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....
Showing posts with label manglement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manglement. Show all posts
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Monday, February 8, 2016
One headache almost over...
Manglement sometimes gives me headaches. Like recently, when I asked nicely for my presentation to be approved.
Nope. The CNO says wait, so we all wait. No one knows why. I think CNO just did it because.
Thankfully, my presentation passed muster except for a very minor omission. I fixed it, now I just have to fly it by legal.
If all of the world were so easy to navigate, we'd all be sitting on the world's largest iceberg.
Here's wishing we have some global warming soon!
Stay tuned for our next exciting installment...
Nope. The CNO says wait, so we all wait. No one knows why. I think CNO just did it because.
Thankfully, my presentation passed muster except for a very minor omission. I fixed it, now I just have to fly it by legal.
If all of the world were so easy to navigate, we'd all be sitting on the world's largest iceberg.
Here's wishing we have some global warming soon!
Stay tuned for our next exciting installment...
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Dear Manglement
Yes, it is rough when no one wants to do your job. With guaranteed bonuses taken away because your performance sucked last year, yes, I really do feel for you.
It's terrible to come into work and be coddled with free snacks, coffee, etc., and your own reserved parking space at our multiple locations. I'm not really surprised with your recent actions of not notifying the campus here at Madison regarding security events, since you have a stellar track record to uphold.
Even though, RPIA, our former chief nurse, (and the rest of you who are still left) knew we were under a bomb threat at our Washington location one beautiful March day, you didn't "bother" anyone to pass that info along, because, "You know, the police will handle it." It was nice of you all to evacuate the building, just in case with RPIA.
Yesterday, we figured something was up when our retired veteran air traffic controller patient noticed an odd helicopter pattern down the street near a strip mall after therapy. He and Mr. Z., another patient who is a retired police officer made a few phone calls. As usual, no one bothered to notify us peons at the Hotel that a strong armed robbery occurred just a few blocks away and the helicopter pattern was due to the police tracking the suspect.
Just remember...we take care of those who take care of us. You might not like the next patient satisfaction (or employee) survey.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
It's terrible to come into work and be coddled with free snacks, coffee, etc., and your own reserved parking space at our multiple locations. I'm not really surprised with your recent actions of not notifying the campus here at Madison regarding security events, since you have a stellar track record to uphold.
Even though, RPIA, our former chief nurse, (and the rest of you who are still left) knew we were under a bomb threat at our Washington location one beautiful March day, you didn't "bother" anyone to pass that info along, because, "You know, the police will handle it." It was nice of you all to evacuate the building, just in case with RPIA.
Yesterday, we figured something was up when our retired veteran air traffic controller patient noticed an odd helicopter pattern down the street near a strip mall after therapy. He and Mr. Z., another patient who is a retired police officer made a few phone calls. As usual, no one bothered to notify us peons at the Hotel that a strong armed robbery occurred just a few blocks away and the helicopter pattern was due to the police tracking the suspect.
Just remember...we take care of those who take care of us. You might not like the next patient satisfaction (or employee) survey.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
Friday, March 27, 2015
TGIF odds and ends
Oh, you know it's going to be an interesting day when your boss calls and asks "What the hell is going on?" Got that cleared up and it was better than I thought. He/she isn't mad anymore, just worried that he/she will have staffing issues.
I'm a big picture career person, so that's what I'm thinking. Pleasing the boss is important, but having peace of mind and career growth is important, too. One of these days, the HR reps in the Hotel will learn how to read and use telephones. All I can do now is wait.
I found out today is the birthday of the inventor of the x-ray. Unfortunately, unlike our radiology nursing friends at Washington, no one brought donuts.
Since the lovely folks in the media department are printing my MegaConference poster, F., the designer sent me the mockup this week. As usual, she does amazing work. I can't wait until she gets it done.
I'd like to publish something one of these days, but as this article mentions, some publishers are not what they seem, so beware!
On my way out the door today, I did a little occupational therapy reinforcement (along with my unit tour guide duties). I showed one of our newer patients how to navigate the inpatient wifi on his phone.
He was up and running listening to his favorite radio stations on his phone by the time I left.
A little head bopping and a huge smile was a great way to greet the end of the workday
Hope you have a happy weekend wherever you may be.
