When you work in a rehab center with spinal cord injury patients (SCI), you hear the themes in this opinion piece from the Wall Street Journal a lot.
Remember: just because someone is in a wheelchair and can't move much at all, doesn't mean their brain doesn't work (or their mouth).
Talk to the person in the wheelchair, not their companions. That is all.
Happy weekend wherever you may be.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Random thoughts
It's a stormy day already here in RehabLand, and Bubba's up early wanting donuts. My head is splitting. AND I double booked myself at work today. I can't wait for this day to be over.
Here are a few points to ponder:
There's always some new technology to learn in nursing. It just amazes me, though, that some people figure out how to "game" it as soon as they can. It really gets scary when this gaming potentially interferes with care.
There's an updated version of this code, but somehow, I don't think people like the Slug actually read (or practice) it.
If you get tired of the bullies, check out this advice on bullying or parallel violence from Katie Duke.
And finally, if you want to feel good about what you do, no matter what, check out this post from KevinMD.
Thank you patients. You are the reason why we are all here.
More later...
Here are a few points to ponder:
There's always some new technology to learn in nursing. It just amazes me, though, that some people figure out how to "game" it as soon as they can. It really gets scary when this gaming potentially interferes with care.
There's an updated version of this code, but somehow, I don't think people like the Slug actually read (or practice) it.
If you get tired of the bullies, check out this advice on bullying or parallel violence from Katie Duke.
And finally, if you want to feel good about what you do, no matter what, check out this post from KevinMD.
Thank you patients. You are the reason why we are all here.
More later...
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Happy Easter
And if you don't celebrate Easter, I wish you a blessed Passover. Don't celebrate that either? If you were here in RehabLand today, it was glorious. Enjoy the spring weather wherever you are. It only comes once a year.
I didn't fall off the earth, I got a little busy this week exercising and watching various astronomical phenomena, like a little space station buzzing by and the latest Blood Moon.
Bubba, Dahey and I finally went out for the brunch that was so rudely interrupted by a terrible virus for Dahey's birthday weekend last weekend. It was a good coincidence that it was Easter, since I was fortunate enough to excuse myself from galley slavery with some of my relatives. That felt just as glorious as the weather. Since we went to one of our favorite pizzerias last night, we had leftovers for dinner so I did no cooking AT ALL. Ah! My idea of a wonderful day.
I did have a temporary lapse when I decided to thoroughly vacuum and mop all the floors upstairs. I corralled Dahey and Bubba in the basement, so I got to enjoy the quiet and drying when the floors were done. For one, brief, shining moment (in a house where everyone must wear shoes with a soon-to-be teenager who is constantly eating) they were clean.
Now, we're getting ready for the big chamber music night at Bubba's neighborhood junior high. He's going to play this song with some other brass players. Sounds like it will be a tuneup for the Spring Concert in a few weeks and the auditions for the symphony and jazz band groups. Bubba was so excited to wear a suit to church today, that I will be very surprised if he doesn't go formal for the next concert. He looks very longingly at some of those tuxedos when we are out shopping.
Work is still work. I have to go back for a full week tomorrow. I need a day off every week to motivate me, but I don't think that will ever happen. It would be nice, though. I'd like to know if I'm going to get another job at the Hotel, but with my luck (and our illustrious HR department), I'll be waiting six more weeks to find out. Nothing ever happens fast.
I'm going to stop here. All the cleaning and fun have made me tired today. I bid you all a good night wherever you are.
Stay tuned...
I didn't fall off the earth, I got a little busy this week exercising and watching various astronomical phenomena, like a little space station buzzing by and the latest Blood Moon.
Bubba, Dahey and I finally went out for the brunch that was so rudely interrupted by a terrible virus for Dahey's birthday weekend last weekend. It was a good coincidence that it was Easter, since I was fortunate enough to excuse myself from galley slavery with some of my relatives. That felt just as glorious as the weather. Since we went to one of our favorite pizzerias last night, we had leftovers for dinner so I did no cooking AT ALL. Ah! My idea of a wonderful day.
