Weather: Sunny, with hot and muggy temperatures.
Air quality: the fine smell of charcoal is wafting around the neighborhood as people grill. Not as much as usual, though, since everyone's getting those gas grills.
Mood: Bubba has taken a break from playing outside. All is good.
All the ingredients of a great holiday weekend, which ends for me tomorrow. Back to work for the holiday. I can't complain.
Stay tuned.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
What holiday?
I'll spend mine working in one way or another.
Got up early today and attempted to pay bills. Found out my sibling (who is disabled) had a 4 figure phone bill. Checked it out online, then discussed with said sibling and found out someone he/she knows has been scoring very expensive Eastern European phone calls from him/her, in addition to "borrowing" money. Got everything documented and hotlined him/her. Happy holidays? I don't think so. Not when you have no money in your account.
Installment #1 of 2 sets of books for the next grad class arrived today. Hope the other one (which has the required text) shows up by the time class starts in about 10 days.
Bubba and friends are having fun at the baseball tournament next door. Dahey is out making sure he's not eating everything in sight.
Should be a fun day....stay tuned.
Got up early today and attempted to pay bills. Found out my sibling (who is disabled) had a 4 figure phone bill. Checked it out online, then discussed with said sibling and found out someone he/she knows has been scoring very expensive Eastern European phone calls from him/her, in addition to "borrowing" money. Got everything documented and hotlined him/her. Happy holidays? I don't think so. Not when you have no money in your account.
Installment #1 of 2 sets of books for the next grad class arrived today. Hope the other one (which has the required text) shows up by the time class starts in about 10 days.
Bubba and friends are having fun at the baseball tournament next door. Dahey is out making sure he's not eating everything in sight.
Should be a fun day....stay tuned.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
LRR part 2
If you read the last installment, you'll understand why I abbreviated the title above.
Yes, it did certainly seem a bit like Groundhog Day at the Hotel, with a twist. Mr. J. ended up sick, then sent to our lovely sister hospital for a workup before the holiday starts. Yes, keeping an acutely ill rehab patient on a unit staffed with skeleton crew for the first major holiday of the season is NOT a good thing. Thank you Dr. F. for finally figuring out this important fact.
Mr. J. wasn't thrilled, but since he'd like to possibly make it back in time for his son-in-law to bring his favorite barbeque this weekend, he thought it was a good idea. Amen!
Thankfully, Mr. J. was still being evaluated by the time I left, so I was not required to fill out all of his discharge paperwork. Hooray!
In the grand scheme of things, repetition can be a good thing.
Stay tuned!
Yes, it did certainly seem a bit like Groundhog Day at the Hotel, with a twist. Mr. J. ended up sick, then sent to our lovely sister hospital for a workup before the holiday starts. Yes, keeping an acutely ill rehab patient on a unit staffed with skeleton crew for the first major holiday of the season is NOT a good thing. Thank you Dr. F. for finally figuring out this important fact.
Mr. J. wasn't thrilled, but since he'd like to possibly make it back in time for his son-in-law to bring his favorite barbeque this weekend, he thought it was a good idea. Amen!
Thankfully, Mr. J. was still being evaluated by the time I left, so I was not required to fill out all of his discharge paperwork. Hooray!
In the grand scheme of things, repetition can be a good thing.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Lather, rinse, repeat
It's not just on a shampoo bottle. It's the story of my life in taking care of Mr. J., one of our usual suspects. My shift went as follows.
1. Suction him (very frothy trach) on first rounds.
2. Do AM bowel routine.
3. Return in 30 minutes to clean up, then suction again.
4. Finish bowel routine.
5. Suction. Leave.
6. Move bed from across unit storage so admission has a bed in his room (and all other assorted furniture). Do dressings on other patient. Thank goodness she can survive without me!
7. Come back, do AM care, dressings, PICC dressing (since he has one that's falling off), turn.
8. Suction 'cause you rolled him a little too much changing the linens.
9. Reposition and all is good for about 30 minutes.
10 Admit new person down the hall.
11. Feed Mr. J. lunch.
12. Suction after lunch. Fluff, buff, make all comfy.
13. Turn, clean up, drop full suction canister on table and floor.
14. Clean up mess, call for Housekeeping. (Thanks Bob! I couldn't live without you.)
15. Get Mr. J. ready to get up. Mr. J. decides to stay in bed today.
16. Suction.
17. Reposition. Fluff, buff.
18. Take care of other patients.
19. Finally, eat lunch during department meeting: elapsed time 10 minutes (I ate slow with a salad).
20. Send labs on new patients. Let new patient take a nap.
21. Finish admission and assorted paperwork.
22. Get ready to leave and hear a tornado warning called on intercom: Code Gray. Everyone out of the pool!
23. Wake up napping patient (already awake) and help him transfer to wheelchair to get into hallway.
24. Quitting time comes.
25. Run out the door, do not pass go, do not collect $200.
Getting Bubba home safely after making it through a hailstorm and watching the tornadic clouds on the horizon just two miles away: priceless.
I celebrated the end of the tornado warning with a drink , a soak in the tub and a good scrubbing, and lather, rinse, repeat.
More to come...
1. Suction him (very frothy trach) on first rounds.
2. Do AM bowel routine.
3. Return in 30 minutes to clean up, then suction again.
4. Finish bowel routine.
5. Suction. Leave.
6. Move bed from across unit storage so admission has a bed in his room (and all other assorted furniture). Do dressings on other patient. Thank goodness she can survive without me!
7. Come back, do AM care, dressings, PICC dressing (since he has one that's falling off), turn.
8. Suction 'cause you rolled him a little too much changing the linens.
9. Reposition and all is good for about 30 minutes.
10 Admit new person down the hall.
11. Feed Mr. J. lunch.
12. Suction after lunch. Fluff, buff, make all comfy.
13. Turn, clean up, drop full suction canister on table and floor.
14. Clean up mess, call for Housekeeping. (Thanks Bob! I couldn't live without you.)
15. Get Mr. J. ready to get up. Mr. J. decides to stay in bed today.
16. Suction.
17. Reposition. Fluff, buff.
18. Take care of other patients.
19. Finally, eat lunch during department meeting: elapsed time 10 minutes (I ate slow with a salad).
20. Send labs on new patients. Let new patient take a nap.
21. Finish admission and assorted paperwork.
22. Get ready to leave and hear a tornado warning called on intercom: Code Gray. Everyone out of the pool!
23. Wake up napping patient (already awake) and help him transfer to wheelchair to get into hallway.
24. Quitting time comes.
25. Run out the door, do not pass go, do not collect $200.
Getting Bubba home safely after making it through a hailstorm and watching the tornadic clouds on the horizon just two miles away: priceless.
I celebrated the end of the tornado warning with a drink , a soak in the tub and a good scrubbing, and lather, rinse, repeat.
More to come...
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Cops and nurses
Yes, cops and nurses have a lot in common.
Sometimes we're dealing with sundowning patients who are perfectly content at the beginning of the shift is fun, but don't forget, they add a extra level of excitement just before shift change.
One of our security guys was on rounds and asking if one of our people had "called anyone" today. Nope, I tell Officer T., Mr. X. is good. He just calls his wife, she understands he's demented and plays some music he likes over the phone. Officer T. leaves.
Mr. C., who was being good all night, got perturbed when his son left without getting his ice cream. He called him and he told him he'd be back tomorrow. Hence the agitated cascade begins....and ends with a call to 911 on his cell phone. Unlike the hospital phones where our 911 routes everyone to security, his cell phone sent him to the nearest 911 call center for CouldaWouldaShoulda County.
CWS county does not appreciate 911 calls from demented rehab patients. Officer T. and partner come over to visit Mr. C. and talk to him. Mr. C., agitated, refused to talk to me, but told the officers the same story. He refused to surrender his phone however. I eventually left and passed on the task of getting the phone to Z., the following charge nurse, called the on-call doc, then notified our house super.
Now if only I'd stopped to get a donut (or a drink) after everything. Maybe next time.
Stay tuned.
Sometimes we're dealing with sundowning patients who are perfectly content at the beginning of the shift is fun, but don't forget, they add a extra level of excitement just before shift change.
One of our security guys was on rounds and asking if one of our people had "called anyone" today. Nope, I tell Officer T., Mr. X. is good. He just calls his wife, she understands he's demented and plays some music he likes over the phone. Officer T. leaves.
Mr. C., who was being good all night, got perturbed when his son left without getting his ice cream. He called him and he told him he'd be back tomorrow. Hence the agitated cascade begins....and ends with a call to 911 on his cell phone. Unlike the hospital phones where our 911 routes everyone to security, his cell phone sent him to the nearest 911 call center for CouldaWouldaShoulda County.
CWS county does not appreciate 911 calls from demented rehab patients. Officer T. and partner come over to visit Mr. C. and talk to him. Mr. C., agitated, refused to talk to me, but told the officers the same story. He refused to surrender his phone however. I eventually left and passed on the task of getting the phone to Z., the following charge nurse, called the on-call doc, then notified our house super.
Now if only I'd stopped to get a donut (or a drink) after everything. Maybe next time.
Stay tuned.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Terrible tornadoes
Are currently terrorizing the middle of the country, and a really scary story..a tornado hits a hospital in Joplin, MO.
So happy our tribe made it back in one piece, since there were storms aplenty on our way back home. Bubba was content assembling his new toy dinosaur (which has a million pieces) and a trip to Dahey's favorite sandwich place. He wolfed down his Italian sandwich like we hadn't fed him in days. This couch potato child swam and played for hours and he ate everything in sight.
He also slept soundly every single night, which was lovely. Can't wait until the tribe can hit the road again one of these days.
It was nice to be away, though. I, am back to reality: housework, computer work and work at the Hotel. I'll be praying for no tornadoes.
So happy our tribe made it back in one piece, since there were storms aplenty on our way back home. Bubba was content assembling his new toy dinosaur (which has a million pieces) and a trip to Dahey's favorite sandwich place. He wolfed down his Italian sandwich like we hadn't fed him in days. This couch potato child swam and played for hours and he ate everything in sight.
He also slept soundly every single night, which was lovely. Can't wait until the tribe can hit the road again one of these days.
It was nice to be away, though. I, am back to reality: housework, computer work and work at the Hotel. I'll be praying for no tornadoes.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Why is it...
That when you're a kid on vacation that things just seem more interesting than they do at home?
This explains Bubba's fascination with a particular dinosaur exhibit...that he had to see...that he ALREADY saw in RehabLand. It's just more fun seeing it on a gorgeous day with thousands of other people and just as much fun when you don't have to worry about posing for photos because Dad forgot the camera.
At least, so far, we've gotten a souvenir plastic cup to remember the trip from the bowling alley up the road.
Now after all that dinosaur visiting, Bubba's sound asleep snoring away. We'll see how it all goes.
More to come...
This explains Bubba's fascination with a particular dinosaur exhibit...that he had to see...that he ALREADY saw in RehabLand. It's just more fun seeing it on a gorgeous day with thousands of other people and just as much fun when you don't have to worry about posing for photos because Dad forgot the camera.
At least, so far, we've gotten a souvenir plastic cup to remember the trip from the bowling alley up the road.
Now after all that dinosaur visiting, Bubba's sound asleep snoring away. We'll see how it all goes.
More to come...
Thursday, May 19, 2011
I am a nurse...
I am a leader.
This was the slogan for the ANA video contest. And this is the winning entry. Today, I thank not just Mandy, but all you school nurses out there. You rock!
This was the slogan for the ANA video contest. And this is the winning entry. Today, I thank not just Mandy, but all you school nurses out there. You rock!
On the eve of the voyage
To get away from one's working environment is, in a sense, to get away from one's self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change. ~Charles Horton Cooley
Yours truly, Dahey and Bubba will be heading down the long road travelling for a piece. Will update as we can.
Stay tuned for exciting updates from the road. Kids (and husbands) are so much fun.
Yours truly, Dahey and Bubba will be heading down the long road travelling for a piece. Will update as we can.
Stay tuned for exciting updates from the road. Kids (and husbands) are so much fun.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Yes, we're a little crazy
To the average Joe/Jill patient, what we do at the Hotel seems kind of nuts. Rehab units are places where you can get up and get out, and you even have your own entourage, besides me, your unit tour guide.
Dear Mr. ABC:
Some people think I'm nuts when I tell them this, but it's absolutely true. I'm the tour guide and I usually get the job of helping you initially, getting settled in and used to the rhythm of the Hotel.
No, we're not like SuperLuxeRehab unit sown the street which gets remodeled, redecorated, repainted every time someone sneezes, no, welcome to the gritty world of the Hotel, which saw it's last wallpaper change in 1994. Now, the signs and some equipment you see are brand-spanking new, but that's just because. We didn't want the signs (management says we have to be "just like everyone else"), but we did want the equipment, since it makes our jobs easier.
No you won't get a private room just because you have MRSA. This is not SuperLuxe. Join the MRSA club in a double room (almost 75% of our people have it, and some other bugs for which we isolate, too).
We are rehab nurses, so the three things we care about are bowel, bladder and skin. People will come in asking all kinds of questions on those three things, so don't be surprised. This is why I explained the reason you need a post-void bladder scan for a while.
We'll also bug you daily about your bowel habits, to make sure you're going. Yes, we really do care if you're going and want details, if you bother to look.(If you don't, we will.) Bowels that work tend not to cause problems, unless, of course, they work a little too much. Moderation is the key.
Skin, to me, is a no-brainer. As I tell patients, it's supposed to be clean, dry and intact. This is why we look at it regularly. If you need help cleaning it, that's what we're here to do. If you can do it, we are thrilled. One less bath I have to do, so I can do other stuff you need.
So, yes, Mr. ABC, we may seem crazy, but we care about you, and your bowels, bladder and skin.
Hope you enjoy and make good use of your stay at the Hotel.
Sincerely,
RehabRN
Dear Mr. ABC:
Some people think I'm nuts when I tell them this, but it's absolutely true. I'm the tour guide and I usually get the job of helping you initially, getting settled in and used to the rhythm of the Hotel.