I'm a big picture career person, so that's what I'm thinking. Pleasing the boss is important, but having peace of mind and career growth is important, too. One of these days, the HR reps in the Hotel will learn how to read and use telephones. All I can do now is wait.
I found out today is the birthday of the inventor of the x-ray. Unfortunately, unlike our radiology nursing friends at Washington, no one brought donuts.
Since the lovely folks in the media department are printing my MegaConference poster, F., the designer sent me the mockup this week. As usual, she does amazing work. I can't wait until she gets it done.
I'd like to publish something one of these days, but as this article mentions, some publishers are not what they seem, so beware!
On my way out the door today, I did a little occupational therapy reinforcement (along with my unit tour guide duties). I showed one of our newer patients how to navigate the inpatient wifi on his phone.
He was up and running listening to his favorite radio stations on his phone by the time I left.
A little head bopping and a huge smile was a great way to greet the end of the workday
Hope you have a happy weekend wherever you may be.
Friday, February 20, 2015
One step forward, two steps back...
This seems to be the story of the unit I work with. Our upper Manglement wants to beat the Hotel into submission, then not be responsible for the consequences.
Here are a few shining examples:
1. Demanding staff be rushed through orientation because "they are not new nurses."
Hello folks! Rehab nurses with a clue are not born, they are made by training and learning on the job. Notice: TRAINING comes first.
If we don't train our people properly while they are in orientation, we suffer the consequences.
One of my coworkers told me of a situation that nearly had me in tears. One of our patients with a newer trach went home without supplies for it, without any apparent instruction AND without an obturator!
This was just one complaint regarding this patient's stay. There were others. If I worked there, I'd fear for my license.
2. Don't do care coordination
Somebody should be doing it, everybody knows about it and nobody seems to be doing it in our neck of the woods.
My personal favorite: we now have "RN case managers" who say it's not their job.
3. Have a fit because our patients stay a long time at the Hotel.
Case in point: Guy gets discharged after lengthy hospital stay through no fault of his own (got sick with not one but several nasty bugs). Lived to tell about it, then our department gets yelled at because the patient didn't leave fast enough.
He/she was there so long that he/she was discharged earlier than should have been expected (needed to do transfers independently).
Lo and behold, we get a call less than two weeks later. Guess what Patient X wants to do? Come back for rehab.
There went that readmission rate. Oh well!
Can you tell I'm glad it's Friday? I knew you could. Happy weekend to all!
Here are a few shining examples:
1. Demanding staff be rushed through orientation because "they are not new nurses."
Hello folks! Rehab nurses with a clue are not born, they are made by training and learning on the job. Notice: TRAINING comes first.
If we don't train our people properly while they are in orientation, we suffer the consequences.
One of my coworkers told me of a situation that nearly had me in tears. One of our patients with a newer trach went home without supplies for it, without any apparent instruction AND without an obturator!
This was just one complaint regarding this patient's stay. There were others. If I worked there, I'd fear for my license.
2. Don't do care coordination
Somebody should be doing it, everybody knows about it and nobody seems to be doing it in our neck of the woods.
My personal favorite: we now have "RN case managers" who say it's not their job.
3. Have a fit because our patients stay a long time at the Hotel.
Case in point: Guy gets discharged after lengthy hospital stay through no fault of his own (got sick with not one but several nasty bugs). Lived to tell about it, then our department gets yelled at because the patient didn't leave fast enough.
He/she was there so long that he/she was discharged earlier than should have been expected (needed to do transfers independently).
Lo and behold, we get a call less than two weeks later. Guess what Patient X wants to do? Come back for rehab.
There went that readmission rate. Oh well!
Can you tell I'm glad it's Friday? I knew you could. Happy weekend to all!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Biennial joy
Yes, I've been looking for this for a while: the infamous renewal mail from the RehabLand State Board of Nursing.
The last renewal period, the Manglement at the Hotel thought it would be nice to terrorize anyone who did not renew in advance (meaning the second it was mailed out). One of my coworkers got a nastygram from the CNO stating, "Your employment can be terminated if this is not renewed one month early per the Hotel police."
Oh, really? You want to terminate hardworking nurses because they did not renew their license FAR ahead of time? Thankfully, said CNO has retired and hopefully, is enjoying the sunsets somewhere else, far, far away (and gets sand kicked in his/her face from time to time).
