TGIV! (Thank Goodness I'm on Vacation)
The law of averages still keeps cropping up at the Hotel.
What is the chance the maintenance guys will install your blinds in your office and treatment room and only one won't fit? Consequently, it will have to wait until next week. Hopefully, they'll find another.
What is the chance that a patient who's minding his/her own business as a patient would be fine one day, then slightly confused the next, then completely out of it the day after that? It was our patient and they have a slight clue what it may be (medication) but even tapering it, he/she's not getting better.
What is the chance that your boss will call a meeting, get caught up in the trappings of the holiday gifts he/she is given, and forget to do what he/she set out for the meeting?
Just another reason why each team meeting should have a written agenda and last no more than 30 minutes. If it were up to me, I'd take away the chairs to guarantee it's a short one, but the Slug would complain.
Again, TGIV! I can escape for a while and enjoy. Hope you and yours do this holiday season wherever you are!
Showing posts with label slug. Show all posts
Showing posts with label slug. Show all posts
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Quality or not
We had the long (not awaited) meeting with our nurse manager. I like the manager, I just detest being stuck with some of my ne'er-do-well coworkers.
Our manager had the not enviable position of beginning the discussion about changes coming to our Hotel clinic and home care group. Some folks just rolled their eyes. One person was on vacation. My cohort had a migraine. I thought I would have one, too.
The Slug made a comment I'll never forget when the nurse manager talked about liking Madison since he/she "can make a difference here."
The Slug replied, "I don't want to make a difference, I just want to be."
Be lazy? He/she's got that down.
Be greedy? Absolutely, when all you're worried about when your job title is going to change in the computer to care manager (because that title usually--but not always--gets you a pay raise).
Be an idiot? Completely. But when you have YEARS of nursing experience, especially doing stupid things, it's not surprising.
Quality, caring employees might be just the Christmas gift for the Hotel this year.
Stay tuned...
Our manager had the not enviable position of beginning the discussion about changes coming to our Hotel clinic and home care group. Some folks just rolled their eyes. One person was on vacation. My cohort had a migraine. I thought I would have one, too.
The Slug made a comment I'll never forget when the nurse manager talked about liking Madison since he/she "can make a difference here."
The Slug replied, "I don't want to make a difference, I just want to be."
Be lazy? He/she's got that down.
Be greedy? Absolutely, when all you're worried about when your job title is going to change in the computer to care manager (because that title usually--but not always--gets you a pay raise).
Be an idiot? Completely. But when you have YEARS of nursing experience, especially doing stupid things, it's not surprising.
Quality, caring employees might be just the Christmas gift for the Hotel this year.
Stay tuned...
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Need a resolution for 2012?
I looked at what my previous resolutions were (yes, I keep track right here on ye olde blog) and surprisingly, the Resolution Randomizer was still active and so I gave it a whirl.
Why make up resolutions you won't keep? I might get something that could stick. Here's what I got.
I, RehabRN, hereby resolve to...
Never try drinking coffee in the refrigerator.
(No chance, I left Mickey D's lifetimes ago...)
Try to avoid thinking in front of my boss.
(I already do this one...although I'm a horrendous poker face as Mitch, my training cohort, tells me)
Talk about sharing absurd stories in my car.
(Another tough one...what will I do on that car trip through New Mexico this year?)
Justify my love of eating breakfast with my family.
(Bubba loves breakfast, so this is a slam dunk!)
Abstain from managing my money in the office.
(I usually do this at home, anyway. One I can actually do!)
Finally stop hiding staplers in the break room.
(Now EVERYONE knows...ugh!)
Stop kissing butt in the morning.
(Check. Even better reason to be surly to the Slug!)
Finally stop thinking in the bathroom.
(Not sure this will ever happen...remember me and Winston from that bathroom reading post?)
Consider singing Neil Diamond outside.
(Great! Now Sweet Caroline keeps going through my head…)
I'm ready, Twenty twelve. Come on down!
And for all my people in the Hotel (and every other hospital) I pray that all your patients be wonderful today and sleep at the right times.
See you next year, friends.
Why make up resolutions you won't keep? I might get something that could stick. Here's what I got.
I, RehabRN, hereby resolve to...
Never try drinking coffee in the refrigerator.
(No chance, I left Mickey D's lifetimes ago...)
Try to avoid thinking in front of my boss.
(I already do this one...although I'm a horrendous poker face as Mitch, my training cohort, tells me)
Talk about sharing absurd stories in my car.
(Another tough one...what will I do on that car trip through New Mexico this year?)
Justify my love of eating breakfast with my family.
(Bubba loves breakfast, so this is a slam dunk!)
Abstain from managing my money in the office.
(I usually do this at home, anyway. One I can actually do!)
Finally stop hiding staplers in the break room.
(Now EVERYONE knows...ugh!)
Stop kissing butt in the morning.
(Check. Even better reason to be surly to the Slug!)
Finally stop thinking in the bathroom.
(Not sure this will ever happen...remember me and Winston from that bathroom reading post?)
Consider singing Neil Diamond outside.
(Great! Now Sweet Caroline keeps going through my head…)
I'm ready, Twenty twelve. Come on down!
And for all my people in the Hotel (and every other hospital) I pray that all your patients be wonderful today and sleep at the right times.
See you next year, friends.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Amen, brother
"If you're quiet, you're not living. You've got to be noisy and colorful and lively."