No, we're not like SuperLuxeRehab unit sown the street which gets remodeled, redecorated, repainted every time someone sneezes, no, welcome to the gritty world of the Hotel, which saw it's last wallpaper change in 1994. Now, the signs and some equipment you see are brand-spanking new, but that's just because. We didn't want the signs (management says we have to be "just like everyone else"), but we did want the equipment, since it makes our jobs easier.
No you won't get a private room just because you have MRSA. This is not SuperLuxe. Join the MRSA club in a double room (almost 75% of our people have it, and some other bugs for which we isolate, too).
We are rehab nurses, so the three things we care about are bowel, bladder and skin. People will come in asking all kinds of questions on those three things, so don't be surprised. This is why I explained the reason you need a post-void bladder scan for a while.
We'll also bug you daily about your bowel habits, to make sure you're going. Yes, we really do care if you're going and want details, if you bother to look.(If you don't, we will.) Bowels that work tend not to cause problems, unless, of course, they work a little too much. Moderation is the key.
Skin, to me, is a no-brainer. As I tell patients, it's supposed to be clean, dry and intact. This is why we look at it regularly. If you need help cleaning it, that's what we're here to do. If you can do it, we are thrilled. One less bath I have to do, so I can do other stuff you need.
So, yes, Mr. ABC, we may seem crazy, but we care about you, and your bowels, bladder and skin.
Hope you enjoy and make good use of your stay at the Hotel.
Sincerely,
RehabRN
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The story of the numbers
I read in the paper today that if the debt ceiling is not raised by August 2, there will be lots of trouble, according to economists. As a Govermint employee, I'm thinking I may need to beef up the emergency fund and plan a staycation for this summer, instead of that cross-country trek for Bubba to see Uncle Ray and his kids out East.
Ahem...back to the interesting numbers. As an escaped business person, I'm always looking at numbers, and as a rehab nurse, too. We got labs, input, output, pressure ulcer sizes, TED hose sizes, you name it.
For fun, I always read the stats of this blog. Some of them are not entirely numeric.
Since this lil' blog has kept stats (about 6 months after I started) here are the numbers:
Total 33,273
Average Per Day 35
Average Visit Length 1:19
Last Hour 1
Today 13
This Week 245
I am also fascinated by the places my visitors come from. Here's a recent sample:
State of Ohio (state.oh.us)
Federal Aviation Administration in beautiful downtown Atlantic City, NJ (www.faa.gov)
No wiseguys...looks like they just came over from my friend Maha's place (pakazoid.blogspot.com)
Kuwait National Petroleum Company (www.knpc.net)
Did my bro-in-law tell them about me? He's a FOBbit now, so maybe he did that while waiting for his food at TGI Fridays.
Last but not least...
Some nice person in Adelaide, South Australia using on.net found this blog on google by typing in label bubbling.
No matter the numbers, no matter where you are, thank you for stopping by. Come on back whenever...you never know what I'll serve up next!
Stay tuned...
Ahem...back to the interesting numbers. As an escaped business person, I'm always looking at numbers, and as a rehab nurse, too. We got labs, input, output, pressure ulcer sizes, TED hose sizes, you name it.
For fun, I always read the stats of this blog. Some of them are not entirely numeric.
Since this lil' blog has kept stats (about 6 months after I started) here are the numbers:
Total 33,273
Average Per Day 35
Average Visit Length 1:19
Last Hour 1
Today 13
This Week 245
I am also fascinated by the places my visitors come from. Here's a recent sample:
State of Ohio (state.oh.us)
Federal Aviation Administration in beautiful downtown Atlantic City, NJ (www.faa.gov)
No wiseguys...looks like they just came over from my friend Maha's place (pakazoid.blogspot.com)
Kuwait National Petroleum Company (www.knpc.net)
Did my bro-in-law tell them about me? He's a FOBbit now, so maybe he did that while waiting for his food at TGI Fridays.
Last but not least...
Some nice person in Adelaide, South Australia using on.net found this blog on google by typing in label bubbling.
No matter the numbers, no matter where you are, thank you for stopping by. Come on back whenever...you never know what I'll serve up next!
Stay tuned...
Sunday, May 15, 2011
One of these days...
Spring will return to RehabLand. I guess it's just another example of global warming (or in our case, cooling).
Stay tuned...
Stay tuned...
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Ah, those were the days...
I felt a lot of relief when I finished nursing school. To date, it has been one of the hardest things I've ever done, childbirth included.
So tonight, I raise a glass to all the graduates of PrivateU, my alma mater, who are getting ready for all the festivities coming up. If I were in charge of the nursing school commencement, here's what I'd tell you all, nurse to graduate nurse.
1. Enjoy waiting for your ATT (Authorization To Test). It'll get there when it's darned good and ready.
2. Take an NCLEX prep class with a guarantee if you can afford it. If not, plan on studying full-time for at least three weeks (Monday through Friday like an 8 hour job). Enjoy the weekends to digest everything.
3. Follow the instructions exactly when taking the test. Know where to go and get there a little early.
4. Breathe and count to 10 if you get the question from hell.
5. Do the same even if you get the TV commercial Viagra (Cialis, fill in your drug of choice) slam dunk easy question.
6. Do not throw up when you're done taking NCLEX. Relax and enjoy. You'll have to wait however long no matter what for results.
7. If you have a job, work hard and realize, yes, you really do need to keep studying those things you don't know on your own time. You need to do them at work.
8. If you don't have a job, make your search your full-time job, Monday through Friday, eight hours a day. Three words: network, network, network. Join a nursing organization if you have to (many have new nurse discounts) and volunteer if you can. Don't despair. Been there, done that, many moons ago (and waited over a year for a full-time degree-appropriate job).
9. Use every resource available to alumni of your institution for your job search. Register with them (if needed) even if you have a job. You never know when you'll look for another one.
10. Nursing is hard and there is a reason why (you'll soon find out) many new grads (somewhere around 50%) quit nursing after one year. Think of it like Survivor. Learn to outwit, outlast and outplay whatever madness comes your way. Always wear good shoes and use the rest room whenever you can.
And finally, make time to have a life. Have friends you can count on, in nursing, and outside nursing. Have family relationships of value. And most of all, take care of your physical and mental well-being, even if it means you get your toes pedicured once a month, get that monthly massage, or have that lunch with a friend monthly. Live so that you may have something to give to your patients and your coworkers at work and to the people you love when you get home.
This is just the beginning. Enjoy the trip. Congratulations!
So tonight, I raise a glass to all the graduates of PrivateU, my alma mater, who are getting ready for all the festivities coming up. If I were in charge of the nursing school commencement, here's what I'd tell you all, nurse to graduate nurse.
1. Enjoy waiting for your ATT (Authorization To Test). It'll get there when it's darned good and ready.
2. Take an NCLEX prep class with a guarantee if you can afford it. If not, plan on studying full-time for at least three weeks (Monday through Friday like an 8 hour job). Enjoy the weekends to digest everything.
3. Follow the instructions exactly when taking the test. Know where to go and get there a little early.
4. Breathe and count to 10 if you get the question from hell.
5. Do the same even if you get the TV commercial Viagra (Cialis, fill in your drug of choice) slam dunk easy question.
6. Do not throw up when you're done taking NCLEX. Relax and enjoy. You'll have to wait however long no matter what for results.
7. If you have a job, work hard and realize, yes, you really do need to keep studying those things you don't know on your own time. You need to do them at work.
8. If you don't have a job, make your search your full-time job, Monday through Friday, eight hours a day. Three words: network, network, network. Join a nursing organization if you have to (many have new nurse discounts) and volunteer if you can. Don't despair. Been there, done that, many moons ago (and waited over a year for a full-time degree-appropriate job).
9. Use every resource available to alumni of your institution for your job search. Register with them (if needed) even if you have a job. You never know when you'll look for another one.
10. Nursing is hard and there is a reason why (you'll soon find out) many new grads (somewhere around 50%) quit nursing after one year. Think of it like Survivor. Learn to outwit, outlast and outplay whatever madness comes your way. Always wear good shoes and use the rest room whenever you can.
And finally, make time to have a life. Have friends you can count on, in nursing, and outside nursing. Have family relationships of value. And most of all, take care of your physical and mental well-being, even if it means you get your toes pedicured once a month, get that monthly massage, or have that lunch with a friend monthly. Live so that you may have something to give to your patients and your coworkers at work and to the people you love when you get home.
This is just the beginning. Enjoy the trip. Congratulations!
Relief
So glad this semester of grad school is over. It wasn't horrible, but I need the break.
And yes, I rocked it with a grade of A to add to the arsenal. She allowed us to be unconventional (no APA format needed in our final project.) and I made it work. An artsy theory professor wasn't a bad thing after all.
This was just what I needed after another week of back pain. Hopefully, it'll go away soon. Stay tuned!
And yes, I rocked it with a grade of A to add to the arsenal. She allowed us to be unconventional (no APA format needed in our final project.) and I made it work. An artsy theory professor wasn't a bad thing after all.
This was just what I needed after another week of back pain. Hopefully, it'll go away soon. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
All's well...
That ends well is how the saying goes, and happily, my day went well. I got a recalcitrant patient out of bed after he cut up yesterday, only to have him be sent back for low blood pressure. Turns out when we gave Mr. W his meds exactly as ordered, he got a little too much, which required a quick Narcan push.
Mr. W later confessed to not taking his meds as prescribed at home and doing dangerous things, like taking extra extended release morphine at one time. MD and I tried to reinforce how this is really a bad thing, but somehow, he thought we were joking. As a result, MD will drop some meds and be titrating other meds from a much lower dose.
I knew Mr. W. was feeling much better after his Narcan and being flushed with some fluids, because he started acting like his old perverted self.
Mr. W: "I'm cold can you warm me up?"
Me: "Want a blanket?"
Mr. W.: "No, (motions to side) I want you to get over here and warm me up."
Me: "Did I tell you my husband is a former sharpshooter who's jealous and occasionally visits me at work?"
Mr. W.:"So are you rejecting my proposal?"
Me: "Yes. My counter proposal is a blanket...or two if you really want an extra."
Mr. W. "Oh, all right. Just don't tell the sharpshooter. Some guys get all the luck."
Mr. W later confessed to not taking his meds as prescribed at home and doing dangerous things, like taking extra extended release morphine at one time. MD and I tried to reinforce how this is really a bad thing, but somehow, he thought we were joking. As a result, MD will drop some meds and be titrating other meds from a much lower dose.
I knew Mr. W. was feeling much better after his Narcan and being flushed with some fluids, because he started acting like his old perverted self.
Mr. W: "I'm cold can you warm me up?"
Me: "Want a blanket?"
Mr. W.: "No, (motions to side) I want you to get over here and warm me up."
Me: "Did I tell you my husband is a former sharpshooter who's jealous and occasionally visits me at work?"
Mr. W.:"So are you rejecting my proposal?"
Me: "Yes. My counter proposal is a blanket...or two if you really want an extra."
Mr. W. "Oh, all right. Just don't tell the sharpshooter. Some guys get all the luck."
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Some things I do well...
Like proving to the nurse who tested me, that yes, indeed, I am still allergic to dust mites.
Thankfully, I do not need to start shots. So glad it'll be time for some antihistamine soon!
More to come...stay tuned for all the excitement.
Thankfully, I do not need to start shots. So glad it'll be time for some antihistamine soon!
More to come...stay tuned for all the excitement.
How come...
Some people go right away and check on their people on first rounds?
Some people go off in a group and go straight to the internet and shop instead?
What are the consequences?
Some people have everything done when they want and know where their people are located in the room.
Others, go to their rooms, after shopping, or when summoned, when their people are located on the floor, with the wheelchair to the left, the slipper to the right and staring up at the ceiling.
Just another thing I wish our boss would enforce..rules. We are so lucky Mr. X. did not get hurt badly.
Stay tuned...
Some people go off in a group and go straight to the internet and shop instead?
What are the consequences?
Some people have everything done when they want and know where their people are located in the room.
Others, go to their rooms, after shopping, or when summoned, when their people are located on the floor, with the wheelchair to the left, the slipper to the right and staring up at the ceiling.
Just another thing I wish our boss would enforce..rules. We are so lucky Mr. X. did not get hurt badly.
Stay tuned...
Monday, May 9, 2011
Whenever
I think I'm too big for my britches, or feeling low because I didn't get something I really wanted, I feel grateful that I didn't get everything out there that I could have gotten.
If you want to read a compelling story, check out AJN's Off the Charts blog for Dispatches from the tornado zone in Alabama by Susan Hassmiller. She is blogging about her experiences as a Red Cross volunteer.
Finally, if you can, please give.
If you want to read a compelling story, check out AJN's Off the Charts blog for Dispatches from the tornado zone in Alabama by Susan Hassmiller. She is blogging about her experiences as a Red Cross volunteer.
Finally, if you can, please give.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
I do take chances, too
I take my chances, yeah I don't cling to remorse or regret
I take my chances, I take my chances, every chance I get
--Mary Chapin Carpenter, I take my chances, 1992
And since the instructor told us to go for it, no APA format needed, I took that chance.
Looks like it paid off in a good review...yes!
I take my chances, I take my chances, every chance I get
--Mary Chapin Carpenter, I take my chances, 1992
And since the instructor told us to go for it, no APA format needed, I took that chance.
Looks like it paid off in a good review...yes!
Happy Mother's Day
Hope all the mothers out there, especially those working today, have a great holiday. I'll be joining you shortly, once Bubba tells me what the big surprise is.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
All dressed up
And no place to go...so the saying says.
So why on earth wouldn't our illustrious education and resource nurse make sure all of us had our in-service on a very specialized piece of equipment once it's finally installed on our unit to make life easier?
Could it be any of the following, so pick the most logical one below:
1) He/she was too busy following the safety and construction people around while work was getting done.
2) The boss didn't make him/her set a deadline for which to train staff.
3) He/she is terribly lazy.
4) He/she lost the user's guide so we have to wait for a new one.
Two to three of the above items are true. Go on, take a guess which one isn't.
Stay tuned...
