This week's assignments done. Laundry done, dishes in the dishwasher, little kid scrubbed and tucked in bed after a motherlode of goodies in a plastic pumpkin full of at least 5 lbs. of candy, and early to boot! Vegetating listening to this album.
WildDog at my feet after an Indian summer afternoon lounging in the yard, barking at passersby.
Dahey's celebrating his OT today by soaking in the tub.
Wish these hours of stillness could last a little longer!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Be happy, eat chocolate
Bubba and I are bonding as we make pumpkin pies and I just baked a really good brownie with items you wouldn't expect.
It is Halloween, after all. Even if you're on a diet (like me), you need chocolate.
More later...
It is Halloween, after all. Even if you're on a diet (like me), you need chocolate.
More later...
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Blame it on me...
The title of an album with one of my very first iTunes purchases...and a little studying on the brain lately, along with work and the rest of school.
Yes, Kim has another rousing edition of Change of Shift up at emergiblog. Head on over, people, and enjoy!
Yes, Kim has another rousing edition of Change of Shift up at emergiblog. Head on over, people, and enjoy!
Off the clock tour of duty
Yes, I got to see the other side of the fence when Bubba broke bones during his soccer game. Dahey and I were less than five minutes from the nearest peds ER, and so we whisked him off the field and down the road, with cardboard splint and ice in tow. Our nurse Kim kept him quiet and happy. Gotta love a little morphine!
The whole crew was amazing. All you peds ER folks--nurses, techs and the man with the hands, aka the ortho doc who guided those bones back into place--you rock!
The whole crew was amazing. All you peds ER folks--nurses, techs and the man with the hands, aka the ortho doc who guided those bones back into place--you rock!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wrapping up the week...
Where there is no imagination there is no horror. ~Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.
The week is winding down and I am enjoying my training and my time on the floor.
As always, it can be a soap opera kind of world at the Hotel. Love and lust figures into the installment this week. Lovelorn housekeeper falls for the charms of one of our artistic characters and wins a transfer to another unit. No fraternization allowed, just like the military, remember?
Another one of our patients decides he may go home immediately if one person comes back. Former roommate made a pass at his significant other and he's not too darned happy. The guilty party is in another unit, but as always, misses the Hotel and will do whatever to come back to our place. Don't think it's gonna fly this time...I hope anyway.
It could be a November to remember, though. Boss decided to come in and actually talk to me, and let me know I could apply for the part-time position working in one of our clinics. This is, of course, because no one else has yet applied. Another older nurse is applying, so out of respect for him, I'm declining that "opportunity", because he'd really like it. He has a lot going for him, too--over 10 years experience and an affable manner. The Slug may apply, but ON still has a chance at one of the positions available, and I hope he gets it over the Slug, who doesn't deserve it.
Sometimes you just have to say no to one thing to enjoy another.
Back to studying and have a great weekend all.
The week is winding down and I am enjoying my training and my time on the floor.
As always, it can be a soap opera kind of world at the Hotel. Love and lust figures into the installment this week. Lovelorn housekeeper falls for the charms of one of our artistic characters and wins a transfer to another unit. No fraternization allowed, just like the military, remember?
Another one of our patients decides he may go home immediately if one person comes back. Former roommate made a pass at his significant other and he's not too darned happy. The guilty party is in another unit, but as always, misses the Hotel and will do whatever to come back to our place. Don't think it's gonna fly this time...I hope anyway.
It could be a November to remember, though. Boss decided to come in and actually talk to me, and let me know I could apply for the part-time position working in one of our clinics. This is, of course, because no one else has yet applied. Another older nurse is applying, so out of respect for him, I'm declining that "opportunity", because he'd really like it. He has a lot going for him, too--over 10 years experience and an affable manner. The Slug may apply, but ON still has a chance at one of the positions available, and I hope he gets it over the Slug, who doesn't deserve it.
Sometimes you just have to say no to one thing to enjoy another.
Back to studying and have a great weekend all.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A little light discussion...
Travelling partner and I went out to a focus group tonight. It was interesting, fun, and we had food. I had so many leftovers on my plate, since I'm counting calories that I got a large to-go bag. My clinical nutrition professor would have been so proud of me!
Dahey was a happy camper...so much so that he devoured the dessert before bed. Mega Steak House had huge, delicious portions of everything.
So glad I don't do this every night...I'd weigh a ton!
Back to the Hotel and homework tomorrow.