--Mel Brooks, American filmmaker
Life is too short to be boring, as more than a couple of my patients told me today. I ran onto the unit at the Hotel and I was surrounded by a couple of long-timers, who kept asking me to come back.
This continues to irritate the Slug, much to my great amusement. New Manager is really surprised, but also overwhelmed. It should be interesting to see what happens during his/her first year. I just hope we all make it! He/she has no idea what's going on.
Stay tuned. I plan on being noisy and colorful and lively on a regular basis...just because it irritates some people.
--Mel Brooks, American filmmaker
Life is too short to be boring, as more than a couple of my patients told me today. I ran onto the unit at the Hotel and I was surrounded by a couple of long-timers, who kept asking me to come back.
This continues to irritate the Slug, much to my great amusement. New Manager is really surprised, but also overwhelmed. It should be interesting to see what happens during his/her first year. I just hope we all make it! He/she has no idea what's going on.
Stay tuned. I plan on being noisy and colorful and lively on a regular basis...just because it irritates some people.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Word to the wise
Dear Royal Pain Lazy Slug RN:
If you particularly go out of your way to leave me out of a conversation about an important event when I know the answer to your question, I can and will not answer it.
When you ask me why, I also will explain to you (with appropriate people who saw and heard scenario #1) exactly why I did what I did.
And, of course, being a wonderful person (since I happen to like the patient this issue involves more than you) I will give the answer as professionally as possible when no one else finds it.
It's the least I can do.
Hope you enjoyed the results. At least, Mr. X did.
Sincerely (for now anyway),
RehabRN
If you particularly go out of your way to leave me out of a conversation about an important event when I know the answer to your question, I can and will not answer it.
When you ask me why, I also will explain to you (with appropriate people who saw and heard scenario #1) exactly why I did what I did.
And, of course, being a wonderful person (since I happen to like the patient this issue involves more than you) I will give the answer as professionally as possible when no one else finds it.
It's the least I can do.
Hope you enjoyed the results. At least, Mr. X did.
Sincerely (for now anyway),
RehabRN
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Lessons in life
Sometimes you just have to pass on opportunities that come your way.
I did that on a recent shift when the Slug brought his/her kids to the unit while they waited for Parent #2 to pick them up.
Tweener, the Slug's sporting child came in while I was eating and asked, "Is it fun to work with my Parent (the Slug)?" Of course, I immediately quashed the urge to jump all over that one. Kids in Tweener's age group like sarcasm, but tend to feed it right back to parents when they think it's needed, especially as a weapon. Tweener decided to regale me with the "My parent doesn't do this, is grumpy at home and sometimes mean. They say Parent is a lot of fun to work with."
I remembered my New Year's resolution to get out of the gossip and downing of others, so I had a good time using those therapeutic communication skills to extricate myself.
"Well," I said, "You know, nursing, especially here at the Hotel, can be a hard job. (Tweener shakes head) Do you want to be a nurse?"
Tweener says yes, but he/she's really interested in veterinary stuff, however, he/she's not sure about drawing blood.
"You know," I said, "You might change your mind. It's not surprising that it seems scary. It's a job we have to do, but if you're good at it, you learn how to do it without hurting anyone." Tweener nodded head in affirmation.
"I'm going to go get some pizza. See ya!"
And so another placid shift passed at the Hotel and I thanked my lucky stars, even as I scraped the springtime snow off my car.
Stay tuned...
I did that on a recent shift when the Slug brought his/her kids to the unit while they waited for Parent #2 to pick them up.
Tweener, the Slug's sporting child came in while I was eating and asked, "Is it fun to work with my Parent (the Slug)?" Of course, I immediately quashed the urge to jump all over that one. Kids in Tweener's age group like sarcasm, but tend to feed it right back to parents when they think it's needed, especially as a weapon. Tweener decided to regale me with the "My parent doesn't do this, is grumpy at home and sometimes mean. They say Parent is a lot of fun to work with."
I remembered my New Year's resolution to get out of the gossip and downing of others, so I had a good time using those therapeutic communication skills to extricate myself.
"Well," I said, "You know, nursing, especially here at the Hotel, can be a hard job. (Tweener shakes head) Do you want to be a nurse?"
Tweener says yes, but he/she's really interested in veterinary stuff, however, he/she's not sure about drawing blood.
"You know," I said, "You might change your mind. It's not surprising that it seems scary. It's a job we have to do, but if you're good at it, you learn how to do it without hurting anyone." Tweener nodded head in affirmation.
"I'm going to go get some pizza. See ya!"
And so another placid shift passed at the Hotel and I thanked my lucky stars, even as I scraped the springtime snow off my car.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Points to ponder
Dear Newbie Wannabe BSN:
Yes, you really must study if you want to pass your nursing research test. Please, however, do not continue studying when your patients keep ringing the call light. Get up and answer it.
No, it is not okay to take a timed test that is way longer than your break time. Please kindly do this on your days off, since you have two to three each week with your compressed schedule.
Dear Slacker RN:
Not doing your work until the last minute when everyone is ready to go home is not fun, nor an emergency on my part. Don't expect me to jump in and help, especially when you've spent the night goofing off and working on origami with the Slug.
One of those famous slogans really is true: Your mother does not work here. Please clean up after yourself.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
Yes, you really must study if you want to pass your nursing research test. Please, however, do not continue studying when your patients keep ringing the call light. Get up and answer it.
No, it is not okay to take a timed test that is way longer than your break time. Please kindly do this on your days off, since you have two to three each week with your compressed schedule.