So why on earth wouldn't our illustrious education and resource nurse make sure all of us had our in-service on a very specialized piece of equipment once it's finally installed on our unit to make life easier?
Could it be any of the following, so pick the most logical one below:
1) He/she was too busy following the safety and construction people around while work was getting done.
2) The boss didn't make him/her set a deadline for which to train staff.
3) He/she is terribly lazy.
4) He/she lost the user's guide so we have to wait for a new one.
Two to three of the above items are true. Go on, take a guess which one isn't.
Stay tuned...
Friday, May 6, 2011
My Monday midweek
Yes, when I start rotating my shift, I always feel like it's Monday. I work several days in a row, and then, eventually it's over, but it never fails that the first day is momentous.
First fun item: one patient gets taken off the floor after much nurse cajoling of MD because his oxygen sats wouldn't go up. Diagnosis in the ER: PE. So glad he didn't get to code on us!
Second fun item: the dualling trach patients. Who would have to be suctioned the most...patient #1 at one end of the hall who swore he didn't need to be suctioned, then asked as you left the room or patient #2 who would get turned, then need suction or would need suction at the most inopportune times?
Third fun item: Mr. C. got rejected for his colonoscopy that day, so let's just prep one more day and have him drink a gallon of GoLytely again to clean him all out. Yes, he got cleaned out, but it was fun changing linens all freaking shift. Clean, clean, clean to keep him from breaking down. Heavens!
Fourth fun item: Mr. Needy. Move this, move that, lift me up, 'cause I can't see my computer, etc., etc. I would have killed him if it wouldn't have made a mess. (I really like our housekeeper Bob, and he'd probably run away if I made a big mess like that.) Mr. Needy just made my shoulder pain turn into back pain very quickly.
Thankfully, one of my menagerie of patients, Mr. S. was so sweet. He's been training to do some of his care I'd normally do, so he was ready to fly solo. I was so happy. (One less thing I had to do.) I made sure he got his snacks and whatever else he needed on rounds. He was the highlight of the night.
First fun item: one patient gets taken off the floor after much nurse cajoling of MD because his oxygen sats wouldn't go up. Diagnosis in the ER: PE. So glad he didn't get to code on us!
Second fun item: the dualling trach patients. Who would have to be suctioned the most...patient #1 at one end of the hall who swore he didn't need to be suctioned, then asked as you left the room or patient #2 who would get turned, then need suction or would need suction at the most inopportune times?
Third fun item: Mr. C. got rejected for his colonoscopy that day, so let's just prep one more day and have him drink a gallon of GoLytely again to clean him all out. Yes, he got cleaned out, but it was fun changing linens all freaking shift. Clean, clean, clean to keep him from breaking down. Heavens!
Fourth fun item: Mr. Needy. Move this, move that, lift me up, 'cause I can't see my computer, etc., etc. I would have killed him if it wouldn't have made a mess. (I really like our housekeeper Bob, and he'd probably run away if I made a big mess like that.) Mr. Needy just made my shoulder pain turn into back pain very quickly.
Thankfully, one of my menagerie of patients, Mr. S. was so sweet. He's been training to do some of his care I'd normally do, so he was ready to fly solo. I was so happy. (One less thing I had to do.) I made sure he got his snacks and whatever else he needed on rounds. He was the highlight of the night.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Down for the count?
Mr. S. got discharged recently. He told people that "two ladies jumped on my chair" and now it won't do anything. He claims the ladies "broke it". Mr. S. also tells a patient or two (via phone call and one, Mr. Chatty relays info to us) that he's sitting in his shower chair on his porch waiting for his neighbor to fix his chair. Our wheelchair specialist is not amused.
Oh, the heave ho going on at the Hotel is getting better. They've fixed us up with top-of-the-line ceiling lifts. The renovation's coming, but, in the interests of safety, and the fact that they've already spent the money, the Powers That Be deigned we get them. It's about freaking time. Who else moves more patients than us? Only one other rehab is in our system, and they had lifts way before us. To top it off, 95% of their people walk, even the amputees.
So I'm not sure if all the excitement of the new power equipment or if it's just the weather, but my back is acting up. So much that it warrants a trip to Dr.B to figure out what's up. I don't really want to be out of commission, but I really don't want to end up really injured either.
Stay tuned...
Oh, the heave ho going on at the Hotel is getting better. They've fixed us up with top-of-the-line ceiling lifts. The renovation's coming, but, in the interests of safety, and the fact that they've already spent the money, the Powers That Be deigned we get them. It's about freaking time. Who else moves more patients than us? Only one other rehab is in our system, and they had lifts way before us. To top it off, 95% of their people walk, even the amputees.
So I'm not sure if all the excitement of the new power equipment or if it's just the weather, but my back is acting up. So much that it warrants a trip to Dr.B to figure out what's up. I don't really want to be out of commission, but I really don't want to end up really injured either.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A little coincidence here...
A little bit there could be construed as a little more than coincidence.
What a wild weekend! I escaped from the Hotel, so it's been fun working on the final paper of the semester. The coincidence: when your instructor is also a film maker who made a movie about an area where more than a few of your patients are from. I only got to see the trailer, but it was eye-opening to see the remoteness of the area.
Bubba had a party and the kids had a good time playing soccer until the rain came. At least, no tornadoes came with it.
Who knows what the week will bring. Just hoping it's not a ton of admissions.
Stay tuned.
What a wild weekend! I escaped from the Hotel, so it's been fun working on the final paper of the semester. The coincidence: when your instructor is also a film maker who made a movie about an area where more than a few of your patients are from. I only got to see the trailer, but it was eye-opening to see the remoteness of the area.
Bubba had a party and the kids had a good time playing soccer until the rain came. At least, no tornadoes came with it.
Who knows what the week will bring. Just hoping it's not a ton of admissions.
Stay tuned.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
From the mouths of patients
"I really took a lot of money from that insurance company." Mr. X
Mr. X, said this when he saw a commercial for a particular company on TV one day. Not really picking up on what he meant, I asked him, and as fried as some of his memories are for normal, short-term stuff, he proceeded to tell me he "knew what to say" to make his drunken driving escapades look like reasonable accidents and not get caught.
Consequently, I told him he was lucky no one ever figured him out, or he would have gone to jail for insurance fraud.
"I like your shoes. They go with that top." Mr. N.
I guess Mr. Backwoods, who shoots birds from his deck if they get too close, has been watching the Style network again. Funny how some male patients notice any changes in hair style, color, scrubs and shoes before any of your coworkers say anything.
"We miss you in the SU." Mr. J.
Mr. J. is a big, burly character who sees Sue and the Doc in the SU. Mr. J. comes in regularly to get his methadone prescription and get checked out.
Mr. X, said this when he saw a commercial for a particular company on TV one day. Not really picking up on what he meant, I asked him, and as fried as some of his memories are for normal, short-term stuff, he proceeded to tell me he "knew what to say" to make his drunken driving escapades look like reasonable accidents and not get caught.
Consequently, I told him he was lucky no one ever figured him out, or he would have gone to jail for insurance fraud.
"I like your shoes. They go with that top." Mr. N.
I guess Mr. Backwoods, who shoots birds from his deck if they get too close, has been watching the Style network again. Funny how some male patients notice any changes in hair style, color, scrubs and shoes before any of your coworkers say anything.
"We miss you in the SU." Mr. J.
Mr. J. is a big, burly character who sees Sue and the Doc in the SU. Mr. J. comes in regularly to get his methadone prescription and get checked out.
Friday, April 29, 2011
I can't sleep
The toads are croaking really loud tonight...need the earplugs! So thankful Dahey gets them at work.
I took care of some interesting characters lately. First one, is in rehab due to thoracic spinal fusion. Once his vertebral problems were solved, Mr. X. couldn't walk, and docs realized he suffered a high thoracic spinal cord injury.
Just to add to the fun, Mr. X. was a raging alcoholic and has Korsakoff's psychosis. One night, he was particularly mad, so he called security and told them we were holding him against his will and restraining him. Security asked that we disconnect his phone, so we did. Thankfully, his call light is not nearly as fun to play with for him. He's been a handful, but keeps quiet for me because I give him cups of coffee. This also helps when getting him up, since coffee is the real reason I get him to go to therapy.
Me: "Okay, we're going to get you ready to go."
Mr. X: "Where?"
Me: "To therapy. They're waiting for you."
Mr. X: "I don't want to go there."
Me: "Here's the deal. You go there, and after, I'll get you another cup of coffee."
Mr. X.: "Okay, when do we leave?"
Mr. X has had a lot of other typical issues that alcoholics have in addition to the psychosis. Keeping his skin healthy has been one of the main challenges. I got a handle on things this week, but it will be interesting to see how long that lasts.
I love it when it's easy to find motivators to get people to do things. One of my developmentally disabled patients at Saintarama loved Diet Pepsi, so I always made sure I had one (and a cup of ice on the side) whenever she completed therapy. Too bad I don't have motivators like that at the Hotel. No sodas here, unless they come from me or the volunteers.
Another patient is one motivated character. All Hoss wants to do is to go on a Harley ride this summer with his brother. He'll do anything to get there, so he's another quick sell on going to therapy.
They are challenging characters, but I was very happy with their behaviors this week. I'm hoping I'm on a roll!
Back to writing the last paper of the semester.
More to come...
I took care of some interesting characters lately. First one, is in rehab due to thoracic spinal fusion. Once his vertebral problems were solved, Mr. X. couldn't walk, and docs realized he suffered a high thoracic spinal cord injury.
Just to add to the fun, Mr. X. was a raging alcoholic and has Korsakoff's psychosis. One night, he was particularly mad, so he called security and told them we were holding him against his will and restraining him. Security asked that we disconnect his phone, so we did. Thankfully, his call light is not nearly as fun to play with for him. He's been a handful, but keeps quiet for me because I give him cups of coffee. This also helps when getting him up, since coffee is the real reason I get him to go to therapy.
Me: "Okay, we're going to get you ready to go."
Mr. X: "Where?"
Me: "To therapy. They're waiting for you."
Mr. X: "I don't want to go there."
Me: "Here's the deal. You go there, and after, I'll get you another cup of coffee."
Mr. X.: "Okay, when do we leave?"
Mr. X has had a lot of other typical issues that alcoholics have in addition to the psychosis. Keeping his skin healthy has been one of the main challenges. I got a handle on things this week, but it will be interesting to see how long that lasts.
I love it when it's easy to find motivators to get people to do things. One of my developmentally disabled patients at Saintarama loved Diet Pepsi, so I always made sure I had one (and a cup of ice on the side) whenever she completed therapy. Too bad I don't have motivators like that at the Hotel. No sodas here, unless they come from me or the volunteers.
Another patient is one motivated character. All Hoss wants to do is to go on a Harley ride this summer with his brother. He'll do anything to get there, so he's another quick sell on going to therapy.
They are challenging characters, but I was very happy with their behaviors this week. I'm hoping I'm on a roll!
Back to writing the last paper of the semester.
More to come...
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Firing on all cylinders
Yes, it was a little strange, but it was a decent day. My patients got rolling and I got them out and going.
I had students to work with again today and it was a joy. I sent one on a field trip to the SU after I called my buddy Sue. She had loads of patients for procedures and she was happy to have the student. The doc was very complimentary. I think he just likes the nursing students better than some of the residents.
The end of the semester keeps the students hopping, and thankfully, we have lots to do at the Hotel. I got to instruct one on how to change a suprapubic catheter, then have him/her do it with my instruction and standby to help (this was a large patient and he/she really needed someone to hold the pannus).
Next, I helped to hang blood for another patient and brought another student along so he/she could learn how that's done. It was pretty satisfying.
Finally, I calmed one of the worried rascals who was dropping one too many f-bombs. I calmly asked him to stop, and he complied. The other nurses were pretty happy, too.
And now, it's back to homework as the semester winds down. I can't wait! More later...
I had students to work with again today and it was a joy. I sent one on a field trip to the SU after I called my buddy Sue. She had loads of patients for procedures and she was happy to have the student. The doc was very complimentary. I think he just likes the nursing students better than some of the residents.
The end of the semester keeps the students hopping, and thankfully, we have lots to do at the Hotel. I got to instruct one on how to change a suprapubic catheter, then have him/her do it with my instruction and standby to help (this was a large patient and he/she really needed someone to hold the pannus).
Next, I helped to hang blood for another patient and brought another student along so he/she could learn how that's done. It was pretty satisfying.
Finally, I calmed one of the worried rascals who was dropping one too many f-bombs. I calmly asked him to stop, and he complied. The other nurses were pretty happy, too.
And now, it's back to homework as the semester winds down. I can't wait! More later...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Come hell or high water
Yes, we're getting the water part...better go look outside for the ark.
So far, the Hotel remains untouched. Will be crossing fingers.
So far, the Hotel remains untouched. Will be crossing fingers.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Pulling the race card
Yes, I had the misfortune of having one of the nursing staff doing this recently, so here's how I would have addressed it if I could have written a letter.
Dear Mr. Veteran Employee:
Yes, I am distinctly aware that you are a male and a minority here at the Hotel. I am also aware that you have many years of seniority. I think you have many good qualities, but one keeps rearing it's ugly head. You keep pulling the race card.
As a woman, you offend me because you think when I am not busy, I'm here to serve you. Well, guess what. I am not. As one famous singer said, "I'm not gonna spend my life being a color."
Since you are not wearing a patient armband, you are not entitled to free meals and beverages just because you figure you deserve them for your service. No, you sir, are an employee, and the cafeteria is that way. Open the wallet, remove cash and in exchange, they'll give you whatever you pay for. Novel concept, no?
Years of slavery did not cause the mess you, others and our management has got us into on the floor, in our local, state and federal governments or with your credit card statement. And please, when you're done trashing my sex, my job (because I make more than you since I bothered to get a degree), and the fact I buy "expensive" coffee, which I just so happen to share with you ('cause you're too cheap to buy any of your own coffee), please go and actually do your work.
Your female coworkers, sistahs and non-sistahs alike, will appreciate it.