Dahey was a happy camper...so much so that he devoured the dessert before bed. Mega Steak House had huge, delicious portions of everything.
So glad I don't do this every night...I'd weigh a ton!
Back to the Hotel and homework tomorrow.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Things sure look different up here...
That could have been the story of my day hanging in the Sister Unit.
In order to protect the guilty and the innocent, I'll present these out of order.
1. When you get a warning (as we do via our system) that a patient can be violent, you get a little worried. So glad I didn't know about that until AFTER I walked this guy here and there (because I had no place to go for him) and I got him to the doctor in the office with the panic buttons.
It became more ironic when the Doc managed to get him to agree to a treatment that can be quite painful. Thankfully, he was lying prone and I was out of reach. The doc was not, but all went well and the patient was happy with us.
2. No, the housekeepers aren't just happy people strolling around. They are strolling that way in violation of policy with their earbuds in jamming to whatever tune strikes them. And no, just shaking your head and smiling is not going to get me to tell you what you want while you bop your head to the tunes, buddy.
3. Yes, no really means no when the treatment team asks you if you've smoked with Mary Jane in the last month, even if it did help your spasms. Saying no and your pee says yes gets you thrown out of that rehab program. Better luck next time!
4. Finally, I got to redirect a lost patient to the elevator, then to his room. At first when the trainer and I came upon him in the hallway, I didn't recognize him. Then I realized he was one of the patients from my unit at the Hotel. Some people really do look different when they're up in their wheelchairs rolling around!
Stay tuned...tomorrow it's run, run, run as the procedures and exams rule the schedule. It'll be a fun day.
In order to protect the guilty and the innocent, I'll present these out of order.
1. When you get a warning (as we do via our system) that a patient can be violent, you get a little worried. So glad I didn't know about that until AFTER I walked this guy here and there (because I had no place to go for him) and I got him to the doctor in the office with the panic buttons.
It became more ironic when the Doc managed to get him to agree to a treatment that can be quite painful. Thankfully, he was lying prone and I was out of reach. The doc was not, but all went well and the patient was happy with us.
2. No, the housekeepers aren't just happy people strolling around. They are strolling that way in violation of policy with their earbuds in jamming to whatever tune strikes them. And no, just shaking your head and smiling is not going to get me to tell you what you want while you bop your head to the tunes, buddy.
3. Yes, no really means no when the treatment team asks you if you've smoked with Mary Jane in the last month, even if it did help your spasms. Saying no and your pee says yes gets you thrown out of that rehab program. Better luck next time!
4. Finally, I got to redirect a lost patient to the elevator, then to his room. At first when the trainer and I came upon him in the hallway, I didn't recognize him. Then I realized he was one of the patients from my unit at the Hotel. Some people really do look different when they're up in their wheelchairs rolling around!
Stay tuned...tomorrow it's run, run, run as the procedures and exams rule the schedule. It'll be a fun day.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
What happens when I'm off a weekend I should be working
1. Cooking. Steaks, tater, and I even tried a new Italian recipe. Oh, my! Sure I steered clear of the carbs, but with the heavenly scent of sage sauteed in brown butter, I could not resist the final product.
2. I worked on a project I've neglected for a long time for work. It has to be done by the end of the year. And now it will be. Much joy!
3. Finally, I've studied and studied some more. We don't have a test for another week, but I figure it can't hurt to prep a little earlier than usual. All-nighters were never my style, because I enjoy sleeping so much.
Which I also did and even took some naps...heaven!
Tomorrow, it's back to work, to the sister unit, to finish orientation. Before you know it, I'll be on my own.
Stay tuned...
2. I worked on a project I've neglected for a long time for work. It has to be done by the end of the year. And now it will be. Much joy!
3. Finally, I've studied and studied some more. We don't have a test for another week, but I figure it can't hurt to prep a little earlier than usual. All-nighters were never my style, because I enjoy sleeping so much.
Which I also did and even took some naps...heaven!
Tomorrow, it's back to work, to the sister unit, to finish orientation. Before you know it, I'll be on my own.
Stay tuned...
Saturday, October 23, 2010
I'm not there...
But I'm inclined to go back again after this flew up on iTunes. Sometimes, you just need a study break wherever you can get it!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Training down...now more
Yes, it's the end of my first week of training in the sister unit, and surprisingly, things are going well. The day was not jam-packed today, so I was able to get some extra work done.
