Well, the last, official holiday weekend of summer is finally here. It doesn't feel like it though.
The temperatures are still hot enough for Bubba to jump in Mr. Smith's pool down the road, and too hot to let WildDog lounge in the grass, lying in wait for the mailman.
I've been busy doing all the stuff I didn't get done yet since I got back from the conference. Labor Day really is a laboring holiday for me.
Enjoy your Labor Day whether you labor on the floor or at home. Will raise my cold, frosty glass for you all! Cheers.
Stay tuned!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Hurry up and go
Survived my presentation, survived my interrogation, er, interview for the SU.
Now to enjoy the rest of this conference and the long Labor Day weekend.
More later
Now to enjoy the rest of this conference and the long Labor Day weekend.
More later
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Professional generosity
Some days it doesn't seem like there is any in the world, but I know there is. I was doing research for my class at LocalStateU, and found a commentary that made me think of my advisor.
As a result, I sent her a note (and one to the author of the op-ed). They both replied. Looks like I'll be spreading the love in a blog for students soon at my advisor's request.
Giving and receiving seems to be an infinite circle. Don't forget to share some generosity yourself today.
More later...
As a result, I sent her a note (and one to the author of the op-ed). They both replied. Looks like I'll be spreading the love in a blog for students soon at my advisor's request.
Giving and receiving seems to be an infinite circle. Don't forget to share some generosity yourself today.
More later...
Saturday, August 24, 2013
The perils of the modern student
I thought it was dangerous NOT to bring a notebook and pen to class when I went to PrivateU. Most of the time we got handouts of every professor's PowerPoint presentation.
One day, the copier broke. You'd have thought the world ended with some of the kids (yes, because they were much younger than me) went into hysterics."Go to the computer room and ask them if you can borrow some paper." I said. (I had my own and a laptop to take notes.)
After several students were peeled off the lecture hall ceiling, they got their wits and got the paper.
So tonight as I'm going through my homework for the latest class, I realize that I bought two e-books this semester because I waited too long to order the real ones.
Well, how on earth do you reference your citations in perfect APA format if you don't have page numbers? Thanks to my dear Google (aka the lifesaver) I found the answer. Yes, people, the APA folks have known about this for years already.
Welcome to the 21st century, RehabRN. I like my e-books. They are a lot lighter than the real ones!
That is all...back to homework. Enjoy your weekend no matter where you are.
One day, the copier broke. You'd have thought the world ended with some of the kids (yes, because they were much younger than me) went into hysterics."Go to the computer room and ask them if you can borrow some paper." I said. (I had my own and a laptop to take notes.)
After several students were peeled off the lecture hall ceiling, they got their wits and got the paper.
So tonight as I'm going through my homework for the latest class, I realize that I bought two e-books this semester because I waited too long to order the real ones.
Well, how on earth do you reference your citations in perfect APA format if you don't have page numbers? Thanks to my dear Google (aka the lifesaver) I found the answer. Yes, people, the APA folks have known about this for years already.
Welcome to the 21st century, RehabRN. I like my e-books. They are a lot lighter than the real ones!
That is all...back to homework. Enjoy your weekend no matter where you are.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Nursery rhyme time
Reading the random stories in the news around the internet made me think of some childhood nursing rhymes.
On again, off again, jiggety jig
Just when you get your stolen motorcycle back, it's stolen again.
Not a rhyme but feeling like a kid
Who would think there is a market for an adult Big Wheel?
Modern times
Kids can now learn to read from a tablet.
Enjoy your adventures wherever you roam!
On again, off again, jiggety jig
Just when you get your stolen motorcycle back, it's stolen again.
Not a rhyme but feeling like a kid
Who would think there is a market for an adult Big Wheel?
Modern times
Kids can now learn to read from a tablet.
Enjoy your adventures wherever you roam!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Coping mechanisms
To be a nurse, you need to know how to handle the pressure of day-to-day silliness.
My methods:
1. Chocolate. Eat the dark stuff with less sugar and fiber (okay, it still has fat, but you need fiber, right?)
2. Coffee. I don't care if they tell me it will kill me this week. Last week, they said it was my best source of antioxidants.
3. Regular pedicures. Yes, you are only as happy as your feet are (said more than one old pro nurse I know!) Hot pink toes make me happy.
That is all. Enjoy your night wherever you area!