Sincerely (only if you actually listen...),
RehabRN
Dear Mr. Veteran Employee:
Yes, I am distinctly aware that you are a male and a minority here at the Hotel. I am also aware that you have many years of seniority. I think you have many good qualities, but one keeps rearing it's ugly head. You keep pulling the race card.
As a woman, you offend me because you think when I am not busy, I'm here to serve you. Well, guess what. I am not. As one famous singer said, "I'm not gonna spend my life being a color."
Since you are not wearing a patient armband, you are not entitled to free meals and beverages just because you figure you deserve them for your service. No, you sir, are an employee, and the cafeteria is that way. Open the wallet, remove cash and in exchange, they'll give you whatever you pay for. Novel concept, no?
Years of slavery did not cause the mess you, others and our management has got us into on the floor, in our local, state and federal governments or with your credit card statement. And please, when you're done trashing my sex, my job (because I make more than you since I bothered to get a degree), and the fact I buy "expensive" coffee, which I just so happen to share with you ('cause you're too cheap to buy any of your own coffee), please go and actually do your work.
Your female coworkers, sistahs and non-sistahs alike, will appreciate it.
Sincerely (only if you actually listen...),
RehabRN
Just do it!
The Nike slogan was my mantra the last night I worked, and thankfully, most people got it.
Everyone got an equal assignment (myself included.) I don't mind taking an extra load, but tonight I needed an equitable assignment!
The nurse who decided his/her feet were swelling and he/she needed a different assignment so he/she could sit down, talked to another nurse and they traded (he/she got more people until relief came, he/she got a lesser assignment for part of the night).
I got to do multiple suctionings on one of my antsy trach patients, clean his/her wheelchair from seat down in the shower due to an accident, scrub him/her up, wash his/her clothes, and change a catheter, in addition to the dressings this patient has.
Next, I got to do an emergency scramble when one family member breezes by the nurses station and says, "Oh, I tried to wake up, Bob, my brother, and he's not waking up." Run down hall with blood pressure machine and oxygen sat. Brother is sleeping, but easily roused. Nice. People just don't get saying something like that will get a nurse's dander up. Sheesh!
Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled that my other patients were not so needy. My only exception: Mr. Bottled Water. Since he's run out, we can only get him water from the ice machine, since it's filtered, "and tastes so much better."
Too bad the honchos won't just buy filtered pitchers for all of them. Maybe I'll suggest that to his family for their next visit.
More to come...
Everyone got an equal assignment (myself included.) I don't mind taking an extra load, but tonight I needed an equitable assignment!
The nurse who decided his/her feet were swelling and he/she needed a different assignment so he/she could sit down, talked to another nurse and they traded (he/she got more people until relief came, he/she got a lesser assignment for part of the night).
I got to do multiple suctionings on one of my antsy trach patients, clean his/her wheelchair from seat down in the shower due to an accident, scrub him/her up, wash his/her clothes, and change a catheter, in addition to the dressings this patient has.
Next, I got to do an emergency scramble when one family member breezes by the nurses station and says, "Oh, I tried to wake up, Bob, my brother, and he's not waking up." Run down hall with blood pressure machine and oxygen sat. Brother is sleeping, but easily roused. Nice. People just don't get saying something like that will get a nurse's dander up. Sheesh!
Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled that my other patients were not so needy. My only exception: Mr. Bottled Water. Since he's run out, we can only get him water from the ice machine, since it's filtered, "and tastes so much better."
Too bad the honchos won't just buy filtered pitchers for all of them. Maybe I'll suggest that to his family for their next visit.
More to come...
Monday, April 25, 2011
What winds will blow...
Happy Easter to all of you who may have celebrated yesterday.
How many admissions will we get? And when will they go home?
All these questions will be answered soon enough. Thus, I keep on charging away...one more evening shift.
Stay tuned!
How many admissions will we get? And when will they go home?
All these questions will be answered soon enough. Thus, I keep on charging away...one more evening shift.
Stay tuned!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Not routine anything
You know you're going to have an off-the-wall night when...
First thing after dinner, one of your veteran nursing assistants wants a new assignment. Her patient with visitors is being an a$&, and it's his birthday. Thankfully, family member is an RN, made him apologize after a long heart-to-heart talk, and all is well. Except NA still got reassigned to another patient at his/her request. Who got birthday boy? Me.
Next, right as your finishing your charge nurse paperwork and after dinner, the powers that be call a storm warning. Everyone out into the halls...if they'll go. Only about 50% of our people did despite much cajoling. The fun part was dragging in the people who went outside to watch before security brought them inside. One guy came from next door looking for the poker tournament in the rain (none was in progress). Patients are getting really tired of going into the hall for weather warnings. Had to batten down the rest of them and cross my fingers. Thankfully, it all blew over, slowly.
Another NA wants to go home early. I'm really getting tired of the "I should get to go home early" spiel I'm noticing on my shift. He/she checks with night super, super says OK and he/she leaves, all work done at 2230. Turns out it wasn't so bad after all...he/she had storm damage at home and needed to help family get a generator and a chain saw. Didn't feel so unhappy after all that. However he/she had fun getting home. All but one road was blocked by debris from the storm.
Just hoping the Easter bunny doesn't get too wet and I survive my next trip to the Hotel. May need a boat to come home next time.
Stay tuned. It's all good at the Hotel Rehab...most of the time!
First thing after dinner, one of your veteran nursing assistants wants a new assignment. Her patient with visitors is being an a$&, and it's his birthday. Thankfully, family member is an RN, made him apologize after a long heart-to-heart talk, and all is well. Except NA still got reassigned to another patient at his/her request. Who got birthday boy? Me.
Next, right as your finishing your charge nurse paperwork and after dinner, the powers that be call a storm warning. Everyone out into the halls...if they'll go. Only about 50% of our people did despite much cajoling. The fun part was dragging in the people who went outside to watch before security brought them inside. One guy came from next door looking for the poker tournament in the rain (none was in progress). Patients are getting really tired of going into the hall for weather warnings. Had to batten down the rest of them and cross my fingers. Thankfully, it all blew over, slowly.
Another NA wants to go home early. I'm really getting tired of the "I should get to go home early" spiel I'm noticing on my shift. He/she checks with night super, super says OK and he/she leaves, all work done at 2230. Turns out it wasn't so bad after all...he/she had storm damage at home and needed to help family get a generator and a chain saw. Didn't feel so unhappy after all that. However he/she had fun getting home. All but one road was blocked by debris from the storm.
Just hoping the Easter bunny doesn't get too wet and I survive my next trip to the Hotel. May need a boat to come home next time.
Stay tuned. It's all good at the Hotel Rehab...most of the time!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Let it rain?
Will it rain on my Easter egg hunt? Only time will tell. May have to move it indoors.
If so, no real Easter eggs will be used. They smell funny if you don't find them right away.
More to come...
If so, no real Easter eggs will be used. They smell funny if you don't find them right away.
More to come...
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Boys will be boys
And idiots sometimes. You could tell the moon was full recently, since we had so much juvenile antics lately.
Scenario #1
Patient X doesn't like Patient Y. Patient X decides to duke it out with Patient Y in front of the table in the dining room. Security is called. Patient X gets a ticket, and will be considered for discharge soon. Patient Y fell down, so this causes tons of paperwork mayhem for Ella, our harried night charge nurse, who is late giving report, since she's filling out incident reports, info for security, fall reassessments, patient assessments, and calls to the on-call MD. Word spread fast around the unit, since one of our characters says to Mr. Y. when he saw him today, "I heard you had an exciting time earlier."
Scenario #2
Patient Z, one of our resident COPDers was scheduled for discharge recently. Patient Z likes it at our place, so he turns off his oxygen to make us think he's "sick". Try as he might to sabotage his discharge, we figured out that Z could indeed reach the oxygen valve from his perch in bed, and yes, he did turn it off. He got crazy, so the chiropractor came down at the boss's request and gave him a mini-adjustment, the specialist gave him his specialty consult, and finally, three hours late, his transportation showed up.
Scenario #3
Patient A tells our student nurse, who's doing an assessment for her master's program, that, yes, he is indeed still smoking weed. Despite everything, we have to keep him for a while. Patient A has developed a new problem and we cannot simply discharge him for non-compliance. So far, no one's found his stash.
So needless to say, I was happy, happy, happy to be going home after a long day. Stay tuned for more excitement. You never know what will happen at the Hotel Rehab.
Scenario #1
Patient X doesn't like Patient Y. Patient X decides to duke it out with Patient Y in front of the table in the dining room. Security is called. Patient X gets a ticket, and will be considered for discharge soon. Patient Y fell down, so this causes tons of paperwork mayhem for Ella, our harried night charge nurse, who is late giving report, since she's filling out incident reports, info for security, fall reassessments, patient assessments, and calls to the on-call MD. Word spread fast around the unit, since one of our characters says to Mr. Y. when he saw him today, "I heard you had an exciting time earlier."
Scenario #2
Patient Z, one of our resident COPDers was scheduled for discharge recently. Patient Z likes it at our place, so he turns off his oxygen to make us think he's "sick". Try as he might to sabotage his discharge, we figured out that Z could indeed reach the oxygen valve from his perch in bed, and yes, he did turn it off. He got crazy, so the chiropractor came down at the boss's request and gave him a mini-adjustment, the specialist gave him his specialty consult, and finally, three hours late, his transportation showed up.
Scenario #3
Patient A tells our student nurse, who's doing an assessment for her master's program, that, yes, he is indeed still smoking weed. Despite everything, we have to keep him for a while. Patient A has developed a new problem and we cannot simply discharge him for non-compliance. So far, no one's found his stash.
So needless to say, I was happy, happy, happy to be going home after a long day. Stay tuned for more excitement. You never know what will happen at the Hotel Rehab.
Monday, April 18, 2011
So happy...
I'm no longer cleaning. My husband's sibling and family have left the abode. I'm no longer expected to entertain, or clean heavily. Everyone had a wonderful time, even if I did not get the windows cleaned for their arrival. It wouldn't have mattered anyway.
Back to reality...and work. And work was still the same. Just hoping and praying someday I'll find out about the new job and will get to leave the Hotel. This time of year is always so hot, especially in temperature and temperament.
Now I'm vegetating while the Dahey, Bubba and WildDog play in the yard. I love a house that's still, and full of peace and quiet.
More to come...stay tuned.
Back to reality...and work. And work was still the same. Just hoping and praying someday I'll find out about the new job and will get to leave the Hotel. This time of year is always so hot, especially in temperature and temperament.
Now I'm vegetating while the Dahey, Bubba and WildDog play in the yard. I love a house that's still, and full of peace and quiet.
More to come...stay tuned.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Between day and night
Maturity is achieved when a person accepts life as full of tension. ~Joshua L. Liebman
That was my story recently. I had to work a shift I don't normally work and it messed me up. I'm used to the rhythms of the unit and at that hour, I was thoroughly confused.
Prioritizing everything was crazy, especially when one of your patients decides to be sick near the end of the shift. Thankfully, I had help in getting things done. I would have never made it without the crew and a few others jumping in as their shift was just starting.
Now I'm still stressed, but progressing. Family visiting from out-of-town means I'm busy cleaning, being soccer mom, being an innkeeper, providing entertainment, on top of it all finishing my semester of grad school.
One of these days, all the events will be over and I'll wonder what happened.
When is my next vacation? Not soon enough! Stay tuned....
That was my story recently. I had to work a shift I don't normally work and it messed me up. I'm used to the rhythms of the unit and at that hour, I was thoroughly confused.
Prioritizing everything was crazy, especially when one of your patients decides to be sick near the end of the shift. Thankfully, I had help in getting things done. I would have never made it without the crew and a few others jumping in as their shift was just starting.
Now I'm still stressed, but progressing. Family visiting from out-of-town means I'm busy cleaning, being soccer mom, being an innkeeper, providing entertainment, on top of it all finishing my semester of grad school.
One of these days, all the events will be over and I'll wonder what happened.
When is my next vacation? Not soon enough! Stay tuned....
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A sweet surprise
One of my coworkers made me this treat for helping him/her with BSN homework. The RehabRN household gives it a two thumbs up.
And in honor of Tax Day, and in honor of the not one, not two, but three call-ins on night shift, yours truly gets to go into work at O'Dark 30 and escape at noon.
Just in time to pay the taxes...
And in honor of Tax Day, and in honor of the not one, not two, but three call-ins on night shift, yours truly gets to go into work at O'Dark 30 and escape at noon.
Just in time to pay the taxes...
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
While I wait
It only seems as if you are doing something when you're worrying. ~Lucy Maud Montgomery
So consequently, I'm going to do nothing while waiting for my new position, even if I'm asked a million times about it. According to the boss, the chief of nursing will be instituting a staffing freeze.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Charging on
Yes, I'm out of the charge nurse racket for another bit. Thank heavens!
It was reasonably pleasant on the last round of Charge-o-Rama, even though RPIA LPN tried starting a riot by mentioning all the lazy people I had on my shift. Really? I replied. I'm keeping everyone busy, myself included, and we still had time to sit down. I was just thrilled to death I didn't have her to schedule around now that she's on light duty for twisting her ankle. (Thank you boss!)
I'm still in holding pattern re: my future in a new position at the Hotel. It looks good, but I'm not holding my breath. HR around here is slower than dirt, and to top it off, they're even advertising on TV more lately. I'm sure my lowly, newfangled Hotel position is way down the list, since they're recruiting ICU and OR nurses, as well as ICU docs on the slick commercials in our area. "Come work at Washington, where we know patients."
We'll see...back to grad student studying while I have some free time today. Stay tuned!
It was reasonably pleasant on the last round of Charge-o-Rama, even though RPIA LPN tried starting a riot by mentioning all the lazy people I had on my shift. Really? I replied. I'm keeping everyone busy, myself included, and we still had time to sit down. I was just thrilled to death I didn't have her to schedule around now that she's on light duty for twisting her ankle. (Thank you boss!)
