On the cusp

Yes, months have passed since I've been here. It's been busy. The year has been monumental.

Since the solar eclipse, I've been busy getting my program at the Hotel ready for inspection. In October, the inspectors came. They came to see my program, because Washington doesn't have one, and if they didn't see mine, we'd get written up.

Three words: Blew them away. When I started this gig, the regional boss always glossed over what I did. Since said boss left, and we're still awaiting a replacement, the local Manglement decided that maybe, just maybe I might be able to show them how we do what we do in the Hotel. We did.

We came. We saw. We kicked some serious butt. The Hotel crew stepped up to help me get the stages set (because we have issues, but they are in process), clean, prep and know what to expect. I briefed staff so they'd know the basics of what the inspectors might ask them. Then I showed them a good time (and a marketing package unlike any other). I got patients involved (because they are part of the inspection, too) and all my people shined.

We got kudos in the official report, which, to me, validated the work. It validated why we have to work as a team. It validated that we care about patients and always want to do more.

I sent lots of thank you notes. My entire team got one. My nurse compatriots in other departments got their own special kudos. Why? Because they need it. They are new and they need to know they are doing a good job. My patients got thanks, too.  You have to remember who helps you, and acknowledge it regularly.

In October, we finished our official year, and it was the best ever (no kidding). We saw more patients in the SU than ever.

Last month, I finished my gig on my rehab committee. I had fun. I wasn't nervous any more talking to thousands. It does get easier, even with a script.

Today, I'm awaiting my next adventure. I'm going to leave rehab sometime soon, but it will never leave me. I carry a song in my heart, and lots of memories of the Hotel and all the characters along the way.

May your New Year be filled with health and happiness, wherever life's journeys take you.

Until next time, I bid you adieu....

Halloween post-script

Q. What's scarier than ghosts, goblins, and candy hangover?
A. A major inspection on a Monday.

I wish it were a Halloween joke, but alas...

Cross your fingers!

I'm glad they're not my bosses

When you come out of a meeting and want to scream, it's not always good.

When people come to a meeting with an agenda on their yearly visit, it's always interesting. Either, I'm getting better at it, or the inspectors are becoming more transparent.

Needless to say, when they complain about things that are absolutely crazy, my lack of poker face showed.

So glad MY boss wasn't there at that meeting.

More to come.

Inspection day

Yet again, it's that time of year. Why they decided to come back early: didn't like coming in the snow (truth). Ugh!

I really need to take two weeks of vacation at a time next year. Glad I got to rest up for this one.

Stay tuned...

It's beautiful outside, but it's sad

This past week's been a doozy. I'm hoping I never repeat some of it again.

Work was work. We had our yearly inspection and I survived. The inspection team had some new and some old folks, so it was interesting to watch them.

Outside of that, one of my mother's in-laws died. I hadn't seen her (or any of her kids) in ages. I like this family, so it was pleasant. The crazy relative didn't show up for the wake. Still don't know if he/she is alive or dead. 

I was just getting ready to go to bed when another relative called me. Her son didn't answer calls as usual that day, so she went to the apartment complex where he lived near her. No one answered when she knocked and one of the neighbor's let her know she could see inside the apartment from outside, since Max left the curtains open when he worked from home. (He had a job that could be done remotely, and hadn't worked in an office in years.)

When they looked in, Max appeared hunched over his desk. My relative watched, but Max didn't move. She knew Max was probably dead. While it wasn't a surprise (Max had problems), it was sudden.

So, since Max's family (girlfriend and teen child) was out of town and she didn't have a key, she had to call the police to break down the door. She found Max dead. He was in his early 50s. It was sort of a circus arranging the apartment, having the police roaming around, lots of questions, and waiting. Happily, things calmed down before I could get dressed and leave.

Now, we're just waiting for Max's family to get back to complete the arrangements, and for the medical examiner to do his/her part.

Stay tuned...

Viruses, virii and a mouse in my kitchen

Oh, it's been one heck of a week. I just finished my Z-pack and Dahey feels crappy. A mouse got into my cabinet and trashed a bag of barley and one box of Inca Red quinoa. 

The Christmas pageant starts soon. Bubba gets to do a solo instrumental song. We'll cross our fingers that he doesn't get stage fright. Looks like I'll have some fun tonight.

At the Hotel, the patients are getting loaded up with all sorts of goodies: blankets, books, snacks, cookies, you name it. The Manglement are getting ready for our next inspection in January (what a Christmas present!).

I'm praying it snows like mad.

Hope you're enjoying your night wherever you are. Stay tuned.

One fun thing after another...

First, we had the annual inspection. It's nice that these folks care to visit, but suggesting things we don't really need is not going to fix anything. We have two perfectly smart BSNs who can act as case managers, thankyouverymuch, even if one (conveniently) forgets how many visits are done in the clinic yearly.

Get us what we ask for...not c$%p we don't want. Like enough nursing staff. You know...those 24/7 folks who make the place run. Yes, they are handy.

Next, it started snowing in the afternoon. And snowing, and snowing some more. Luckily, my driving skills in the newish family wagon are getting better as I'm getting used to traction control.

Finally, I capped off the night by going to the dentist. Thankfully, no cavities and no slipping or sliding on the icy roads.

Stay tuned...more to come.

Sometimes I wonder...

How in the world you go to the mechanic for an oil change and car inspection and come out several Benjamins lighter in the pocketbook. I remember now. I like having breaks with intact lines!

Not nearly as much fun as buying shoes, though.

While we await the fun-filled weekend with Bubba watching the National Spelling Bee, I finally got Dahey to get to the lab to get the orders the doctor sent over a month ago drawn. I called the nurse and once I told him that she said one lab had to be sent out and he'd have to wait two weeks to hear what happened, he decided to go. I got to accompany him.

So much fun. Lots of labs, but luckily only three little tubes.The best part: the look on his face when the phlebotomist told him he'd have to give 13. Priceless!

I don't think he's going to goof off in the lab anymore...stay tuned.

Sometimes, I wonder

We're up for a big inspection soon and the Big Boss has an all-hands meeting.

He/she basically says, "Well, it probably won't be good." and doesn't tell us much anything else. WT...?

Thankfully, we have enough people who've been around long enough that they asked good questions and got more information out him/her. It was not very promising.

Yes, he/she hasn't been at the Hotel forever, but you'd think he/she might learn a few tips on how to be not only a good, but better leader.

I'm just gonna cross my fingers and pray...stay tuned.

Who knows what...

Tomorrow will bring. We escaped the surveillance of the inspectors for a day. I admitted one very nice patient who drove on over and stated, "You said you'll be done Thursday. I have things to do this weekend, so I'll be out of here then."

We don't get that many who actually show up, then leave as promised.

It's very refreshing. Now if I could go on vacation and do the same. Only 42 days until then. It seems like forever.

Stay tuned for more inspection excitement...