Yes, it's the 12th of September and I feel like 15 years ago and one day, were almost a blink of an eye, and a lifetime all at once.
I remember that day. Much is blurry, but the terror is real--the unknown, the ruthlessness, the destruction are unnerving. I still see that today.
I lived another life, and when I go near where I used to work on September 11, I even see people who used to work in my building. We're not friends, but I still recognize them. They still work at the same place. They've aged just like me.
But occasionally, I come in costume in my scrubs, when the local food trucks pull outside and I'm in the neighborhood. My job now warrants a weekly trip from one campus to another, so it's on the way back and I stop for lunch. The building have new names. The company I worked for has been bought out multiple times.
If I close my eyes, I still remember that life.
The world has changed, and so have I. I don't worry anymore about what could have been there. I realize that life is living and I'm doing it every day.
Fifteen years and a day, I pray still.
More later....
Showing posts with label nurse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nurse. Show all posts
Monday, September 12, 2016
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
I'm still a kid
When I think of that day 30 odd years ago. I was on my way to school. I knew my mother was dying of cancer, but I didn't realize that I wouldn't make it there before she did.
I came into my grandmother's house and all I heard were laments. My father was silent and hugged us. He let my brother and I see Mom before my uncle called his friends at work (who were the undertakers). My father was always the one who was there, when his mother and his wife died.
My grandma was a mess. My mother was her youngest child.
There are a lot of things that are a blur, but a lot of things I will never forget. I learned much later that I could spend all my time thinking about the horrible things a teenager could have to witness (the stretcher, the body bag, the death rattle), or I could choose to remember the things my mother left me.
Her happy disposition despite many trials. Her stubbornness and relentlessness to see things right. Her wavy hair that always curled when you wanted and sometimes, when you didn't. Her enjoyment of the little things in life, like the salami sandwiches from our town's Italian section. The jello (red and green) that Santa left us at Christmastime.
My mother also left me her faith. Her faith that we are all actors in our own story and a little divine intervention never hurts. Sometimes we need to help and be helped. Those traditions of perseverance were more helpful than I ever knew later in life.
So while my mom is no longer here to be celebrated, I look every day for the places where she left her mark on my life. And I see her every day. I put a photo of happy times on my refrigerator, so I remember that. She and Dad took us to get family photos. It was the last group family photo we would get.
So I can mourn this day, or I can live it as Mom would want me to do. My mother always wanted me to be a nurse, so I know somewhere in Heaven she smiles. Even with my detours and stubbornness, she got her wish.
I came into my grandmother's house and all I heard were laments. My father was silent and hugged us. He let my brother and I see Mom before my uncle called his friends at work (who were the undertakers). My father was always the one who was there, when his mother and his wife died.
My grandma was a mess. My mother was her youngest child.
There are a lot of things that are a blur, but a lot of things I will never forget. I learned much later that I could spend all my time thinking about the horrible things a teenager could have to witness (the stretcher, the body bag, the death rattle), or I could choose to remember the things my mother left me.
Her happy disposition despite many trials. Her stubbornness and relentlessness to see things right. Her wavy hair that always curled when you wanted and sometimes, when you didn't. Her enjoyment of the little things in life, like the salami sandwiches from our town's Italian section. The jello (red and green) that Santa left us at Christmastime.
My mother also left me her faith. Her faith that we are all actors in our own story and a little divine intervention never hurts. Sometimes we need to help and be helped. Those traditions of perseverance were more helpful than I ever knew later in life.
So while my mom is no longer here to be celebrated, I look every day for the places where she left her mark on my life. And I see her every day. I put a photo of happy times on my refrigerator, so I remember that. She and Dad took us to get family photos. It was the last group family photo we would get.
So I can mourn this day, or I can live it as Mom would want me to do. My mother always wanted me to be a nurse, so I know somewhere in Heaven she smiles. Even with my detours and stubbornness, she got her wish.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
And so I rise...again
I rise again, because the crazy patient leaving Washington missed hitting me in the crosswalk. I really thought I was going to go down for the count. I had the right of way, but the hurried patient was turning right on red. No harm, but I did notify our local PD (took a photo while he waited at a stoplight nearby), in case Mr. Hurry-Yup decided to run down any students down the street at Private U.