Even with online renewal (which is LOVELY), please folks, take your time filling these out. They have some serious questions (including some new ones below). If the answer to any is YES, you cannot fill them out online. (So glad I'm a no!)
Since you last renewed, have you ever been convicted, adjudged guilty by a court, pled guilty, pled nolo contendere or entered an alford plea to any traffic offense resulting from or related to the use of drugs or alcohol, whether or not sentence was imposed? (this includes a disposition of a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS), suspended execution of sentence (SES), or placement in a post plea alternative or diversion court and includes municipal charges of driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence and/or driving with excessive blood alcohol content.)
Yes No
Moral of the story: Drinking then driving can cause issues with your license for years.
Since you last renewed, have you had a judgment rendered against you based upon fraud, misrepresentation, deception, or malpractice related to your practice as a nurse?
Yes No
Moral of the story: Don't steal, lie, cheat or commit any other fraud. Leave the pyramid schemes to someone else. You don't have time for that.
NEW! Are you listed on any state or federal sexual offender list? (they thought this up after a few issues)
Yes No
Moral of the story: Yes, we have to ask, and yes, it can be a problem. Just another thing not to do as a nurse
By checking the following box, I declare that all statements or representations submitted with this application are made under oath or affirmation and are true and correct to my best knowledge under penalty of section XXX which specifies that anyone who makes a false statement in writing with intent to mislead a public official in the performance of his official duties is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
Select this box if you agree to ALL the above statements and have answered all questions that were presented.
Moral of the story: If you don't, you have some explaining to do...on paper via mail.
I'm so glad I'm done. Happy renewing!
The last renewal period, the Manglement at the Hotel thought it would be nice to terrorize anyone who did not renew in advance (meaning the second it was mailed out). One of my coworkers got a nastygram from the CNO stating, "Your employment can be terminated if this is not renewed one month early per the Hotel police."
Oh, really? You want to terminate hardworking nurses because they did not renew their license FAR ahead of time? Thankfully, said CNO has retired and hopefully, is enjoying the sunsets somewhere else, far, far away (and gets sand kicked in his/her face from time to time).
Even with online renewal (which is LOVELY), please folks, take your time filling these out. They have some serious questions (including some new ones below). If the answer to any is YES, you cannot fill them out online. (So glad I'm a no!)
Since you last renewed, have you ever been convicted, adjudged guilty by a court, pled guilty, pled nolo contendere or entered an alford plea to any traffic offense resulting from or related to the use of drugs or alcohol, whether or not sentence was imposed? (this includes a disposition of a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS), suspended execution of sentence (SES), or placement in a post plea alternative or diversion court and includes municipal charges of driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence and/or driving with excessive blood alcohol content.)
Yes No
Moral of the story: Drinking then driving can cause issues with your license for years.
Since you last renewed, have you had a judgment rendered against you based upon fraud, misrepresentation, deception, or malpractice related to your practice as a nurse?
Yes No
Moral of the story: Don't steal, lie, cheat or commit any other fraud. Leave the pyramid schemes to someone else. You don't have time for that.
NEW! Are you listed on any state or federal sexual offender list? (they thought this up after a few issues)
Yes No
Moral of the story: Yes, we have to ask, and yes, it can be a problem. Just another thing not to do as a nurse
By checking the following box, I declare that all statements or representations submitted with this application are made under oath or affirmation and are true and correct to my best knowledge under penalty of section XXX which specifies that anyone who makes a false statement in writing with intent to mislead a public official in the performance of his official duties is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
Select this box if you agree to ALL the above statements and have answered all questions that were presented.
Moral of the story: If you don't, you have some explaining to do...on paper via mail.
I'm so glad I'm done. Happy renewing!
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Blowin' in the wind
Yes, it does seem like answers lately ARE doing that. It's been extremely windy here in RehabLand lately. From the "dirty fronts" to the Alberta Clipper, the winds are blowing.
The winds of change are also coming soon to RehabLand. We know it because it's leaking out of the management suite slowly, but surely. Our manglement finally GETS what I do in the SU, and they know realize how woefully executed my programs are (due to lack of cooperation from manglement, staff, etc.)
Some folks are even seeing cryptic messages in the media. They are slow on some things, but may be smart on others.
I'm having flashbacks to my other life before nursing. And some of them ain't pretty.
