On the cusp

Yes, months have passed since I've been here. It's been busy. The year has been monumental.

Since the solar eclipse, I've been busy getting my program at the Hotel ready for inspection. In October, the inspectors came. They came to see my program, because Washington doesn't have one, and if they didn't see mine, we'd get written up.

Three words: Blew them away. When I started this gig, the regional boss always glossed over what I did. Since said boss left, and we're still awaiting a replacement, the local Manglement decided that maybe, just maybe I might be able to show them how we do what we do in the Hotel. We did.

We came. We saw. We kicked some serious butt. The Hotel crew stepped up to help me get the stages set (because we have issues, but they are in process), clean, prep and know what to expect. I briefed staff so they'd know the basics of what the inspectors might ask them. Then I showed them a good time (and a marketing package unlike any other). I got patients involved (because they are part of the inspection, too) and all my people shined.

We got kudos in the official report, which, to me, validated the work. It validated why we have to work as a team. It validated that we care about patients and always want to do more.

I sent lots of thank you notes. My entire team got one. My nurse compatriots in other departments got their own special kudos. Why? Because they need it. They are new and they need to know they are doing a good job. My patients got thanks, too.  You have to remember who helps you, and acknowledge it regularly.

In October, we finished our official year, and it was the best ever (no kidding). We saw more patients in the SU than ever.

Last month, I finished my gig on my rehab committee. I had fun. I wasn't nervous any more talking to thousands. It does get easier, even with a script.

Today, I'm awaiting my next adventure. I'm going to leave rehab sometime soon, but it will never leave me. I carry a song in my heart, and lots of memories of the Hotel and all the characters along the way.

May your New Year be filled with health and happiness, wherever life's journeys take you.

Until next time, I bid you adieu....

Daily gratitude

Some days seem worse than others, but when I look around, it really isn't so bad.

1. I can afford to pay for my mistakes --traffic and parking tickets--without fear of going to jail.

2. I can go to work without fear of death while I'm there doing my job.

3. I am reasonably healthy. I woke up today.

These privileges are not afforded to everyone. So I go out happy I am who I am; imperfect as it is. I'll take it!

Enjoy your Wednesday.

Thankful

Although my co-workers and I kvetch, whine and moan about the least little things, today, I have put aside the slights of some of them and I am thankful. We stopped b(^t$%ing about the people we can't change.



I am most thankful that I work at the Hotel Madison. Many of my classmates this holiday season have to take low census (from their vacation if they want to get paid) or get docked because their hospitals need to save a buck. Thank you Uncle Sam for that no low census thing! I can use my vacation for what it was intended...actual vacation...when I want it!



I am thankful I woke up today. It sure beats pushing up daisies as I told K., one of my coworkers. It's been a little depressing seeing some of my old patients in the obituary section of the newspaper lately, but I'm getting used to it, not numb necessarily, but more aware.


Today was a pleasant day. One patient went home to see his family for the weekend and the other was very laid-back and relaxed. No admissions and no time stress today.

I'm off tomorrow, so check out Change of Shift. Back to prepping for Thanksgiving dinner! Stay tuned...