It's a crazy day. No snow, but we've got a light coating of ice. I'm sure we'll have call-ins for today's weather.
The Hotel's been the same Hotel. Unfortunately, the Slug had to come back from a conference, so we can see his/her slacking regularly on the unit. The proteges are taking note, too, since not too many people are in a hurry to help when you need them. It gets annoying.
At least, I'm good at keeping busy. I've had a few really good patients (even the ones no one wants) and personally, it feels good. Some days are better than others, so I keep trying to remind myself that I can only worry about it one day at a time.
My traveling partner and I have been having fun at the local journal club. We meet quarterly and I really enjoy it because it seems like I learn something new every time I attend. One of our leaders, who is a recognized nurse in one specialty is so good at illuminating topics for us and setting up education for patients. I really value her feedback.
And now it's time to start de-icing the car...for the drive to work. Should be an interesting commute.
More later...
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Presidents' Day postscript
Dear Boss:
Thanks ever so much for leaving the Hotel in a tizzy. Yes, you know when you take a long weekend to be with your kids, who are off school, and don't assign a charge nurse, everyone gets stupid. (That is the ones who actually show up).
Nothing says "Thanks, enjoy the day" like having a mutinous skeleton crew on a Monday morning.
Hope you and the kids found something fun to do. At least, no one coded or acted silly here.
Here's hoping you get a clue next time.
Cordially not,
RehabRN
Thanks ever so much for leaving the Hotel in a tizzy. Yes, you know when you take a long weekend to be with your kids, who are off school, and don't assign a charge nurse, everyone gets stupid. (That is the ones who actually show up).
Nothing says "Thanks, enjoy the day" like having a mutinous skeleton crew on a Monday morning.
Hope you and the kids found something fun to do. At least, no one coded or acted silly here.
Here's hoping you get a clue next time.
Cordially not,
RehabRN
Not just a legend...
Cherries were in the news today, and how appropriate on President's Day.
Bubba is so lucky do be out of school. I wish I could escape work like some of my coworkers, however, I don't mind going in. It should be quiet.
Cheers to all the rest of you, who like me, are heading into work. More later...
Bubba is so lucky do be out of school. I wish I could escape work like some of my coworkers, however, I don't mind going in. It should be quiet.
Cheers to all the rest of you, who like me, are heading into work. More later...
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Heaven...
As in this song Dahey is playing on his stereo downstairs.
Nothing like giving the family 80s flashbacks. Happy weekend all!
Nothing like giving the family 80s flashbacks. Happy weekend all!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Another week over
I am so glad it's the Friday that's not the middle of my week. This Friday is really Friday and I don't have to wake up early tomorrow. Hallelujah!
It's been busy at the Hotel. Lots of comings and even a couple of goings. Wish a few more people were getting discharged so we wouldn't feel as if patients were stacked to the rafters. Or perhaps, I could trade a few of my nervous Nellies (who constantly ring the call light) for a few like Mr. Ollie, who gets up in his wheelchair and goes all day, and only comes by to see you when he needs something. We still miss Mr. L. who left us due to a huge GI problem. Now, Mr. F. who automatically appeared when we ran into a file with his name on it was a little spooky. No, we don't need him coming back, 'cause he just left!
Nevertheless, I was very happy for the most part with my patients. I felt like I took very good care of them and one guy even complimented me.
And as I left, the good ol' boys on the unit were all talking about NASCAR and the little races this weekend. I wouldn't mind being there myself.
Have a great weekend, whether you spend it at the track, at work or at home.
More later...
It's been busy at the Hotel. Lots of comings and even a couple of goings. Wish a few more people were getting discharged so we wouldn't feel as if patients were stacked to the rafters. Or perhaps, I could trade a few of my nervous Nellies (who constantly ring the call light) for a few like Mr. Ollie, who gets up in his wheelchair and goes all day, and only comes by to see you when he needs something. We still miss Mr. L. who left us due to a huge GI problem. Now, Mr. F. who automatically appeared when we ran into a file with his name on it was a little spooky. No, we don't need him coming back, 'cause he just left!