I'm not sure why I decided to become a stair climber. I think it had something to do with running up and down all the flights of stairs at Saintarama to the rehab gym to take patients their pain meds. Ah, the days before bar coded medication administration! Pull the meds, mark the MAR, and give the pills. It wasn't perfect, but we made do.
This weekend, I'm going on my next stair climbing journey. It's the same set of stairs in the same skyscraper. However, I'm older, wiser, and a tad out of shape, but a promise is a promise.
I figure this old asthmatic nurse ought to do something right? I have been so lucky that my asthma is well-controlled. I drove my sainted mother crazy with my asthma attacks as a kid. We were on a first name basis with most of the Saintarama Childrens Hospital ER staff due to our regular visits.
My friend, a grade school teacher, had to tell her class that one of their classmates passed away on spring break. P. was a kid with asthma for years. This time was different: it got so bad he was put on a ventilator, then he crashed. They couldn't bring him back.
So I will rise, and as I go up all 865 steps, I'll think of P., and the 3,630 other folks who died last year due to asthma. Otherwise, the firefighting crews who race after me will just have to pick me up and take me the rest of the way to the finish.
Stay tuned...
I'm not sure why I decided to become a stair climber. I think it had something to do with running up and down all the flights of stairs at Saintarama to the rehab gym to take patients their pain meds. Ah, the days before bar coded medication administration! Pull the meds, mark the MAR, and give the pills. It wasn't perfect, but we made do.
This weekend, I'm going on my next stair climbing journey. It's the same set of stairs in the same skyscraper. However, I'm older, wiser, and a tad out of shape, but a promise is a promise.
I figure this old asthmatic nurse ought to do something right? I have been so lucky that my asthma is well-controlled. I drove my sainted mother crazy with my asthma attacks as a kid. We were on a first name basis with most of the Saintarama Childrens Hospital ER staff due to our regular visits.
My friend, a grade school teacher, had to tell her class that one of their classmates passed away on spring break. P. was a kid with asthma for years. This time was different: it got so bad he was put on a ventilator, then he crashed. They couldn't bring him back.
So I will rise, and as I go up all 865 steps, I'll think of P., and the 3,630 other folks who died last year due to asthma. Otherwise, the firefighting crews who race after me will just have to pick me up and take me the rest of the way to the finish.
Stay tuned...
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Dear Boss
I know you are stressed. I'm sure you're kind of on autopilot, but I notice things.
I notice that you said, "You learn this in therapy" in way too many places recently. Yes, people learn things in therapy, but when you have a RN in the room and a therapy student with patients in a education class, you have to make sure the patients understand one thing.
They should learn EVERYWHERE at any time. Yes, everywhere. If they don't, they may not survive.
Nurses work 24/7, and frankly, we should be teaching patients that amount of time, too. It's not just during therapy, or by nurses on breaks from therapy, it's whenever they can. I view saying "hi" to someone in the hall as an education opportunity. Like the fellow who wandered into the clinic at Washington while I was talking to my nurse friend T. He learned something, because I took five minutes to teach him (thank goodness for those brochures in my bag!).
Our therapists might be good, but they are not here 24/7. Our nurses are. Please don't discount them. Empower them. Encourage them to do their best, to learn more, to get certified, to be the best they can be.
Sincerely (because I really do care),
RehabRN
I notice that you said, "You learn this in therapy" in way too many places recently. Yes, people learn things in therapy, but when you have a RN in the room and a therapy student with patients in a education class, you have to make sure the patients understand one thing.
They should learn EVERYWHERE at any time. Yes, everywhere. If they don't, they may not survive.
