The fact the Manglement insisted on having a conference call about winter weather was not unusual.
The fact that the main agenda item was what it means to show up for "regularly scheduled work hours" is a whole, 'nother ballgame.
I guess if we did not have so many people call out during winter weather, the PHBs would not have to get all excited over everything.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The joys of winter
A new week is ready to begin and I see a mess coming on. Why, you ask?
The infamous Alberta Clipper will be sailing back to RehabLand and bringing more ice and snow with it. So tomorrow morning, I look forward to a bumper crop of phone calls to reschedule all the appointments for a good chunk of this week.
Spring will not get here soon enough.
The infamous Alberta Clipper will be sailing back to RehabLand and bringing more ice and snow with it. So tomorrow morning, I look forward to a bumper crop of phone calls to reschedule all the appointments for a good chunk of this week.
Spring will not get here soon enough.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Counting down
I really am torn. I am counting down the number of days until my return to the Hotel. I like certain aspects of working in the SU, but despise others. It is cleaner in a clinic environment, and relatively quieter. I like having an office, even if it's passed through constantly because the office printer, much of the supplies as well and microwave and refrigerator are in there. Frankly, if my cohort needs a vacation when the doc is not going, I'd be happy to come back.
A few of my Hotel cohorts were at S's retirement party the other day. "We're ready for you to come back," the charge nurse said. "We're just spread thin, and we need you. So many new people are getting oriented and they're just not there yet." It's nice to feel wanted, even if the return will not be welcomed by all.
In between all of this, I found a great article about writing poetry. I have been collecting snippets of thoughts here and there. Maybe one of these days I can put them all together and publish some.
More later...
A few of my Hotel cohorts were at S's retirement party the other day. "We're ready for you to come back," the charge nurse said. "We're just spread thin, and we need you. So many new people are getting oriented and they're just not there yet." It's nice to feel wanted, even if the return will not be welcomed by all.
In between all of this, I found a great article about writing poetry. I have been collecting snippets of thoughts here and there. Maybe one of these days I can put them all together and publish some.
More later...
Friday, January 28, 2011
Things to do on your day off
1. Get kid a passport. Bubba can't go see Uncle Fester's neighbors in Canada if he doesn't have one. It doesn't take an Act of Congress, but you do need both parents, random identity documents and about 105 bucks.
2. See old friends. Giacomo needed an excuse to play hooky from work on a January thaw kind of day, so he stayed and had coffee with the crew today. Gave me some excellent pieces of advice. Also told lots of stories. Many good laughs were had by all.
3. Run around and do errands. I had to do a few things I don't normally do, so I got them done.
4. Prepare for the all-out monster party for Bubba, since we had to postpone the last one due to snow. I'm just glad he left the goodie bags alone...for the moment.
2. See old friends. Giacomo needed an excuse to play hooky from work on a January thaw kind of day, so he stayed and had coffee with the crew today. Gave me some excellent pieces of advice. Also told lots of stories. Many good laughs were had by all.
3. Run around and do errands. I had to do a few things I don't normally do, so I got them done.
4. Prepare for the all-out monster party for Bubba, since we had to postpone the last one due to snow. I'm just glad he left the goodie bags alone...for the moment.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
What do you think?
Patient X comes in doubled over for a visit to the SU, with wifey in tow. (She was so sweet and found a wheelchair).
Patient has full set of vitals suggesting he was seriously in pain (high BP, heart rate, etc.) He's consistently doubled over no matter what you do. Doc takes him and works him up. Basically, he's got the back from hell and needs neurosurgery, but at Madison, you only get it on the schedule. Our doc's suggestion: take Patient X to ER at Washington, our sister hospital. Wifey listens and away he goes.
Twenty minutes later, patient shows up at ER, vitals taken, still looks the same.
Another twenty minutes later, ER docs discharge Mr. X. Doc notices in the notes, he got his Dilaudid and was on his way.
It just makes me scratch my head...
Patient has full set of vitals suggesting he was seriously in pain (high BP, heart rate, etc.) He's consistently doubled over no matter what you do. Doc takes him and works him up. Basically, he's got the back from hell and needs neurosurgery, but at Madison, you only get it on the schedule. Our doc's suggestion: take Patient X to ER at Washington, our sister hospital. Wifey listens and away he goes.