Dear Slacker RN:
Not doing your work until the last minute when everyone is ready to go home is not fun, nor an emergency on my part. Don't expect me to jump in and help, especially when you've spent the night goofing off and working on origami with the Slug.
One of those famous slogans really is true: Your mother does not work here. Please clean up after yourself.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Rolling along
It's a crazy day. No snow, but we've got a light coating of ice. I'm sure we'll have call-ins for today's weather.
The Hotel's been the same Hotel. Unfortunately, the Slug had to come back from a conference, so we can see his/her slacking regularly on the unit. The proteges are taking note, too, since not too many people are in a hurry to help when you need them. It gets annoying.
At least, I'm good at keeping busy. I've had a few really good patients (even the ones no one wants) and personally, it feels good. Some days are better than others, so I keep trying to remind myself that I can only worry about it one day at a time.
My traveling partner and I have been having fun at the local journal club. We meet quarterly and I really enjoy it because it seems like I learn something new every time I attend. One of our leaders, who is a recognized nurse in one specialty is so good at illuminating topics for us and setting up education for patients. I really value her feedback.
And now it's time to start de-icing the car...for the drive to work. Should be an interesting commute.
More later...
The Hotel's been the same Hotel. Unfortunately, the Slug had to come back from a conference, so we can see his/her slacking regularly on the unit. The proteges are taking note, too, since not too many people are in a hurry to help when you need them. It gets annoying.
At least, I'm good at keeping busy. I've had a few really good patients (even the ones no one wants) and personally, it feels good. Some days are better than others, so I keep trying to remind myself that I can only worry about it one day at a time.
My traveling partner and I have been having fun at the local journal club. We meet quarterly and I really enjoy it because it seems like I learn something new every time I attend. One of our leaders, who is a recognized nurse in one specialty is so good at illuminating topics for us and setting up education for patients. I really value her feedback.
And now it's time to start de-icing the car...for the drive to work. Should be an interesting commute.
More later...
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wrapping up the week...
Where there is no imagination there is no horror. ~Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.
The week is winding down and I am enjoying my training and my time on the floor.
As always, it can be a soap opera kind of world at the Hotel. Love and lust figures into the installment this week. Lovelorn housekeeper falls for the charms of one of our artistic characters and wins a transfer to another unit. No fraternization allowed, just like the military, remember?
Another one of our patients decides he may go home immediately if one person comes back. Former roommate made a pass at his significant other and he's not too darned happy. The guilty party is in another unit, but as always, misses the Hotel and will do whatever to come back to our place. Don't think it's gonna fly this time...I hope anyway.
It could be a November to remember, though. Boss decided to come in and actually talk to me, and let me know I could apply for the part-time position working in one of our clinics. This is, of course, because no one else has yet applied. Another older nurse is applying, so out of respect for him, I'm declining that "opportunity", because he'd really like it. He has a lot going for him, too--over 10 years experience and an affable manner. The Slug may apply, but ON still has a chance at one of the positions available, and I hope he gets it over the Slug, who doesn't deserve it.
Sometimes you just have to say no to one thing to enjoy another.
Back to studying and have a great weekend all.
The week is winding down and I am enjoying my training and my time on the floor.
As always, it can be a soap opera kind of world at the Hotel. Love and lust figures into the installment this week. Lovelorn housekeeper falls for the charms of one of our artistic characters and wins a transfer to another unit. No fraternization allowed, just like the military, remember?
Another one of our patients decides he may go home immediately if one person comes back. Former roommate made a pass at his significant other and he's not too darned happy. The guilty party is in another unit, but as always, misses the Hotel and will do whatever to come back to our place. Don't think it's gonna fly this time...I hope anyway.
It could be a November to remember, though. Boss decided to come in and actually talk to me, and let me know I could apply for the part-time position working in one of our clinics. This is, of course, because no one else has yet applied. Another older nurse is applying, so out of respect for him, I'm declining that "opportunity", because he'd really like it. He has a lot going for him, too--over 10 years experience and an affable manner. The Slug may apply, but ON still has a chance at one of the positions available, and I hope he gets it over the Slug, who doesn't deserve it.
Sometimes you just have to say no to one thing to enjoy another.
Back to studying and have a great weekend all.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Drills and test demonstrations
Oh, today we just had to have one of these. It never fails that the Slug would volunteer to be a patient getting taken out of a building on a stretcher, since he/she probably thought they'd get less to do today by doing that.
I'm getting ready for another bit of fun in my class: starting our research proposal. Yes, like true NINR researchers, our group is refining our plan, which will end in a research project. I read and read more last night and when I went to read tonight, I realized I left my paperwork at work.
At least, I didn't forget the textbook. Now, I'll stop here so I can start reading a few chapters. There certainly will be no need for sleeping pills for me!
Stay tuned...the weekend is coming!
I'm getting ready for another bit of fun in my class: starting our research proposal. Yes, like true NINR researchers, our group is refining our plan, which will end in a research project. I read and read more last night and when I went to read tonight, I realized I left my paperwork at work.
At least, I didn't forget the textbook. Now, I'll stop here so I can start reading a few chapters. There certainly will be no need for sleeping pills for me!
Stay tuned...the weekend is coming!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Thoughts on escape
The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ~St. Augustine
Despite my best intentions, I may have to go back to the Hotel Rehab to get some stuff before I leave for the conference with my travelling partner. Yes, I plan on being in the parking lot early AM for us to carpool, but I really didn't want to touch a computer or go inside. Nevertheless....I'll do what needs to be done. Manager asked if I could lose the Boss. Trust me...I'll try...when we're done! He/she will drive me nuts if I'm stuck with him/her for the whole thing!