I did have a temporary lapse when I decided to thoroughly vacuum and mop all the floors upstairs. I corralled Dahey and Bubba in the basement, so I got to enjoy the quiet and drying when the floors were done. For one, brief, shining moment (in a house where everyone must wear shoes with a soon-to-be teenager who is constantly eating) they were clean.
Now, we're getting ready for the big chamber music night at Bubba's neighborhood junior high. He's going to play this song with some other brass players. Sounds like it will be a tuneup for the Spring Concert in a few weeks and the auditions for the symphony and jazz band groups. Bubba was so excited to wear a suit to church today, that I will be very surprised if he doesn't go formal for the next concert. He looks very longingly at some of those tuxedos when we are out shopping.
Work is still work. I have to go back for a full week tomorrow. I need a day off every week to motivate me, but I don't think that will ever happen. It would be nice, though. I'd like to know if I'm going to get another job at the Hotel, but with my luck (and our illustrious HR department), I'll be waiting six more weeks to find out. Nothing ever happens fast.
I'm going to stop here. All the cleaning and fun have made me tired today. I bid you all a good night wherever you are.
Stay tuned...
Monday, March 30, 2015
Some luck
One of our doctors is doing a case review for the Hotel peer review group. He/she worked all weekend gathering information, which included printing some records. Since this was done remotely, it doesn't necessarily print in the right spot. Happily, I managed to figure out where they went and get them to him/her. Some luck!
A friend of one of my relatives just had an adorable baby boy with a cleft palate and other issues. The friend did everything right and still had this happen.
The weatherman says we'll have a warm, breezy day as we just start to see tree pollen on the weather reports. I hope Bubba has lots of luck with his allergy medicine. It won't be pretty otherwise.
Stay tuned...
A friend of one of my relatives just had an adorable baby boy with a cleft palate and other issues. The friend did everything right and still had this happen.
The weatherman says we'll have a warm, breezy day as we just start to see tree pollen on the weather reports. I hope Bubba has lots of luck with his allergy medicine. It won't be pretty otherwise.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, March 29, 2015
The weekend is over
It's been busy. Dahey celebrated his birthday with a horrific cold. Bubba is suffering from allergies, so there is a constant chorus of sneezing and coughing here in our house.
As usual, I made Dahey his favorite cake for this birthday. It's not a birthday if I don't make a scratch cake. We had plans for brunch, but those were cancelled while the patient stayed home and rested. Bubba decided we needed donuts, so we went to Local Donut House for a dozen beauties, which the child promptly decided to start eating as soon as we got them in the car. Fortunately, we live close and there were donuts for the birthday boy.
Now, since Dahey felt well enough to go to his friend's benefit event with an escort (Bubba), I'm staying at home waiting for the duo to return.
Monday should be interesting. Hope your week is healthy and happy!
Stay tuned.
As usual, I made Dahey his favorite cake for this birthday. It's not a birthday if I don't make a scratch cake. We had plans for brunch, but those were cancelled while the patient stayed home and rested. Bubba decided we needed donuts, so we went to Local Donut House for a dozen beauties, which the child promptly decided to start eating as soon as we got them in the car. Fortunately, we live close and there were donuts for the birthday boy.
Now, since Dahey felt well enough to go to his friend's benefit event with an escort (Bubba), I'm staying at home waiting for the duo to return.
Monday should be interesting. Hope your week is healthy and happy!
Stay tuned.
Friday, March 27, 2015
TGIF odds and ends
Oh, you know it's going to be an interesting day when your boss calls and asks "What the hell is going on?" Got that cleared up and it was better than I thought. He/she isn't mad anymore, just worried that he/she will have staffing issues.
I'm a big picture career person, so that's what I'm thinking. Pleasing the boss is important, but having peace of mind and career growth is important, too. One of these days, the HR reps in the Hotel will learn how to read and use telephones. All I can do now is wait.