Nevertheless, I was very happy for the most part with my patients. I felt like I took very good care of them and one guy even complimented me.
And as I left, the good ol' boys on the unit were all talking about NASCAR and the little races this weekend. I wouldn't mind being there myself.
Have a great weekend, whether you spend it at the track, at work or at home.
More later...
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Just another reason...
Yes, I have had offers to "come out"; to write publicly. However, I do not feel it's worth the potential backlash. Especially like the one this lady experienced.
I'd rather develop my talents without potentially losing my real job, thank you very much!
Besides, where on earth would I get material?
More later...
I'd rather develop my talents without potentially losing my real job, thank you very much!
Besides, where on earth would I get material?
More later...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Three dreaded words on a day off
Skunk smelly dog. WildDog decided to wake one up this morning on his constitutional with Dahey.
I'm just tired and don't feel like taking care of a dog today...arrgh!
I'm just tired and don't feel like taking care of a dog today...arrgh!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Grumpy
Hey, at least my day did not start out like Doc Grumpy's did today!
I'm still perturbed. Let's see what can I rant about? Maybe teamwork? One of our Gen Y-er nurses decided to use the "get out early card" recently and so she practiced by slacking all the way up to the last hour, chatting and texting her hookup/boyfriend/male of the evening during the entire shift....when she didn't stop to do puzzles. The Slug would be proud of this protege. (Happily, the Slug had the evening off).
The boss is a jerk. How many days until he/she leaves? Word on the street is that the new unit he/she is going to has a lot of problems, just like ours. He/she should feel at home. Maybe he/she can take 1-2 of the malingerers who called in sick recently on the night shift. We can only hope...for a better boss, and, as my favorite charge nurse said so eloquently, "a fair one." Yes, indeedy!
One of our favorite nurses, who lives in Far Far Out Township, lost a parent recently. Know how we found out? Not from our boss, but from a guy who came to our unit who used to work with us. FN's parent has already been buried. FN used to always work my shift and frankly, I was perturbed. Guess I will get a condolence card and bring it in to work for the rest of us peons who weren't in the "in crowd" and thus did not know ahead of time.
I've ranted enough for now, since I'm going back to bed, just in case I end up with the short end of the stick tonight and end up on a double shift.
Stay tuned...
I'm still perturbed. Let's see what can I rant about? Maybe teamwork? One of our Gen Y-er nurses decided to use the "get out early card" recently and so she practiced by slacking all the way up to the last hour, chatting and texting her hookup/boyfriend/male of the evening during the entire shift....when she didn't stop to do puzzles. The Slug would be proud of this protege. (Happily, the Slug had the evening off).
The boss is a jerk. How many days until he/she leaves? Word on the street is that the new unit he/she is going to has a lot of problems, just like ours. He/she should feel at home. Maybe he/she can take 1-2 of the malingerers who called in sick recently on the night shift. We can only hope...for a better boss, and, as my favorite charge nurse said so eloquently, "a fair one." Yes, indeedy!
One of our favorite nurses, who lives in Far Far Out Township, lost a parent recently. Know how we found out? Not from our boss, but from a guy who came to our unit who used to work with us. FN's parent has already been buried. FN used to always work my shift and frankly, I was perturbed. Guess I will get a condolence card and bring it in to work for the rest of us peons who weren't in the "in crowd" and thus did not know ahead of time.
I've ranted enough for now, since I'm going back to bed, just in case I end up with the short end of the stick tonight and end up on a double shift.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A weekend scene at the Hotel
Full house (with a couple of empty beds 'cause no one else can go in that room...).
Nothing going on for entertainment (That happened Friday).
Beautiful weather. (Translation: everyone who can be will be outside smoking, since they froze the last few weeks).
And I'm stuck at the Hotel when I could be washing the thick crystals of salt and grit off my car with the millions of other people thinking the same thing....priceless.
I'm so glad it's not a full moon. Maybe someone will get discharged soon, so we can have some quiet.
Stay tuned!
Nothing going on for entertainment (That happened Friday).
Beautiful weather. (Translation: everyone who can be will be outside smoking, since they froze the last few weeks).