Twenty minutes later, patient shows up at ER, vitals taken, still looks the same.
Another twenty minutes later, ER docs discharge Mr. X. Doc notices in the notes, he got his Dilaudid and was on his way.
It just makes me scratch my head...
Mr. D would have loved this
One of my patients raised and raced pigeons in his youth as a hobby. Animals are fascinating!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Ah, memories...
Say it ain't so! My favorite cooking column is going bye-bye.
I have flashbacks (all good ones) when I hear the lines below from this song. Amazingly, I heard it recently while I was getting my hair cut.
She was a be-bop baby at the union hall/
She could dance all night/
And shake the paint off the wall.
I have flashbacks (all good ones) when I hear the lines below from this song. Amazingly, I heard it recently while I was getting my hair cut.
She was a be-bop baby at the union hall/
She could dance all night/
And shake the paint off the wall.
The last laugh
This is for all those nurse hobbyists out there. Keep at it. Even if you never get recognition in your lifetime for the things you do for fun now, someone may thank you later.
Nabakov's butterfly theory is vindicated (from www.nytimes.com)
Now back to work on my knitting!
Nabakov's butterfly theory is vindicated (from www.nytimes.com)
Now back to work on my knitting!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Good excuses
Here are some really good excuses to miss your appointment with your specialist. (some I had lately).
1. You have horrible diarrhea. I am a nurse, but so happy you're not coming in today.
2. You're currently in the ICU (happened to two people lately) which leads to ...
3. You're on a vent. I really believe ABCs apply here.
3. You're on major antibiotics. We can't perform that procedure you want when that happens.
4. You're still on a (name any) major blood thinner. I'm not talking aspirin, folks. If you're on Plavix, Coumadin, Ticlid or a couple of others, we can't work on you, either.
Yet, even with these good ones, there are the run-of-the-mill ones, not so good ones, too.
1. I'm in too much pain.
2. I'm not in pain, so I don't need to come anymore (which is followed up by a call in one week...)
3. The weather is too bad (like it never snows here) or
4. It's too nice to go sit in a doctor's office.
5. Amnesia is always a good excuse. One recently drove the doc nuts. "Well, I was late (missed) because I was at the (fill in the blank) party getting a free lunch."
I'm stopping the list here, but I'm sure all of you office folks get some really good ones.
Stay tuned....more to come.
1. You have horrible diarrhea. I am a nurse, but so happy you're not coming in today.
2. You're currently in the ICU (happened to two people lately) which leads to ...
3. You're on a vent. I really believe ABCs apply here.
3. You're on major antibiotics. We can't perform that procedure you want when that happens.
4. You're still on a (name any) major blood thinner. I'm not talking aspirin, folks. If you're on Plavix, Coumadin, Ticlid or a couple of others, we can't work on you, either.
Yet, even with these good ones, there are the run-of-the-mill ones, not so good ones, too.
1. I'm in too much pain.
2. I'm not in pain, so I don't need to come anymore (which is followed up by a call in one week...)
3. The weather is too bad (like it never snows here) or
4. It's too nice to go sit in a doctor's office.
5. Amnesia is always a good excuse. One recently drove the doc nuts. "Well, I was late (missed) because I was at the (fill in the blank) party getting a free lunch."
I'm stopping the list here, but I'm sure all of you office folks get some really good ones.
Stay tuned....more to come.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Should I stay or should I go...
The news today: ice, ice, ice everywhere.
Hence the reason that Clash song is reverberating in my head...decisions, decisions.
Hence the reason that Clash song is reverberating in my head...decisions, decisions.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Livin' large
So large, in fact, that the famous doormat almost didn't fit where I wanted it. Nothing like a little creative furniture rearranging. It couldn't have happened at a better time, either. We've got predictions for more snow.
Class starts this week. Back to reading and writing papers. It has been a joy reading whatever I wanted this whole time. I'm still reading a TBI book (which, incidentally I bought before the Tucson shootings) which makes a lot of the reading more relevant.