My methods:
1. Chocolate. Eat the dark stuff with less sugar and fiber (okay, it still has fat, but you need fiber, right?)
2. Coffee. I don't care if they tell me it will kill me this week. Last week, they said it was my best source of antioxidants.
3. Regular pedicures. Yes, you are only as happy as your feet are (said more than one old pro nurse I know!) Hot pink toes make me happy.
That is all. Enjoy your night wherever you area!
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
I thought it was a crank call
I got a call recently that I almost blew off.
By mistake, our switchboard operator sent me a call meant for the lady next door. Our patient, Mr. Z. raved and raved about her. She was just the best and gave me her card, but I lost it, he said, so they transferred me to you.
I tried to get out that I was not the person he was looking for, but Mr. Z. said, "That's okay. If you can help me later by telling her, I'm fine."
So I listened.
Mr. Z. had been a patient in the last year and really enjoyed his stay. He was in the building next door. They offered him stuff to take home, but he declined saying, "Oh, I don't really need it. I'd rather help someone else." During the call, Mr. Z said, "I'm dying of cancer. I'm in hospice. I'd just like that lady to send me one of those recreation kits I told her I didn't want when I was there."
I verified his story. It was all true. I was mortified that I thought this guy was a prankster. I promised Mr. Z. I'd take care of what he needed and call her myself. She wasn't there, so I sent a quick e-mail.
She replied. The kits went out in the mail today and she called to let him know. One phone call leads to one e-mail to one package in the mail.
One last request and I could have blown it, but I got a reprieve, and in a crazy chain of events, I helped make a dying man's dream come true.
Wow...
By mistake, our switchboard operator sent me a call meant for the lady next door. Our patient, Mr. Z. raved and raved about her. She was just the best and gave me her card, but I lost it, he said, so they transferred me to you.
I tried to get out that I was not the person he was looking for, but Mr. Z. said, "That's okay. If you can help me later by telling her, I'm fine."
So I listened.
Mr. Z. had been a patient in the last year and really enjoyed his stay. He was in the building next door. They offered him stuff to take home, but he declined saying, "Oh, I don't really need it. I'd rather help someone else." During the call, Mr. Z said, "I'm dying of cancer. I'm in hospice. I'd just like that lady to send me one of those recreation kits I told her I didn't want when I was there."
I verified his story. It was all true. I was mortified that I thought this guy was a prankster. I promised Mr. Z. I'd take care of what he needed and call her myself. She wasn't there, so I sent a quick e-mail.
She replied. The kits went out in the mail today and she called to let him know. One phone call leads to one e-mail to one package in the mail.
One last request and I could have blown it, but I got a reprieve, and in a crazy chain of events, I helped make a dying man's dream come true.
Wow...
Monday, August 19, 2013
Adieu to one of the best
Kim from Emergiblog has hung up the closing sign.
Thanks Kim for giving us some of the best of the nursing blogosphere posts and for bringing Change of Shift to life.
Best wishes on your next adventures in RL!
Thanks Kim for giving us some of the best of the nursing blogosphere posts and for bringing Change of Shift to life.
Best wishes on your next adventures in RL!
Yes, it's coming!
Whatever you want to call this month's full moon, it's here.I should have known it when I got to work and my day started off smoothly.
The rest of it, got wild and crazy.
First, I got a lot of strange requests, and those were just from the people who came to my door. We had orientation in our conference room, so we always have those lost souls looking for the conference room.
Next, our doc had his clinic in the SU. One of his characters, after a procedure, decided to sit outside my office and say, "I don't feel so hot. Can you get me some candy?" He thought his blood sugar was low so one of the nurses took his blood sugar, then another got him candy. He bounced up, and our clinic RN checked him out.
Why didn't I do this? I was managing a few other fires:
1. A meeting for one of our patients was abruptly cancelled when one of the interdisciplinary team members didn't show up for work. No one knew until the last minute. It's always a joy rearranging schedules for people eight hours driving distance from you who won't answer phone or e-mail messages before you leave.
2. Another patient thought he had an appointment, while our sugar guy lounged on the chairs in the lobby. Nope, I told the therapist, I'll have to talk to him later.
3. Finally, a few minutes later, when I thought all was finally quieted down, I had to take a family over to another unit, because they were picking up a discharged family member. They had just driven in from far away and their relative was wondering if they ditched him because they ended up in our end of the Hotel, instead of his.
All went well after that. One of the nurses I know from one of our other clinics came to see me. We had a nice chat and I showed her all the stuff. She enjoyed it.