How to tell when change is in the wind (my $0.02)
1. Headquarters hires a new boss from outside who has a reputation for "cleaning house" in a Fortune 500 company.
Some of our armchair pundits at the Hotel may have missed the hint when he/she said, "Some folks won't be with us on the journey." in that welcome e-mail.
Translation: If we can fire you, we will. If we can downsize/rightsize or RIF (reduction in force) you, we will.
2. Said head honcho gets permission to bring in a bunch of high-powered consultants with whom you can sit in a meeting (where you're supposed to be asked about your job) and they will grill you like your at Nuremberg.
The grilling will have very little relevance in relation to you or your job or the reason why they (Manglement) asked you to come in the first place.
My favorite part: watching one of the old doctors (not a consultant, but an "expert") nod off during your session. The runner up was the grilling they gave the education chief. Best description: deer in the headlights. This was scary.
Translation: We're already paid for our time, so this is just a foregone conclusion, but we're trying to figure out how we can get more work "analyzing" your organization.
3. Head honcho publishes a "manifesto for change".
Believe it or not, the Hotel is in it. People like that at work because it makes them feel "safe".
Translation: You'd better believe the Hotel is going to change. Don't feel too comfortable just yet.
Should be interesting to see what happens...
The winds of change are also coming soon to RehabLand. We know it because it's leaking out of the management suite slowly, but surely. Our manglement finally GETS what I do in the SU, and they know realize how woefully executed my programs are (due to lack of cooperation from manglement, staff, etc.)
Some folks are even seeing cryptic messages in the media. They are slow on some things, but may be smart on others.
I'm having flashbacks to my other life before nursing. And some of them ain't pretty.
How to tell when change is in the wind (my $0.02)
1. Headquarters hires a new boss from outside who has a reputation for "cleaning house" in a Fortune 500 company.
Some of our armchair pundits at the Hotel may have missed the hint when he/she said, "Some folks won't be with us on the journey." in that welcome e-mail.
Translation: If we can fire you, we will. If we can downsize/rightsize or RIF (reduction in force) you, we will.
2. Said head honcho gets permission to bring in a bunch of high-powered consultants with whom you can sit in a meeting (where you're supposed to be asked about your job) and they will grill you like your at Nuremberg.
The grilling will have very little relevance in relation to you or your job or the reason why they (Manglement) asked you to come in the first place.
My favorite part: watching one of the old doctors (not a consultant, but an "expert") nod off during your session. The runner up was the grilling they gave the education chief. Best description: deer in the headlights. This was scary.
Translation: We're already paid for our time, so this is just a foregone conclusion, but we're trying to figure out how we can get more work "analyzing" your organization.
3. Head honcho publishes a "manifesto for change".
Believe it or not, the Hotel is in it. People like that at work because it makes them feel "safe".
Translation: You'd better believe the Hotel is going to change. Don't feel too comfortable just yet.
Should be interesting to see what happens...
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Hair on fire?
Some days I really think the reactionary Manglement around here enjoy causing people to run around the Hotel as if their hair were really on fire.
Situation 1:
Really? You just figured out that clinics won't see enough people when 1) most of your patients are over 55 and 2) the weather is totally crappy (ice, snow and below zero)?
Captain Obvious, where are you? Obviously not in the Manglement offices.
Situation 2:
And since we've opened a specialty care unit at the Hotel, it's been even better. First, we had the unit all done. Then, there was an emergency in another area of the hospital, so that unit was reallocated to a clinic--for a year and a half. Next, there was a flood in another area (for outpatients, not rehabbers), so we got bounced again.
Hotel Specialty Care wing finally opened recently. They are still figuring out some of the staffing (luckily not nursing). WT..? Another Manglement fumble.
I'm bucking the trend. I'm staying calm for the heck of it.
It's the one thing I can control.
More to come...
Situation 1:
Really? You just figured out that clinics won't see enough people when 1) most of your patients are over 55 and 2) the weather is totally crappy (ice, snow and below zero)?
Captain Obvious, where are you? Obviously not in the Manglement offices.
Situation 2:
And since we've opened a specialty care unit at the Hotel, it's been even better. First, we had the unit all done. Then, there was an emergency in another area of the hospital, so that unit was reallocated to a clinic--for a year and a half. Next, there was a flood in another area (for outpatients, not rehabbers), so we got bounced again.
