We have to ask

RehabRN's tips for new rehab nurses: stuff you have to ask.

1. Did you bring your medication list? 
We want to know. It's all part of our service, and it keeps you safe. It keeps all those accreditation people happy, too.

2. Do you have any guns, knives or weapons?
We cannot have them on our unit. We can get them taken care of for you, if you don't want to send home your prized Bowie knife (actually found one under a cushion once--in a scabbard) with your mom/wife/sister/random relative or friend. 

Those accreditation people like us to do that, too.

3. Do you use marijuana or other drugs not prescribed by your doctor? 
Your safety is involved here, too. We are not the police, but they will inform you that your "unofficial meds" (as one patient told me) cannot be kept or be available for "sharing" or sale here in our lovely Hotel.

Unofficial pharmacists are not allowed to practice here, either.

And my personal favorite:

4. Do you have any concerns about your sexual health? 
No, at the Hotel, we don't ask directly (our psychologists and MDs generally ask), but I will ask if I get some smart alecky comment about some nurse's butt or how someone is "interested" in x, y, or z (pick your favorite salacious comment).

It is a big deal in rehab. Many folks have been through horrible experiences before they got there. You always know they're starting to feel better when they start getting frisky and/or asking directly (or indirectly).

Just remember, a lot of times, it really is about them, and not you. Be aware and learn how to get other members of your interdisciplinary team involved. If it is about you, bump it up the chain with your nurse manager, and if needed, human resources.

It does takes a village to take good care of rehab patients.

More later...

You just gotta ask

Yes, we ask on our admission form if you have any guns, knives or other contraband items when you come to the Hotel.

Dr. Grumpy has an article about what happens when you don't.

Moral of the story: NEVER assume. (ever)

Just in case...

Dear readers:

Please note: I did go out shopping on Black Friday, and no, I did not need pepper spray/knives/guns. I wait until THOSE people are gone before I shop. (I also take Bubba, and frankly, they are a bad influence to children.)

Since I actually paid attention in economics way back when I was in school, I figured out early, that getting beat up and spending thousands of dollars on a trip to the hospital for a $200 big screen just ain't worth it.

I'll be lurking around my computer bright and early for Cyber Monday, though.

Hoping there are no traffic jams on the internet before I go to work Monday. Happy shopping!

Yours truly,

RehabRN