Since it's Thanksgiving, it's time to give thanks!
First, I want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers in Canada, who are enjoying their turkey and pumpkin pie today. I miss you so much Scrappy, Pierre, Monique, and Gord. Ah, another lifetime ago...(I am still going to visit EVERY provincial capital 'cause it's on the bucket list.)
However, since search engines can be flaky, I am happy to say I'm so thankful for the folks out in the audience who help you find your way here.
These are just some of them (and a couple of reviews). I am eternally thankful for you all, especially At Your Cervix (who sends more readers here than any other blog.)
Enjoy your day wherever you are!
http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/nursing-blogs-you-need-to-read/
Rehab RN by RehabNurse
Rehab nurse offers a light-hearted and often comical view into the issues encountered by nurses working in rehabilitation. Chock full of relatable commentary – at times with life lessons outside the scope of nursing – this blog could easily be housed in the “entertainment” section as well.
http://ernursescare.blogspot.com/2013/05/top-30-nursing-blogs-2013-boy-i-am.html
RehabRN features the thoughts and experiences of a rehab nurse. The blog is engaging and shares stories of both success and failure, seeking always to provide the reader with a realistic sense of the job.
Other places to find me:
http://www.northeastcenter.com/links_nursing_blogs.htm
http://www.blognation.com/blog/9498/rehab-rn
http://ajnoffthecharts.com/nursing-blogs/
Monday, October 13, 2014
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Something for the science teachers
My high school science teacher was a nun. She had a sibling (also religious) who would work with her on research and mission projects during summer vacation.
Sister L. was kind of out there but wickedly funny. She was also from Fargo. I could see her laughing about this one.
Many science teachers can appreciate the irony of physics.
Stay tuned...Nobel season continues this week.
Sister L. was kind of out there but wickedly funny. She was also from Fargo. I could see her laughing about this one.
Many science teachers can appreciate the irony of physics.
Stay tuned...Nobel season continues this week.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Fall is here in RehabLand
The leaves have been turning shades of red and gold here in RehabLand. They aren't at their peak, but they are getting close.
Dahey, Bubba and I had a fun time taking a drive to the country to see my cousins who live in a quaint little town that dates back to the early 1800s. It's a blip in the road, but every year this time, the locals have their fall festival and people come from miles around. The cousins throw a party and invite all the relatives to see their place and go to the festival.
Bubba wasn't sure he liked it, because the corn maze was a longer walk than he expected. Some folks just don't get that, yes, there is indeed a big difference between 1/8 of a mile and 8/10s of a mile. He walked most of the way there, then decided to turn around.
We went back to the village green and signed up for the fun Money in the Hay contest. We missed the pumpkin decorating contest. Since he had a commitment at home, we couldn't stay long enough for him to enter the pumpkin pie eating contest. This was, of course, traumatic, for a preteen boy who can eat you out of house and home when you aren't looking.
Thankfully, he liked the soups and chili the cousins had, as well as the entire dining room full of sweets. He didn't make much money in the contest, but he had fun going out there with all the younger kids.
One of my cousins, an ER physician with three kids, showed up with his family. We talked shop among other things, since I rarely see him (he's always working). He's just hoping he never ever sees ebola at work. Since he practices in a much bigger town than PumpkinLand, but smaller than the regional centers, he hopes he's safe.
As we said our goodbyes, Bubba asked if we were coming back next year. I said "What do you think?"
He said, "Oh, yeah! Let's do it."
I'm so glad it turned out as well as it did. Hope you enjoy your weekend wherever you are.
Dahey, Bubba and I had a fun time taking a drive to the country to see my cousins who live in a quaint little town that dates back to the early 1800s. It's a blip in the road, but every year this time, the locals have their fall festival and people come from miles around. The cousins throw a party and invite all the relatives to see their place and go to the festival.
Bubba wasn't sure he liked it, because the corn maze was a longer walk than he expected. Some folks just don't get that, yes, there is indeed a big difference between 1/8 of a mile and 8/10s of a mile. He walked most of the way there, then decided to turn around.
We went back to the village green and signed up for the fun Money in the Hay contest. We missed the pumpkin decorating contest. Since he had a commitment at home, we couldn't stay long enough for him to enter the pumpkin pie eating contest. This was, of course, traumatic, for a preteen boy who can eat you out of house and home when you aren't looking.
Thankfully, he liked the soups and chili the cousins had, as well as the entire dining room full of sweets. He didn't make much money in the contest, but he had fun going out there with all the younger kids.