This week has not been too bad. The mix of things in a day keeps me occupied. As one of my coworkers mentioned, I had an easy assignment. We also had the luxury of being fully staffed. Sometimes I think the boss does this so I can float around and help others. Many of my coworkers, when given a similar assignment, will not. They go hide in the break room or wherever they can to dodge work. In fact, I was chastised by the Slug when I dodged cleaning out the unit refrigerator when the maintenance crew came through to take care of our current one. He/she likes to comment that "I missed the real work."
Hmm...makes me wonder about his/her prioritization skills. In the same amount of time that the Slug sat glued to the table in the break room with not one, but two other nurses, I got my orientee access to the computer and we went to do a complex dressing change at the request of our charge nurse. I blew off the Slug's comment, because, yes, he/she can do some manual labor once in a while that is not nursing, even if dodging work is his/her game. I'd rather be too busy to notice.
And off I go...more updates to come. Feel free to cross your fingers, toes, light candles or invoke your religious figure of choice. Karma, good thoughts, prayers, etc., are all welcome. Gotta go ask Sr. Mary Martha if there's a patron saint for conference presenters (love the tagline of that blog, "Life is tough. But nuns are tougher."). I have never been so nervous in my life...presenting at a national conference IS a really big deal.
Stay tuned, all you readers...updates will be here first! Have a great weekend!
Despite my best intentions, I may have to go back to the Hotel Rehab to get some stuff before I leave for the conference with my travelling partner. Yes, I plan on being in the parking lot early AM for us to carpool, but I really didn't want to touch a computer or go inside. Nevertheless....I'll do what needs to be done. Manager asked if I could lose the Boss. Trust me...I'll try...when we're done! He/she will drive me nuts if I'm stuck with him/her for the whole thing!
This week has not been too bad. The mix of things in a day keeps me occupied. As one of my coworkers mentioned, I had an easy assignment. We also had the luxury of being fully staffed. Sometimes I think the boss does this so I can float around and help others. Many of my coworkers, when given a similar assignment, will not. They go hide in the break room or wherever they can to dodge work. In fact, I was chastised by the Slug when I dodged cleaning out the unit refrigerator when the maintenance crew came through to take care of our current one. He/she likes to comment that "I missed the real work."
Hmm...makes me wonder about his/her prioritization skills. In the same amount of time that the Slug sat glued to the table in the break room with not one, but two other nurses, I got my orientee access to the computer and we went to do a complex dressing change at the request of our charge nurse. I blew off the Slug's comment, because, yes, he/she can do some manual labor once in a while that is not nursing, even if dodging work is his/her game. I'd rather be too busy to notice.
And off I go...more updates to come. Feel free to cross your fingers, toes, light candles or invoke your religious figure of choice. Karma, good thoughts, prayers, etc., are all welcome. Gotta go ask Sr. Mary Martha if there's a patron saint for conference presenters (love the tagline of that blog, "Life is tough. But nuns are tougher."). I have never been so nervous in my life...presenting at a national conference IS a really big deal.
Stay tuned, all you readers...updates will be here first! Have a great weekend!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
A different atmosphere
One of the nurses I work with mentioned it is a different environment when certain people we work with don't come to work. She is absolutely correct.
Imagine my world for a moment. NOTE: this illustration below has several grains of truth and will be distorted enough to protect both the innocent and the guilty.
First, we have the "lunch ladies". These nurses remind you of the lunch ladies from grade school. They often wear matching uniforms and if they had them, they'd have those hairnets on, too. They're perfectionists and they like to run various aspects of the shift a certain way (as if they were still in their kitchens) and you'd better like it, or feel their wrath. The wrath, you ask? Why they whisper a lot, which irritates the charge nurse. They bugged me at first, because I really got tired of their furtive glances, then the whisper, whisper that goes on at the other end of the report area, but I got used to it. Later, they may tell me who they're whispering about, and I ask them to talk to that person. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
Next, we have the GI Joes. GI Joe #1 takes care of his patients, does his stuff and is exemplary. He wants a long career and is working to become an RN one day, one class at a time.
GI Joe #2 has been around forever, most likely has untreated PTSD and another psych disorder or two, and can be both a good worker and an absolute nightmare. This changes from moment to moment, depending on who took the last cup of coffee from the nurses' station pot, to whether his favorite sports team is winning, to whether Mr. X. just rang his call light and asked him for ice. Sometimes this merry-go-round is exhausting. We always hope he takes the meds he has before coming to work.
Finally, we have the slacker brigade. Often, they have slacking competitions to see who can do less work. The Slug leads the brigade. He/she makes an effort to get as many phone calls as possible on a shift, start jobs that he/she doesn't finish (it's easier that way), and takes long lunch breaks. Since he/she's getting all those phone calls, he/she's always on the unit, but don't expect much. A phone call or Facebook game could be missed while some actual work gets done.
A couple of our newer nurses have also joined the slacker brigade. Their mission: stay in close contact with latest boyfriend of the moment by escaping from the unit to see boyfriend(s) on the parking lot, in full view of many of their patients, staff and visitors, or just sit in a very far off location and take phone calls, send text messages and update your status on Facebook out of paging distance. One has even made boundary crossing his/her favorite sport, by cruising through certain patients' rooms and asking them to get him/her snacks/treats/crafts whenever he/she can.