I found out today is the birthday of the inventor of the x-ray. Unfortunately, unlike our radiology nursing friends at Washington, no one brought donuts.
Since the lovely folks in the media department are printing my MegaConference poster, F., the designer sent me the mockup this week. As usual, she does amazing work. I can't wait until she gets it done.
I'd like to publish something one of these days, but as this article mentions, some publishers are not what they seem, so beware!
On my way out the door today, I did a little occupational therapy reinforcement (along with my unit tour guide duties). I showed one of our newer patients how to navigate the inpatient wifi on his phone.
He was up and running listening to his favorite radio stations on his phone by the time I left.
A little head bopping and a huge smile was a great way to greet the end of the workday
Hope you have a happy weekend wherever you may be.
I'm a big picture career person, so that's what I'm thinking. Pleasing the boss is important, but having peace of mind and career growth is important, too. One of these days, the HR reps in the Hotel will learn how to read and use telephones. All I can do now is wait.
I found out today is the birthday of the inventor of the x-ray. Unfortunately, unlike our radiology nursing friends at Washington, no one brought donuts.
Since the lovely folks in the media department are printing my MegaConference poster, F., the designer sent me the mockup this week. As usual, she does amazing work. I can't wait until she gets it done.
I'd like to publish something one of these days, but as this article mentions, some publishers are not what they seem, so beware!
On my way out the door today, I did a little occupational therapy reinforcement (along with my unit tour guide duties). I showed one of our newer patients how to navigate the inpatient wifi on his phone.
He was up and running listening to his favorite radio stations on his phone by the time I left.
A little head bopping and a huge smile was a great way to greet the end of the workday
Hope you have a happy weekend wherever you may be.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Genetic material
It's becoming more and more important nowadays, to know if one is predisposed to something genetically. Genetics and genomics have always fascinated me, especially with the patterns that show up in families.
There are some famous families for gene issues: Queen Victoria, the Walsh family for stomach cancer, etc.
Today I read this article about genetics and Iceland. It was pretty darned good. Hope you enjoy. It will be something to see who is predisposed to certain disorders we see in rehab, like pressure ulcers.
As they say, it really is all in the genes.
Stay tuned!
There are some famous families for gene issues: Queen Victoria, the Walsh family for stomach cancer, etc.
Today I read this article about genetics and Iceland. It was pretty darned good. Hope you enjoy. It will be something to see who is predisposed to certain disorders we see in rehab, like pressure ulcers.
As they say, it really is all in the genes.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Welcome spring
As I write this, it thundering very loudly. The daffodils that were up and showy yesterday, are cowed beneath the rains of today.
I woke up this morning to a chorus of sneezes from Bubba. Dahey just snored away as usual.
Every tree in our neighborhood has buds erupting. So we're keeping all the windows shut tight.
In RehabLand, it's another day in early spring.
More to come...
I woke up this morning to a chorus of sneezes from Bubba. Dahey just snored away as usual.
Every tree in our neighborhood has buds erupting. So we're keeping all the windows shut tight.
In RehabLand, it's another day in early spring.
More to come...
Monday, March 23, 2015
On call oldie but goodie
FYI I have never taken call. It's not a common thing in rehab (especially in our neck of the woods), but I was intrigued by this article because of the some the recent arguments amongst our medical staff.
I discussed this with Dahey, since his dad was a physician a long time ago. He liked to go on rounds with him (in those halcyon days before HIPAA) and he always said Dahey should be the pediatrician.
However, I often wonder what my father-in-law would think of today's environment for physicians. It's a completely different world out there.
Stay tuned!
I discussed this with Dahey, since his dad was a physician a long time ago. He liked to go on rounds with him (in those halcyon days before HIPAA) and he always said Dahey should be the pediatrician.
However, I often wonder what my father-in-law would think of today's environment for physicians. It's a completely different world out there.
Stay tuned!