Nurses work 24/7, and frankly, we should be teaching patients that amount of time, too. It's not just during therapy, or by nurses on breaks from therapy, it's whenever they can. I view saying "hi" to someone in the hall as an education opportunity. Like the fellow who wandered into the clinic at Washington while I was talking to my nurse friend T. He learned something, because I took five minutes to teach him (thank goodness for those brochures in my bag!).
Our therapists might be good, but they are not here 24/7. Our nurses are. Please don't discount them. Empower them. Encourage them to do their best, to learn more, to get certified, to be the best they can be.
Sincerely (because I really do care),
RehabRN
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Planes, trains and automobiles, NOLA version
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was only 24 hours, but darned, it was so good. I felt the pangs of frustration of Steve Martin, the screaming kids, the shuttle that was crammed with folks, but it was really amazing.
Our shuttle driver gave tips on some of the best things to do (and most importantly, eat) in New Orleans. I promptly made my way to Central Grocery to try out their muffaletta, and I made it, just before they closed. On the way back, I ate dessert first: beignets with cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde. My other culinary adventure was to Acme Oyster House, while I was roaming around Bourbon Street before I left. You can't beat an oyster poboy! (NOTE: I don't eat raw oysters, so try it if you are not a fan of these runny bivalve mollusks. They are delicious fried!)
While I was in the neighborhood, I fulfilled a mission: I went back to the French Market and got the silver pendant I figured I didn't need two years ago to go with the earrings I bought to remember the Crescent City.
Coming home I met a nice lady from another conference at our hotel. She worked for a very famous beauty company, and picked up my tab for the cab ride. Thank you Angela! Will definitely buy your products at the store!
The rest of my trip included a layover, but since the massage shop was too busy, I opted for a salty summer brew, then I talked to some fun folks at the airport's Starbucks. And listened to live music in the terminal.
I attended the meeting and longed to stay for the awesome conference I went to last year, but family comes first. I went home to get Bubba and he was happy. He got an awesome trumpet T-shirt souvenir to replace the one he grew out of, and a good one to wear for Mardi Gras this year.
I can't wait to go back and hang out among the many rehab nurses again. It's always a blast. See you all in Philly next year.
Stay tuned...vacation is never dull.
Our shuttle driver gave tips on some of the best things to do (and most importantly, eat) in New Orleans. I promptly made my way to Central Grocery to try out their muffaletta, and I made it, just before they closed. On the way back, I ate dessert first: beignets with cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde. My other culinary adventure was to Acme Oyster House, while I was roaming around Bourbon Street before I left. You can't beat an oyster poboy! (NOTE: I don't eat raw oysters, so try it if you are not a fan of these runny bivalve mollusks. They are delicious fried!)
While I was in the neighborhood, I fulfilled a mission: I went back to the French Market and got the silver pendant I figured I didn't need two years ago to go with the earrings I bought to remember the Crescent City.
Coming home I met a nice lady from another conference at our hotel. She worked for a very famous beauty company, and picked up my tab for the cab ride. Thank you Angela! Will definitely buy your products at the store!
The rest of my trip included a layover, but since the massage shop was too busy, I opted for a salty summer brew, then I talked to some fun folks at the airport's Starbucks. And listened to live music in the terminal.
I attended the meeting and longed to stay for the awesome conference I went to last year, but family comes first. I went home to get Bubba and he was happy. He got an awesome trumpet T-shirt souvenir to replace the one he grew out of, and a good one to wear for Mardi Gras this year.
I can't wait to go back and hang out among the many rehab nurses again. It's always a blast. See you all in Philly next year.
Stay tuned...vacation is never dull.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Something we can relate
Yes, I'm sure many of you who come here may have witnessed a scene like this one in this recent Well article from the NY Times.
Lots of drama. Lots of noise. Lots of "hell no" going on in the background, even if no one explicitly says it.
Reminded me of Head Nurse's recent post of the cheerful ED nurse.
Makes me miss the drama of the clinic I worked in a few years ago with the character who screamed he was in so much pain until he got shipped off via ambulance and got the Dilaudid. Our character hadn't used that in the Washington ED before, so staff got him/her the goods.