For me....I try to stay invisible. If I'm invisible, I'm less of a target. Some days are more on target than others. I'm still learning to cope with them. I like taking care of my patients and when I take care of them, they don't call me as much. When they do, I take care of their issues right away.
Finally, I always follow my mentor G's advice: start the shift by saying to yourself, "This is going to be a good day/evening/night." If you say it enough, believe it, and go out and act like it will, it will. Even if it turns into the night from Hell, keep reminding yourself. It can make things better for you and your coworkers. If all else fails, remember, this shift too, will pass and let it go once you are gone.
Imagine my world for a moment. NOTE: this illustration below has several grains of truth and will be distorted enough to protect both the innocent and the guilty.
First, we have the "lunch ladies". These nurses remind you of the lunch ladies from grade school. They often wear matching uniforms and if they had them, they'd have those hairnets on, too. They're perfectionists and they like to run various aspects of the shift a certain way (as if they were still in their kitchens) and you'd better like it, or feel their wrath. The wrath, you ask? Why they whisper a lot, which irritates the charge nurse. They bugged me at first, because I really got tired of their furtive glances, then the whisper, whisper that goes on at the other end of the report area, but I got used to it. Later, they may tell me who they're whispering about, and I ask them to talk to that person. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
Next, we have the GI Joes. GI Joe #1 takes care of his patients, does his stuff and is exemplary. He wants a long career and is working to become an RN one day, one class at a time.
GI Joe #2 has been around forever, most likely has untreated PTSD and another psych disorder or two, and can be both a good worker and an absolute nightmare. This changes from moment to moment, depending on who took the last cup of coffee from the nurses' station pot, to whether his favorite sports team is winning, to whether Mr. X. just rang his call light and asked him for ice. Sometimes this merry-go-round is exhausting. We always hope he takes the meds he has before coming to work.
Finally, we have the slacker brigade. Often, they have slacking competitions to see who can do less work. The Slug leads the brigade. He/she makes an effort to get as many phone calls as possible on a shift, start jobs that he/she doesn't finish (it's easier that way), and takes long lunch breaks. Since he/she's getting all those phone calls, he/she's always on the unit, but don't expect much. A phone call or Facebook game could be missed while some actual work gets done.
A couple of our newer nurses have also joined the slacker brigade. Their mission: stay in close contact with latest boyfriend of the moment by escaping from the unit to see boyfriend(s) on the parking lot, in full view of many of their patients, staff and visitors, or just sit in a very far off location and take phone calls, send text messages and update your status on Facebook out of paging distance. One has even made boundary crossing his/her favorite sport, by cruising through certain patients' rooms and asking them to get him/her snacks/treats/crafts whenever he/she can.
For me....I try to stay invisible. If I'm invisible, I'm less of a target. Some days are more on target than others. I'm still learning to cope with them. I like taking care of my patients and when I take care of them, they don't call me as much. When they do, I take care of their issues right away.
Finally, I always follow my mentor G's advice: start the shift by saying to yourself, "This is going to be a good day/evening/night." If you say it enough, believe it, and go out and act like it will, it will. Even if it turns into the night from Hell, keep reminding yourself. It can make things better for you and your coworkers. If all else fails, remember, this shift too, will pass and let it go once you are gone.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Holiday weekends get crazy
I'm only hoping it gets better.
The latest:
Crispy fried patient cuts up every night just before end of shift. "He was just fine at Saint Suburban and he was on antidepressants. "Well, if you consider missing a broken foot at Saint Suburban in addition to his myriad other crispy fried brain problems secondary to a touch of alcohol abuse "fine"...Haldol, take me away!
Fireworks went off at the party in the park next door. Just hope everyone with PTSD doesn't get too wound up (we made it with no incidents on a recent night).
The Slug will lead us for part of the weekend. Oh. Freaking. Jesus. I just hope his/her entourage (i.e. family) stays home and doesn't call a million times for updates.
Patients go home, and contrary to policy, some are returned to us. They just couldn't wait until the weekend was over. One more was transferred to us to keep the weekend hopping with the skeleton crew.
Troll IT (aka TIT) person freaks out one of my best nurses, F., because she made an error when creating and synching all her passwords. We called TIT person before it was too late in the shift, but once I talked to TIT it was obvious that TIT was 1) disturbed from a sound sleep, 2) was interrupted from a really fun party or 3) was just a typical antisocial character who managed to get into customer support to pay the bills and didn't really want to be there.
TIT actually called me a "security risk" because my nurse (nearly in tears) passed me the phone so I could talk to her. If TIT only realized that F. could save her life if needed, but now, F. is only waiting for the opportunity to run TIT over in the parking lot if she figures out who she is.
Hopefully, that won't happen on our shift. The boss would be slightly pissed.
Stay tuned for more (attempted) murder and mayhem tales...if only I were making them up!
The latest:
Crispy fried patient cuts up every night just before end of shift. "He was just fine at Saint Suburban and he was on antidepressants. "Well, if you consider missing a broken foot at Saint Suburban in addition to his myriad other crispy fried brain problems secondary to a touch of alcohol abuse "fine"...Haldol, take me away!
Fireworks went off at the party in the park next door. Just hope everyone with PTSD doesn't get too wound up (we made it with no incidents on a recent night).
The Slug will lead us for part of the weekend. Oh. Freaking. Jesus. I just hope his/her entourage (i.e. family) stays home and doesn't call a million times for updates.