Back to the Sunday paper and more coffee. My time is winding down in the SU, so I have to make the best of every moment. Thankfully, it's a short week for me this week. Hooray!
Stay tuned...
Class starts this week. Back to reading and writing papers. It has been a joy reading whatever I wanted this whole time. I'm still reading a TBI book (which, incidentally I bought before the Tucson shootings) which makes a lot of the reading more relevant.
Back to the Sunday paper and more coffee. My time is winding down in the SU, so I have to make the best of every moment. Thankfully, it's a short week for me this week. Hooray!
Stay tuned...
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
The good and the bad
Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely. ~Auguste Rodin
Yes, another week has gone by and my time in the SU is growing short. I'm trying to keep everything running smoothly, but as usual, it's a balancing act. Sometimes you feel like one of those acrobats with all the plates spinning and they will come crashing down if you need to scratch your nose for one lousy second.
The escape plan is coming together. The boss is so excited about it he/she is telling me about the closet, I mean office, I'll get if I hop through all the hoops of the hiring process. It won't be anywhere near my traveling partner (which would be ideal), but I won't have to deal with the psycho secretary or even be in the same building.
And on top of this excitement, we have the rescheduling issues now that winter's been dumping snow in RehabLand. A lot of our patients in pain won't come out when it snows. I'm trying to remember that you win some, and lose some. Not much I can do about the weather.
Here's hoping the Alberta clipper will stay in Alberta for a while! I can dream, can't I?
More to come...
Yes, another week has gone by and my time in the SU is growing short. I'm trying to keep everything running smoothly, but as usual, it's a balancing act. Sometimes you feel like one of those acrobats with all the plates spinning and they will come crashing down if you need to scratch your nose for one lousy second.
The escape plan is coming together. The boss is so excited about it he/she is telling me about the closet, I mean office, I'll get if I hop through all the hoops of the hiring process. It won't be anywhere near my traveling partner (which would be ideal), but I won't have to deal with the psycho secretary or even be in the same building.
And on top of this excitement, we have the rescheduling issues now that winter's been dumping snow in RehabLand. A lot of our patients in pain won't come out when it snows. I'm trying to remember that you win some, and lose some. Not much I can do about the weather.
Here's hoping the Alberta clipper will stay in Alberta for a while! I can dream, can't I?
More to come...
Kids and snow
Who'd think a box full of Frosty could make a bunch of kids this excited? I would have never guessed that Frosty could even come close to making it on a long flight.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Happy Birthday Bubba
Not that long ago, you were born on a snowy, early morning. And today, it's surely looks the same.
Today's presents are a snow day and lots of books and games you love. The party starts today, even if I have to go to work.
Happy Birthday Bubba. I love you.
Momma
Today's presents are a snow day and lots of books and games you love. The party starts today, even if I have to go to work.
Happy Birthday Bubba. I love you.
Momma
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
How I live
In spite of some of the crap I had to deal with today, it wasn't as crazy as usual this Wednesday. Our RPIA (Royal Pain In the Arse) secretary actually scheduled the right amount of people. This is the first time this year. She, as usual, copped an attitude when I asked her to do something that was clearly her job. I'm just trying to make documentation of her errors easier to do. I would like to spend more time being an RN rather than a secretary babysitter.
On another crap note, the big boss attended our monthly meeting and determined that crap was the word of the day in reference to said secretary. Boss has his/her own plans on replacements, but not sure if/when that will ever happen.
So despite not having to deal with actual live crap in the SU like on the floor, it's mainly a mental exercise in living well. Do little things with great love I've read (according to Mother Teresa), so I realized that's how I survive.
This week Bubba and I visited Giacomo and got him a diet-friendly present that doesn't elevate his blood sugar. He was pleasantly surprised. Parts of it will even last until the Super Bowl rolls around.
When we weren't shopping for our friends, Bubba got his store-bought cupcakes to take to his evening class and some for school tomorrow. I packed his presents and if there's no snow, he'll trudge off again with his cupcakes and goodies.