One of my cousins, an ER physician with three kids, showed up with his family. We talked shop among other things, since I rarely see him (he's always working). He's just hoping he never ever sees ebola at work. Since he practices in a much bigger town than PumpkinLand, but smaller than the regional centers, he hopes he's safe.
As we said our goodbyes, Bubba asked if we were coming back next year. I said "What do you think?"
He said, "Oh, yeah! Let's do it."
I'm so glad it turned out as well as it did. Hope you enjoy your weekend wherever you are.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Resources I wished I had
This article for my patient who was so very unhappy with her ex-husband's last name. If the former Mrs. U. comes in, I'll print it out.
More often than not, I'd like opportunities like this one to volunteer. Some of my coworkers need rejuvenation more than others.
After a wild, blood moon kind of week, I am so happy it's the weekend!
TGIF all wherever you may be!
More often than not, I'd like opportunities like this one to volunteer. Some of my coworkers need rejuvenation more than others.
After a wild, blood moon kind of week, I am so happy it's the weekend!
TGIF all wherever you may be!
Monday, October 6, 2014
I'm waiting for this one to come to RehabLand
My ER nurse colleagues can tell you it's a common way to get out of the ER--go AMA when you don't hear what you want to hear, or when you hear you'll go to jail, or get a bill.
Now, instead of all those things, we have ebola showing up in ERs around the US, thanks to the marvels of modern transportation.
Add them together and all you get is trouble.
That is all...stay tuned.
Now, instead of all those things, we have ebola showing up in ERs around the US, thanks to the marvels of modern transportation.
Add them together and all you get is trouble.
That is all...stay tuned.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Saturday, October 4, 2014
A reminder
Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. RIP Alan Henning
Friday, October 3, 2014
The bitter and the sweet
So many things fit that description this week. Retirements and births in our little neck of the woods in RehabLand.
And I finally got the promotion I've been working on for the last three years. Sweet! Bitter: the attitude of the woman in HR who was supposed to answer my questions about it. (I wish SHE were on that retirement list...she needs something!) However, I was sweet in thanking her for her diatribe.
It doesn't matter when I get it, I know it's on the way...FINALLY!
And I finally got the promotion I've been working on for the last three years. Sweet! Bitter: the attitude of the woman in HR who was supposed to answer my questions about it. (I wish SHE were on that retirement list...she needs something!) However, I was sweet in thanking her for her diatribe.
It doesn't matter when I get it, I know it's on the way...FINALLY!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
The joys of parenting
Tonight was our first "free-for-all" parent/teacher conference in the RehabLand school district.
What does this mean? Take all the classroom teachers for a particular grade and stick them in the cafeteria. Leave the tables exactly as they are so no one can tell who is standing in what line. Put all the major subject teachers together, so the traffic jams are even more acute around their area.
Do this for three hours. Thankfully, Bubba took me over early and pointed out all the important teachers to talk to while we were there. And no, they weren't just the ones who gave him A's in their classes (although surprisingly, he loves school this year).
I hated it, but I cannot imagine what the teachers think of this.
Just like running the gauntlet...more to come.
What does this mean? Take all the classroom teachers for a particular grade and stick them in the cafeteria. Leave the tables exactly as they are so no one can tell who is standing in what line. Put all the major subject teachers together, so the traffic jams are even more acute around their area.
Do this for three hours. Thankfully, Bubba took me over early and pointed out all the important teachers to talk to while we were there. And no, they weren't just the ones who gave him A's in their classes (although surprisingly, he loves school this year).
I hated it, but I cannot imagine what the teachers think of this.
Just like running the gauntlet...more to come.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
It's Tuesday
However, for some folks, it's Friday. Forever. One of our retirees came in for the last time and left today. Sadness.
Tuesday for me means patient appointments (if someone doesn't cancel them at the last minute) and meetings. Fun meetings where people who insist that it start at one time (0800) casually stroll in at 0815 and throw off the folks who have to come in at 0830 from another site for a short report.
Our coordinator called some of them on it. I don't really think it will stick or embarrass anyone enough to show up on time. It's the Hotel way, and they (the Hotel "team") aren't going to change for anyone. Even if it is terribly inconvenient and they are the first people who think the meeting is going too slowly.
I'm all for locking the doors and deducting the time from their pay, but unfortunately, management doesn't feel the same. We should ALL suffer together.
Just another reason why I hate team building exercises. A few divas always screw it up.
