I have had many therapeutic conversations with my friend, the Pharmacist out Yonder. We have always had some interesting stories from work.
As usual, she tops me again, even when I told her about her old neighbor's not-really-a-surprise-party-anymore surprise party my traveling partner's been planning. (Drat!)
She had to call a doctor recently to get a prior authorization for a certain antipsychotic med dose. She clarified the prescription, found out it needed the prior authorization, and called the insurance company.
The (not so) nice people at the insurance company gave her some information, but told her the MD had to call them back.
She calls the MD to explain the situation, and he says, "I'm not really in the mood to call the insurance company for that."
Really? I said. How can he NOT be in the mood?
I think I'd promptly be in the mood to find another doctor.
That is all...hope you enjoy your day wherever you are.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Any day now...
Yes, the term (and the summer) will soon be over.
I won't miss the school part. Teaching has been a learning experience for me: lots of work for even less pay. That is all I will say.
Bubba and Dahey had a good time on our road trip, even though Bubba acted as if he had strep throat again (thank goodness he tested negative). I have had enough of communicable diseases, thank you very much!
We had fun traipsing around a historic playground, doing things we never do at home, and vegetating and enjoying nature. It was fun. I wish I would have felt like writing, because it would have been perfect.
One more class. A couple more days. I will perservere...and enjoy.
Stay tuned!
I won't miss the school part. Teaching has been a learning experience for me: lots of work for even less pay. That is all I will say.
Bubba and Dahey had a good time on our road trip, even though Bubba acted as if he had strep throat again (thank goodness he tested negative). I have had enough of communicable diseases, thank you very much!
We had fun traipsing around a historic playground, doing things we never do at home, and vegetating and enjoying nature. It was fun. I wish I would have felt like writing, because it would have been perfect.
One more class. A couple more days. I will perservere...and enjoy.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Unearthing myself
Yes, I've been buried. Being an instructor at MegaCorp College really is a lot of work (even if it's only one class.)
Besides my seven login accounts, I got surprised with advising duties recently. Yes, I know, most smart schools only allow the crack, full-time professors to advise students, but since MCC is a check the box kind of school, I got tasked with "advising" students.
What, you ask, did I have to do?
1. I decided to read my e-mail before class and I found out I had to complete this task by the end of the week. Since that was the last day of my week, it became a priority.
2. When I discussed it with a student who came early, and showed her the form, she had never seen it.
3. I showed each student their grade to date in the learning management system. The midterm was ugly. Had I not used the analysis to throw out questions, I would have had even more Fs.
4. With the analysis, I just had more work (adding points back). Depending on the student, I had the potential to add back 36 points out of 200.
5. Thankfully, most of the students came back after the midterm. Still have a couple of stragglers. Will see how that goes.
Thanks for listening. I'll be escaping (literally and figuratively) to a remote town known only to famous authors. I'll be hiding out doing nothing, except enjoying some time with Dahey and Bubba. It should be fun.
Until next time...stay tuned for more educational adventures.
Besides my seven login accounts, I got surprised with advising duties recently. Yes, I know, most smart schools only allow the crack, full-time professors to advise students, but since MCC is a check the box kind of school, I got tasked with "advising" students.
What, you ask, did I have to do?
1. I decided to read my e-mail before class and I found out I had to complete this task by the end of the week. Since that was the last day of my week, it became a priority.
2. When I discussed it with a student who came early, and showed her the form, she had never seen it.
3. I showed each student their grade to date in the learning management system. The midterm was ugly. Had I not used the analysis to throw out questions, I would have had even more Fs.
4. With the analysis, I just had more work (adding points back). Depending on the student, I had the potential to add back 36 points out of 200.
5. Thankfully, most of the students came back after the midterm. Still have a couple of stragglers. Will see how that goes.
Thanks for listening. I'll be escaping (literally and figuratively) to a remote town known only to famous authors. I'll be hiding out doing nothing, except enjoying some time with Dahey and Bubba. It should be fun.
Until next time...stay tuned for more educational adventures.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Still alive and kicking
Yes, folks, adjunct teaching is not for sissies (or anyone who values their free time). I feel as if I've been buried beneath a ton of paperwork, which not only includes coursework, but pre and post class work (aka homework) as well as online assignments (since this is what they call a hybrid class).
I have seven log in IDs for various systems I have to interface with, including e-mail, one of three (including paper) attendance systems, two grade books and one learning management system for professors.
I am expected to call each student if they don't show up. If that doesn't work, I have to send follow-up e-mails.