Saturday, March 21, 2015
The joys of spring
Yes, RehabLand is warming up for the moment. The neighbor's daffodils are up and looking bright. I'm going to be trapped inside, since I got invited back to MegaConference nursing section. I'm not going to lie: I was a second string presenter, but since they found a bigger room, they decided to invite me. This year, MegaConference is not far away and Dahey can visit lots of friends and relatives. It was a no-brainer.
Bubba had fun on his spring break. I don't think he'll like going back to school, but it will be over soon enough. Getting a kid to do homework when the weather is nice is challenging.
Dahey finally got a new (used) car. Hallelujah! I'm just hoping this former grandma mobile can handle him driving it all over the place.
So I'm going to stop for now. Thank goodness we have a printing group who works on short notice (and mine is very nice). I'm going to be busy doing my homework this weekend.
More to come...
Bubba had fun on his spring break. I don't think he'll like going back to school, but it will be over soon enough. Getting a kid to do homework when the weather is nice is challenging.
Dahey finally got a new (used) car. Hallelujah! I'm just hoping this former grandma mobile can handle him driving it all over the place.
So I'm going to stop for now. Thank goodness we have a printing group who works on short notice (and mine is very nice). I'm going to be busy doing my homework this weekend.
More to come...
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Exercise, errands and sleep deprivation
Sure, a staycation is fun, if it doesn't involve cramming in as many things as possible.
Recently, Bubba and I finally made it to the eye doctor, after a couple of misses due to doctor being trapped out of town and some scary weather. We were at the office for a while (in the middle of the most beautiful day so far this year) but Bubba was reasonably happy and passed his vision tests. He's getting a new headache med, too, so more fun.
He was, however, not thrilled that he had to get a blood draw, due to some other issues. I had to hug him from behind while two phlebotomists held him still. Just touching his arm made him jump. Finally, we got the job done with a butterfly (which is one of the few things they let us have at the Hotel for our clientele).
Most of my errands got completed. I also got a wonderful deal on some tires for the family truckster after shopping around. This was a good thing since we were 1/32 away from having bald tires (at least that's what the indicator says). Outside of that, the truckster is lubed, adjusted and happy.
Bubba and I have had fun at our local rec center. I finally caved in and joined, so the whole family can get in on the fun. It also helps that membership makes Bubba's summer camp experiences cheaper (and pays for our summer membership months). Now, I've just got to make time to go over and exercise. There are a few classes I like: kickboxing being one of them. I haven't taken one of those in years, so I look forward to it. It's a great stress reliever, especially from the Manglement shenanigans at the Hotel.
My day is winding down, so we'll be visiting our orthodontist. I'm hoping soon we're to the point of less visits (getting really close). Cross your fingers!
Recently, Bubba and I finally made it to the eye doctor, after a couple of misses due to doctor being trapped out of town and some scary weather. We were at the office for a while (in the middle of the most beautiful day so far this year) but Bubba was reasonably happy and passed his vision tests. He's getting a new headache med, too, so more fun.
He was, however, not thrilled that he had to get a blood draw, due to some other issues. I had to hug him from behind while two phlebotomists held him still. Just touching his arm made him jump. Finally, we got the job done with a butterfly (which is one of the few things they let us have at the Hotel for our clientele).
Most of my errands got completed. I also got a wonderful deal on some tires for the family truckster after shopping around. This was a good thing since we were 1/32 away from having bald tires (at least that's what the indicator says). Outside of that, the truckster is lubed, adjusted and happy.
Bubba and I have had fun at our local rec center. I finally caved in and joined, so the whole family can get in on the fun. It also helps that membership makes Bubba's summer camp experiences cheaper (and pays for our summer membership months). Now, I've just got to make time to go over and exercise. There are a few classes I like: kickboxing being one of them. I haven't taken one of those in years, so I look forward to it. It's a great stress reliever, especially from the Manglement shenanigans at the Hotel.
My day is winding down, so we'll be visiting our orthodontist. I'm hoping soon we're to the point of less visits (getting really close). Cross your fingers!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Happy Spring Break
Bubba is thrilled. No more school for a week.