Tuesday for me means patient appointments (if someone doesn't cancel them at the last minute) and meetings. Fun meetings where people who insist that it start at one time (0800) casually stroll in at 0815 and throw off the folks who have to come in at 0830 from another site for a short report.
Our coordinator called some of them on it. I don't really think it will stick or embarrass anyone enough to show up on time. It's the Hotel way, and they (the Hotel "team") aren't going to change for anyone. Even if it is terribly inconvenient and they are the first people who think the meeting is going too slowly.
I'm all for locking the doors and deducting the time from their pay, but unfortunately, management doesn't feel the same. We should ALL suffer together.
Just another reason why I hate team building exercises. A few divas always screw it up.
Monday, September 29, 2014
What's NOT right with the world
1. I could not believe this when I read it. Charging a victim of rape for a rape kit? Really? Add insult to injury and a little financial burden, why don't you?
2. Product branding in the age of social media savvy terrorism. No, I don't think I'd change the name of my product.
3. I feel the same way about the weather. When will it really be fall...for two days in November?
That is all. Monday will be over soon enough. Just felt the need to vent....ah!
2. Product branding in the age of social media savvy terrorism. No, I don't think I'd change the name of my product.
3. I feel the same way about the weather. When will it really be fall...for two days in November?
That is all. Monday will be over soon enough. Just felt the need to vent....ah!
Saturday, September 27, 2014
'Tis the season...to retire
Not me (I wish!) but certainly a lot of people around the Hotel are retiring. More than a few messages have appeared in my mailbox for parties for people leaving at the beginning or the end of the month.
It's even happening at the Hotel. A couple of our folks are retiring. They are looking forward to lives where THEY dictate what the schedule looks like. I can't say that I blame them. Others, such as one of our NPs, can't wait to be a grandma (any minute really!). What perfect timing...retire and spend as much time as you want with your grandchild. Another is working on his/her golf game and the travel associated with it.
Our boss really wants to retire, but since we can't find a replacement, he/she will have to set a date and retire and let the Manglement of the Hotel figure it all out. Waiting for years (yes, it's true) is really not fun.
It's too bad the Hotel only does lip service to succession planning. It might make the transition easier.
One of these days, they'll wake up...and someone will figure it out.
But I'm not sure if that will happen before I retire (many years down the road).
More to come...
It's even happening at the Hotel. A couple of our folks are retiring. They are looking forward to lives where THEY dictate what the schedule looks like. I can't say that I blame them. Others, such as one of our NPs, can't wait to be a grandma (any minute really!). What perfect timing...retire and spend as much time as you want with your grandchild. Another is working on his/her golf game and the travel associated with it.
Our boss really wants to retire, but since we can't find a replacement, he/she will have to set a date and retire and let the Manglement of the Hotel figure it all out. Waiting for years (yes, it's true) is really not fun.
It's too bad the Hotel only does lip service to succession planning. It might make the transition easier.
One of these days, they'll wake up...and someone will figure it out.
But I'm not sure if that will happen before I retire (many years down the road).
More to come...
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Yes, it's non-formulary at the Hotel
And no, contrary to popular belief, we don't supply it, either, but this order was entertaining:
I always tell the flower children to go to the state next door (since they wrote this character's script.)
Alas, they continue to patronize our local drug dealers, even if it means we'll kick them out and some of our surgeons will refuse to operate on them if they need it.
Just a thought.
More later...
MARIJUANA (MEDICAL) AS DIRECTED INHALATION AS
NEEDED
I always tell the flower children to go to the state next door (since they wrote this character's script.)
Alas, they continue to patronize our local drug dealers, even if it means we'll kick them out and some of our surgeons will refuse to operate on them if they need it.
Just a thought.
More later...
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Family reunion fun
All of the nurses myself included (a retired CRNA, retired COHN and a peds nurse) talk about disgusting stuff while eating BBQ. Pressure sores somehow seemed to be one of the big topics. Even the peds nurse (newly engaged) had a gross story. Her fiance went to talk to the cousin who was doing the cooking.
Thank goodness our family has a (warped) sense of humor. Everyone has been through some horror (or two) and survived.
Makes things very entertaining along with that snow cone machine my cousin brings every year.
Never a dull moment.
Stay tuned...
Thank goodness our family has a (warped) sense of humor. Everyone has been through some horror (or two) and survived.
Makes things very entertaining along with that snow cone machine my cousin brings every year.