First, I came in and worked with a trainer for the position I'll be doing. She's really good and I think I got notes on just about everything. I'm going to transcribe everything, so I get it done and so she can review it prior to my start.
Next, I got an hour of orientation from one of the main staffers. My job is to support him/her and several programs the SU runs. I understand the materials, but the actual process of getting people in and out is a bit different. It's rehab, but mainly similar to something you'd see in a mental health setting.
I'm really happy I'm a rehab nurse, or this would have all blown me out of the water by now. I also got the call today that I'm being featured in a nursing newsletter soon, and I've been appointed to a committee due to my "leadership skills." I had a chuckle about that....I never feel like I'm leading anything but the poop cleanup parade. It's nice to feel wanted.
After that, it was a slow afternoon, so we did follow-up calls and paperwork. All in all, not a bad week at all. I will get to learn new skills, and hopefully, wow all the inspectors who'll be coming around in my first month. My boss will let me continue training on a regular basis until my start date. The grumblers on the floor are finally quieting down. I shouldn't take their grumblings personally, but I get really irritated when they direct their angry comments at me.
As Dahey says, expressing displeasure at the treatment I get is not a bad thing and needs to be done right away. Guess I've been used to being the whipping-boy, er, girl for too long.
And off I go into the weekend. There's plenty to do here at the ranch. Stay tuned!
First, I came in and worked with a trainer for the position I'll be doing. She's really good and I think I got notes on just about everything. I'm going to transcribe everything, so I get it done and so she can review it prior to my start.
Next, I got an hour of orientation from one of the main staffers. My job is to support him/her and several programs the SU runs. I understand the materials, but the actual process of getting people in and out is a bit different. It's rehab, but mainly similar to something you'd see in a mental health setting.
I'm really happy I'm a rehab nurse, or this would have all blown me out of the water by now. I also got the call today that I'm being featured in a nursing newsletter soon, and I've been appointed to a committee due to my "leadership skills." I had a chuckle about that....I never feel like I'm leading anything but the poop cleanup parade. It's nice to feel wanted.
After that, it was a slow afternoon, so we did follow-up calls and paperwork. All in all, not a bad week at all. I will get to learn new skills, and hopefully, wow all the inspectors who'll be coming around in my first month. My boss will let me continue training on a regular basis until my start date. The grumblers on the floor are finally quieting down. I shouldn't take their grumblings personally, but I get really irritated when they direct their angry comments at me.
As Dahey says, expressing displeasure at the treatment I get is not a bad thing and needs to be done right away. Guess I've been used to being the whipping-boy, er, girl for too long.
And off I go into the weekend. There's plenty to do here at the ranch. Stay tuned!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
A little scorched earth...
Oh, it'll be mighty exciting the next time I'm working with Senior Charge. She acted friendly the other day just before delivering her scorching response when she asked me if I had seen any of our patients at the sister unit (SU)clinic. "So, seen any of our people there? Well, that's not a very good use of a rehab nurse for that department." Most of this venom had to do with Big Boss who mandated that SU and their clinic be supported while certain staff members are out on medical leave. I told her, "Well, ask them to send our people to me. I'm ready!" She didn't find that humorous.
Since that incident, she's steered clear of me. I'm not sure if it's the fact that I'll not be available to hear (mostly via others) that Senior will get the pick of the holidays off, or if Senior now wishes he/she would have picked my gig. Who knows....I've given up trying to resolve that logic.
Meanwhile, I'm building my reputation as a quick learner. Got to do a few things by myself and got checked off for my orientation. Thanks to SU's boss, I'll also end up with more orientation. There's a lot at stake getting things online and thoroughly inspected, so after my success with the craziness of JC earlier this year, I think they realize I can deal with whatever comes my way...if I get prepped and have some time to study. Big Boss and nurse manager seem to have confidence in me, so I'm going with it.
I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. This is the most visible position I've held as a nurse. I'm not a supervisor, but I am important to the team. The floor will still be there when I get done, and so will the attitudes and characters out there. I have to forgive...but I never forget.
On we go...stay tuned.
Since that incident, she's steered clear of me. I'm not sure if it's the fact that I'll not be available to hear (mostly via others) that Senior will get the pick of the holidays off, or if Senior now wishes he/she would have picked my gig. Who knows....I've given up trying to resolve that logic.