Lots of drama. Lots of noise. Lots of "hell no" going on in the background, even if no one explicitly says it.
Reminded me of Head Nurse's recent post of the cheerful ED nurse.
Makes me miss the drama of the clinic I worked in a few years ago with the character who screamed he was in so much pain until he got shipped off via ambulance and got the Dilaudid. Our character hadn't used that in the Washington ED before, so staff got him/her the goods.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Gone but not forgotten
She got ready and she took the train to glory.
RIP my pharmacist friend (and nursing school seatmate).
I will miss you (and your caring, gentle, hilarious soul) forever. May they find a cure soon.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Monday, Monday (aka back to work)
It was a brief trip to MegaConference and it was fun. I even met some new friends on my whirlwind tour. I tried to meet one nurse blogger, but she wasn't coming in, until I left town. I got lots of looks at my poster and made sure I didn't take a single handout home, by using a couple of marketing gimmicks. (I marked my literature holder--aka a brown envelope--with the words TRADE SECRETS).
All that business experience helped. I also corralled a spot near my poster and carefully set my coat and a notebook there (with a glass) so I could go between sessions and not lose my spot. (We were expected to be by the poster at break times, so...)
Dahey and Bubba drove around the town exploring, watching dogs and sailboats. Bubba also proved that kids needing to go to the bathroom is really a universally understood problem, no matter in what sort of ethnic neighborhood you may find yourself. They also saw a movie, which was a good excuse for Dahey to find a dark place with a comfy chair for a nap. (We got up really early to get me to the conference on time, since our hotel was far away in the suburbs.)
There was a party once the session was over, but I literally had to fly out of there, after I talked to an exec I had tweeted to during the sessions. It was nice to finally meet her after conversing back and forth. It was bedlam--cars, taxis, buses, everywhere. It was a miracle Dahey and Bubba could get to me amidst all the masses escaping the conference hall looking for a ride. I was really happy one of the staffers there was able to get us back to the highway to RehabLand.
It was literally down the street and around one corner. So we drove away into the evening to RehabLand.
Today was a long day with lots of caffeine infusions. My last one is wearing off, so I will say good night.
More fun to come...
All that business experience helped. I also corralled a spot near my poster and carefully set my coat and a notebook there (with a glass) so I could go between sessions and not lose my spot. (We were expected to be by the poster at break times, so...)
Dahey and Bubba drove around the town exploring, watching dogs and sailboats. Bubba also proved that kids needing to go to the bathroom is really a universally understood problem, no matter in what sort of ethnic neighborhood you may find yourself. They also saw a movie, which was a good excuse for Dahey to find a dark place with a comfy chair for a nap. (We got up really early to get me to the conference on time, since our hotel was far away in the suburbs.)
There was a party once the session was over, but I literally had to fly out of there, after I talked to an exec I had tweeted to during the sessions. It was nice to finally meet her after conversing back and forth. It was bedlam--cars, taxis, buses, everywhere. It was a miracle Dahey and Bubba could get to me amidst all the masses escaping the conference hall looking for a ride. I was really happy one of the staffers there was able to get us back to the highway to RehabLand.
It was literally down the street and around one corner. So we drove away into the evening to RehabLand.
Today was a long day with lots of caffeine infusions. My last one is wearing off, so I will say good night.
More fun to come...
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
My turn: UTI rodeo
First, my sister had it. Now it's my turn for a UTI.
Thankfully, I'm good at diagnosing myself, and my wonderful ob/gyn doc is willing to take me pronto on a slow day to do a culture and write a script.
Now it's hurry up and wait with some Macrobid. Ugh!
Thankfully, I'm good at diagnosing myself, and my wonderful ob/gyn doc is willing to take me pronto on a slow day to do a culture and write a script.
Now it's hurry up and wait with some Macrobid. Ugh!
Friday, February 13, 2015
How to tell
If your nurse manager reads the Wall Street Journal. I decided to pay attention to my manager's communications and noticed:
1. He/she follows his/her name with his/her MBA or MPH credential. Master's degrees in other areas besides nursing have a cachet today.
