favorite thing about this time of year
I love the color. Blazes of red, yellow and orange are amazing. Here in RehabLand, it looks almost exactly like the photo.
We celebrated another departure at the Hotel. Yes, Boss #2 has left the building, but not before yours truly had the Traveling Partner arm wrestle the largest guy in our group to buy him the first drink. Those old paramedics are dangerous! Boss sent me a nice text once she told him, since I could not be at the watering hole for the party/roast/drinking contest. (all true except the last one)
What a wonderful weekend! Hope you all enjoy (at least some of it).
Stay tuned...more to come!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Me? You really like me?
No, Sally Field isn't coming to RehabLand anytime soon, sillies (although we'd love to see Teri Garr). Yours truly got interviewed!
Thanks Kim for passing my info along to Martin. You can read all about my interview here at http://www.onlinenursingdegrees.org/news/nursing-beyond-the-books/
Many, many thanks and I hope you all enjoy!
Thanks Kim for passing my info along to Martin. You can read all about my interview here at http://www.onlinenursingdegrees.org/news/nursing-beyond-the-books/
Many, many thanks and I hope you all enjoy!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
It's snowing again...
Okay, that's not this song but even though the calendar says spring, it's snowing in RehabLand.
What fun!
What fun!
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