To make my life even more interesting, the course management system administrator merged two sections of the class (mine and the day section) into one class. They've finally separated us, but the students are still confused.
This is a good experience...of what not to do.
Stay tuned!
I have seven log in IDs for various systems I have to interface with, including e-mail, one of three (including paper) attendance systems, two grade books and one learning management system for professors.
I am expected to call each student if they don't show up. If that doesn't work, I have to send follow-up e-mails.
To make my life even more interesting, the course management system administrator merged two sections of the class (mine and the day section) into one class. They've finally separated us, but the students are still confused.
This is a good experience...of what not to do.
Stay tuned!
Monday, July 7, 2014
It is Monday...
Boom, thunder, and now hail.
This day will certainly go out with a bang here in RehabLand, if a bunch of other storms won't get diverted.
We can only hope...
This day will certainly go out with a bang here in RehabLand, if a bunch of other storms won't get diverted.
We can only hope...
Sunday, July 6, 2014
It happens to nurses too
I saw this post on a site I venture to regularly and it just reminded me that restaurant folks aren't the only ones who get caught up in this dilemma.
One ED nurse got fired for an Instagram post.
Word to the wise: be careful out there, folks. Know and understand how to use social media approriately.
One ED nurse got fired for an Instagram post.
Word to the wise: be careful out there, folks. Know and understand how to use social media approriately.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
In the news
Since I'm taking a break, I thought I'd have a look at the latest health news.
Here are a few that caught my eye. Hope you enjoy.
What not to say (from www.cnn.com)
Um, yes, some things really ARE important enough to not be busy for, Mr. Professional Basketball Player. Cancer doesn't give a rat's (fill in your favorite anatomical part) who you are.
A hypoglycemia dilemma (from www.nytimes.com)
This interested me, because I often feel hypoglycemic. Think you can figure out this dilemma? Check it out.
A different type of dilemma if you have back pain (from webmd.com)
Steroid injections may help some folks with back pain...or not. Read more here to learn more about a recent study.
Just another reason (also webmd.com)
Please be careful with supplements! Bee pollen for weight loss could cause other potentially life-threatening conditions, even if it sounds like a good solution for you.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Happy weekend all!
Here are a few that caught my eye. Hope you enjoy.
What not to say (from www.cnn.com)
Um, yes, some things really ARE important enough to not be busy for, Mr. Professional Basketball Player. Cancer doesn't give a rat's (fill in your favorite anatomical part) who you are.
A hypoglycemia dilemma (from www.nytimes.com)
This interested me, because I often feel hypoglycemic. Think you can figure out this dilemma? Check it out.
A different type of dilemma if you have back pain (from webmd.com)
Steroid injections may help some folks with back pain...or not. Read more here to learn more about a recent study.
Just another reason (also webmd.com)
Please be careful with supplements! Bee pollen for weight loss could cause other potentially life-threatening conditions, even if it sounds like a good solution for you.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Happy weekend all!
Friday, July 4, 2014
Happy Fourth!
“We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it” — William Faulkner
Hope you enjoy your holiday wherever you are.
Hope you enjoy your holiday wherever you are.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
A day (or two) late
But, at least, not a dollar short (yet!)
Happy belated Canada Day to all my friends over the border. I did find and wish my real-life Canuck friends good wishes on the actual day.
But alas, my brain has been cramming.
Yes, I'm going back to school...as the teacher for a very short class next week.
We shall see how it goes on the other side of the desk. I'm working away on my lesson plan and reading as we speak...
Stay tuned!
Happy belated Canada Day to all my friends over the border. I did find and wish my real-life Canuck friends good wishes on the actual day.
But alas, my brain has been cramming.
Yes, I'm going back to school...as the teacher for a very short class next week.
We shall see how it goes on the other side of the desk. I'm working away on my lesson plan and reading as we speak...
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Learning something new
Well, since our specialist Dr. E-I is on vacation and we won't have his clinic this week at the Hotel, he left me with some work to do writing a grant.
Hopefully, I can convince the All Mighty Money Granting organization to send us some for a new project.
We'll see...
Hopefully, I can convince the All Mighty Money Granting organization to send us some for a new project.
We'll see...
Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday, Monday
Oh, the joys of Monday.
First, Bubba is in such a rush that he forgets to take his medicine. I run back home, get it, administer and go to work.
Next, I go to work and my computer has some weird error message on the screen. I turn it off, then it won't go back on. Finally, after an hour of futzing around, it comes back on (after I unplug and replug every single cord under my desk.)