Patients go home, and contrary to policy, some are returned to us. They just couldn't wait until the weekend was over. One more was transferred to us to keep the weekend hopping with the skeleton crew.
Troll IT (aka TIT) person freaks out one of my best nurses, F., because she made an error when creating and synching all her passwords. We called TIT person before it was too late in the shift, but once I talked to TIT it was obvious that TIT was 1) disturbed from a sound sleep, 2) was interrupted from a really fun party or 3) was just a typical antisocial character who managed to get into customer support to pay the bills and didn't really want to be there.
TIT actually called me a "security risk" because my nurse (nearly in tears) passed me the phone so I could talk to her. If TIT only realized that F. could save her life if needed, but now, F. is only waiting for the opportunity to run TIT over in the parking lot if she figures out who she is.
Hopefully, that won't happen on our shift. The boss would be slightly pissed.
Stay tuned for more (attempted) murder and mayhem tales...if only I were making them up!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Mondays are fun...
The boss is away so the mice will play.
The Slug and company were at it again with their two hour lunches. If only someone cared.
One of our scatterbrained former educator nurses (we have three, so let's call him/her Scatty) griped and complained about his/her assignment. Since Mom/Dad, the nurse manager, was gone to a conference today, Scatty had no one to complain to and get the assignment changed. So what happened?
Scatty sat around when he/she could have been working. Scatty couldn't possibly get his/her patient up right away. Nope, Scatty didn't even try until NurseMom ('cause she is like everyone's mom) and I went to him/her and said we'd help. The Slug can't stand Scatty, so he/she sent minions in to find out if Scatty 'helped' get the patient out of bed. I really wanted to tell minion to tell the Slug to bugger off, but in my best customer service voice, I said, "Scatty sure did!"
For our gratitude, Scatty left the campus, practiced some retail therapy, then went to lunch. It would have been nice if Scatty would have remembered to tell someone, perhaps even the charge? Nah...not when the boss is gone!
NurseMom went to a meeting so I covered some of her stuff for our charge. My people did not want to go to bed, so they rolled around and visited with relatives.
We had some NFL types roaming around with the customary PR toadies in tow. Some interesting dilemmas...how do you get a linebacker in one of our isolation gowns? They were nice though, and the patients had fun with it all, toadies or no.
Finally, I did my stuff, got my goodies and went on my merry way. More to come...
The Slug and company were at it again with their two hour lunches. If only someone cared.
One of our scatterbrained former educator nurses (we have three, so let's call him/her Scatty) griped and complained about his/her assignment. Since Mom/Dad, the nurse manager, was gone to a conference today, Scatty had no one to complain to and get the assignment changed. So what happened?
Scatty sat around when he/she could have been working. Scatty couldn't possibly get his/her patient up right away. Nope, Scatty didn't even try until NurseMom ('cause she is like everyone's mom) and I went to him/her and said we'd help. The Slug can't stand Scatty, so he/she sent minions in to find out if Scatty 'helped' get the patient out of bed. I really wanted to tell minion to tell the Slug to bugger off, but in my best customer service voice, I said, "Scatty sure did!"
For our gratitude, Scatty left the campus, practiced some retail therapy, then went to lunch. It would have been nice if Scatty would have remembered to tell someone, perhaps even the charge? Nah...not when the boss is gone!
NurseMom went to a meeting so I covered some of her stuff for our charge. My people did not want to go to bed, so they rolled around and visited with relatives.
We had some NFL types roaming around with the customary PR toadies in tow. Some interesting dilemmas...how do you get a linebacker in one of our isolation gowns? They were nice though, and the patients had fun with it all, toadies or no.
Finally, I did my stuff, got my goodies and went on my merry way. More to come...
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Miracles never cease
The Slug got through his/her required customer service ninja training (I'm not kidding...) as a customer service leader.
WTF? Was he/she in charge of answering the phone?
WTF? Was he/she in charge of answering the phone?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
I feel so loved...
The latest installment of Heard on the unit...
"So and so forgot to do all my laundry." Mr. Z.
Well, Mr. Z., So and so is a new nurse, so you need to help train him/her by telling them what you need.
It really is a crisis to deprive an Irishman of his green clothes on this, St. Patty's Day...thankfully, the Hotel has green PJs for our guests. Problem solved.
"I missed you this weekend." Groovy New Nurse #1
GNN#1 missed me because he/she got stuck with the Slug, who probably spent the weekend doing one or all of the following things: 1) talking on the phone, 2) goofing off on Facebook the whole shift, or 3) doing absolutely nothing.
Yes, dear, it does suck to work with the Slug and everybody else who thinks he/she "is a great person, especially at parties." Well, kids, this ain't no party all the time...
"I don't want one of those Port-a-Cath things. They kill people." Mr. Y.
You'd think they would educate the patient on his/her access possibilities, right? Nope. We got to be the lucky stiffs to talk about what exactly a port was and how it will be used.
"Can I sit in the shower and let the water run over my head while you make my bed?" Mr. X.
Mr. X hasn't had a shower in a very long time, so he was happy to oblige while I got things ready for him.
Anything to make you happy....more later
"So and so forgot to do all my laundry." Mr. Z.
Well, Mr. Z., So and so is a new nurse, so you need to help train him/her by telling them what you need.
It really is a crisis to deprive an Irishman of his green clothes on this, St. Patty's Day...thankfully, the Hotel has green PJs for our guests. Problem solved.