Meanwhile, I'm building my reputation as a quick learner. Got to do a few things by myself and got checked off for my orientation. Thanks to SU's boss, I'll also end up with more orientation. There's a lot at stake getting things online and thoroughly inspected, so after my success with the craziness of JC earlier this year, I think they realize I can deal with whatever comes my way...if I get prepped and have some time to study. Big Boss and nurse manager seem to have confidence in me, so I'm going with it.
I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. This is the most visible position I've held as a nurse. I'm not a supervisor, but I am important to the team. The floor will still be there when I get done, and so will the attitudes and characters out there. I have to forgive...but I never forget.
On we go...stay tuned.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Day 2...Up and at 'em
Yes, it was a full day of work in the clinic at the sister unit. Lots of assists and learning new procedures and how machines work. Even had the big boss trailing me for a while asking me how it was.
I felt slightly behind, but felt pretty good about actually getting into things and doing some tasks today.
Hope to learn even more tomorrow. Hopefully the rest of the week is so productive.
More to come...
I felt slightly behind, but felt pretty good about actually getting into things and doing some tasks today.
Hope to learn even more tomorrow. Hopefully the rest of the week is so productive.
More to come...
Monday, October 18, 2010
Day 1 in the Land of Oz
Spent the day hanging with the crew from the SU (sister unit) where I'll be spending my time answering calls, writing notes and assisting the MDs with whatever procedures come in during my stay.
Lots of admin stuff today and not too many procedures. A note here, a note there, vitals here and there and a whole lot of note taking for me. I figure I'll just alter my colors in the notes to keep things interesting.
I have a checkoff to complete before my week is over. One item's been removed, since it's no longer appropriate, and another's been added for the accreditation and compliance folks.
Tomorrow should be busy with lots of docs, patients and procedures. We'll see how it goes. Stay tuned...
Lots of admin stuff today and not too many procedures. A note here, a note there, vitals here and there and a whole lot of note taking for me. I figure I'll just alter my colors in the notes to keep things interesting.
I have a checkoff to complete before my week is over. One item's been removed, since it's no longer appropriate, and another's been added for the accreditation and compliance folks.
Tomorrow should be busy with lots of docs, patients and procedures. We'll see how it goes. Stay tuned...
Monday - Day 1.5
Back to the sister unit for training...and cramming for our inspection.
Should be an interesting day, so stay tuned.
Should be an interesting day, so stay tuned.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Bedraggled
I often write when I am feeling like the classic definition of bedraggled. It may not be raining, but after working all these days straight, I do feel limp. It did not help matters when the neighbor's car alarm went off at 0300 this morning, either.
Alas, I survived to fight another day...today. Work was challenging, but the pace was slow. I welcomed it by sitting on the occasions when I could. It was a delight to have uninterrupted reading time to finish some of my reading for my class in a quiet lunch room. Most of the loud folks weren't working today.
My patients were very good. I even got a new one who came back to us following surgery. He's a reasonably happy fellow and he was happy to see me. Mr. Z looks like he should have a sombrero on his head, but he prefers baseball caps. The other folks got up, dressed, to therapy, and then on an outing in the afternoon sunshine on a glorious fall day.
I had a nice conversation with one of our senior nurses today. She made me feel much better about myself and my temporary assignment to our sister unit (SU). Many think I'm a turncoat; yet a few others are envious. I may not be off during the holidays, but there are opportunities and there will be more freedom in this position.
There are challenges, though. We are set for yet another series of inspections by accrediting agencies. Senior nurse was prepping me and the sister clinic on what one particular agency actually looks for. Since I'll be the newest member of the SU team, she thinks they'll pick on me first, to make sure I'm being trained right.
Hopefully, in my next month of training and meetings, I'll be able to keep my head above water and not goof up on anything.
Cross your fingers...more to come. Have a great weekend!
Alas, I survived to fight another day...today. Work was challenging, but the pace was slow. I welcomed it by sitting on the occasions when I could. It was a delight to have uninterrupted reading time to finish some of my reading for my class in a quiet lunch room. Most of the loud folks weren't working today.
My patients were very good. I even got a new one who came back to us following surgery. He's a reasonably happy fellow and he was happy to see me. Mr. Z looks like he should have a sombrero on his head, but he prefers baseball caps. The other folks got up, dressed, to therapy, and then on an outing in the afternoon sunshine on a glorious fall day.
I had a nice conversation with one of our senior nurses today. She made me feel much better about myself and my temporary assignment to our sister unit (SU). Many think I'm a turncoat; yet a few others are envious. I may not be off during the holidays, but there are opportunities and there will be more freedom in this position.