Maybe it just got too hot in the office over the weekend. (I love all the fancy thermostats in our office, which assume that it can go up to 90 degrees when I go home.
I surprisingly got a lot of work done on my big project, but now I have a new nurse shadow.
So much for finishing that tomorrow! Only time will tell...stay tuned.
First, Bubba is in such a rush that he forgets to take his medicine. I run back home, get it, administer and go to work.
Next, I go to work and my computer has some weird error message on the screen. I turn it off, then it won't go back on. Finally, after an hour of futzing around, it comes back on (after I unplug and replug every single cord under my desk.)
Maybe it just got too hot in the office over the weekend. (I love all the fancy thermostats in our office, which assume that it can go up to 90 degrees when I go home.
I surprisingly got a lot of work done on my big project, but now I have a new nurse shadow.
So much for finishing that tomorrow! Only time will tell...stay tuned.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Looking for a nursing job?
I've been dragged, er, lucky enough to be asked by my boss to meet some of the interview candidates at the Hotel.
Part of my job is to also ask questions on our standard questionnaire (which is very short).
While I'm not Ask Annie, I am old (or "seasoned" as the PC people say) when it comes to interviews. If you want real specific HR information for yourself, you'll need to get an HR guru in your own state, as laws vary.
So here are my general tips.
RehabRN's top tips for interviewing success
1. Show up on time.
Not too early (we had one candidate show up at the end of night shift) and not late. NOTE: you may need to leave early to make sure you get to us on time, don't get stuck in traffic, find a place to park, and find the room.
2. Dress professionally.
Neat and clean are especially important, whether you are in scrubs or a suit.
3. Know the job description from the posting.
They may not give it to us to give to you (happens a lot). This is a valuable chunk of information that can help you ask questions of the job.
4. Answer the questions we ask you.
In the worst ever interview, one person was so slow in responding we thought he/she was asleep. He/she was the first interview of the day at 0900, so we're not sure if he/she just finished night shift, or was stoned. (it was hard to tell).
You know it's bad when your manager pleads, "Please, you must answer the question." (this actually happened.)
5. Be able to talk about your job and how you do it.
As the old saying goes, "It ain't bragging if it's true." We don't know anything about you if you don't tell us.
We will check to see if a reference backs up your storyline. Make sure you have good ones (and at least one manager).
6. Have questions to ask of us about the job.
We can't tell you everything, but we can give you an idea of what you'll do. Preparation is key.
7. Leave your attitudes at the door.
Especially if it's bad or entitled.
8. Never assume.
Never act like we will just hire you because of your RN license and/or your impressive resume. Just because your spouse works in another department down the hall and a job at the Hotel would allow you to carpool is another thing that is not guaranteed to get you hired.
We may not hire you if you are not a good fit with the rest of the personalities, I mean, team, at the Hotel.
Need more information? Check out these sites:
http://www.hrworld.com/features/interviewing-cheat-sheet-092507/
http://humanresources.about.com/od/interviewing/
http://careerplanning.about.com/od/jobinterviews/
Best of luck in your next interview!
Part of my job is to also ask questions on our standard questionnaire (which is very short).
While I'm not Ask Annie, I am old (or "seasoned" as the PC people say) when it comes to interviews. If you want real specific HR information for yourself, you'll need to get an HR guru in your own state, as laws vary.
So here are my general tips.
RehabRN's top tips for interviewing success
1. Show up on time.
Not too early (we had one candidate show up at the end of night shift) and not late. NOTE: you may need to leave early to make sure you get to us on time, don't get stuck in traffic, find a place to park, and find the room.
2. Dress professionally.
Neat and clean are especially important, whether you are in scrubs or a suit.
3. Know the job description from the posting.
They may not give it to us to give to you (happens a lot). This is a valuable chunk of information that can help you ask questions of the job.
4. Answer the questions we ask you.
In the worst ever interview, one person was so slow in responding we thought he/she was asleep. He/she was the first interview of the day at 0900, so we're not sure if he/she just finished night shift, or was stoned. (it was hard to tell).
You know it's bad when your manager pleads, "Please, you must answer the question." (this actually happened.)
5. Be able to talk about your job and how you do it.
As the old saying goes, "It ain't bragging if it's true." We don't know anything about you if you don't tell us.
We will check to see if a reference backs up your storyline. Make sure you have good ones (and at least one manager).
6. Have questions to ask of us about the job.
We can't tell you everything, but we can give you an idea of what you'll do. Preparation is key.
7. Leave your attitudes at the door.
Especially if it's bad or entitled.