I was so happy to leave. Now I just have to wait for the full moon to be over...more to come!
The rest of it, got wild and crazy.
First, I got a lot of strange requests, and those were just from the people who came to my door. We had orientation in our conference room, so we always have those lost souls looking for the conference room.
Next, our doc had his clinic in the SU. One of his characters, after a procedure, decided to sit outside my office and say, "I don't feel so hot. Can you get me some candy?" He thought his blood sugar was low so one of the nurses took his blood sugar, then another got him candy. He bounced up, and our clinic RN checked him out.
Why didn't I do this? I was managing a few other fires:
1. A meeting for one of our patients was abruptly cancelled when one of the interdisciplinary team members didn't show up for work. No one knew until the last minute. It's always a joy rearranging schedules for people eight hours driving distance from you who won't answer phone or e-mail messages before you leave.
2. Another patient thought he had an appointment, while our sugar guy lounged on the chairs in the lobby. Nope, I told the therapist, I'll have to talk to him later.
3. Finally, a few minutes later, when I thought all was finally quieted down, I had to take a family over to another unit, because they were picking up a discharged family member. They had just driven in from far away and their relative was wondering if they ditched him because they ended up in our end of the Hotel, instead of his.
All went well after that. One of the nurses I know from one of our other clinics came to see me. We had a nice chat and I showed her all the stuff. She enjoyed it.
I was so happy to leave. Now I just have to wait for the full moon to be over...more to come!
Great article about racism at work
“There’s something wrong,” Dr. Jain said, “when a person can go to work,
be subject to intolerance or abuse and have it be ignored and accepted
by colleagues as part of the job.”
Well said, Dr. Jain, well said.
Been there, done that. If we, as healthcare providers, have to provide services to you 24/7, you'd better get some manners, or feel free to go AMA if you don't like our services.
Stay tuned...
Well said, Dr. Jain, well said.
Been there, done that. If we, as healthcare providers, have to provide services to you 24/7, you'd better get some manners, or feel free to go AMA if you don't like our services.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Real life ethical dilemmas
I've been following this story intermittently, and I thought it was quite telling that it took so much effort to get to the bottom of it.
Sometimes it's very frustrating to see things happen for ego stroking and for money.
Scary...
Sometimes it's very frustrating to see things happen for ego stroking and for money.
Scary...
Today's Sunday stealing
Ahh, the fun of random questions. I answered a few of the bunch here this weekend.
Enjoy your day wherever you are!
What was the last thing you watched on television?
The news. Yes, I'm boring. And sports. (My kid is an ESPN junkie).
How old will you be in 12 months?
Really old...40 something.
Do you sleep naked?
Every once in a while.
Have you ever held hands with someone in a car?
Yes, all the time. I'm old fashioned.
Could you go the rest of your life without smoking a cigarette?
Yes, I have so far...so I'm keeping up my streak.
What do you say during awkward silences?
I learned to count to 10, then breathe.
When will you next see the last person you texted?
Probably Monday. I text our technical staff at work all the time because the cell signal in my building is wacky.
Honestly, when is the last time you have been to Texas?
2010 for a conference and to see some friends. Can't wait to go back for another conference, hopefully next year in big D where my high school friend now lives. We try to meet whenever we're in each other's neck of the woods, although, I made her drive to San Antonio last time.
Enjoy your day wherever you are!
What was the last thing you watched on television?
The news. Yes, I'm boring. And sports. (My kid is an ESPN junkie).
How old will you be in 12 months?
Really old...40 something.
Do you sleep naked?
Every once in a while.
Have you ever held hands with someone in a car?
Yes, all the time. I'm old fashioned.
Could you go the rest of your life without smoking a cigarette?
Yes, I have so far...so I'm keeping up my streak.
What do you say during awkward silences?
I learned to count to 10, then breathe.
When will you next see the last person you texted?
Probably Monday. I text our technical staff at work all the time because the cell signal in my building is wacky.
Honestly, when is the last time you have been to Texas?
2010 for a conference and to see some friends. Can't wait to go back for another conference, hopefully next year in big D where my high school friend now lives. We try to meet whenever we're in each other's neck of the woods, although, I made her drive to San Antonio last time.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
You know you're back in nursing school if...
1. You need to provide your immunization record to take one online course. No exceptions.
Hope I don't give anyone a communicable disease.
I was exempted from the meningitis shot, though, since I don't live on campus.