There are challenges, though. We are set for yet another series of inspections by accrediting agencies. Senior nurse was prepping me and the sister clinic on what one particular agency actually looks for. Since I'll be the newest member of the SU team, she thinks they'll pick on me first, to make sure I'm being trained right.
Hopefully, in my next month of training and meetings, I'll be able to keep my head above water and not goof up on anything.
Cross your fingers...more to come. Have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Drills and test demonstrations
Oh, today we just had to have one of these. It never fails that the Slug would volunteer to be a patient getting taken out of a building on a stretcher, since he/she probably thought they'd get less to do today by doing that.
I'm getting ready for another bit of fun in my class: starting our research proposal. Yes, like true NINR researchers, our group is refining our plan, which will end in a research project. I read and read more last night and when I went to read tonight, I realized I left my paperwork at work.
At least, I didn't forget the textbook. Now, I'll stop here so I can start reading a few chapters. There certainly will be no need for sleeping pills for me!
Stay tuned...the weekend is coming!
I'm getting ready for another bit of fun in my class: starting our research proposal. Yes, like true NINR researchers, our group is refining our plan, which will end in a research project. I read and read more last night and when I went to read tonight, I realized I left my paperwork at work.
At least, I didn't forget the textbook. Now, I'll stop here so I can start reading a few chapters. There certainly will be no need for sleeping pills for me!
Stay tuned...the weekend is coming!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A little early Halloween antics
Yes, it's been going on lately, but I just have to wonder with the pre-Halloween antics going on at the Hotel. What do you get? A dash of irony in it all...
1. Convince one of your patients not to distribute his candy to everyone. He's really proud of it.
2. We get a "prank call" at the nurses' station that one of our people has fallen in the lobby. We investigate and find no person in the lobby. Turns out it wasn't a prank. The other rehab unit's lobby (on the other side of the building) was the place and yes, one of their people did go down...for you guessed it, trying to pick up candy he/she dropped to the floor. Moral of the story: new amputee + wheelchair + stuff out of reach often equals a tumble.
3. And the best one yet to close....Dr. Z., one of our internists kept telling Mr. C. he should not eat the Halloween candy he got recently. So what does Dr. Z. order on today's round of tests...a HgbA1c and gives him a bag of his favorite mini candy bars.
Oh, I foresee a boo-tiful time in the Hotel until Halloween! More to come...
1. Convince one of your patients not to distribute his candy to everyone. He's really proud of it.
2. We get a "prank call" at the nurses' station that one of our people has fallen in the lobby. We investigate and find no person in the lobby. Turns out it wasn't a prank. The other rehab unit's lobby (on the other side of the building) was the place and yes, one of their people did go down...for you guessed it, trying to pick up candy he/she dropped to the floor. Moral of the story: new amputee + wheelchair + stuff out of reach often equals a tumble.
3. And the best one yet to close....Dr. Z., one of our internists kept telling Mr. C. he should not eat the Halloween candy he got recently. So what does Dr. Z. order on today's round of tests...a HgbA1c and gives him a bag of his favorite mini candy bars.
Oh, I foresee a boo-tiful time in the Hotel until Halloween! More to come...
Monday, October 11, 2010
Is this week over yet?
Not quite...I'm happy it's Monday, but with the week to come, it will be no stroll in the park here. No sirree.
Things could be worse though...I could end up on a years long ocean voyage and miss my intended target like this guy.
Better regroup with another cup of coffee... more to come.
Things could be worse though...I could end up on a years long ocean voyage and miss my intended target like this guy.
Better regroup with another cup of coffee... more to come.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Happening in threes, fours?
First, in September, Michael Douglas reveals he has a head/neck cancer.
Next, Head Nurse jo tells us about her own cancer diagnosis.
Then, she tells us about another blogger who also has a rule out oral cancer test coming up.
And lo and behold, today, a story on Yahoo! says Tony Gwynn has a salivary gland cancer.
Folks, please pay attention. What can you do? Don't miss your next dentist appointment and screening. If something feels funny, check it out with your favorite health care provider.
Next, Head Nurse jo tells us about her own cancer diagnosis.
Then, she tells us about another blogger who also has a rule out oral cancer test coming up.
And lo and behold, today, a story on Yahoo! says Tony Gwynn has a salivary gland cancer.
Folks, please pay attention. What can you do? Don't miss your next dentist appointment and screening. If something feels funny, check it out with your favorite health care provider.
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