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...

Happy Hump Day

An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.~ James Whistler

It's hard to have vision when the labor is all you have time for some days, when people absolutely, positively refuse to do what they say they will and leave you with the rest.

And do you think it could get worse? Yes, it could. Your big boss tells you to help him/her with the big chief of medicine meeting today. The one positive: you can just send your report, because, in finest tradition, the people in the field (i.e. troops) are not allowed to attend. (Hallelujah!)

Gotta love that interdisciplinary teamwork (head smacks firmly into table)!

Stay tuned...you never know what will happen at the Hotel.