You know it when you smell it. It's sickly, sweet almost, and nauseating. Once it permeates my nose, I'm done until I can get purge the remnants from my nostrils.
It's the smell of C-diff. I had a patient who had all the classic signs: loose stools, brown going to golden colored stool and the horrific smell. Rehab nurses are used to dealing with bowel, bladder and skin issues. This bowel problem made me want to run out in the arctic tundra that is our parking lot just to get away. And I was starving.
Thank goodness for bleach wipes and my handy, dandy air freshener. The air freshener permeated the room and made the smell go away.
Escaping and taking a nice, long walk helped, along with my lunch. It's amazing how therapeutic a lunch break and a walk at work can make you feel.
More to come...
Showing posts with label escape. Show all posts
Showing posts with label escape. Show all posts
Monday, December 19, 2016
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Thank goodness
It's almost time for vacation again. Surprisingly, I'm partaking of a little office escaping for one week for not one, not two, but THREE months in a row. In the computer, it's not vacation (I'm actually going out on the road for conferences, etc.) but to me, any day outside of the Hotel is freedom. I'll take it! Traveling partner and I get to have a reunion, too, which is even better. Look out folks, as we shop and eat in interesting places in our off time (plans are underway...)
This week was a full moon. Somehow, I didn't realize this until I was driving home one night from an event. The sky was hazy but relatively cloudless. There it was: the big monster sturgeon moon right up there. It explained the craziness that was this week.
I work with technology that helps patients see their providers from home, so in theory, I shouldn't have people not show up. In a week with a full moon, don't count on it. One patient couldn't make it (we always call to check) because he had last minute visitors, or patients (he/she's also a healthcare professional). This happened last week, too, but that patient is a sweetheart and invited his/her guests to see us and talk to us before he/she completed our assessment. We dispensed with the usual formality, got the visit done post haste and wished them all well until the next visit.
Besides the fun at work, I'm doing plenty of work in advance for a committee that audits nurses' training and continuing education. What does this mean? I look at a lot of CEU certificates. My favorite one this week was a CE class on humor in healthcare. It is worth 20 CEUs. I thought to myself: if I could market a 20 CEU experience here in the Hotel, I'd bet I could make some money too. If that's too expensive for you, however, the author does belong to this group you can check out for free.
Now that Bubba is being a typical teenager, it's driving me nuts. Pray we survive...
Stay tuned...
This week was a full moon. Somehow, I didn't realize this until I was driving home one night from an event. The sky was hazy but relatively cloudless. There it was: the big monster sturgeon moon right up there. It explained the craziness that was this week.
I work with technology that helps patients see their providers from home, so in theory, I shouldn't have people not show up. In a week with a full moon, don't count on it. One patient couldn't make it (we always call to check) because he had last minute visitors, or patients (he/she's also a healthcare professional). This happened last week, too, but that patient is a sweetheart and invited his/her guests to see us and talk to us before he/she completed our assessment. We dispensed with the usual formality, got the visit done post haste and wished them all well until the next visit.
Besides the fun at work, I'm doing plenty of work in advance for a committee that audits nurses' training and continuing education. What does this mean? I look at a lot of CEU certificates. My favorite one this week was a CE class on humor in healthcare. It is worth 20 CEUs. I thought to myself: if I could market a 20 CEU experience here in the Hotel, I'd bet I could make some money too. If that's too expensive for you, however, the author does belong to this group you can check out for free.
Now that Bubba is being a typical teenager, it's driving me nuts. Pray we survive...
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Dodging bullets
Dahey dodged one on Monday. He was not selected for layoff (or furlough) at his job. What's the reason? Working without a contract, the firm on his job site finally ran out of money. It closed one location. Federal contracting isn't all it's cracked up to be if the government can't decide.
I didn't dodge a bullet, but I missed one thing. My chance to get out of the Hotel is dashed for now. I just need to look at a few things, then decide when to try again. I told someone if they talked about it too much, it might not come true. (From years of experience, I keep my mouth shut). It was only a transfer opportunity, but after four years of this, I feel like moving on.
I hate it when I'm right.
More to come...
I didn't dodge a bullet, but I missed one thing. My chance to get out of the Hotel is dashed for now. I just need to look at a few things, then decide when to try again. I told someone if they talked about it too much, it might not come true. (From years of experience, I keep my mouth shut). It was only a transfer opportunity, but after four years of this, I feel like moving on.
I hate it when I'm right.
More to come...
Friday, March 28, 2014
Escape!
I didn't get my spring break while Bubba was off, because I escaped the Hotel to travel.