Now it's time to entertain the kid and see how it goes. Since we didn't have any plans, it's just a staycation to do some doctors appointments and other things.
The first day wore me out. Today was better. Here's hoping I actually get to rest and relax just a little.
Stay tuned!
Now it's time to entertain the kid and see how it goes. Since we didn't have any plans, it's just a staycation to do some doctors appointments and other things.
The first day wore me out. Today was better. Here's hoping I actually get to rest and relax just a little.
Stay tuned!
Thursday, March 12, 2015
The punny possibilities
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Daily gratitude
Some days seem worse than others, but when I look around, it really isn't so bad.
1. I can afford to pay for my mistakes --traffic and parking tickets--without fear of going to jail.
2. I can go to work without fear of death while I'm there doing my job.
3. I am reasonably healthy. I woke up today.
These privileges are not afforded to everyone. So I go out happy I am who I am; imperfect as it is. I'll take it!
Enjoy your Wednesday.
1. I can afford to pay for my mistakes --traffic and parking tickets--without fear of going to jail.
2. I can go to work without fear of death while I'm there doing my job.
3. I am reasonably healthy. I woke up today.
These privileges are not afforded to everyone. So I go out happy I am who I am; imperfect as it is. I'll take it!
Enjoy your Wednesday.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Spring forward
It's that time of year again. So far, I don't feel tired. I'm sure I will tomorrow.
Bubba and Dahey were helping a friend move this weekend, so it really threw off my normal schedule of errands. Thankfully, I was able to finish up most of them today, while they laid around the house. To celebrate the end of the week, I decided to cook a nice dinner. I made it myself since Junior Chef Bubba passed out on the couch when he was watching TV earlier. Of course, the child wakes up AFTER all the prep work is done.
It's been warm and sunny, so I'm enjoying every minute. I sat outside for coffee today and I walked two miles yesterday. So on my breaks (someone has to do all this stuff around here) when I'm not outside, I'm checking Cake Wrecks, and watching silly dog videos. It makes me miss WildDog.
Stay tuned and hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend, wherever you are!
Bubba and Dahey were helping a friend move this weekend, so it really threw off my normal schedule of errands. Thankfully, I was able to finish up most of them today, while they laid around the house. To celebrate the end of the week, I decided to cook a nice dinner. I made it myself since Junior Chef Bubba passed out on the couch when he was watching TV earlier. Of course, the child wakes up AFTER all the prep work is done.
It's been warm and sunny, so I'm enjoying every minute. I sat outside for coffee today and I walked two miles yesterday. So on my breaks (someone has to do all this stuff around here) when I'm not outside, I'm checking Cake Wrecks, and watching silly dog videos. It makes me miss WildDog.
Stay tuned and hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend, wherever you are!
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Warm, sunny weekend
Yes! The snow is melting and it's a beautiful day in RehabLand.
Now back to the boring land of housework, aka the perils of working Monday through Friday.
Enjoy your day wherever you are.
Now back to the boring land of housework, aka the perils of working Monday through Friday.
Enjoy your day wherever you are.
Just say no
When they ask you to forward e-mails that just don't seem right at work, just say no or you could end up in a situation like this one.
That is all...more to come.
That is all...more to come.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Little victories
Sometimes it's the little things that matter most.
TGIF folks, wherever you are!
- When you see a patient get up in a wheelchair after being in bed for months and he/she has a smile from ear to ear AND his/her blood pressure stays good the whole time.
- When the problem you've been working on for months finally gets resolved and you can give work away to someone else.
- When you see light at the end of the tunnel, because the week is over.
TGIF folks, wherever you are!
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
The bracing chill
Winter's hanging on here in RehabLand. I took a walk tonight in the brisk air after dinner. Glad I had on many layers and a good hat to cover my ears.
Work is still work, but at least, I'm rousing the troops. Things I've been trying to accomplish are finally falling into place. Even without a lot of executive buy-in, we're getting things done. It's going to change the dynamics of what we do in many ways.