2. Your boss's e-mail signature includes the subtitle of this article.
3. Finally, your boss is becoming a walking buzzword machine, and once you read a few articles, you'll see all of them.
That is all...TGIF!
1. He/she follows his/her name with his/her MBA or MPH credential. Master's degrees in other areas besides nursing have a cachet today.
2. Your boss's e-mail signature includes the subtitle of this article.
3. Finally, your boss is becoming a walking buzzword machine, and once you read a few articles, you'll see all of them.
That is all...TGIF!
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!
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Weekend diversions
What kinds of movies will a rehab nurse watch before hanging out with hundreds of other rehab nurses? Well, if you're into history and sports,like I am, you'll watch The Best of Men. My favorite part was watching it on Bubba's computer (which has a big screen). Somehow I got it on closed captioning by mistake.
Maybe because I have a lot of parental controls turned on (maybe note), but I noticed that all the swear words were not included.
Another interesting article I found today was this article about the big cheese at one hospital taking a pay cut. What a novel idea. Hope this one spreads.
Now I just get to make dinner and get ready for Monday.
More to come, so stay tuned!
Maybe because I have a lot of parental controls turned on (maybe note), but I noticed that all the swear words were not included.
Another interesting article I found today was this article about the big cheese at one hospital taking a pay cut. What a novel idea. Hope this one spreads.
Now I just get to make dinner and get ready for Monday.
More to come, so stay tuned!
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Old school communication
Call me a dinosaur, but I still love my e-mails. Especially stuff from the listservs I'm on.
Rehab nurses who rarely speak out about anything will have long, torrid discussions via listserv about the best way to put on a leg bag and how many times a night to turn patients.
It may be old, but it is still highly entertaining.
Rehab nurses who rarely speak out about anything will have long, torrid discussions via listserv about the best way to put on a leg bag and how many times a night to turn patients.
It may be old, but it is still highly entertaining.
Friday, September 5, 2014
The perils of rehab
While I was at my rehab conference, I talked to lots of folks. One of the biggest issues was reimbursement.
Now I know why there are issues. If companies only hire for a bare minimum set of qualifications for their staff (see below), it's no wonder why all the case managers in the audience said they were coloring their hair due to it turning white prematurely.
Clinical Appeals Reviewer
Job Description:
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide expertise or general support in reviewing, researching, investigating,and resolving all types of appeals.
Communicate issues, implications, and decisions with appropriate parties.
Analyze and identify trends for Appeals.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma/GED.
1+ year of Telephonic Customer Service experience.
1+ year of Healthcare Insurance experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, including the ability to create spreadsheets and filter data.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with Medical Terminology
Funny, but no where did it say this person ought to be a nurse. You get what you pay for...just sayin'
More to come...
Now I know why there are issues. If companies only hire for a bare minimum set of qualifications for their staff (see below), it's no wonder why all the case managers in the audience said they were coloring their hair due to it turning white prematurely.
Clinical Appeals Reviewer
Job Description:
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide expertise or general support in reviewing, researching, investigating,and resolving all types of appeals.
Communicate issues, implications, and decisions with appropriate parties.
Analyze and identify trends for Appeals.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma/GED.
1+ year of Telephonic Customer Service experience.
1+ year of Healthcare Insurance experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, including the ability to create spreadsheets and filter data.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with Medical Terminology
Funny, but no where did it say this person ought to be a nurse. You get what you pay for...just sayin'
More to come...
Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday, Monday
Oh, the joys of Monday.
First, Bubba is in such a rush that he forgets to take his medicine. I run back home, get it, administer and go to work.
Next, I go to work and my computer has some weird error message on the screen. I turn it off, then it won't go back on. Finally, after an hour of futzing around, it comes back on (after I unplug and replug every single cord under my desk.)
Maybe it just got too hot in the office over the weekend. (I love all the fancy thermostats in our office, which assume that it can go up to 90 degrees when I go home.