And I'm stuck at the Hotel when I could be washing the thick crystals of salt and grit off my car with the millions of other people thinking the same thing....priceless.
I'm so glad it's not a full moon. Maybe someone will get discharged soon, so we can have some quiet.
Stay tuned!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Some types of compensation
You get right away, like your paycheck. Some organizations, in an effort to save money, give you time instead.
Since Madison makes this time expire, I was very fortunate to have to use some of it this week. Consequently, I have been enjoying a glorious Friday, with beautiful weather, going to lunch with the SU folks at their meeting. I even did some networking.
It is so warm I can actually go out and hose off some of the salt off my car. Since I got back, I have been lollygagging around the house reading some books for class and soon, Dahey and I will be celebrating the weekend and a babysitter by going out to dinner.
Some things are worth the wait. Don't let your good times expire. Stay tuned!
Since Madison makes this time expire, I was very fortunate to have to use some of it this week. Consequently, I have been enjoying a glorious Friday, with beautiful weather, going to lunch with the SU folks at their meeting. I even did some networking.
It is so warm I can actually go out and hose off some of the salt off my car. Since I got back, I have been lollygagging around the house reading some books for class and soon, Dahey and I will be celebrating the weekend and a babysitter by going out to dinner.
Some things are worth the wait. Don't let your good times expire. Stay tuned!
How do you do it...
People ask me all the time how I survive as a wife, mother and generally busy person.
1. I fake it. I can't do everything and if you look under the beds in my house, you'll be able to tell that. I do my best and go from there. I vacuum as I see it in small increments. Some vacuuming is better than none!
2. I have to take time for myself. Sitting here in front of ye olde computer is me time. Yes, and I'm being nice and sharing it all with you, too.
3. I go out to eat occasionally. We shoot for cheap places and get fast food once a week as a treat for Bubba. My secret: I'm still eating the kids' meals. Lower calories AND you get a free toy. Not that anyone needs anymore toys, but they come in handy on occasion. I enjoy the food, but the weight gain...not really. This satisfies multiple needs (outside of chocolate).
4. I work ahead on whatever I can. Iron my work clothes and arrange them on a rack to pull off and wear for a month? Yep. Cook in my Crock Pot? All the time.
5. Finally, I drink coffee, especially the good stuff. If I'm going to be caffeinated to do all this stuff, I'm going to drink something that tastes good.
More to come...stay tuned.
1. I fake it. I can't do everything and if you look under the beds in my house, you'll be able to tell that. I do my best and go from there. I vacuum as I see it in small increments. Some vacuuming is better than none!
2. I have to take time for myself. Sitting here in front of ye olde computer is me time. Yes, and I'm being nice and sharing it all with you, too.
3. I go out to eat occasionally. We shoot for cheap places and get fast food once a week as a treat for Bubba. My secret: I'm still eating the kids' meals. Lower calories AND you get a free toy. Not that anyone needs anymore toys, but they come in handy on occasion. I enjoy the food, but the weight gain...not really. This satisfies multiple needs (outside of chocolate).
4. I work ahead on whatever I can. Iron my work clothes and arrange them on a rack to pull off and wear for a month? Yep. Cook in my Crock Pot? All the time.
5. Finally, I drink coffee, especially the good stuff. If I'm going to be caffeinated to do all this stuff, I'm going to drink something that tastes good.
More to come...stay tuned.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Adios SU
I left the SU in good hands. The nurse I replaced temporarily came back and she looked quite happy. All that had been in shambles in her world at was right with the world and she was ready to celebrate at work.
We celebrated by eating donuts. She and I ate most of them, since many people chickened out, since they all started New Year's diet programs. Life is made to be lived and a good donut is still a good donut, she said.
The floor is still the floor. It was the crazy busy place it always is, only there was much quiet today. I don't know why, but things were very, very slow when the lunch trays came (we pass out any to isolation patients). A couple of senior nurses and I just looked at each other wondering where everyone went.
I had a decent assignment, but as many of you already know, when you go from one job to another, it can be challenging. I use a completely different set of skills when I work the floor vs. SU.