Finally, I really despise when our clerks let our older patients roam around and be in the wrong place. One patient was in our office waiting for an appointment that was clear across campus. (No one knew why he was still sitting there). I found out and called the other office. Even though Mr. X. was late (and some clinics cancel you if you're over 15 minutes late), they said they'd take him, since he was on the way. Score one for the little old character and the good people in the other campus clinic.
It made me think of this quote from Von Ryan's Express, an old war movie I liked as a kid, with Frank Sinatra, Trevor Howard and Edward Mulhare.
Maj. Eric Fincham: I once told you Ryan, if only one gets out, it's a victory.
Stay tuned....
On another crap note, the big boss attended our monthly meeting and determined that crap was the word of the day in reference to said secretary. Boss has his/her own plans on replacements, but not sure if/when that will ever happen.
So despite not having to deal with actual live crap in the SU like on the floor, it's mainly a mental exercise in living well. Do little things with great love I've read (according to Mother Teresa), so I realized that's how I survive.
This week Bubba and I visited Giacomo and got him a diet-friendly present that doesn't elevate his blood sugar. He was pleasantly surprised. Parts of it will even last until the Super Bowl rolls around.
When we weren't shopping for our friends, Bubba got his store-bought cupcakes to take to his evening class and some for school tomorrow. I packed his presents and if there's no snow, he'll trudge off again with his cupcakes and goodies.
Finally, I really despise when our clerks let our older patients roam around and be in the wrong place. One patient was in our office waiting for an appointment that was clear across campus. (No one knew why he was still sitting there). I found out and called the other office. Even though Mr. X. was late (and some clinics cancel you if you're over 15 minutes late), they said they'd take him, since he was on the way. Score one for the little old character and the good people in the other campus clinic.
It made me think of this quote from Von Ryan's Express, an old war movie I liked as a kid, with Frank Sinatra, Trevor Howard and Edward Mulhare.
Maj. Eric Fincham: I once told you Ryan, if only one gets out, it's a victory.
Stay tuned....
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A little happy fellow
Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne
A little boy at my house is happy tonight. An evening spent at the local bookstore meeting his favorite author did the trick.
So much fun with all those kids, and no hassles.
Yes, there is much happiness at our house!
A little boy at my house is happy tonight. An evening spent at the local bookstore meeting his favorite author did the trick.
So much fun with all those kids, and no hassles.
Yes, there is much happiness at our house!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Gonna need more hair dye
The excitement around my house is just turning me white. Dahey has tests scheduled for late this week, so I'll be busy turning white waiting for the results.
And crossing my fingers, toes, stoking the prayer lines and lighting candles.
Stay tuned....
And crossing my fingers, toes, stoking the prayer lines and lighting candles.
Stay tuned....
In the news
I'm off today celebrating MLK Day with Bubba, who incidentally, was born on one holiday himself. He's having a grand old time, shopping, buying stuff, and being a little kid playing video games.
We've already been shopping, to Starbucks, and visited Giacomo and his crew, since today really is his birthday.
So while he's busy being a kid, I get to sit down and relax, which means reading away on the trusty computer. Here are some items of interest.
And, in the spirit of the MLK holiday, check out this YouTube montage, complete with Stevie Wonder's Happy Birthday to ya.
Enjoy your day, wherever you may be.
We've already been shopping, to Starbucks, and visited Giacomo and his crew, since today really is his birthday.
So while he's busy being a kid, I get to sit down and relax, which means reading away on the trusty computer. Here are some items of interest.
- The perils of the world's most famous liver transplant patient. I cannot imagine ruining financial markets if I called in sick. Just shows you how important (or not) some people are.
- Yes, it's not life or death, but I enjoy reading report cards like this one after the Golden Globes.
- And if you thought your employers dress code was crazy, at least they didn't mandate what color underwear you could wear, like UBS. Thankfully, in the spirit of the New Year, they've decided to rethink things. Just one word...duh!
- What's for dinner? I spend a lot of time looking for recipes online, so I'm especially ecstatic when I find ones I can make quickly. Check out this article on how to make some different and new meals by putting together a few items.
And, in the spirit of the MLK holiday, check out this YouTube montage, complete with Stevie Wonder's Happy Birthday to ya.
Enjoy your day, wherever you may be.
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