Hotel Specialty Care wing finally opened recently. They are still figuring out some of the staffing (luckily not nursing). WT..? Another Manglement fumble.
I'm bucking the trend. I'm staying calm for the heck of it.
It's the one thing I can control.
More to come...
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Snowmaggedon
Dear Local News People:
Yes, the snow has arrived. Thank goodness all the utilities work here at the homestead.
I just wish you all would stop acting crazy, as if you've never seen snow. It does snow here on a regular basis. Snow really is part of winter, folks.
While it is snowing, I will wait for it to stop until I go out to shovel the driveway again. Because if I don't, I will have to flag down that nice cop who stopped by the house and ask for a ride to work at the Hotel.
Unless, of course, all the Manglement have stayed home.
Now I'm starting happy hour early, so I'm going to have some more of that wine I put in my boeuf bourguignon today.
Salut!
Yours truly,
RehabRN
Yes, the snow has arrived. Thank goodness all the utilities work here at the homestead.
I just wish you all would stop acting crazy, as if you've never seen snow. It does snow here on a regular basis. Snow really is part of winter, folks.
While it is snowing, I will wait for it to stop until I go out to shovel the driveway again. Because if I don't, I will have to flag down that nice cop who stopped by the house and ask for a ride to work at the Hotel.
Unless, of course, all the Manglement have stayed home.
Now I'm starting happy hour early, so I'm going to have some more of that wine I put in my boeuf bourguignon today.
Salut!
Yours truly,
RehabRN
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Manglement misadventures
Mediocrity can talk, but it is for genius to observe.~ Benjamin Disraeli
I really like some of the medical staff I work with at the Hotel. We have some folks with a lot of experience and wonderful patient rapport.
But, as usual, the Manglement are clueless. The Hotel is part of a reactionary hospital system, that just doesn't seem happy unless there is chaos. Evidence based practice? What's that? Or this discourse when I asked for a flexible schedule, even though, we already have them.
"If I let you do x, I'll have to let others do y."
Keeping employees happy is not part of their business plan. They get more clueless by the day.
I'm counting down the days. I'm glad my Christmas vacation is coming.
I really like some of the medical staff I work with at the Hotel. We have some folks with a lot of experience and wonderful patient rapport.
But, as usual, the Manglement are clueless. The Hotel is part of a reactionary hospital system, that just doesn't seem happy unless there is chaos. Evidence based practice? What's that? Or this discourse when I asked for a flexible schedule, even though, we already have them.
"If I let you do x, I'll have to let others do y."
Keeping employees happy is not part of their business plan. They get more clueless by the day.
I'm counting down the days. I'm glad my Christmas vacation is coming.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Changes
It is not strange... to mistake change for progress.~ Millard Fillmore
I would embed the famous (or infamous) David Bowie video here, but I'm just not in the mood.
This quote pretty much sums up what Manglement is doing to our unit at the Hotel. Changing things. Breaking promises.
It's very, very upsetting.
I feel like a base jumper whose parachute may or may not deploy upon jumping. Scary.
I would embed the famous (or infamous) David Bowie video here, but I'm just not in the mood.
This quote pretty much sums up what Manglement is doing to our unit at the Hotel. Changing things. Breaking promises.
It's very, very upsetting.
I feel like a base jumper whose parachute may or may not deploy upon jumping. Scary.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Enduring manglement
Yes, that's the game we've been playing at the Hotel.
Bigwigs come and go, but power struggles last forever.
This week: the Manglement tried to suspend our boss, because he/she was one calendar day late on producing a document to his/her boss. It didn't matter that he/she couldn't take the class the day it was due because they had him/her doing something else "important" (as if 7 hours a week minimum of meetings isn't enough).
His/her PHB, our feckless chief nurse, got HR to send a letter of reprimand over, with requirements they figured he/she'd never fulfill.
At the behest of the Hotel MD chief, he/she sent over the missive to the hospital director and his second in command. It was lengthy, and told a story of an LPN who became an RN, who now as a nurse manager, took over the position at the Hotel after several other people said it would never work.
He/she knows us. He/she was one of us on the floor, and us old timers remember that. The nurse who never said, "I'm too busy to wash Mr. Z's hair," or "I don't want to do x, y , or z." This is the nurse who got certified in rehab, worked hard to keep patients and their rooms immaculate, to really CARE about what happened to them. The nurse who is proud to be a nurse .