I had a interview recently for a new job. It'll mean leaving the Hotel, but staying in the same hospital system. It really stressed me out (because I was a half hour early), but I was happy when I got it done. I know there were a lot of applicants. I just hope I'll be the one who gets it. I've passed up on a job like this twice before.
I'm hoping third time's the charm. Cross your fingers, light your candles, etc.
Stay tuned...
Work is still work, but at least, I'm rousing the troops. Things I've been trying to accomplish are finally falling into place. Even without a lot of executive buy-in, we're getting things done. It's going to change the dynamics of what we do in many ways.
I had a interview recently for a new job. It'll mean leaving the Hotel, but staying in the same hospital system. It really stressed me out (because I was a half hour early), but I was happy when I got it done. I know there were a lot of applicants. I just hope I'll be the one who gets it. I've passed up on a job like this twice before.
I'm hoping third time's the charm. Cross your fingers, light your candles, etc.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, March 1, 2015
No planes, no trains, just automobiles
It's snowy in RehabLand and now Dahey's decided to get a new car (used really). The old Swedish monster has too many problems to solve, so we may as well look for something else. Most of the searching has been given to me. He just likes to veto what I find.
We thought we found an old VW in good shape. On his test drive, one of the indicator sticks broke. The salesman was pressuring us to buy it. It was snowing like mad. My husband wanted more maintenance information from their repair staff. The salesmen wouldn't call them or look it up online.I finally told the salesman the only way we'd buy right that second was if it would be if it would fit on the credit card limit in my purse. ( I had one with a 5k limit).
He and (the ever present) manager were offended and refused (since it was a lowball, but in the ballpark offer). I felt relieved because all I wanted to do was get dinner.
The restaurant was one we've always wanted to try. So did nearly half of the nearby town, too. It was packed. You wouldn't have guessed there was a snow storm raging outside. We finally got in after 45 minutes waiting near the door where the cold air kept blowing in and stupid coeds kept opening it. Lots of food, so plenty of leftovers and good prices.
After our lovely dinner, we got on the road to drive 20 miles home. The roads were snow covered and in some parts, pretty icy. It took nearly an hour to get home and the most harrowing part was within five miles of our house.
Just when you think you've gotten away from the crazy drivers, another would appear. I was thrilled to get home. The local snow plow brigade started on our street just as I was going to bed.
Alas, the scrape of the plow was my lullaby, but that sure beats icy roads any day!
Now for Monday and the crazy specialist I get to deal with. Time for a prophylactic Tums.
Stay tuned...
We thought we found an old VW in good shape. On his test drive, one of the indicator sticks broke. The salesman was pressuring us to buy it. It was snowing like mad. My husband wanted more maintenance information from their repair staff. The salesmen wouldn't call them or look it up online.I finally told the salesman the only way we'd buy right that second was if it would be if it would fit on the credit card limit in my purse. ( I had one with a 5k limit).
He and (the ever present) manager were offended and refused (since it was a lowball, but in the ballpark offer). I felt relieved because all I wanted to do was get dinner.
The restaurant was one we've always wanted to try. So did nearly half of the nearby town, too. It was packed. You wouldn't have guessed there was a snow storm raging outside. We finally got in after 45 minutes waiting near the door where the cold air kept blowing in and stupid coeds kept opening it. Lots of food, so plenty of leftovers and good prices.
After our lovely dinner, we got on the road to drive 20 miles home. The roads were snow covered and in some parts, pretty icy. It took nearly an hour to get home and the most harrowing part was within five miles of our house.
Just when you think you've gotten away from the crazy drivers, another would appear. I was thrilled to get home. The local snow plow brigade started on our street just as I was going to bed.
Alas, the scrape of the plow was my lullaby, but that sure beats icy roads any day!
Now for Monday and the crazy specialist I get to deal with. Time for a prophylactic Tums.
Stay tuned...
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