"I missed you this weekend." Groovy New Nurse #1
GNN#1 missed me because he/she got stuck with the Slug, who probably spent the weekend doing one or all of the following things: 1) talking on the phone, 2) goofing off on Facebook the whole shift, or 3) doing absolutely nothing.
Yes, dear, it does suck to work with the Slug and everybody else who thinks he/she "is a great person, especially at parties." Well, kids, this ain't no party all the time...
"I don't want one of those Port-a-Cath things. They kill people." Mr. Y.
You'd think they would educate the patient on his/her access possibilities, right? Nope. We got to be the lucky stiffs to talk about what exactly a port was and how it will be used.
"Can I sit in the shower and let the water run over my head while you make my bed?" Mr. X.
Mr. X hasn't had a shower in a very long time, so he was happy to oblige while I got things ready for him.
Anything to make you happy....more later
Monday, September 28, 2009
Some things change...
And some stay the same.
The unit was pretty much same old, same old last night. Nothing particularly new and exciting.
1. The Slug is still the Slug and wouldn't know his/her backside from a hole in the ground (Dad's favorite saying...only a little spiced up!). He/she obviously didn't look out the window before swearing, "Oh, all these patients are crazy because it's a full moon." Not really, but perhaps on whatever planet he/she's on, it is!
2. Ringing the call light at the change of shift is becoming commonplace whenever I work evenings. One patient decided he needed help in less than the five minutes it would take the ongoing shift to get him situated. So what does he do? He says, "I think I'm having a heart attack. My left arm feels funny." Roommate was oblivious to all the commotion and snoring away.
Here goes the fire drill. Get vitals, get him repositioned, get out the EKG machine and call the doc on call. Nice. Thankfully, the evening charge nurse and I went down with some of the night shifters and got him all situated until the doc arrived. No other classic signs and a "I thought I'd say that so someone would come down here right away." almost merited the famous Dope Slap from the night charge nurse.
3. And finally, some people are still on evening bowel routines on our unit. Some are scarier than others. One of my patients had one which reminded me of a horror movie about tapeworms.
That is all...stay tuned for more excitement.
The unit was pretty much same old, same old last night. Nothing particularly new and exciting.
1. The Slug is still the Slug and wouldn't know his/her backside from a hole in the ground (Dad's favorite saying...only a little spiced up!). He/she obviously didn't look out the window before swearing, "Oh, all these patients are crazy because it's a full moon." Not really, but perhaps on whatever planet he/she's on, it is!
2. Ringing the call light at the change of shift is becoming commonplace whenever I work evenings. One patient decided he needed help in less than the five minutes it would take the ongoing shift to get him situated. So what does he do? He says, "I think I'm having a heart attack. My left arm feels funny." Roommate was oblivious to all the commotion and snoring away.
Here goes the fire drill. Get vitals, get him repositioned, get out the EKG machine and call the doc on call. Nice. Thankfully, the evening charge nurse and I went down with some of the night shifters and got him all situated until the doc arrived. No other classic signs and a "I thought I'd say that so someone would come down here right away." almost merited the famous Dope Slap from the night charge nurse.
3. And finally, some people are still on evening bowel routines on our unit. Some are scarier than others. One of my patients had one which reminded me of a horror movie about tapeworms.
That is all...stay tuned for more excitement.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Is it psycho Thursday again?
That was my question this morning. Oh, why, oh, why do some people insist on being complete idiots?!
Psycho #1: The crazy patient who threatened everyone earlier in his stay was getting antsy when his pain meds were wearing off. So he asked for Tylenol. Which I didn't have an order for. Which required pulling (or finding) a doctor who was rounding willing to give me a verbal.
Got that, so all is good, right? Until...
Psycho #2: One of my coworkers made a mistake and started cleaning up one of my people. All this right after I had told him, "Go back to sleep and we'll get you cleaned up at 1030ish."
For some odd reason, the Slug decided she needed to yell at me and demand that I clean up another patient of mistaken employee. "No, I'm busy. (since I was still working on the order for Psycho #1 and I had my own other patient, in addition to med delivery). You're not the charge nurse. Go tell him/her if you have a problem." The Slug just kept getting in the way. Somehow, I managed to get everything done.
Psycho #3: The dreaded patient came in, and thankfully, left without issue. Said patient provokes PTSD in some of our nurses from the abuse on his/her last visit. Many people were really, really happy they didn't have to deal with that admission at this time.
To top it all off, we got the news that JC folks are on the prowl and should be visiting our hospital soon. If I wasn't having nightmares before, I'm sure they'll start now.
Less psychosis and more fun to come...stay tuned!
Psycho #1: The crazy patient who threatened everyone earlier in his stay was getting antsy when his pain meds were wearing off. So he asked for Tylenol. Which I didn't have an order for. Which required pulling (or finding) a doctor who was rounding willing to give me a verbal.
Got that, so all is good, right? Until...
Psycho #2: One of my coworkers made a mistake and started cleaning up one of my people. All this right after I had told him, "Go back to sleep and we'll get you cleaned up at 1030ish."
For some odd reason, the Slug decided she needed to yell at me and demand that I clean up another patient of mistaken employee. "No, I'm busy. (since I was still working on the order for Psycho #1 and I had my own other patient, in addition to med delivery). You're not the charge nurse. Go tell him/her if you have a problem." The Slug just kept getting in the way. Somehow, I managed to get everything done.