So now we endure as he/she awaits the results of the appeal. Here's hoping they see the light before they screw up something else. The dim view of the Hotel could very well get worse.
More later...
Bigwigs come and go, but power struggles last forever.
This week: the Manglement tried to suspend our boss, because he/she was one calendar day late on producing a document to his/her boss. It didn't matter that he/she couldn't take the class the day it was due because they had him/her doing something else "important" (as if 7 hours a week minimum of meetings isn't enough).
His/her PHB, our feckless chief nurse, got HR to send a letter of reprimand over, with requirements they figured he/she'd never fulfill.
At the behest of the Hotel MD chief, he/she sent over the missive to the hospital director and his second in command. It was lengthy, and told a story of an LPN who became an RN, who now as a nurse manager, took over the position at the Hotel after several other people said it would never work.
He/she knows us. He/she was one of us on the floor, and us old timers remember that. The nurse who never said, "I'm too busy to wash Mr. Z's hair," or "I don't want to do x, y , or z." This is the nurse who got certified in rehab, worked hard to keep patients and their rooms immaculate, to really CARE about what happened to them. The nurse who is proud to be a nurse .
So now we endure as he/she awaits the results of the appeal. Here's hoping they see the light before they screw up something else. The dim view of the Hotel could very well get worse.
More later...
Monday, September 9, 2013
I wish it weren't true
I saw these news stories and unfortunately, we can identify with them in the Hotel.
Unfilled vacancies take a toll (from FierceHealthcare)
And if that's not enough, we may not hire some folks. We need to keep people, so here are some ideas (hint, hint to Manglement!)
That is my $0.02.
Stay tuned!
Unfilled vacancies take a toll (from FierceHealthcare)
And if that's not enough, we may not hire some folks. We need to keep people, so here are some ideas (hint, hint to Manglement!)
That is my $0.02.
Stay tuned!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Up, down and all around
This describes my week perfectly.
The ups: getting my new clinic finally going after two months and seeing the look on the patients' faces. They are really excited.
Another up: I'm getting sent to a HUGE conference. And I am presenting a poster. It is a really huge honor. Pinching self that the Manglement at the Hotel really came through. I know the Big Boss really made it happen. (Thank goodness he/she is a nurse!)
Downs: when I had the administrative people tell me that "no way is this clinic set up right." Good thing they had their wits come back the next day, and they recanted everything they said the day before. (So I put the Tums and Nexium away...)
All around: Me in the house. Doesn't matter that Dahey's off work, I still have my chores.
But when I'm gone to the MegaConference, he'll just have to hold down the fort for me.
Happy weekend to all, wherever you are!
More to come...
The ups: getting my new clinic finally going after two months and seeing the look on the patients' faces. They are really excited.
Another up: I'm getting sent to a HUGE conference. And I am presenting a poster. It is a really huge honor. Pinching self that the Manglement at the Hotel really came through. I know the Big Boss really made it happen. (Thank goodness he/she is a nurse!)
Downs: when I had the administrative people tell me that "no way is this clinic set up right." Good thing they had their wits come back the next day, and they recanted everything they said the day before. (So I put the Tums and Nexium away...)
All around: Me in the house. Doesn't matter that Dahey's off work, I still have my chores.
But when I'm gone to the MegaConference, he'll just have to hold down the fort for me.
Happy weekend to all, wherever you are!
More to come...
Monday, October 15, 2012
I've always wanted a cattle prod
But, alas, they are not FDA approved.
However, maybe the Manglement at the Hotel will advocate for our patients to start wearing sets of these so they do pressure relief when they're rolling around the unit.
I'm sure those docs in Calgary already thought of the cattle prod and got shot down, too. Shout out to my peep Ray-Ray and his family. (I sure miss P. and the stories about Timmy's and your orders just "appearing" when you walked in.)
I love the last line...all you rehab peeps know they HAD to say this or they'd short staff us all.
That is all...back to grad school madness.
However, maybe the Manglement at the Hotel will advocate for our patients to start wearing sets of these so they do pressure relief when they're rolling around the unit.
I'm sure those docs in Calgary already thought of the cattle prod and got shot down, too. Shout out to my peep Ray-Ray and his family. (I sure miss P. and the stories about Timmy's and your orders just "appearing" when you walked in.)