Happy weekend, all, wherever you may roam!
Cheers!
Happy weekend, all, wherever you may roam!
Cheers!
Friday, February 21, 2014
I hope it's true...
I know it's a fleeting thought, but the first day of spring is March 20th this year.
For a brief moment, we had reprieve today. It was GLORIOUS! I escaped to the acute unit of the Hotel today, and warts and all, it's getting off to a nice start, despite the rough beginnings when it opened.
Happy Friday to all, wherever you are.
For a brief moment, we had reprieve today. It was GLORIOUS! I escaped to the acute unit of the Hotel today, and warts and all, it's getting off to a nice start, despite the rough beginnings when it opened.
Happy Friday to all, wherever you are.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Field trip!
I am one of those people who loves to get out of the Hotel and roam. Even if it's only to the cafeteria on a nice day.
Today was different. I had meetings at Washington (aka the Mothership).Since Bubba and Dahey were roaming around on RehabLand Elementary's February vacation (why they give kids a five day weekend in February...), I had them drop me off there and pick me up when I was done.
I was there and had 3 meetings with people in four hours. It wasn't too terrible, because I had time in between.
First, I had to meet with Dr. C. He's a surgeon our chief wanted me to talk to about the SU. Nice. He was a character, still in his OR cap, as if he'd just come from a case. Dr. C. is about 5 feet tall. In reality, I think he just wore it, so patients would think he was busy. For a surgeon, he was interesting. He sat next to me and looked me square in the eye when he talked, very unlike any of the other surgeons we work with.
Next, my old super, Reg, took care of me when I needed a computer to finish my work between one of those meetings. It was fun. He gave me his office on the unit in the middle of an allied health open house. Respiratory therapists and therapists of all stripes were being interviewed everywhere on that end of the building that's normally not occupied.
I visited Dr. V. next. He and I worked at Saintarama Rehab. We got assigned to the same committee for that reason. He's smart, but not a subject matter expert on this project, so that's why I'm with him. I started having flashbacks to undergrad when he started talking about SWOT analysis and Professor Brothers saying, "RehabRN, what are the opportunities for Company X?" Just as long as I don't have to take accounting again, I'm okay.
Finally, I visited the last person on our chief's list. The urologist. Everyone's favorite person among the male patients. A positive evaluation from him gets you the ED drug of your choice, based on your diagnosis. His waiting room was crowded. I was just shocked that he took time out to talk to me, along with his nurse.
Although I left later than I wanted, the diversion was worthwhile. Washington's coffee bar in the lobby has some really wonderful brownies. Yes, I was supposed to give up sweets for Lent, but I distinctly recall the priest saying, "Don't give up something you're just going to start again when Lent is over."
On my honor, I will never EVER give up chocolate. End of story.
Have a great weekend wherever you are!
Today was different. I had meetings at Washington (aka the Mothership).Since Bubba and Dahey were roaming around on RehabLand Elementary's February vacation (why they give kids a five day weekend in February...), I had them drop me off there and pick me up when I was done.
I was there and had 3 meetings with people in four hours. It wasn't too terrible, because I had time in between.
First, I had to meet with Dr. C. He's a surgeon our chief wanted me to talk to about the SU. Nice. He was a character, still in his OR cap, as if he'd just come from a case. Dr. C. is about 5 feet tall. In reality, I think he just wore it, so patients would think he was busy. For a surgeon, he was interesting. He sat next to me and looked me square in the eye when he talked, very unlike any of the other surgeons we work with.
Next, my old super, Reg, took care of me when I needed a computer to finish my work between one of those meetings. It was fun. He gave me his office on the unit in the middle of an allied health open house. Respiratory therapists and therapists of all stripes were being interviewed everywhere on that end of the building that's normally not occupied.
I visited Dr. V. next. He and I worked at Saintarama Rehab. We got assigned to the same committee for that reason. He's smart, but not a subject matter expert on this project, so that's why I'm with him. I started having flashbacks to undergrad when he started talking about SWOT analysis and Professor Brothers saying, "RehabRN, what are the opportunities for Company X?" Just as long as I don't have to take accounting again, I'm okay.
Finally, I visited the last person on our chief's list. The urologist. Everyone's favorite person among the male patients. A positive evaluation from him gets you the ED drug of your choice, based on your diagnosis. His waiting room was crowded. I was just shocked that he took time out to talk to me, along with his nurse.
Although I left later than I wanted, the diversion was worthwhile. Washington's coffee bar in the lobby has some really wonderful brownies. Yes, I was supposed to give up sweets for Lent, but I distinctly recall the priest saying, "Don't give up something you're just going to start again when Lent is over."