I'm still in holding pattern re: my future in a new position at the Hotel. It looks good, but I'm not holding my breath. HR around here is slower than dirt, and to top it off, they're even advertising on TV more lately. I'm sure my lowly, newfangled Hotel position is way down the list, since they're recruiting ICU and OR nurses, as well as ICU docs on the slick commercials in our area. "Come work at Washington, where we know patients."
We'll see...back to grad student studying while I have some free time today. Stay tuned!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Just because
Just because I could...
I got one nurse's assignment changed, even though I wanted to him/her suffer, since the lazy a$% is off the next two days. Why? Because I like the patient, and he asked nicely. Slacker Nurse was really a pain over the last few days, and even though he/she had a lower acuity assignment, he/she was perturbed about not texting friends every 10 minutes or so per usual.
I helped one of our students (Student 1) find some research articles related to a patient. And yes, kids, this is considered business-related use of the internet at the Hotel. Student 1 said, "I always feel weird doing that. What if a call light rings?"
"Go answer it and come back to your research when you have time, " I said. Simple. Patients always come before any research. Period. Besides, most of those happy patients didn't ring the light much the last night when I worked with you.
I got Student 2 some networking info from a nurse I never met in another state. Connection? A national nursing organization and Facebook. Since the job market is so crappy, I don't mind paying back the help I got myself when I was a Almost Done Nursing Student. (Thankfully, the market was great way back then!)
I got one of our patients his/her favorite snack. I brought it in myself.
I got everyone's care done in a timely matter one night recently. Why? I wasn't herding cats that night, i.e. dealing with primadonna doctors and nurses, as well as crabby patients.
Just because, I like to do the unexpected. It really messes some folks up. At least, it keeps them on their toes.
Stay tuned...
I got one nurse's assignment changed, even though I wanted to him/her suffer, since the lazy a$% is off the next two days. Why? Because I like the patient, and he asked nicely. Slacker Nurse was really a pain over the last few days, and even though he/she had a lower acuity assignment, he/she was perturbed about not texting friends every 10 minutes or so per usual.
I helped one of our students (Student 1) find some research articles related to a patient. And yes, kids, this is considered business-related use of the internet at the Hotel. Student 1 said, "I always feel weird doing that. What if a call light rings?"
"Go answer it and come back to your research when you have time, " I said. Simple. Patients always come before any research. Period. Besides, most of those happy patients didn't ring the light much the last night when I worked with you.
I got Student 2 some networking info from a nurse I never met in another state. Connection? A national nursing organization and Facebook. Since the job market is so crappy, I don't mind paying back the help I got myself when I was a Almost Done Nursing Student. (Thankfully, the market was great way back then!)
I got one of our patients his/her favorite snack. I brought it in myself.
I got everyone's care done in a timely matter one night recently. Why? I wasn't herding cats that night, i.e. dealing with primadonna doctors and nurses, as well as crabby patients.
Just because, I like to do the unexpected. It really messes some folks up. At least, it keeps them on their toes.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Life is like a box of chocolates? Maybe...
If any man has drunk a little too deeply from the cup of physical pleasure; if he has spent too much time at his desk that should have been spent asleep; if his fine spirits have become temporarily dulled; if he finds the air too damp, the minutes too slow, and the atmosphere too heavy to withstand; if he is obsessed by a fixed idea which bars him from any freedom of thought: if he is any of these poor creatures, we say, let him be given a good pint of amber-flavored chocolate... and marvels will be performed. ~Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
And if ice cream's your thing, especially as the temps go up in the RehabRN household when Bubba plays more outside and comes in a sweaty mess:
Ice cream is happiness condensed. ~Jessi Lane Adams
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Smiling Saturday
Yes, we have a budget! I like the sound of a paycheck.
Despite the downpour early this morning, the weather is pretty. I visited with a friend, too, which capped it off.
Now I get to go back for another round as charge nurse today, with a break after that for a while. It should be fun.
Stay tuned...
Despite the downpour early this morning, the weather is pretty. I visited with a friend, too, which capped it off.
Now I get to go back for another round as charge nurse today, with a break after that for a while. It should be fun.
Stay tuned...
Friday, April 8, 2011
Charging away
I like being in charge...when I have enough people to go around! It can get exciting, but the excitement lately is due to circumstances beyond our control. Vacations, clampdowns on overtime and a pending government shutdown are causing issues at work.
A variety of illnesses, acute and chronic, are going on, too, just to mix things up. How many more people will have 1) complicated pregnancies, 2) orthopedic issues, 3) cardiac issues and 4) viral illnesses this week?
I get lucky, though, since we have a couple of students who don't count on our staffing this weekend. At least, I'll have someone to man the call lights.
Stay tuned! More to come...
A variety of illnesses, acute and chronic, are going on, too, just to mix things up. How many more people will have 1) complicated pregnancies, 2) orthopedic issues, 3) cardiac issues and 4) viral illnesses this week?
I get lucky, though, since we have a couple of students who don't count on our staffing this weekend. At least, I'll have someone to man the call lights.
Stay tuned! More to come...
Thursday, April 7, 2011
An interesting equation
Full house + scheduled maintenance to rooms = pandemonium.
Why? Just when you thought a couple of people would go home, so you could use their rooms as the first place to start, they stay.
Ah, the joys of springtime construction abound at the Hotel. Before you know it, we'll be getting hard hats issued.
Stay tuned.
Why? Just when you thought a couple of people would go home, so you could use their rooms as the first place to start, they stay.
Ah, the joys of springtime construction abound at the Hotel. Before you know it, we'll be getting hard hats issued.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tales of the young and demented
Yes, on our unit we see a lot of people whose lives are changed in an instant.
One moment, you're goofing around on a river bank with a buddy, the next, you tumble down the embankment into the water head first. Your buddy saves you, but you never walk again.
Another patient was driving down the road minding his own business when a wheel came off his car. It crashed and he's never been the same.
Our final guy started seeing double while he was working nights. He thought he was just tired. Then he started having trouble with his right hand, then right arm. At 24, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. His disease became progressive one day, and all those cognitive functions we use a lot: memory, executive function, just melted away.
Demented patients can be entertaining. One of my mild mannered demented characters kept saying, "Don't mess with me, I'm so bad!" and would repeat several television commercials over and over, including the classic, "Where's the beef?" He also answered in a similar vein when I asked what his caregiver served him for dinner. "Steak and lobster" he said with a perfectly straight face. The caregiver laughed. "I would she said, if I could liquefy it and he could swallow it with a straw!"
You can't say rehab's never entertaining, but it sure helps to have some out-of-this-world characters! More later...
One moment, you're goofing around on a river bank with a buddy, the next, you tumble down the embankment into the water head first. Your buddy saves you, but you never walk again.
Another patient was driving down the road minding his own business when a wheel came off his car. It crashed and he's never been the same.
Our final guy started seeing double while he was working nights. He thought he was just tired. Then he started having trouble with his right hand, then right arm. At 24, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. His disease became progressive one day, and all those cognitive functions we use a lot: memory, executive function, just melted away.
Demented patients can be entertaining. One of my mild mannered demented characters kept saying, "Don't mess with me, I'm so bad!" and would repeat several television commercials over and over, including the classic, "Where's the beef?" He also answered in a similar vein when I asked what his caregiver served him for dinner. "Steak and lobster" he said with a perfectly straight face. The caregiver laughed. "I would she said, if I could liquefy it and he could swallow it with a straw!"
You can't say rehab's never entertaining, but it sure helps to have some out-of-this-world characters! More later...
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday on Monday
Nope, I didn't forget. I just got busy!
Sunday Stealing: The Seven Deadly Sins Meme (from sundaystealing.blogspot.com)
1 - Pride. Seven great things about yourself.
Height proportionate to weight, smart, witty, multi-talented, muse, poet, sexy.
2 - Envy. Seven things you lack and covet.
Boobs, perky butt (had one once), smaller feet, prettier toes, whiter teeth, straighter hair, smoother complexion
3 - Wrath. Seven things that piss you off.
Assholes, jerks, slackers, child/elderly/animal abusers, people who steal your parking spot, people who illegally park in handicapped spots and run into stores, drivers who don't use turn signals.
4 - Sloth. Seven things you neglect to do.
Get up early some days, dust, clean more often, procrastinate less, write more, visit elderly relatives, bake more cakes,
5 - Greed. Seven worldly material desires.
More money, better job, nicer clothes, nicer shoes, fancier purses, froufrou perfumes, Ray-Ban sunglasses
6 - Gluttony. Seven guilty pleasures.
Chocolate, nuts, brownies, salted caramels, eclairs, bavarian cream donuts, fancy cheese cakes
7 - Lust. Seven love secrets.
Don't have seven...wish I did!
Sunday Stealing: The Seven Deadly Sins Meme (from sundaystealing.blogspot.com)
1 - Pride. Seven great things about yourself.
Height proportionate to weight, smart, witty, multi-talented, muse, poet, sexy.
2 - Envy. Seven things you lack and covet.
Boobs, perky butt (had one once), smaller feet, prettier toes, whiter teeth, straighter hair, smoother complexion
3 - Wrath. Seven things that piss you off.
Assholes, jerks, slackers, child/elderly/animal abusers, people who steal your parking spot, people who illegally park in handicapped spots and run into stores, drivers who don't use turn signals.
4 - Sloth. Seven things you neglect to do.
Get up early some days, dust, clean more often, procrastinate less, write more, visit elderly relatives, bake more cakes,
5 - Greed. Seven worldly material desires.
More money, better job, nicer clothes, nicer shoes, fancier purses, froufrou perfumes, Ray-Ban sunglasses
6 - Gluttony. Seven guilty pleasures.
Chocolate, nuts, brownies, salted caramels, eclairs, bavarian cream donuts, fancy cheese cakes
7 - Lust. Seven love secrets.
Don't have seven...wish I did!
If you're bored...
And you're on our unit, you just might...
1. Cut your G-tube end off, because it was way too short anyway. What does Mr. Snip win, Vanna? Why a free trip to the ED, Pat!
Yes, it really is not RN scope of practice to float in a Foley instead, Mr. GI intern. That's your job to do it...or not, since you are on call for that specialty service.
2. Fall out of your wheelchair and require stitches. Yes, another trip to the ED and lots of incident report paperwork.
3. Tell your nurse on the daily health and welfare search, that yes, you do not have any more of a particular substance because you ate it. And no, you did not have any brownie crumbs on your tray.
It's not a full moon yet, but it seems like it is! Stay tuned for more fun updates from the luxurious Hotel Rehab.
1. Cut your G-tube end off, because it was way too short anyway. What does Mr. Snip win, Vanna? Why a free trip to the ED, Pat!
Yes, it really is not RN scope of practice to float in a Foley instead, Mr. GI intern. That's your job to do it...or not, since you are on call for that specialty service.
2. Fall out of your wheelchair and require stitches. Yes, another trip to the ED and lots of incident report paperwork.
3. Tell your nurse on the daily health and welfare search, that yes, you do not have any more of a particular substance because you ate it. And no, you did not have any brownie crumbs on your tray.
It's not a full moon yet, but it seems like it is! Stay tuned for more fun updates from the luxurious Hotel Rehab.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Knee deep in the hoopla
Yes, was thinking of those very lines today as I was working....
Got my last huge project (only a little bitty one left) done for my grad class today after much work, rework, and re-rework. Amen!
So, I found a great meme for you all to check out at Sunday Stealing. It's an older one, but my kind of meme since it's short and sweet. Will post my own results when I take a break later today or tomorrow.
The Seven Deadly Sins Meme
Off I go....more to come.
Got my last huge project (only a little bitty one left) done for my grad class today after much work, rework, and re-rework. Amen!
So, I found a great meme for you all to check out at Sunday Stealing. It's an older one, but my kind of meme since it's short and sweet. Will post my own results when I take a break later today or tomorrow.
The Seven Deadly Sins Meme
Off I go....more to come.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Every knock's a boost part 2
Patients are their practice (from www.latimes.com)
I work with some really awesome NPs. One has been in rehab at some of the most prestigious institutions for 30 years. Another has extensive neuro ICU and ER experience, which give her amazing depth when dealing with rehab patients.
And it doesn't really surprise me that the doctors mentioned in this story still don't want NPs to be used in primary care. When we have facts that people are not lining up in med school for internal medicine and family practice, what will we do?
It's like the line in Field of Dreams, "If you build it, they will come." They are coming to see NPs 'cause there's no other option (besides filling the EDs of this country).
Med schools take note: if you have more family practice docs out there, maybe they will really come your way, instead of to an NP.
I work with some really awesome NPs. One has been in rehab at some of the most prestigious institutions for 30 years. Another has extensive neuro ICU and ER experience, which give her amazing depth when dealing with rehab patients.
And it doesn't really surprise me that the doctors mentioned in this story still don't want NPs to be used in primary care. When we have facts that people are not lining up in med school for internal medicine and family practice, what will we do?
It's like the line in Field of Dreams, "If you build it, they will come." They are coming to see NPs 'cause there's no other option (besides filling the EDs of this country).
Med schools take note: if you have more family practice docs out there, maybe they will really come your way, instead of to an NP.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Things I'd really like to say
To the hyperspazz out-of-wedlock pregnant idiot I work with:
"Hello, getting psycho just because it's the end of the shift isn't going to help anything when I ask you to do something for your patient. You're not the only one who's busy."
To the two people who called in "sick" today on a beautiful, spring, first day of baseball kind of day:
"You two are jerks. Karma's a bitch. I can't wait for it to bite you in the arse."
To the two ambulance drivers who took my patient to an out-of-network appointment and waited for him when his procedure was delayed:
"Yes, I know I thanked you, but I wish I could give you a bonus. Mikey really did like you guys."
To the legislators who are holding up the passage of the Federal budget:
"I don't care who you are. If you want me to come to work, you'd better pay me. And if I don't get paid, you and every last one of your staff, aides, etc., shouldn't either. You people are losers. F*&ing with nurses (and the ancillary employees we need around to do our jobs) is not the way to solve problems. I just might mail a bowel program scented letter to you."
"Hello, getting psycho just because it's the end of the shift isn't going to help anything when I ask you to do something for your patient. You're not the only one who's busy."