I surprisingly got a lot of work done on my big project, but now I have a new nurse shadow.
So much for finishing that tomorrow! Only time will tell...stay tuned.
First, Bubba is in such a rush that he forgets to take his medicine. I run back home, get it, administer and go to work.
Next, I go to work and my computer has some weird error message on the screen. I turn it off, then it won't go back on. Finally, after an hour of futzing around, it comes back on (after I unplug and replug every single cord under my desk.)
Maybe it just got too hot in the office over the weekend. (I love all the fancy thermostats in our office, which assume that it can go up to 90 degrees when I go home.
I surprisingly got a lot of work done on my big project, but now I have a new nurse shadow.
So much for finishing that tomorrow! Only time will tell...stay tuned.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
What not to do as a nurse, version 100
We have new staff members at the Hotel, so I'll be sure to bring along the latest installment from the RehabLand State Board of Nursing newsletter.
This issue was more sad than silly, unfortunately. When they say you are a "licensed professional nurse" they really are stressing all three of those things. Licensed (you have one) professional (you are one at all times) and nurse (the occupation, not just the job).
Here are the top 10 items: (I wish there weren't this many, but...)
1. Yes, you really can get a ding on your license if you decide to take some controlled substances you got in 2010, and for which you no longer have a prescription.
The little problem happens when your employer makes you pee in a cup.
Can you say "just dispose of this properly and get a script if you need one."? I knew you could.
2. Don't just screw up one thing, screw up many.
A nurse had a really, really bad day and just kind of forgot to follow a bunch of orders on an acutely ill patient (meds, isolation, etc.)
3.Sleep on duty.
Just say no. Sleep on your own time and no one ever reads about it in a newsletter or on the news. End of story.
4. More on not following orders: disobey transfer orders on a patient, then remove a surgically implanted port, then attempt to reinsert it yourself.
O.M.G. After reading this, I would have had a hard time not thoroughly throttling this nurse.
5. Just forget to renew your license for a year.
Whoops! No license, no job. Sorry!
6. You work in an office and you just don't call the patient back when they ask to reschedule. If that's not enough, you just forget other things, too.
My question: How did you pass your boards? Certainly you had to remember SOMETHING?
7. Do drugs (at work, at home, at some place you can't remember).
Yes, all of those came up this issue (cocaine, meth and alcohol). The scariest one: the pregnant nurse doing meth. And yes, the kid tested positive.
Hello, another state agency, Children and Family Services.
8. Fake your license renewal.
Because, really, who wants to pay the State of RehabLand money to work when you can do it for free?
9. Get drunk, go driving, and wave a gun around in the air.
You will win the following: an unlawful use of a firearm, peace disturbance, and driving while intoxicated charges.
10. And finally, the worst one this issue: steal a dead patient's identity to get a cell phone in his/her name.
Despicable... be warned, professionals!
Saturday, March 1, 2014
The darnedest things
I love gadgets and technology, in part, because my job uses a lot of various technology at the Hotel.
However, when I read this article about dangers of wearable computers, some things just stood out.
1. Lifeblogging? Really? The Truman Show is so not HIPAA, kids.
2.Google Glass. Same as #1. I'm just waiting for a policy at the Hotel.
3. The wearable/embedded device issue. Yes, I'm not really impressed with Dick Cheney and would not go hunting with him, but he does have a point.
4. Cop cam will show who is getting the free donuts and sodas...just sayin'.
5. Smartwatches. Duh! If you have a smartphone policy, just upgrade it appropriately.
6. I like the smart clothing idea, but I don't like the thought of someone making me wear it to work. The authors do have some valid points, and this type of clothing would be valuable for my Hotel patients.
7. Fitbit and insurance rates. I don't like it. Reminds me of that bad "nurses go to heaven" joke, only the HMO nurse doesn't have any repercussions.
Just my $0.02...feel free to chime in.
However, when I read this article about dangers of wearable computers, some things just stood out.
