Timeless truth

You can observe a lot by just watching. ~ Yogi Berra

We got an e-mail recently saying the Hotel (and Washington and Madison) was becoming a "smoke free campus".

Supposedly, there was a campaign (not run by our crack public affairs officials) about this big news. I found out about it in a meeting earlier this month, and the nurse executive said, "This shouldn't be the first time you are hearing about this."

Sadly, it was. While I don't smoke myself, it does make things challenging for our patients that do.

Miraculously, someone got Ye Old (stress on old and clueless) Public Affairs person(s) to post this information for patients on our website and social media. It starts January 1.

The grumblings are loud and rowdy at the Hotel because our patients did not get a designated smoking area, nor did our employees. The nearest one is in the building next door, which is a long walk.

The best quote on social media, however, was truth.

"The last time I checked, no one could smoke inside Washington or Madison, so how is it that you weren't a 'smoke free campus' already?'

I'll just keep watching...stay tuned.

Interesting rehab conference in June

If you rehab cancer patients on your rehab unit,  you may want to check it out. This is going to be free and located at the NIH in Bethesda, MD.

I may have to see if I can escape to go!

That is all...super busy week. Lots more stories on tap, but will have to sit down long enough to process, then tell them.

The end of the line...

Only if you have an old computer. Yes, Microsoft is finally retiring support for Windows xp, unless you work for certain governments who have ponied up for support.

Despite its failings, at least I don't have to worry about this any more. I made all of my xp problems disappear by downloading this version of Linux free. My hardware was just old enough (and underpowered) that it would not support Windows 8.

Be warned: it is a change. I opted for this because I wanted something easy that would support my attached goodies.

Still tinkering...enjoy your day!

Scary Halloween

Things that are scary on Halloween at the Hotel Rehab:

1. Doll eyes on a patient.
2. Change management strategies as cuts loom on the horizon.
3. Rain.

Tomorrow is another day. Hope your day is goblin-free!

So nice!

If you love coffee, this is YOUR weekend. Lots of free joe, due to another invented holiday: National Coffee Day.

I'll drink to that!

I am...

Free...freed from the cares of the Hotel for nearly a week.

Wet, from careening down a mega three stories high water slide with a big swirly tub at the end. Talk about being disoriented! I entered the water head first!

Happy...Bubba and Dahey and I could attend a Cub Scout event together. (I usually miss them due to work).

Almost finished...with this class I'm taking. I need to collect my thoughts for the final paper, but I know they're coming.

Done...good night, all. See you next time...

The beginning of the end

No, it's not the end of blogging as Monkeygirl is doing, it's the end of the year. And what a year it's been!

In the news today, I saw an article about the vaunted rumor that there will be no more free pens at some of the conferences because of perceived conflicts of interest. What, oh what, I ask, will the docs and NPs bring to impress the floor nurses with now, since there is no more swag? An old, leftover pizza from that drug rep's lunch just doesn't make the same impression as the light up pens and the pens with highlighters AND post-it notes attached. I guess we like them because they're things we can actually use.

As the year counts down, I'm thanking my lucky stars that I came to the VA from Saintarama Rehab. The top three reasons: no low census, no low census, no low census! Some of the things that go with the job aren't the greatest, but that benefits package is great considering everything in these recessionary times.

Finally, I'm thankful that I still have this blog. It keeps me out of trouble and keeps my mind humming. I have so many ideas for next year, I ought to be busy!

The end is near, but this is just the beginning...so stay tuned and have a great night!