On my honor, I will never EVER give up chocolate. End of story.
Have a great weekend wherever you are!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Once upon a time, not so long ago...
Oh, we're halfway there...
Oh, livin' on prayer...
We'll make it, I swear.
Here we go, folks. We have sunk years into this and we are GOING to make it. Bring on those comprehensive exams!
Monday, September 3, 2012
Relax...
I'm trying anyway, since I'm going to get grilled (have my oral exams) in less than two months.
So I'm figured I might as well start taking up yoga in small increments.
Otherwise, I'm escaping to the 1980s to relax with Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Back to the old grind at the Hotel tomorrow...
So I'm figured I might as well start taking up yoga in small increments.
Otherwise, I'm escaping to the 1980s to relax with Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Back to the old grind at the Hotel tomorrow...
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Sunday, November 6, 2011
You live, you learn
I learned quite a lot the past few days. I escaped for a combination of a long weekend, short out-of-town trip and some training.
What did I end up with...plenty.
1. A reusable blue bag with plenty of books to prepare for my next certification exam.
2. Lots of beautiful fall photos I took on the grounds of where I stayed at a conference center in a rural area outside the town. (see previous post to get the general idea of what the rest look like...)
3. Sixteen continuing education hours.
4. One folder
5. One spiral binder of power points.
6. Some fall decorations that were on our group tables. I'm using mine for my Thanksgiving centerpiece.
7. Networking among the participants. I even got a networking contact for my grad school team mate.
8. Lots and lots of stories from very experienced people, some of whom are pioneers in the industry.
It was fascinating to hear them for the whole time. Our facilitators were professionals who could give you the inside scoop on just about everything.
It was so much fun working the weekend. Going back to work tomorrow won't be nearly as as fun as it is being away from home, but boy, it will be different.
I can't wait.
Stay tuned...
What did I end up with...plenty.
1. A reusable blue bag with plenty of books to prepare for my next certification exam.
2. Lots of beautiful fall photos I took on the grounds of where I stayed at a conference center in a rural area outside the town. (see previous post to get the general idea of what the rest look like...)
3. Sixteen continuing education hours.
4. One folder
5. One spiral binder of power points.
6. Some fall decorations that were on our group tables. I'm using mine for my Thanksgiving centerpiece.
7. Networking among the participants. I even got a networking contact for my grad school team mate.
8. Lots and lots of stories from very experienced people, some of whom are pioneers in the industry.
It was fascinating to hear them for the whole time. Our facilitators were professionals who could give you the inside scoop on just about everything.
It was so much fun working the weekend. Going back to work tomorrow won't be nearly as as fun as it is being away from home, but boy, it will be different.
I can't wait.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A little coincidence here...
A little bit there could be construed as a little more than coincidence.
What a wild weekend! I escaped from the Hotel, so it's been fun working on the final paper of the semester. The coincidence: when your instructor is also a film maker who made a movie about an area where more than a few of your patients are from. I only got to see the trailer, but it was eye-opening to see the remoteness of the area.
Bubba had a party and the kids had a good time playing soccer until the rain came. At least, no tornadoes came with it.
Who knows what the week will bring. Just hoping it's not a ton of admissions.
Stay tuned.
What a wild weekend! I escaped from the Hotel, so it's been fun working on the final paper of the semester. The coincidence: when your instructor is also a film maker who made a movie about an area where more than a few of your patients are from. I only got to see the trailer, but it was eye-opening to see the remoteness of the area.
Bubba had a party and the kids had a good time playing soccer until the rain came. At least, no tornadoes came with it.
Who knows what the week will bring. Just hoping it's not a ton of admissions.
Stay tuned.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The good and the bad
Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely. ~Auguste Rodin
Yes, another week has gone by and my time in the SU is growing short. I'm trying to keep everything running smoothly, but as usual, it's a balancing act. Sometimes you feel like one of those acrobats with all the plates spinning and they will come crashing down if you need to scratch your nose for one lousy second.
The escape plan is coming together. The boss is so excited about it he/she is telling me about the closet, I mean office, I'll get if I hop through all the hoops of the hiring process. It won't be anywhere near my traveling partner (which would be ideal), but I won't have to deal with the psycho secretary or even be in the same building.
And on top of this excitement, we have the rescheduling issues now that winter's been dumping snow in RehabLand. A lot of our patients in pain won't come out when it snows. I'm trying to remember that you win some, and lose some. Not much I can do about the weather.