1. Lifeblogging? Really? The Truman Show is so not HIPAA, kids.
2.Google Glass. Same as #1. I'm just waiting for a policy at the Hotel.
3. The wearable/embedded device issue. Yes, I'm not really impressed with Dick Cheney and would not go hunting with him, but he does have a point.
4. Cop cam will show who is getting the free donuts and sodas...just sayin'.
5. Smartwatches. Duh! If you have a smartphone policy, just upgrade it appropriately.
6. I like the smart clothing idea, but I don't like the thought of someone making me wear it to work. The authors do have some valid points, and this type of clothing would be valuable for my Hotel patients.
7. Fitbit and insurance rates. I don't like it. Reminds me of that bad "nurses go to heaven" joke, only the HMO nurse doesn't have any repercussions.
Just my $0.02...feel free to chime in.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
What not to do as a nurse postscript
Normal nurse: you obey the law, because your state can (and will) revoke your license if you don't.
Our nurse: was dodgy and always on his/her cell phone. Now we know why. Must have been to the lawyer or the bail bondsman or someone else.
Security came recently and escorted him/her off the premises.
Never a dull moment at the Hotel.
Our nurse: was dodgy and always on his/her cell phone. Now we know why. Must have been to the lawyer or the bail bondsman or someone else.
Security came recently and escorted him/her off the premises.
Never a dull moment at the Hotel.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Things not to do as a nurse
Yes, I got my quarterly newsletter from RehabLand Board of Nursing, and yes, they do have a fine list of things not to do if you want to keep your license to practice.
Some of them were (are) frankly pretty scary, and I only wonder how long they went on before they were reported.
1. Patient in wheelchair wants to go to bed (common Hotel scenario) and comes to nurses station.
Normal nurse: talks to the patient and then assists the patient to bed.
Our nurse: pushes patient forcibly out of the nurses' station and give a Haldol shot where the needle gets stuck in the patient. License suspended.
2. Nurse gets a tax return and 'forgets' to pay the state taxes.
Normal nurse: gets the taxes paid.
Our nurse: doesn't bother, so license is suspended.
3. Nurse is asked yes or no questions re: felony history.
Normal nurse: knows better than to do that. Nurses are one of the most trusted health professionals for a reason.
Our nurse: just fibs, gets found out, and gets license suspended
4. Nurse takes patient into a video monitored room in ER and examines his "groin pain"
Normal nurse: takes information and completes assessment.
Our nurse: fondles, kisses the patient, compliments his eyes and shares personal details. After this performance, our nurse is put on probation for two years.
And finally, for another technology related story:
5. Nurse remotely monitors patients as part of his/her job.
Normal nurse: does work, makes phone calls to patients, providers and case managers.
Our nurse: doesn't do any of those things for over a month and fabricates documentation,and gets license suspended.
Some of them were (are) frankly pretty scary, and I only wonder how long they went on before they were reported.
1. Patient in wheelchair wants to go to bed (common Hotel scenario) and comes to nurses station.
Normal nurse: talks to the patient and then assists the patient to bed.
Our nurse: pushes patient forcibly out of the nurses' station and give a Haldol shot where the needle gets stuck in the patient. License suspended.
2. Nurse gets a tax return and 'forgets' to pay the state taxes.
Normal nurse: gets the taxes paid.
Our nurse: doesn't bother, so license is suspended.
3. Nurse is asked yes or no questions re: felony history.
Normal nurse: knows better than to do that. Nurses are one of the most trusted health professionals for a reason.
Our nurse: just fibs, gets found out, and gets license suspended
4. Nurse takes patient into a video monitored room in ER and examines his "groin pain"
Normal nurse: takes information and completes assessment.
Our nurse: fondles, kisses the patient, compliments his eyes and shares personal details. After this performance, our nurse is put on probation for two years.
And finally, for another technology related story:
5. Nurse remotely monitors patients as part of his/her job.
Normal nurse: does work, makes phone calls to patients, providers and case managers.
Our nurse: doesn't do any of those things for over a month and fabricates documentation,and gets license suspended.
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...
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