Psycho #3: The dreaded patient came in, and thankfully, left without issue. Said patient provokes PTSD in some of our nurses from the abuse on his/her last visit. Many people were really, really happy they didn't have to deal with that admission at this time.
To top it all off, we got the news that JC folks are on the prowl and should be visiting our hospital soon. If I wasn't having nightmares before, I'm sure they'll start now.
Less psychosis and more fun to come...stay tuned!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I'd really like to...
...pummel some sense into the Slug and a sense of relaxation into some of my other coworkers, but unfortunately, that would constitute assault.
It was tempting...the boss left early, though, and I'd have been stuck cleaning up the mess.
Now for a really important cup of coffee and some relaxation.
More to come...stay tuned.
It was tempting...the boss left early, though, and I'd have been stuck cleaning up the mess.
Now for a really important cup of coffee and some relaxation.
More to come...stay tuned.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
I don't want to clean...
The house really needs it, though. Yesterday was the crazy day (with a capital C) of the week and I'm so happy I'm off today and tomorrow.
Here are a few snippets of my Friday.
1. Get Mr. Colo ready for his close-up (yes, the colonoscopy was yesterday). Mr. Colo gets taken to the test only to find out one of his labs are out of whack and they won't do it.
What does he win, Pat? Well, I saved Mr. Colo some pizza from the Marine luncheon today, but I told the charge nurse to give it to someone else, since Mr. Colo will be on a liquid diet until they can try again Monday (assuming his numbers are better).Yuck!
2. Boss says I need to show one of the new nurses how I pass meds. Yes, I had the med cart again and the new nurse got my general AM rundown of how I do things (print a sheet, highlight, talk to people, etc.) At 1130, I ask new nurse to help me pass the pills. New nurse says I'll be right there. New nurse doesn't show up for 15 minutes. This nurse is behind with pills and perturbed. New nurse complains to another new nurse (we have a few right now) about not being compensated for previous degree. This nurse quashes urge to strangle New Nurse or run over with med cart.
3. The Slug, sitting on her derriere as usual, reminds me that I didn't update ALL of my PRN docs for the PRN pills yesterday. Literally, out of her mouth (in front of New Nurse, of course), "You had a lot left over last night, so you better fix that." (She followed me on the evening shift--working--or slacking--another double) Reality: I left exactly two, for two meds given within 15 minutes of the end of shift. It didn't help that I was busy and the regs say we should do them at 30 minutes AFTER the drugs are given.
and the topper....
4. While all of this was going on, I get a call from School Nurse that Bubba has a "contagious disease" and must be picked up immediately. Yes, as I'm passing the pills and halfway down the hall. Bubba apparently got itchy at lunch time and someone saw him scratching and reported him to the nurse.
Thankfully, Dahey was available to go get Bubba from school. Bubba has a rash on his leg that I have been treating (with a doctor's advice and good ol' Lotrimin for several days) that is apparently a reportable (only in our school district) that requires a note stating he's been on meds for 24 hours before returning to school. We didn't know about the note part, so that was a blast, considering that we didn't notice it on him until he returned from school one day last week.
Bubba has his note, still itches a little and had a great half a day with dad. He'll be back to school on Monday.
Needless to say, I was so happy to go home at 1600. More later...I'm really going to clean now!
Here are a few snippets of my Friday.
1. Get Mr. Colo ready for his close-up (yes, the colonoscopy was yesterday). Mr. Colo gets taken to the test only to find out one of his labs are out of whack and they won't do it.
What does he win, Pat? Well, I saved Mr. Colo some pizza from the Marine luncheon today, but I told the charge nurse to give it to someone else, since Mr. Colo will be on a liquid diet until they can try again Monday (assuming his numbers are better).Yuck!
2. Boss says I need to show one of the new nurses how I pass meds. Yes, I had the med cart again and the new nurse got my general AM rundown of how I do things (print a sheet, highlight, talk to people, etc.) At 1130, I ask new nurse to help me pass the pills. New nurse says I'll be right there. New nurse doesn't show up for 15 minutes. This nurse is behind with pills and perturbed. New nurse complains to another new nurse (we have a few right now) about not being compensated for previous degree. This nurse quashes urge to strangle New Nurse or run over with med cart.
3. The Slug, sitting on her derriere as usual, reminds me that I didn't update ALL of my PRN docs for the PRN pills yesterday. Literally, out of her mouth (in front of New Nurse, of course), "You had a lot left over last night, so you better fix that." (She followed me on the evening shift--working--or slacking--another double) Reality: I left exactly two, for two meds given within 15 minutes of the end of shift. It didn't help that I was busy and the regs say we should do them at 30 minutes AFTER the drugs are given.
and the topper....
4. While all of this was going on, I get a call from School Nurse that Bubba has a "contagious disease" and must be picked up immediately. Yes, as I'm passing the pills and halfway down the hall. Bubba apparently got itchy at lunch time and someone saw him scratching and reported him to the nurse.
Thankfully, Dahey was available to go get Bubba from school. Bubba has a rash on his leg that I have been treating (with a doctor's advice and good ol' Lotrimin for several days) that is apparently a reportable (only in our school district) that requires a note stating he's been on meds for 24 hours before returning to school. We didn't know about the note part, so that was a blast, considering that we didn't notice it on him until he returned from school one day last week.
Bubba has his note, still itches a little and had a great half a day with dad. He'll be back to school on Monday.
Needless to say, I was so happy to go home at 1600. More later...I'm really going to clean now!
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