Developing a good reputation...

Takes more time and effort than a bad one. Working hard daily with your patients to develop a system that works really is work, even though Manglement may not reward you for it.

So, you have to go out and motivate yourself, even if no one else will.

Per Hotel policy and procedure, I had to fill out extra paperwork for a free CE thing I'm doing, but I figured while I was at it, I may as well let the boss's boss know what I'm up to. Yes, I am getting my master's degree. Yes, I am a certified specialty nurse, and yes, I need to do these CE things (including out-of-town ones that I get scholarships to attend).

Stepping outside of my little box on my little unit at the Hotel helps me to do that...and see the country.

And I take pride in developing a good reputation, even if it's a little inconvenient on occasion. My patients deserve it.

Thanks so much Mr. I. for saying I was your "number one nurse" while you stayed with us when I packed you up ready to go. I work hard to earn that reputation from you, and all my patients.

Too ironic

Scenario 1 - Pills, pins and needles.

Today was an interesting day. The specialists are busy at the Hotel and you would have thought it was a full moon.

One patient called into the SU stating, "I need more pain meds and to fix my record. I am not a drug seeker." Also, the patient mentioned that he/she had a numb leg for the entire weekend ("all pins and needles"), telling me how many falls, etc., and how terrible it was, so couldn't we just fill the script.

I mentioned to said patient that it might be prudent to go straight to the ER. "Naw, I can't do that, my leg is numb."

"So how will you get to the drug store to get your script?" I ask.

"Aw," says patient, "I'll just get a ride. Or I'll wait until my appointment tomorrow up at Washington (our main hospital)"

Well, HELLOOO in there! If you can get a ride, you surely can get to the ER, can't you? What made you  wait three whole days to call?


Scenario 2 - My nurse is with me today

We had a couple of patients lately in the sister unit who came in with family members. We don't allow them in the room for procedures, but we allow them to talk to the doc and consent and ask as many questions as they desire.

One patient came in with his healthcare professional sibling (supposedly a nurse--no idea what kind). Patient stated in his/her last consult that they had issues and needed x,y,z intervention, all of which we do not do here. Patient still wanted to come. This seemed odd, but we do lots of odd stuff here.

Patient arrives at appointment happy and with sibling and all looks good, except patient has some doubts. This is where Dr. X shines. Dr. X was an internist in another life and he loves talking to people. If he wouldn't have been a doc he probably could have been a wonderful minister. He's folksy and honest and people just genuinely like to talk to him.

Doc excuses me and the trainer from the room and he and his resident talk to this patient and sibling. While we were away, sibling argued with Dr. X and made it sound like Dr. X was the world's biggest jerk. Dr. X. was very exasperated. Patient and sibling actually stormed off out of the room.

Weird thing...same patient called back breathlessly and wanted to talk to us while we were restocking. When I called him/her back, I got voice mail.

To be continued....more to come.