To the two people who called in "sick" today on a beautiful, spring, first day of baseball kind of day:
"You two are jerks. Karma's a bitch. I can't wait for it to bite you in the arse."
To the two ambulance drivers who took my patient to an out-of-network appointment and waited for him when his procedure was delayed:
"Yes, I know I thanked you, but I wish I could give you a bonus. Mikey really did like you guys."
To the legislators who are holding up the passage of the Federal budget:
"I don't care who you are. If you want me to come to work, you'd better pay me. And if I don't get paid, you and every last one of your staff, aides, etc., shouldn't either. You people are losers. F*&ing with nurses (and the ancillary employees we need around to do our jobs) is not the way to solve problems. I just might mail a bowel program scented letter to you."
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Writing, writing, writing
Yes, I'm doing homework. Theories are the name of the game this week and boy, are they dry!
When I'm not working on homework, I got notice recently that I will have another poem published in PublicU's arts journal. Should be interesting to see if any other nursing students were selected. Last year, I was the lone nursing student/nurse to be selected.
Back to writing! Must keep going before work!
When I'm not working on homework, I got notice recently that I will have another poem published in PublicU's arts journal. Should be interesting to see if any other nursing students were selected. Last year, I was the lone nursing student/nurse to be selected.
Back to writing! Must keep going before work!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Spent
I'm still tired from my weekend shifts. It does not help that I slept horribly last night. I had what was one of my biggest meetings today. I am in contention for a brand new position at the Hotel and while it was posted on job hunting sites galore, there are very few people being considered.
Happily, I made it through our meeting/interview without a hitch. I believe I made my points that I would be a good person to work at this new Hotel position. It involves management, but is so far removed from my current work (and that of the SU). It will require a lot of mental stamina, more than physical, and not a lot of perks (no office, but plenty of freedom).
Only time will tell...more stories to tell later. Stay tuned.
Happily, I made it through our meeting/interview without a hitch. I believe I made my points that I would be a good person to work at this new Hotel position. It involves management, but is so far removed from my current work (and that of the SU). It will require a lot of mental stamina, more than physical, and not a lot of perks (no office, but plenty of freedom).
Only time will tell...more stories to tell later. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Not exactly appropriate
Ah, I LOVE being in charge of the Hotel Rehab (yes, I say that with much, much irony). Thankfully, my last spate of being at the wheel were relatively busy, then boring. Boring is not bad when one is in charge.
So much fun. Got to do a lot of education. One, why does Nurse X disappear with Patient Y, asked one of our newer to us nurses? And the answer is ...she always does when Patient Y comes in for his annual checkup. Is it appropriate that she leaves her other patients to take care of this one? Not really, but since she's a fave of the nurse manager, it happens.
Mr. D., one of our newest rehabbers is doing really well, now that he realizes that we are in the business of getting you to function to your highest ability. He's going out with the therapists and doing more every day. I'm just crossing my fingers that this continues, because he's getting to the A student status among our patients really fast.
I love it when people realize a) we are not really a hotel, b) inpatient rehab is merely a stop on the journey, and c) we can really help you help yourself if you listen and do what we ask.
You only get as much out of rehab as you put into it.
More to come....
So much fun. Got to do a lot of education. One, why does Nurse X disappear with Patient Y, asked one of our newer to us nurses? And the answer is ...she always does when Patient Y comes in for his annual checkup. Is it appropriate that she leaves her other patients to take care of this one? Not really, but since she's a fave of the nurse manager, it happens.
Mr. D., one of our newest rehabbers is doing really well, now that he realizes that we are in the business of getting you to function to your highest ability. He's going out with the therapists and doing more every day. I'm just crossing my fingers that this continues, because he's getting to the A student status among our patients really fast.
I love it when people realize a) we are not really a hotel, b) inpatient rehab is merely a stop on the journey, and c) we can really help you help yourself if you listen and do what we ask.
You only get as much out of rehab as you put into it.
More to come....
Monday, March 28, 2011
Hootin' an' hollerin'
Yes, the March Madness continues. The woo-hoos, and "Go big blue" chants were echoing in the hallways recently. Everyone who can get out of bed is getting into the fever of March Madness, and the ones who can't are still getting involved. One of our normally needy characters was up in his wheelchair and he actually got his roommate some pizza while a group of folks were watching the basketball games recently. It's made the last couple of shifts very pleasant, after some craziness late last week.
Spring is still trying to come back, and so are some of our regular visitors, just like the famous swallows. One is marooned at another facility waiting to get in, since we don't have an isolation room (very common story at the Hotel) for his/her bug. Another is getting ready to move across the country, so he/she's coming to us for a check up before heading out on the big trip.
And it'll be fun in the RehabRN house soon...party time for Dahey. Bubba is very excited, since the birthday candles will be out again.
Stay tuned...
Spring is still trying to come back, and so are some of our regular visitors, just like the famous swallows. One is marooned at another facility waiting to get in, since we don't have an isolation room (very common story at the Hotel) for his/her bug. Another is getting ready to move across the country, so he/she's coming to us for a check up before heading out on the big trip.
And it'll be fun in the RehabRN house soon...party time for Dahey. Bubba is very excited, since the birthday candles will be out again.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, March 27, 2011
You wanna go?
Some veterans who like snow will be hitting the slopes in Snowmass, CO for this year's Winter Sports Clinic.
And if you're in NY, you might appreciate this article about the senior centers in the city and throughout the state in today's NY Times.
Everyone NEEDS some place to go. Folks, remember even if you don't belong to one of these groups, you can always volunteer to help them out, or find a similar operation in your own neck of the woods.
Enjoy your day wherever you are!
And if you're in NY, you might appreciate this article about the senior centers in the city and throughout the state in today's NY Times.
Everyone NEEDS some place to go. Folks, remember even if you don't belong to one of these groups, you can always volunteer to help them out, or find a similar operation in your own neck of the woods.
Enjoy your day wherever you are!
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...
Saturday, March 26, 2011
It's snowing again...
Okay, that's not this song but even though the calendar says spring, it's snowing in RehabLand.
What fun!
What fun!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Queen of BBS
Yes, I am old enough to remember this BBS, but I never had a computer to use it while it was in its heyday.
The BBS I'm talking about it is the crux of what we do as rehab nurses. My preceptor G. told me as a young rehab nurse that most of what we do is about "bowel, bladder and skin." Yes, it surely is, and I had a lot of time to discuss these issues with a couple of patients recently.
Eddie is a guy who's had a lot of bad luck. His Hummer was attacked in Iraq and he lost three buddies. He made it out of there with a mild TBI and his life. He recuperated and things were going along nicely, when he was minding his own business driving home one night and ran off the road dodging wildlife in the rural area he lives in. As a result, he became a paraplegic.
He's still young enough to see the bowel routine as a boring routine. And since it becomes a synchronized routine for many patients, you can expect results at about the same time every day or every other day, depending on how you do it. Yes, he had results at his usual time, while he was doing something else he wanted to do. Lots of cleanup followed--to him, the wheelchair and his clothes. He was upset, but I managed everything so in the end, he was laughing. There are worse things...
Happily, while it's been crazy at the Hotel, we've been able to get things done. It's required a lot of teamwork. People feeding other people, people transferring people, people helping vendors bring in new mattresses. I may have only sat down once or twice, but we got things done.
Let's hope it stays that way! Stay tuned...
The BBS I'm talking about it is the crux of what we do as rehab nurses. My preceptor G. told me as a young rehab nurse that most of what we do is about "bowel, bladder and skin." Yes, it surely is, and I had a lot of time to discuss these issues with a couple of patients recently.
Eddie is a guy who's had a lot of bad luck. His Hummer was attacked in Iraq and he lost three buddies. He made it out of there with a mild TBI and his life. He recuperated and things were going along nicely, when he was minding his own business driving home one night and ran off the road dodging wildlife in the rural area he lives in. As a result, he became a paraplegic.
He's still young enough to see the bowel routine as a boring routine. And since it becomes a synchronized routine for many patients, you can expect results at about the same time every day or every other day, depending on how you do it. Yes, he had results at his usual time, while he was doing something else he wanted to do. Lots of cleanup followed--to him, the wheelchair and his clothes. He was upset, but I managed everything so in the end, he was laughing. There are worse things...
Happily, while it's been crazy at the Hotel, we've been able to get things done. It's required a lot of teamwork. People feeding other people, people transferring people, people helping vendors bring in new mattresses. I may have only sat down once or twice, but we got things done.
Let's hope it stays that way! Stay tuned...
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Stealth operations in progress
Planning birthday for Dahey. Will be fun trying to do work while he's around this weekend. May have to invent some excuses.
More to come.
More to come.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
In the news...
Warning: Leaving a rehab nurse to her own devices to surf the 'net while the educators debate over who's doing the central line checkoff at the preceptor fest may lead to some Internet entertainment.
I had no idea...
I just found out the Ken doll was discontinued in 2004 (What did Barbie need him for anyway?) Never fear, doll aficianados, Ken is back...and he'll resemble a football player. W.T....?
Anywho, for all you Iowa State Cyclones, Kenny's gonna look like this character who won a contest.
Somehow...
I don't think this recent study featured in Reuters is going to keep any of our folks at the Hotel from requesting Viagra et al. That surely didn't stop Mr. D. from asking recently, even though his wife died years ago.
Yes, sex can kill you, US study shows
I think maybe he's just going to ask for more bran muffins and salads, if eating fiber really can reduce heart disease (from UPI)
So...
If I'm going to eat today, it's gonna be comfort food. Maybe not the recipe in this article, but it's going to be good.
Stay tuned...
I had no idea...
I just found out the Ken doll was discontinued in 2004 (What did Barbie need him for anyway?) Never fear, doll aficianados, Ken is back...and he'll resemble a football player. W.T....?
Anywho, for all you Iowa State Cyclones, Kenny's gonna look like this character who won a contest.
Somehow...
I don't think this recent study featured in Reuters is going to keep any of our folks at the Hotel from requesting Viagra et al. That surely didn't stop Mr. D. from asking recently, even though his wife died years ago.
Yes, sex can kill you, US study shows
I think maybe he's just going to ask for more bran muffins and salads, if eating fiber really can reduce heart disease (from UPI)
So...
If I'm going to eat today, it's gonna be comfort food. Maybe not the recipe in this article, but it's going to be good.
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
What a difference
Yes, a day does make a difference. I did not feel as if I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Same patients (minus the admit), but more quiet and getting things done. I felt as if I accomplished something.
There always is something lacking in communication, though. One of my patients was crabby, because I took his wheelchair from his favorite spot and moved it. This was for a number of safety reasons, but he was pouting all day, according to our NP. I did a couple of treatments and he slept most of the day.
My other patient is a rehab nurse's worst nightmare or trainwreck. Imagine a non-compliant diabetic who has survived major, major surgery (and has the scars to prove it), a G-tube among other tubes, and is just plain flighty. One minute, he/she can't get up, then family comes, poof! All's well. We push him/her to do therapy and sometimes it works, sometimes not. If we were a CMS supported rehab, he/she'd have been out on the streets long ago.
At the end of the day, I went to a meeting. I was horribly unprepared because the nurse who actually attends our regularly scheduled department meeting just forgot to tell me about it. I was supposed to report nursing's views on a patient I've seen, but barely know. Guess I'll be busy learning about him/her for the next meeting!
Now, Bubba has enlisted me to hang the hummingbird feeder. We'll see how that goes...more to come.
There always is something lacking in communication, though. One of my patients was crabby, because I took his wheelchair from his favorite spot and moved it. This was for a number of safety reasons, but he was pouting all day, according to our NP. I did a couple of treatments and he slept most of the day.
My other patient is a rehab nurse's worst nightmare or trainwreck. Imagine a non-compliant diabetic who has survived major, major surgery (and has the scars to prove it), a G-tube among other tubes, and is just plain flighty. One minute, he/she can't get up, then family comes, poof! All's well. We push him/her to do therapy and sometimes it works, sometimes not. If we were a CMS supported rehab, he/she'd have been out on the streets long ago.
At the end of the day, I went to a meeting. I was horribly unprepared because the nurse who actually attends our regularly scheduled department meeting just forgot to tell me about it. I was supposed to report nursing's views on a patient I've seen, but barely know. Guess I'll be busy learning about him/her for the next meeting!
Now, Bubba has enlisted me to hang the hummingbird feeder. We'll see how that goes...more to come.
Monday, March 21, 2011
I need track shoes
On some days this is true and recent shift was one of those days. My two patients were slow, so I read up a little on them, got things going, then my admission (one of several, so all RNs got one) shows up almost 2 hours early.
It was just run, run, run after that. One catheter works, one doesn't. Had to call in the catheter cavalry (our resource nurse) to get the last one in. Not sure how the patient's home health nurse got a non-Coude in him, but I went with the resource nurse's suggestion of a Coude. Happily, we had one in his size. Much joy!
At least, I wasn't ordered to get urine drug screens on a few of our folks, like some of my coworkers. Apparently, the weather was so nice this weekend, a few patients found some interesting "herbs" in the nearby forest area. The doc on call was suspicious yesterday and he/she decided to make it a fun Monday by requesting the drug tests.
I also got a couple of other tasks since one of the nurses went home early, but got them done and out the door I went. It was just stupid.
Bubba decided not to go to baseball practice this afternoon. With the beginning of spring, we are now getting into the beginning of allergy season here in RehabLand.
More later...stay tuned!
It was just run, run, run after that. One catheter works, one doesn't. Had to call in the catheter cavalry (our resource nurse) to get the last one in. Not sure how the patient's home health nurse got a non-Coude in him, but I went with the resource nurse's suggestion of a Coude. Happily, we had one in his size. Much joy!
At least, I wasn't ordered to get urine drug screens on a few of our folks, like some of my coworkers. Apparently, the weather was so nice this weekend, a few patients found some interesting "herbs" in the nearby forest area. The doc on call was suspicious yesterday and he/she decided to make it a fun Monday by requesting the drug tests.
I also got a couple of other tasks since one of the nurses went home early, but got them done and out the door I went. It was just stupid.