The majority of people were happy to see me--one so much that even though he usually squanders time lolling around in bed driving nurses nuts, he actually got up when I went on rounds and stopped in his room. This particular patient has been around regularly since I started at Madison and we have a very good rapport.
"What are you doing here?" he asked me and his nurse. I replied, "I came back and I'm here to tell you to get your a&$ out of bed." We chuckled and he complied and got up when his nurse came back.
The doctors acted as if they hadn't seen me in years, even though, I saw some of them every day while I was reassigned. Surprisingly, they were happier to see me than some of my coworkers. The Slug, happily, was at a conference and not available.
Overall, the day flew by. I was lucky enough to squeeze my lunch into it all. We'll see how it continues...stay tuned.
We celebrated by eating donuts. She and I ate most of them, since many people chickened out, since they all started New Year's diet programs. Life is made to be lived and a good donut is still a good donut, she said.
The floor is still the floor. It was the crazy busy place it always is, only there was much quiet today. I don't know why, but things were very, very slow when the lunch trays came (we pass out any to isolation patients). A couple of senior nurses and I just looked at each other wondering where everyone went.
I had a decent assignment, but as many of you already know, when you go from one job to another, it can be challenging. I use a completely different set of skills when I work the floor vs. SU.
The majority of people were happy to see me--one so much that even though he usually squanders time lolling around in bed driving nurses nuts, he actually got up when I went on rounds and stopped in his room. This particular patient has been around regularly since I started at Madison and we have a very good rapport.
"What are you doing here?" he asked me and his nurse. I replied, "I came back and I'm here to tell you to get your a&$ out of bed." We chuckled and he complied and got up when his nurse came back.
The doctors acted as if they hadn't seen me in years, even though, I saw some of them every day while I was reassigned. Surprisingly, they were happier to see me than some of my coworkers. The Slug, happily, was at a conference and not available.
Overall, the day flew by. I was lucky enough to squeeze my lunch into it all. We'll see how it continues...stay tuned.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Only got 100 years...
Some people just appear your life from the beginning and it seems like they'll always be there.
Recently, my old neighbor and friend's grandma left us. And yes, she blessed us with her presence for one hundred years. Picked us up off the sidewalk when we fell off our bikes. Made sure we were good in church. Wore a pleasant demeanor always, even when hell and high water came, and trust me, they did on her side of the neighborhood, more than once.
I'll miss her...may the angels come to greet you, Grandma K. Adios.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
In the news
I'm really enjoying my snow day. I even took a nap.
In between all these taxing tasks of shoveling and shopping, I found a few items of note on the internet. Enjoy!
Silent and really deadly
If they get their way in Malawi, you will go to jail for letting one rip. (from BBC)
The other most wanted list
No, John Walsh doesn't have anything to do with this list, but OIG surely does. Check out the Medicare fraud most wanted list. (from www.oig.hhs.gov)
What a pain
Yes, it sure is when your insurance company doesn't believe you are in pain (from www.nytimes.com)
Holiday stuff
Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. Make sure you buy the right color and kind of flowers, folks. Otherwise you may be saying something you didn't intend.
In between all these taxing tasks of shoveling and shopping, I found a few items of note on the internet. Enjoy!
Silent and really deadly
If they get their way in Malawi, you will go to jail for letting one rip. (from BBC)
The other most wanted list
No, John Walsh doesn't have anything to do with this list, but OIG surely does. Check out the Medicare fraud most wanted list. (from www.oig.hhs.gov)
What a pain
Yes, it sure is when your insurance company doesn't believe you are in pain (from www.nytimes.com)
Holiday stuff
Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. Make sure you buy the right color and kind of flowers, folks. Otherwise you may be saying something you didn't intend.
Either will...
Or sheer luck (and scrupulous hand hygiene) kept me from getting sick so far this winter season. Now I am feeling the effects of a nasty upper respiratory infection that is trying to beat me up.
And now it's snowing...yet again. The flakes are beautiful but everything is getting covered. I'll never get anything done today, since the roads right now are a mess.
Back to vegetating and watching the flakes fall in the street light. Reminds me of the blizzards as a kid. Watching snowflakes fall can be very relaxing, as long as you have nowhere to go.
Stay tuned...