Never a dull moment.
Stay tuned...
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Old school communication
Call me a dinosaur, but I still love my e-mails. Especially stuff from the listservs I'm on.
Rehab nurses who rarely speak out about anything will have long, torrid discussions via listserv about the best way to put on a leg bag and how many times a night to turn patients.
It may be old, but it is still highly entertaining.
Rehab nurses who rarely speak out about anything will have long, torrid discussions via listserv about the best way to put on a leg bag and how many times a night to turn patients.
It may be old, but it is still highly entertaining.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Harbinger of things to come?
Sunday started with a migraine, which did not go away. It just subsided here and there until the migraine drugs came out (thankfully, no nausea and vomiting!)
Went over by the Hotel and saw one of my coworkers, F., getting ready for the night shift. Long discussion. Had to cut it short to do what I had to do and get two friends to bring home for Dahey and Bubba.
Those friends: Ben & Jerry. Yes, we ran out of ice cream (found this out yesterday) and you would have thought the world would indeed end.
But alas, as I'm leaving I saw it. The harvest moon.
I hope F. has a really boring night.
That is all. Stay tuned...the night (and the week) is young.
Went over by the Hotel and saw one of my coworkers, F., getting ready for the night shift. Long discussion. Had to cut it short to do what I had to do and get two friends to bring home for Dahey and Bubba.
Those friends: Ben & Jerry. Yes, we ran out of ice cream (found this out yesterday) and you would have thought the world would indeed end.
But alas, as I'm leaving I saw it. The harvest moon.
I hope F. has a really boring night.
That is all. Stay tuned...the night (and the week) is young.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Only in my dreams
Only in my dreams could we get a Hotel Rehab as "smart" and "accessible" as this new one going up in Nebraska.
I'm kind of worried about those gestures turning on and off appliances, lights, etc.
What do I do with the guy who has spasms whenever we turn him (or whenever he tilts just right in his wheelchair)?
It could get REALLY interesting.
Just sayin'...stay tuned. (I'd love to be there when it opens!)
I'm kind of worried about those gestures turning on and off appliances, lights, etc.
What do I do with the guy who has spasms whenever we turn him (or whenever he tilts just right in his wheelchair)?
It could get REALLY interesting.
Just sayin'...stay tuned. (I'd love to be there when it opens!)
Friday, September 5, 2014
The perils of rehab
While I was at my rehab conference, I talked to lots of folks. One of the biggest issues was reimbursement.
Now I know why there are issues. If companies only hire for a bare minimum set of qualifications for their staff (see below), it's no wonder why all the case managers in the audience said they were coloring their hair due to it turning white prematurely.
Clinical Appeals Reviewer
Job Description:
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide expertise or general support in reviewing, researching, investigating,and resolving all types of appeals.
Communicate issues, implications, and decisions with appropriate parties.
Analyze and identify trends for Appeals.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma/GED.
1+ year of Telephonic Customer Service experience.
1+ year of Healthcare Insurance experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, including the ability to create spreadsheets and filter data.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with Medical Terminology
Funny, but no where did it say this person ought to be a nurse. You get what you pay for...just sayin'
More to come...
Now I know why there are issues. If companies only hire for a bare minimum set of qualifications for their staff (see below), it's no wonder why all the case managers in the audience said they were coloring their hair due to it turning white prematurely.
Clinical Appeals Reviewer
Job Description:
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide expertise or general support in reviewing, researching, investigating,and resolving all types of appeals.
Communicate issues, implications, and decisions with appropriate parties.
Analyze and identify trends for Appeals.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma/GED.
1+ year of Telephonic Customer Service experience.
1+ year of Healthcare Insurance experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, including the ability to create spreadsheets and filter data.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with Medical Terminology
Funny, but no where did it say this person ought to be a nurse. You get what you pay for...just sayin'
More to come...
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Another t-shirt moment
I love conferences, since you get to see people you haven't seen in ages and learn new stuff.
But I really hate it when you are so tired, you want to pass out, because you've been trapped in freezing cold rooms and staying up late.
Thank goodness I convinced the boss I need time to recoup (aka vacation). I might not be going anywhere, but being stationary, is a very good thing.
Stay tuned.
But I really hate it when you are so tired, you want to pass out, because you've been trapped in freezing cold rooms and staying up late.
Thank goodness I convinced the boss I need time to recoup (aka vacation). I might not be going anywhere, but being stationary, is a very good thing.
Stay tuned.
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