Here's hoping the Alberta clipper will stay in Alberta for a while! I can dream, can't I?
More to come...
Yes, another week has gone by and my time in the SU is growing short. I'm trying to keep everything running smoothly, but as usual, it's a balancing act. Sometimes you feel like one of those acrobats with all the plates spinning and they will come crashing down if you need to scratch your nose for one lousy second.
The escape plan is coming together. The boss is so excited about it he/she is telling me about the closet, I mean office, I'll get if I hop through all the hoops of the hiring process. It won't be anywhere near my traveling partner (which would be ideal), but I won't have to deal with the psycho secretary or even be in the same building.
And on top of this excitement, we have the rescheduling issues now that winter's been dumping snow in RehabLand. A lot of our patients in pain won't come out when it snows. I'm trying to remember that you win some, and lose some. Not much I can do about the weather.
Here's hoping the Alberta clipper will stay in Alberta for a while! I can dream, can't I?
More to come...
Monday, November 22, 2010
Yes, it is Monday
Yes, it is a short week. How is it that people who just had a short week last week don't want to work this week?
I just don't get it. I'm going to go soak...Calgon take me away!
I just don't get it. I'm going to go soak...Calgon take me away!
Monday, October 4, 2010
This is only the beginning...
Of lots of things, including the week. I already feel tired and I've just gotten started.
First of all, I got back for my first day of work. It's a really long week when I get ready to work the weekend. I'm getting annoyed already when I hear people say, "I don't know how she does it. I'd hate working that schedule." Well, that schedule is my life, so I deal with it.
Trust me, I've tried to get it changed, but the boss is not eager to do anything about it. Showing up and doing a excellent job at work can be an advantage, though. Said boss is going to put me on assignment working with our sister unit on another floor. This will only be temporary, but hopefully, will be helpful in the long run. It will probably unleash the crazies among my coworkers, but we'll see.
And now, I'm at the beginning of prep for my first test of the semester. School can get the best of you if you're not careful. Happily, we have a good team this semester,and hopefully, we'll keep our near-perfect record intact.
Stay tuned...more to come this week! I'm back to cooking ahead for tomorrow.!
First of all, I got back for my first day of work. It's a really long week when I get ready to work the weekend. I'm getting annoyed already when I hear people say, "I don't know how she does it. I'd hate working that schedule." Well, that schedule is my life, so I deal with it.
Trust me, I've tried to get it changed, but the boss is not eager to do anything about it. Showing up and doing a excellent job at work can be an advantage, though. Said boss is going to put me on assignment working with our sister unit on another floor. This will only be temporary, but hopefully, will be helpful in the long run. It will probably unleash the crazies among my coworkers, but we'll see.
And now, I'm at the beginning of prep for my first test of the semester. School can get the best of you if you're not careful. Happily, we have a good team this semester,and hopefully, we'll keep our near-perfect record intact.
Stay tuned...more to come this week! I'm back to cooking ahead for tomorrow.!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Singin' in the rain
Puddles abound here in Hotel land, but I don't care. I've escaped for a day off, ah! Then it's back to stats! Ugh! May take a dancing study break...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A few more days...
Yes, I'm counting the days when I can escape the Hotel Rehab for a couple of fun conferences....
41 days until my travelling partner and I hit the road for conference #1
Please note, we will not be attending this conference, but it looks interesting!
and...
a mere 151 days when we roll the roadtrip map out again for conference #2, which is in that conference haven of all time, no, not Chicago...Las Vegas.
If only we could leave the bosses at home for both of them!
41 days until my travelling partner and I hit the road for conference #1
Please note, we will not be attending this conference, but it looks interesting!
and...
a mere 151 days when we roll the roadtrip map out again for conference #2, which is in that conference haven of all time, no, not Chicago...Las Vegas.
If only we could leave the bosses at home for both of them!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Bad!
And I'm not talking Michael Jackson, folks!
The housework is done, I'm sitting at the computer relaxing and the fun just rolls in via e-mail.
First, no grant money is available for these researchers due to the economy.
Second, these nurses lost their jobs for doing their jobs.
And if those two didn't seem bad enough, and you have the time, read this Peter Singer article about Why we must ration health care (from www.nytimes.com)
Enough! I'm escaping...more later.
The housework is done, I'm sitting at the computer relaxing and the fun just rolls in via e-mail.
First, no grant money is available for these researchers due to the economy.
Second, these nurses lost their jobs for doing their jobs.
And if those two didn't seem bad enough, and you have the time, read this Peter Singer article about Why we must ration health care (from www.nytimes.com)
Enough! I'm escaping...more later.
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