Bubba decided not to go to baseball practice this afternoon. With the beginning of spring, we are now getting into the beginning of allergy season here in RehabLand.
More later...stay tuned!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Spring break, yes!
Finally! Grad school is closed! No homework this week. A little related reading for next week's assignment, but no time crunch to finish all the homework by 5PM on Friday.
What a way to celebrate the first day of Spring! If not, just find something pretty like these Sunday Sweets. Give me a daisy or two, or that lily-of-the-valley one...lovely!
What a way to celebrate the first day of Spring! If not, just find something pretty like these Sunday Sweets. Give me a daisy or two, or that lily-of-the-valley one...lovely!
Sometimes a good thing...
Friday, March 18, 2011
Virus?
The stare.
The glaze over their eyes.
Big screen TV is on.
They have a piece of paper and snacks in front of them.
Someone gasps when a person asks to watch something else.
Yes, the illness they call March Madness has descended on RehabLand. All we can do is let it run its course, for there is no cure.
The glaze over their eyes.
Big screen TV is on.
They have a piece of paper and snacks in front of them.
Someone gasps when a person asks to watch something else.
Yes, the illness they call March Madness has descended on RehabLand. All we can do is let it run its course, for there is no cure.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Dreams
Yes, they sure can seem like reality, at least, that's what one of my patients told me recently.
Mike (not his real name) was snoozing away with his CPAP on, when I came by to ask him when he wanted to get ready to get up. He blinked and looked at me with eyes as large as saucers and said, "I'm so glad you woke me up. My brother just got shot."
I had heard it was a rough night in his room in report and he told me, "No, I just had a dream I was out hunting with my brother and he had just got this huge buck and then someone shot him in the chest." Needless to say, I was a bit stunned.
Mike continued and said he wanted to get ready, so I set him up to do so. I have to help him wash his legs and feet and as I was doing that, he told me, "You know, I've had those near death experiences."
"Really?" I said. "Was it like they say it can be with the light and all?" Mike shook his head and said it was, and one instance, he said, "It was the softest, sweetest light I have ever seen. I felt so peaceful. But I couldn't go."
So I asked him why not. "Well, I could tell my girlfriend was in the room and I asked if I could take her, and they said no. So I went back, woke up, and there she was, holding my hand."
Thankfully, Mike didn't dream about his own death. That is a story that really scares me. Over the short period of time that I've been a nurse, I've only had three patients tell me they dreamed about dying and or seeing dead people in their dreams.
Those same three are no longer with us. They died within months of those dreams. It kind of scared me at first, but I realized, in all of them, that it was not a fearful dream, but rather a comforting one, because they were not alone.
Mike (not his real name) was snoozing away with his CPAP on, when I came by to ask him when he wanted to get ready to get up. He blinked and looked at me with eyes as large as saucers and said, "I'm so glad you woke me up. My brother just got shot."
I had heard it was a rough night in his room in report and he told me, "No, I just had a dream I was out hunting with my brother and he had just got this huge buck and then someone shot him in the chest." Needless to say, I was a bit stunned.
Mike continued and said he wanted to get ready, so I set him up to do so. I have to help him wash his legs and feet and as I was doing that, he told me, "You know, I've had those near death experiences."
"Really?" I said. "Was it like they say it can be with the light and all?" Mike shook his head and said it was, and one instance, he said, "It was the softest, sweetest light I have ever seen. I felt so peaceful. But I couldn't go."
So I asked him why not. "Well, I could tell my girlfriend was in the room and I asked if I could take her, and they said no. So I went back, woke up, and there she was, holding my hand."
Thankfully, Mike didn't dream about his own death. That is a story that really scares me. Over the short period of time that I've been a nurse, I've only had three patients tell me they dreamed about dying and or seeing dead people in their dreams.
Those same three are no longer with us. They died within months of those dreams. It kind of scared me at first, but I realized, in all of them, that it was not a fearful dream, but rather a comforting one, because they were not alone.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Truth or fiction
1. Patient NPO secondary to flunking his swallow test is allowed to "swish in his/her mouth and spit" a celebration Oreo cookie milkshake from a local restaurant per MD after he already did it.
Same patient now has WBCs of 16000 and diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia.
2. Patient returns with odd strings poking out of left dorsal back after lithotripsy. Same patient says, "If I can't lift more than 10 lbs, how can I transfer myself when I weigh over 200?
3. On patient discharge sheet from World Renown Hospital....maybe they missed this part on the diagnosis.
"If you feel dizzy after taking pain medication, do not attempt to walk or drive."
Diagnosis: paraplegia secondary to MVA.
Only you can decide...more later
Same patient now has WBCs of 16000 and diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia.
2. Patient returns with odd strings poking out of left dorsal back after lithotripsy. Same patient says, "If I can't lift more than 10 lbs, how can I transfer myself when I weigh over 200?
3. On patient discharge sheet from World Renown Hospital....maybe they missed this part on the diagnosis.
"If you feel dizzy after taking pain medication, do not attempt to walk or drive."
Diagnosis: paraplegia secondary to MVA.
Only you can decide...more later
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Little miracles
First, it was the 60 year old man floating on his roof.
Today, some survivors were found in the rubble.
Finally, when you have to make a terrible choice in a split second, sometimes, somewhere, someone is looking out for you.
And yes, I do believe all dogs go to Heaven.
Today, some survivors were found in the rubble.
Finally, when you have to make a terrible choice in a split second, sometimes, somewhere, someone is looking out for you.
And yes, I do believe all dogs go to Heaven.
Charge of the Light Brigade
I got a lot of requests when I was on rounds as the charge nurse recently. Lots of emergency calls on the call light: "Could someone come over here and turn off these lights?" Yes, even the charge nurse runs around turning off lights when all the fun stuff comes on TV. It's only an emergency if it puts a glare on your TV.
The charge nurse brigade just got some new tasks since the boss is away training. The evening charges get to make the assignment, because the daytime charges (doing boss's job while he/she is away) refuse to do it. "I don't want people mad at me!" said Daytime Charge Nurses. I'm having flashbacks to Saintarama. Fortunately, I didn't have anyone changing it when I wasn't looking, as happened there.
I did have one very passive-aggressive 12 hour person, who I'll call D (for Diva) who wasn't too excited with her assignment. I gave D, a nurse assistant, the same assignment as the night before (plus one person) and she stood around for the first hour of the shift in our patient lounge, far in the back, kvetching away with one of the nurses. Perhaps she was perturbed that she didn't get a light assignment, since she thought she deserved one. The other nurse she talked to had a lighter assignment than D because she can pass meds, which D cannot. Everyone else had 3-4 people (one of my better nurses had 5 until a 12 hour person came in to pick up part of the assignment) and so did D. Somehow, I don't see how that's so tragic. No one else complained.
To top it all, one of her patients, Mr. X., who was pretty much self-care, said she only came in the room once during the four hours she was supposed to be taking care of him. Thankfully, one of my other nurse assistants (who had a patient in the same room) saved the day by helping Mr. X out. Since Mr. X. was a new admit, his new nurse (D's replacement) and I straightened the rest of his paperwork out by the end of the shift.
Despite everything, we did have a good shift. K. the charge on the night shift came in early and ran a very special errand. She got goodies so the night shift could celebrate with Mr. A. on the morning of his birthday. Mr. A. has been on our unit for nearly a year. The night crew all went to his room and sang Happy Birthday when the breakfast trays showed up. His nurse on evenings bought him a present he'll really enjoy: Milky Way minis.
All in all, between drama and sugar in all forms, it wasn't a bad night.Stay tuned. More to come...
The charge nurse brigade just got some new tasks since the boss is away training. The evening charges get to make the assignment, because the daytime charges (doing boss's job while he/she is away) refuse to do it. "I don't want people mad at me!" said Daytime Charge Nurses. I'm having flashbacks to Saintarama. Fortunately, I didn't have anyone changing it when I wasn't looking, as happened there.
I did have one very passive-aggressive 12 hour person, who I'll call D (for Diva) who wasn't too excited with her assignment. I gave D, a nurse assistant, the same assignment as the night before (plus one person) and she stood around for the first hour of the shift in our patient lounge, far in the back, kvetching away with one of the nurses. Perhaps she was perturbed that she didn't get a light assignment, since she thought she deserved one. The other nurse she talked to had a lighter assignment than D because she can pass meds, which D cannot. Everyone else had 3-4 people (one of my better nurses had 5 until a 12 hour person came in to pick up part of the assignment) and so did D. Somehow, I don't see how that's so tragic. No one else complained.
To top it all, one of her patients, Mr. X., who was pretty much self-care, said she only came in the room once during the four hours she was supposed to be taking care of him. Thankfully, one of my other nurse assistants (who had a patient in the same room) saved the day by helping Mr. X out. Since Mr. X. was a new admit, his new nurse (D's replacement) and I straightened the rest of his paperwork out by the end of the shift.
Despite everything, we did have a good shift. K. the charge on the night shift came in early and ran a very special errand. She got goodies so the night shift could celebrate with Mr. A. on the morning of his birthday. Mr. A. has been on our unit for nearly a year. The night crew all went to his room and sang Happy Birthday when the breakfast trays showed up. His nurse on evenings bought him a present he'll really enjoy: Milky Way minis.
All in all, between drama and sugar in all forms, it wasn't a bad night.Stay tuned. More to come...
Monday, March 14, 2011
A break in the action
Since I had one here in the SU (I'm only here for a day...) I thought I'd get this latest one out while I was thinking of it and since the last two patients just cancelled due to weather (the "too wet" excuse, of course!).
=================================================================
Dear Gen Y Coworker:
Yes, this is a gravy job. You make way more money than in your previous job as a driving instructor (who had personal experience with DUIs). This job means you can take all sorts of groovy trips every freaking month because of your 12 hour shifts and regale all the old people with them, since they view you with a sense of awe and contempt.
But please stop telling me how "boring it all is" today. I'm tired of answering all your call lights while you text the latest paramour about when you're leaving to gas up the car and pick him/her up.
And just a tip, asking to leave early, "just because" won't work with the charge nurse. You'd need to think of something else, like that "almost perforated appendix" story from a month ago.
Don't forget your AAA card in case your rider can't change a tire, or look cute enough to stop traffic.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
=================================================================
Dear Gen Y Coworker:
Yes, this is a gravy job. You make way more money than in your previous job as a driving instructor (who had personal experience with DUIs). This job means you can take all sorts of groovy trips every freaking month because of your 12 hour shifts and regale all the old people with them, since they view you with a sense of awe and contempt.
But please stop telling me how "boring it all is" today. I'm tired of answering all your call lights while you text the latest paramour about when you're leaving to gas up the car and pick him/her up.
And just a tip, asking to leave early, "just because" won't work with the charge nurse. You'd need to think of something else, like that "almost perforated appendix" story from a month ago.
Don't forget your AAA card in case your rider can't change a tire, or look cute enough to stop traffic.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
Call a spade a spade
Working with F, I learn a lot of things that happen on the night shift. She is in tuned to a lot of things going on.
Recently, F. discussed how many people we work with are passive aggressive. When we looked at what's going on, we figured that 90% of the people we work with fit the profile. Is it because of our boss, or our environment? It sure makes this look like it's happening at our place.
Besides the latest state of aggression, the latest wave of flu is hitting the unit. People are dropping like flies. It sure would be nice if those same people might think about getting a flu shot next year...or staying home when they're contagious, so they don't share it with the rest of us.
Should be fun to see how the rest of the week goes. Stay tuned!
Recently, F. discussed how many people we work with are passive aggressive. When we looked at what's going on, we figured that 90% of the people we work with fit the profile. Is it because of our boss, or our environment? It sure makes this look like it's happening at our place.
Besides the latest state of aggression, the latest wave of flu is hitting the unit. People are dropping like flies. It sure would be nice if those same people might think about getting a flu shot next year...or staying home when they're contagious, so they don't share it with the rest of us.
Should be fun to see how the rest of the week goes. Stay tuned!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
A cool gadget
I saw one of our patients with a PICC line come in with these from PrivateU when he had his surgery.
SwabFlush was just FDA approved. I hope they start appearing at Madison. What a handy gadget!
SwabFlush was just FDA approved. I hope they start appearing at Madison. What a handy gadget!
The end of vacation
Things to do:
1. Make lunch and food for Dahey and Bubba.
2. Get uniforms ready.
3. Get mentally prepared for whatever may come my way. Go in early and read all the e-mails before the beginning of shift.
4. Pray Monday flies by. They tend to be busy.
5. Work on papers, etc., before spring break, so I can enjoy it, even if I'm not going to some warm beach somewhere.
More to come...
1. Make lunch and food for Dahey and Bubba.
2. Get uniforms ready.
3. Get mentally prepared for whatever may come my way. Go in early and read all the e-mails before the beginning of shift.
4. Pray Monday flies by. They tend to be busy.
5. Work on papers, etc., before spring break, so I can enjoy it, even if I'm not going to some warm beach somewhere.
More to come...
Friday, March 11, 2011
Whole lotta shakin'
It's only March and the earthquakes just keep coming. The photos of the quake and tsunami in Japan and warnings in Hawaii are just unreal.
Having lots of nuclear discussions around the house with the expert, which makes life interesting.
Having lots of nuclear discussions around the house with the expert, which makes life interesting.
The last hurrah
I finally completed my third and final trip to Ye Old Mechanic to get the car repaired. My wallet, happily, still has some cash in it, though not as much as I'd like.
More to come...on to Friday night fish fry fun with the boys (say that fast five times!).
More to come...on to Friday night fish fry fun with the boys (say that fast five times!).
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Momma took a day
Yes, I took a day of my own vacation and did everything for me. Got my tires rotated. Went for an annual check up including those smashing tests. Even filed and buffed my nails (ran out of polish, so I decided to wait).
I also did some networking with some very important nurses who happened to be nearby at a networking shindig. Met lots of nice people and they even had really good cookies in between sessions. Some people were from out of town, so I got to tell them about the good stuff in the neighborhood they were staying in, because we all love tourists in our town, especially this time of year, when it's usually slow.