That is all...more to come.
Back to reading!
Hope I don't give anyone a communicable disease.
I was exempted from the meningitis shot, though, since I don't live on campus.
That is all...more to come.
Back to reading!
Friday, August 16, 2013
You have to wonder
So many ponderables in life...
1. How people really think they can counterfeit (or adulterate) something like food or drugs and no one will know?
2. How many people will really believe this dog is a lion?
or finally,
3. How you can recently win one of the biggest sporting events ever then give it up after a loss in Cincinnati? (No offense to R. and all my friends there)
Just wondering...
1. How people really think they can counterfeit (or adulterate) something like food or drugs and no one will know?
2. How many people will really believe this dog is a lion?
or finally,
3. How you can recently win one of the biggest sporting events ever then give it up after a loss in Cincinnati? (No offense to R. and all my friends there)
Just wondering...
Thursday, August 15, 2013
I needed a laugh
And the Shaming section on Little White Lion provided it today. Thanks to my old nursing clinical instructor J.
Ah, memories of WildDog in his youth, running up and snatching bread, muffins and potato chips off the counter tops, before any humans would find them.
He was (and still is) smart. Leave him unattended, and he'll steal the stuff when he figures that you're gone to work for the day.
May none of your pets end up eating anything too messy or expensive!
Stay tuned...
Ah, memories of WildDog in his youth, running up and snatching bread, muffins and potato chips off the counter tops, before any humans would find them.
He was (and still is) smart. Leave him unattended, and he'll steal the stuff when he figures that you're gone to work for the day.
May none of your pets end up eating anything too messy or expensive!
Stay tuned...
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Gratitude
When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.~ Gilbert K. Chesterton
I thought of this when I heard the news that one of the nurses at work lost her home in an early morning fire the other day. I was wondering why I didn't see her at work. She and her family got out with the clothes on their backs and nothing else.
We had a staff meeting recently and the conversation started to get heated. Finally, the manager calmed things down. It was about time. It took a JC visit to get things going and for people to realize that it's really about the patients, and not us. It's important we do a good job so we continue to have patients to take care of at the Hotel.
Finally, I saw my late coworker's wife and children for the first time since the funeral at the elementary school in town at a back to school night. They looked happy, lots of kids ran around, and there were popsicles.
Just another reminder to be grateful and have an attitude of gratitude.
I thought of this when I heard the news that one of the nurses at work lost her home in an early morning fire the other day. I was wondering why I didn't see her at work. She and her family got out with the clothes on their backs and nothing else.
We had a staff meeting recently and the conversation started to get heated. Finally, the manager calmed things down. It was about time. It took a JC visit to get things going and for people to realize that it's really about the patients, and not us. It's important we do a good job so we continue to have patients to take care of at the Hotel.
Finally, I saw my late coworker's wife and children for the first time since the funeral at the elementary school in town at a back to school night. They looked happy, lots of kids ran around, and there were popsicles.
Just another reminder to be grateful and have an attitude of gratitude.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Crazy day x 2
Monday, August 12, 2013
Battered and bullied...
No matter what I did, it was not enough for that crazy MD I worked with today.
So glad Monday is over!
So glad Monday is over!
Heard on the unit...
I love M and Em, two of our RNs who work weekends. They both have a hilarious sense of humor. M works AM 12 hour shifts and Em works the PM ones. M came from a gero unit, and Em came to the Hotel from a cardiac ICU at an academic medical center where they do groundbreaking stuff, including chilling folks after heart attacks.
So this is a story M told me about what happened recently when she answered a call light for Mr. X., one of our regulars.
M: Good morning can I help you your call light is on?
Patient X: Yeah how the hell do I check out of this swanky hotel!!
M: As soon as you are able to walk out of here. (Patient is paralyzed and has been for many years)
Patient X: Hell, if I could have done that I would have stiffed this bill long ago.
Yes, just another day at the Hotel. Sometimes, I miss working the weekends, but not always.
Stay tuned!
So this is a story M told me about what happened recently when she answered a call light for Mr. X., one of our regulars.
M: Good morning can I help you your call light is on?
Patient X: Yeah how the hell do I check out of this swanky hotel!!
M: As soon as you are able to walk out of here. (Patient is paralyzed and has been for many years)
Patient X: Hell, if I could have done that I would have stiffed this bill long ago.
Yes, just another day at the Hotel. Sometimes, I miss working the weekends, but not always.
Stay tuned!
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