And now it's snowing...yet again. The flakes are beautiful but everything is getting covered. I'll never get anything done today, since the roads right now are a mess.
Back to vegetating and watching the flakes fall in the street light. Reminds me of the blizzards as a kid. Watching snowflakes fall can be very relaxing, as long as you have nowhere to go.
Stay tuned...
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wrapping it up
Happily, with all the snow, the SU has been slow. I've been busy putting things back together for the nurse I replaced. The crew is all looking forward to her coming back. I'm not looking forward to going back to the Hotel, but I'm dealing with it. At least, my boss let me be on days for a week, so I can float over if needed to help out. Hopefully, her first week back won't be too stressful.
I'll really miss having my own office with a window and relative quiet. I won't miss the psycho secretary, though. We'll see how it goes.
Recently, I went to a unit meeting and it was interesting. The council started giving out candy awards for the nice things that people do and write up on cards for others. It's nice to see the sentiment, but I wonder if it will last. They are giving some other prizes, too, that people really want (i.e. the get out of the office for an hour free cards). At least, it feels like changes are coming. We can only wait and see.
Finally, I got a note from a family member of one of our deceased patients. The bright orange note really made my day. I could hardly believe that they remembered me.
And so it goes...more to come.
I'll really miss having my own office with a window and relative quiet. I won't miss the psycho secretary, though. We'll see how it goes.
Recently, I went to a unit meeting and it was interesting. The council started giving out candy awards for the nice things that people do and write up on cards for others. It's nice to see the sentiment, but I wonder if it will last. They are giving some other prizes, too, that people really want (i.e. the get out of the office for an hour free cards). At least, it feels like changes are coming. We can only wait and see.
Finally, I got a note from a family member of one of our deceased patients. The bright orange note really made my day. I could hardly believe that they remembered me.
And so it goes...more to come.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
More snow, less patients
The law of averages: get snow, get less patients, if you're not giving away something good for free.
I did a lot of busy work, since the Big Boss just came back from a speaking tour in Europe. We got to hear all about the planes, trains and automobiles he/she took to get back to us at 0730.
To top it off, he/she went straight into the locker room for a shower.
At least, since he/she heard another doctor bought lunch for the nursing staff yesterday, he/she had to one up Dr. X, by buying lunch for everyone, including the SU.
It's nice to feel appreciated once in a while.
I did a lot of busy work, since the Big Boss just came back from a speaking tour in Europe. We got to hear all about the planes, trains and automobiles he/she took to get back to us at 0730.
To top it off, he/she went straight into the locker room for a shower.
At least, since he/she heard another doctor bought lunch for the nursing staff yesterday, he/she had to one up Dr. X, by buying lunch for everyone, including the SU.
It's nice to feel appreciated once in a while.
The little blizzard that wasn't
Sometimes I thank my lucky stars when things go wrong. Today is one of them.
We have snow, we have ice and we have subfreezing temperatures. However, we also got about half of the snow predicted for our area, as the thunder and heavy snow moved northeast.
Off I go to de-ice the car and see how many brave souls will venture out onto the snow/ice combo to see us. Should be another slow day.
We have snow, we have ice and we have subfreezing temperatures. However, we also got about half of the snow predicted for our area, as the thunder and heavy snow moved northeast.
Off I go to de-ice the car and see how many brave souls will venture out onto the snow/ice combo to see us. Should be another slow day.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Is that all there is?
Snowmaggedon has arrived...sort of. Yes, ice, sleet, freezing rain--you name it--we've got it. We're even getting some snow, which in combination, made my return commute very interesting.
The SU was terribly slow. I called all the patients who were supposed to come in and we actually had three. Three all day. Needless to say, I got lots of paperwork done. I even cleaned my desk...and the refrigerator...and the microwave.
But, I still had a feeling like this Peggy Lee song...
More excitement to come...stay tuned.
The SU was terribly slow. I called all the patients who were supposed to come in and we actually had three. Three all day. Needless to say, I got lots of paperwork done. I even cleaned my desk...and the refrigerator...and the microwave.
But, I still had a feeling like this Peggy Lee song...
More excitement to come...stay tuned.
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