I love the last line...all you rehab peeps know they HAD to say this or they'd short staff us all.
That is all...back to grad school madness.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
The week that was
So happy the Memorial Day weekend is here, because I'm free from the idiocy of the Hotel.
What a week!
1. Bubba decided to goof off at day camp and injure himself. Hello Next Door Neighbor Peds ER. I think he'll be careful about goofing off in the pool next time if he wants to stay in it.
2. The new nurses started in the SU satellite clinic and have lots of good ideas, some of which may actually work with some of the primadonnas on our medical staff. One nurse was promptly pulled back to the floor because well-meaning manager never thought anyone would call in sick on payday before a holiday. Sounds like a writeup is coming!
3. I got to educate more people. Computer education, health education, you name it. I hope those educators don't get wigged out. There's way more education needed than what we're allotted to do.
One of my coworkers is working on a leadership project in my area...which happens to be the NBT (Next Best Thing) in healthcare. The Manglement puts articles on the employee intranet, on Facebook and Twitter, yet the non-clinical people have no clue what it is. D. is gonna have to do some education herself.
4. I get to work on a memorial project for our deceased patients at the Hotel (this started last year). The support staff working on it are just too damned cheery for me. We'll see how it goes.
More to come...the big project starts next week in advance of the big trek.
What a week!
1. Bubba decided to goof off at day camp and injure himself. Hello Next Door Neighbor Peds ER. I think he'll be careful about goofing off in the pool next time if he wants to stay in it.
2. The new nurses started in the SU satellite clinic and have lots of good ideas, some of which may actually work with some of the primadonnas on our medical staff. One nurse was promptly pulled back to the floor because well-meaning manager never thought anyone would call in sick on payday before a holiday. Sounds like a writeup is coming!
3. I got to educate more people. Computer education, health education, you name it. I hope those educators don't get wigged out. There's way more education needed than what we're allotted to do.
One of my coworkers is working on a leadership project in my area...which happens to be the NBT (Next Best Thing) in healthcare. The Manglement puts articles on the employee intranet, on Facebook and Twitter, yet the non-clinical people have no clue what it is. D. is gonna have to do some education herself.
4. I get to work on a memorial project for our deceased patients at the Hotel (this started last year). The support staff working on it are just too damned cheery for me. We'll see how it goes.
More to come...the big project starts next week in advance of the big trek.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Demotivating employees
Ah, spring is in the air (for the moment) here in RehabLand, and the hospital administrators (aka PHBs) have emerged from their coccoons, er lounge chairs, to start rabble rousing the troops and demotivating away.
How can they do that you say? Well, here are some stories (I wish they weren't true) on how they do this.
NOTE: the names of all parties and sexes, etc., have been centrifuged to protect the guilty and the innocent, since I don't want the HIPAA police to come carry me away.
1. Medical personnel are allowed $xxxx per year for continuing education. (Not nurses, though). But, good luck, Ms. Overworked MD trying to use yours. You're not properly certified yet, so your slug compatriot MD gets your share. Call HR and file a complaint.
2. Allied health person gets invited to a national conference to speak. Your boss, who's been at the place forever, fills out all your appropriate paperwork. In the meantime, you sign up to present and pay your conference fee, hotel and airfare.
You get an e-mail that you've been disapproved, but when your boss tries to appeal to the higher-ups, he doesn't get the dignity of a response. Nice. So much for having seniority. You can't even take off unless someone with more seniority lets you have the time. Go file an EEOC complaint.
And my personal favorite...
3. Become an advance practice nurse, get certified, speak at a national conference, and then submit your request for one lousy conference (subsidized by a private foundation) because you need more education to take care of new patients we have on the unit. All you want to get are your days off as official absence.
Get rejected because the "man with the plan" says we "can't afford to give you days off to learn" at the premier (and also free, since you got it paid for) conference in the world.
Reminds me of this Dilbert scenario...stay tuned for more to come!
PHB: You may have heard that our company has been accused of unethical business practices.
Alice: Is it the falsified product safety reports?
Wally: Is it the false stories planted in the media about our competitors?
Dilbert: Is it the crime family connections?
PHB: What?! Are you saying those are considered unethical too?!? Good God, this thing is just snowballing!