And to finish Momma's day off, I went to a posh watering hole (PoshBar) with some of my old coworkers from my other life. With all the mergers and acquisitions lately, only one or two people are still working at MegaCompany. We had a blast eating all of those cheap appetizers. The waitress even forgot to ring up three sodas I drank. I noticed it on my bill and told her. "Oh, I'm not worried about those."
Consequently, she got a nice tip. I have no idea what PoshBar normally charged for those, but I made sure I covered it on my tab. As I learned in that other life, it's always important to keep your server happy.
Stay tuned...this staycation ain't over yet!
I also did some networking with some very important nurses who happened to be nearby at a networking shindig. Met lots of nice people and they even had really good cookies in between sessions. Some people were from out of town, so I got to tell them about the good stuff in the neighborhood they were staying in, because we all love tourists in our town, especially this time of year, when it's usually slow.
And to finish Momma's day off, I went to a posh watering hole (PoshBar) with some of my old coworkers from my other life. With all the mergers and acquisitions lately, only one or two people are still working at MegaCompany. We had a blast eating all of those cheap appetizers. The waitress even forgot to ring up three sodas I drank. I noticed it on my bill and told her. "Oh, I'm not worried about those."
Consequently, she got a nice tip. I have no idea what PoshBar normally charged for those, but I made sure I covered it on my tab. As I learned in that other life, it's always important to keep your server happy.
Stay tuned...this staycation ain't over yet!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Stirring things up...
Yes, I sure was doing that today. No dust bunny was safe here at the RehabRN house.
Thank goodness for Endust! I'm a second generation Endust evangelist and no, I'm not paid to endorse the product. However, I have been a happy user for years. I really needed it in a couple of places, especially on those ceiling fan blades.
Back to stirring things up with the last of the cars tomorrow, then doing my own regularly scheduled maintenance.
More to come...
Thank goodness for Endust! I'm a second generation Endust evangelist and no, I'm not paid to endorse the product. However, I have been a happy user for years. I really needed it in a couple of places, especially on those ceiling fan blades.
Back to stirring things up with the last of the cars tomorrow, then doing my own regularly scheduled maintenance.
More to come...
Can't remember a thing?
Yes, another installment from RehabRN, who today, is enjoying another installment of how many times can you take your car to get repaired while you're on vacation. (At least, I have time).
Check out this opinion article I read today: Sexy ruses to stop forgetting to remember (courtesy www.nytimes.com)
I don't like cottage cheese. May have to add chocolate pudding instead for Russell Crowe or George Clooney to wallow around in . ;->
Check out this opinion article I read today: Sexy ruses to stop forgetting to remember (courtesy www.nytimes.com)
I don't like cottage cheese. May have to add chocolate pudding instead for Russell Crowe or George Clooney to wallow around in . ;->
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sometimes you wanna go...
Where everybody knows your name. And if you're a kid named Stockton, that would be to Spokane.
Yes, it's March...and Madness is not far behind. Lo and behold, the mania has invaded the wild world of RehabRN. Bubba is falling asleep to the games he can get on the radio.
Oh, they're resting up right now, but look out world! They're getting ready...
Yes, it's March...and Madness is not far behind. Lo and behold, the mania has invaded the wild world of RehabRN. Bubba is falling asleep to the games he can get on the radio.
Oh, they're resting up right now, but look out world! They're getting ready...
Don't be a smuggie
It's raining buckets here and yours truly's trapped inside with WildDog, who's fallen asleep on his favorite wooly rug.
Ah, I love e-mail, but that darned Reply All button, and the people who feel they have to use it to tell everyone what they feel about every.little.thing. (including said e-mail)
Just remember, don't be a smuggie. Don't know what that is? Check the article....and have a great day!
Ah, I love e-mail, but that darned Reply All button, and the people who feel they have to use it to tell everyone what they feel about every.little.thing. (including said e-mail)
Just remember, don't be a smuggie. Don't know what that is? Check the article....and have a great day!
Go to Plan B
Decide you're going to clean out the garage today. Look at weather forecast. Notice large chunk of rain heading your way.
Too late to go hide under the covers! Now it's time to go to Plan B. We'll see what happens, so stay tuned.
Too late to go hide under the covers! Now it's time to go to Plan B. We'll see what happens, so stay tuned.
Monday, March 7, 2011
In the news, part 2
Amid all the fun and excitement running errands, keeping a little boy out of trouble and working on homework, I checked out some health-related goodies today on the internet. Hope you enjoy!
Disabled?
If you are, please don't get caught doing lots of heavy, manual labor like these folks. (courtesy of our friends at www.bbc.co.uk)
I guess JCAHO is messing with tradition...
Yes, doctor slang is rapidly disappearing according to this article.(also from our friends at the BBC)
Hungry?
If you need a snack and are getting tired of all these folks telling you what to eat, check out the latest hearty muffin recipes. (courtesy www.nytimes.com)
Disabled?
If you are, please don't get caught doing lots of heavy, manual labor like these folks. (courtesy of our friends at www.bbc.co.uk)
I guess JCAHO is messing with tradition...
Yes, doctor slang is rapidly disappearing according to this article.(also from our friends at the BBC)
Hungry?
If you need a snack and are getting tired of all these folks telling you what to eat, check out the latest hearty muffin recipes. (courtesy www.nytimes.com)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
In the news...
I found this article intriguing, and I'm sure a few other nurses out there might, too.
Gotta go? You may make the best decisions with a full bladder (from www.yahoo.com)
So does that mean most of my coworkers, when we're on a busy shift, should have tip-top decision skills? If only it were that easy...
Another fave (I love it when they count...)
Five secrets women shouldn't keep from their doctors (also www.yahoo.com)
And finally, because I just woke up from a nap and I can agree...
One in three adults sleep less than 7 hours a night
Stay tuned...now I'm awake, you never know what's gonna happen! Enjoy your day wherever you are.
Gotta go? You may make the best decisions with a full bladder (from www.yahoo.com)
So does that mean most of my coworkers, when we're on a busy shift, should have tip-top decision skills? If only it were that easy...
Another fave (I love it when they count...)
Five secrets women shouldn't keep from their doctors (also www.yahoo.com)
And finally, because I just woke up from a nap and I can agree...
One in three adults sleep less than 7 hours a night
Stay tuned...now I'm awake, you never know what's gonna happen! Enjoy your day wherever you are.
In the bus station
I read this article today about psychiatrists with a heavy heart. Pushing people through an office every 15 minutes just to give them pills and ship them out is not going to solve their problems.
How many people will have to kill themselves or be hospitalized for long periods for insurance companies to figure this out?
Just sayin'...
How many people will have to kill themselves or be hospitalized for long periods for insurance companies to figure this out?
Just sayin'...
Friday, March 4, 2011
Say it!
Can I get an amen from someone out there, please!
Ah, yes, I'm so happy to report that RehabRN will be escaping the confines of the Hotel for the carefree days of waking up sans alarm clock. Sure, I'll be staycationing this time, but I plan on having a good old time, cleaning, meeting, greeting and hanging out with Bubba, who'll be starting his spring break.
My day was startling to start. What happens when you decide to be the nice nurse to one of the biggest pain-in-the-butt patients on the unit and take away his breakfast tray first thing? He sabotages you by positioning his old glass of iced tea just so, that it goes down the front of you as you move to take the tray away. Nice.
Happily, the day was better. The boss let me order a book. He gets it free anyway, so it's nice he's thinking of me. Traveling partner had a good time messing with him, since as brilliant as he is, he's just figured out that we're friends, which is highly entertaining. "Why yes, Boss, I do talk to her every day I'm here." she said as a shocker when he asked if she knew where I was. We just laughed at the irony of that.
My other patient, Mr. D., was simple to take care of today. Get him evaluated, get him ready and get him up. No fuss, no muss.
His next door neighbors still miss me. I took care of these two characters, who should be called Click and Clack for a week and now, they're raving fans. They rave to other staff about how much they like me, which of course, irritates the hell out of them. One nurse assistant actually said, "Well, education and being nice isn't everything." when Clack told her he thought I was very educated and knowledgeable.
In terms of what's going on with patients, we had a lot of things going. One guy came in for a specialty surgery evaluation, among his other issues. Another patient had lots of trouble with his/her hot room and his/her MS. The heating and cooling is so messed up with the unseasonable temperatures, that we had to call the maintenance folks to fix things, so said patient could rest and be comfortable. I've become used to it, I guess. So far, I have yet to work on a rehab unit where the heating and cooling works as it should.
Dahey even had time to come visit me at work when I needed him to do a special errand. It was very nice. As a result, my day finished smoothly and I left work on time.
Can't wait to just enjoy the weekend and relax. Stay tuned!
Ah, yes, I'm so happy to report that RehabRN will be escaping the confines of the Hotel for the carefree days of waking up sans alarm clock. Sure, I'll be staycationing this time, but I plan on having a good old time, cleaning, meeting, greeting and hanging out with Bubba, who'll be starting his spring break.
My day was startling to start. What happens when you decide to be the nice nurse to one of the biggest pain-in-the-butt patients on the unit and take away his breakfast tray first thing? He sabotages you by positioning his old glass of iced tea just so, that it goes down the front of you as you move to take the tray away. Nice.
Happily, the day was better. The boss let me order a book. He gets it free anyway, so it's nice he's thinking of me. Traveling partner had a good time messing with him, since as brilliant as he is, he's just figured out that we're friends, which is highly entertaining. "Why yes, Boss, I do talk to her every day I'm here." she said as a shocker when he asked if she knew where I was. We just laughed at the irony of that.
My other patient, Mr. D., was simple to take care of today. Get him evaluated, get him ready and get him up. No fuss, no muss.
His next door neighbors still miss me. I took care of these two characters, who should be called Click and Clack for a week and now, they're raving fans. They rave to other staff about how much they like me, which of course, irritates the hell out of them. One nurse assistant actually said, "Well, education and being nice isn't everything." when Clack told her he thought I was very educated and knowledgeable.
In terms of what's going on with patients, we had a lot of things going. One guy came in for a specialty surgery evaluation, among his other issues. Another patient had lots of trouble with his/her hot room and his/her MS. The heating and cooling is so messed up with the unseasonable temperatures, that we had to call the maintenance folks to fix things, so said patient could rest and be comfortable. I've become used to it, I guess. So far, I have yet to work on a rehab unit where the heating and cooling works as it should.
Dahey even had time to come visit me at work when I needed him to do a special errand. It was very nice. As a result, my day finished smoothly and I left work on time.
Can't wait to just enjoy the weekend and relax. Stay tuned!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Revelations
It's always fun to find out you've forgotten to pay a bill, then wonder why something doesn't work, which happened to me this week. Luckily, everything was quickly resolved.
Some people you work with can be supportive at one moment, then totally against you the next, and back again by the time you walk out the door to say goodbye. I found this out when a philosophical discussion went awry today. The older nurses still look down on anyone with more advanced degrees than they have, no matter how good the person may be.
One e-mail can make you think of a lot. I found out one of my last Saintarama patients died recently. D. was a Marine who dropped out on a maneuver one day. They thought a shell hit him but he was hit by disease which left him paralyzed. D. told me I'd make a fine nurse at Madison and he'd probably see me every so often. I saw D. frequently on the unit. D. was a leader in a major organization in our region that assists people with disabilities. I didn't know it until later, but D. was also a guy who protested and even got thrown (or threw himself, depending on the protest) out of his wheelchair.
D. gave me confidence to be the nurse I am today. "You are a great nurse," D. told me in my very first year. "Go out and get them!"
And so I go again, amid slings, arrows and every manner of object they can hurl, real or imagined. As Momma used to say, "every knock's a boost".
More later...
Some people you work with can be supportive at one moment, then totally against you the next, and back again by the time you walk out the door to say goodbye. I found this out when a philosophical discussion went awry today. The older nurses still look down on anyone with more advanced degrees than they have, no matter how good the person may be.
One e-mail can make you think of a lot. I found out one of my last Saintarama patients died recently. D. was a Marine who dropped out on a maneuver one day. They thought a shell hit him but he was hit by disease which left him paralyzed. D. told me I'd make a fine nurse at Madison and he'd probably see me every so often. I saw D. frequently on the unit. D. was a leader in a major organization in our region that assists people with disabilities. I didn't know it until later, but D. was also a guy who protested and even got thrown (or threw himself, depending on the protest) out of his wheelchair.
D. gave me confidence to be the nurse I am today. "You are a great nurse," D. told me in my very first year. "Go out and get them!"
And so I go again, amid slings, arrows and every manner of object they can hurl, real or imagined. As Momma used to say, "every knock's a boost".
More later...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Boring start? Not!
Oh, it's always fun when your day starts slow and gets really, really fast. I get ready to start the day getting patients up and around. It's easy with the first patient, set up, go then come back.
When I got to the next patient, and all set up, the boss tells me they just got an appointment for the patient to leave the unit for a test. Nice. Back to putting the patient on a stretcher, calling transport and away we go.
Next, I move another patient out to our lounge to watch TV as the housekeepers clean and wax the floors.
After that comes lunch, visitors and the end of the day. If I would have blinked, I would have missed it.
Stay tuned!
When I got to the next patient, and all set up, the boss tells me they just got an appointment for the patient to leave the unit for a test. Nice. Back to putting the patient on a stretcher, calling transport and away we go.
Next, I move another patient out to our lounge to watch TV as the housekeepers clean and wax the floors.
After that comes lunch, visitors and the end of the day. If I would have blinked, I would have missed it.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Knotted stomachs
Just happen to be the condition of the week among the staff. People are calling in due to variations of this theme: GI distress due to not drinking enough fluids and eating enough fiber, morning sickness, and good old bad gall bladders. A little extra stress with the transition of our nurse manager to his/her new job is not helping matters much, either.
So glad I get some vacation really soon. I plan on vegetating in place and enjoying the spring weather which is coming our way.
Stay tuned...
So glad I get some vacation really soon. I plan on vegetating in place and enjoying the spring weather which is coming our way.
Stay tuned...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)