How can they do that you say? Well, here are some stories (I wish they weren't true) on how they do this.
NOTE: the names of all parties and sexes, etc., have been centrifuged to protect the guilty and the innocent, since I don't want the HIPAA police to come carry me away.
1. Medical personnel are allowed $xxxx per year for continuing education. (Not nurses, though). But, good luck, Ms. Overworked MD trying to use yours. You're not properly certified yet, so your slug compatriot MD gets your share. Call HR and file a complaint.
2. Allied health person gets invited to a national conference to speak. Your boss, who's been at the place forever, fills out all your appropriate paperwork. In the meantime, you sign up to present and pay your conference fee, hotel and airfare.
You get an e-mail that you've been disapproved, but when your boss tries to appeal to the higher-ups, he doesn't get the dignity of a response. Nice. So much for having seniority. You can't even take off unless someone with more seniority lets you have the time. Go file an EEOC complaint.
And my personal favorite...
3. Become an advance practice nurse, get certified, speak at a national conference, and then submit your request for one lousy conference (subsidized by a private foundation) because you need more education to take care of new patients we have on the unit. All you want to get are your days off as official absence.
Get rejected because the "man with the plan" says we "can't afford to give you days off to learn" at the premier (and also free, since you got it paid for) conference in the world.
Reminds me of this Dilbert scenario...stay tuned for more to come!
PHB: You may have heard that our company has been accused of unethical business practices.
Alice: Is it the falsified product safety reports?
Wally: Is it the false stories planted in the media about our competitors?
Dilbert: Is it the crime family connections?
PHB: What?! Are you saying those are considered unethical too?!? Good God, this thing is just snowballing!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
I'm open...
Be open to the amazing changes which are occurring in the field that interest you.~
Leigh Steinberg
Dear Boss:
I'm also open to having Manglement make those decisions that I cannot. If you continue to tell me to do stuff without much direction, I will figure a way to do it on my own.
And being your micromanaging self, you may not like the results.
Just sayin'...
RehabRN
Leigh Steinberg
Dear Boss:
I'm also open to having Manglement make those decisions that I cannot. If you continue to tell me to do stuff without much direction, I will figure a way to do it on my own.
And being your micromanaging self, you may not like the results.
Just sayin'...
RehabRN
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Some nurses...
Like me, hate to leave Manglement out in the cold. Yes, it's terribly fun, to state, in measured terms the following when they come and hold "Town Hall" meetings at the Hotel.
1. If you know that nurses aren't documenting *exactly* what the Evil Insurance Companies want, and the Hotel is losing money, why not teach us what they *do* want, so we can make sure we have bulletproof documentation that gets us the most money?
2. Point out that your best nurses are/can/will leave if you refuse to invest in them, by providing some sort of tuition assistance. Hello..when every bloody hospital in this part of the woods (and my cohort, D., did the research, and they all do) does, what are you going to do? Sit? Wait?
Will the last RN please turn out the light? Whoops...it's going out in another unit next door. Yes, that's why we have to shut down beds.
3. I'd have liked to, but I forgot to mention Mr. Hospital Admin, to some of us who worked in the real world outside the Hotel and its mothership, rightsize really is a bad word. Please stop using it because you're making me nervous.
Feel free to "redesign the system" and "remove silos" all you want. That's not nearly as scary.
That is all for now. Enjoy the rest of your day.
More to come...
1. If you know that nurses aren't documenting *exactly* what the Evil Insurance Companies want, and the Hotel is losing money, why not teach us what they *do* want, so we can make sure we have bulletproof documentation that gets us the most money?
2. Point out that your best nurses are/can/will leave if you refuse to invest in them, by providing some sort of tuition assistance. Hello..when every bloody hospital in this part of the woods (and my cohort, D., did the research, and they all do) does, what are you going to do? Sit? Wait?
Will the last RN please turn out the light? Whoops...it's going out in another unit next door. Yes, that's why we have to shut down beds.
3. I'd have liked to, but I forgot to mention Mr. Hospital Admin, to some of us who worked in the real world outside the Hotel and its mothership, rightsize really is a bad word. Please stop using it because you're making me nervous.
Feel free to "redesign the system" and "remove silos" all you want. That's not nearly as scary.
That is all for now. Enjoy the rest of your day.
More to come...
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