8. Never assume.
Never act like we will just hire you because of your RN license and/or your impressive resume. Just because your spouse works in another department down the hall and a job at the Hotel would allow you to carpool is another thing that is not guaranteed to get you hired.
We may not hire you if you are not a good fit with the rest of the personalities, I mean, team, at the Hotel.
Need more information? Check out these sites:
http://www.hrworld.com/features/interviewing-cheat-sheet-092507/
http://humanresources.about.com/od/interviewing/
http://careerplanning.about.com/od/jobinterviews/
Best of luck in your next interview!
Something to look forward to...
As if random communicable diseases on a seasonal basis was not enough.
Why teenagers act crazy (from www.nytimes.com).
Why teenagers act crazy (from www.nytimes.com).
Saturday, June 28, 2014
The wait is over...
Yes, as this nurse suspected, it was salmonellosis (and confirmed by the lab today).
Now that Dahey has had more symptoms (and he ate at the same place Bubba did), I get to play nurse coordinator and get him some medical advice, too.
Joy!
Hope your weekend is a little less exciting than mine. Stay tuned!
Now that Dahey has had more symptoms (and he ate at the same place Bubba did), I get to play nurse coordinator and get him some medical advice, too.
Joy!
Hope your weekend is a little less exciting than mine. Stay tuned!
Friday, June 27, 2014
The waiting game continues...
Still waiting to see what exactly made Bubba (and Dahey later) sick this week.
Once I know, then Bubba can be ready to play the waiting game for sleepover camp, which is coming soon.
Yes, you got it, I'm stuck waiting, too.
TGIF folks!
Once I know, then Bubba can be ready to play the waiting game for sleepover camp, which is coming soon.
Yes, you got it, I'm stuck waiting, too.
TGIF folks!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Oh, the tummy!
Maybe I should have read this article before I took some naproxen before bed last night without eating.
Suffering....
Suffering....
Monday, June 23, 2014
The waiting game
Is Bubba still sick or not? Will I be rudely awakened again tonight by diarrhea and vomiting?
Will I finally get the stool samples I've been waiting for all day?
Should be interesting to see what happens when Dahey does kid watch duty tomorrow. He couldn't even handle me showing him the 10 language instruction sheet ("I just ate dinner" he said indignantly). He'd never make it as a nurse.
Let's have a show of hands who hasn't discussed a stool sample over a meal. (I thought so...)
At least, I got some other doctors' appointments made and files sorted and filed that I needed to do for months.
Crossing fingers and playing the waiting game...the RehabLand camp out will be here before we know it!
Will I finally get the stool samples I've been waiting for all day?
Should be interesting to see what happens when Dahey does kid watch duty tomorrow. He couldn't even handle me showing him the 10 language instruction sheet ("I just ate dinner" he said indignantly). He'd never make it as a nurse.
Let's have a show of hands who hasn't discussed a stool sample over a meal. (I thought so...)
At least, I got some other doctors' appointments made and files sorted and filed that I needed to do for months.
Crossing fingers and playing the waiting game...the RehabLand camp out will be here before we know it!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Summer things I don't miss
1. The dreaded heat and humidity combo.
2. Burning hot cars.
3. Food poisoning.
Guess which one Bubba decided to get this weekend? Joy. Off we go to the pediatrician tomorrow.
Just another reason not to like Mondays, either.
2. Burning hot cars.
3. Food poisoning.
Guess which one Bubba decided to get this weekend? Joy. Off we go to the pediatrician tomorrow.
Just another reason not to like Mondays, either.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Go get smashed
Yes, I got to get smashed. What on earth does that mean? Took the girls over to the radiology center and got my yearly test.
Call them whatever you want (girls, tatas, breasts) but THAT test is a mammogram. I don't have to be reminded, really, even though the Saintarama Medical Record nagged me at my last visit to my doctor.
There are plenty of other reasons why I don't forget. I can't forget that my mother-in-law is not here anymore because of breast cancer. Neither is a woman I went to grade school with, who was a labor and delivery nurse who left behind a little girl. My next door neighbor (also a nurse) who threw hilarious parties and sang on key when she wasn't working at Private U's trauma ICU, is also not here anymore because of breast cancer.
Besides all those missing souls, I think about the ladies I've taken care of who have had breast cancer with metastasis. They became rehab patients, because they couldn't walk (or walk right) anymore.
All because of something that, in many cases, can be detected by taking the girls to get smashed.
Please, ladies, go get smashed. I'd prefer to see you visiting rehab as a volunteer or family member, not as a patient for something that just might be found by getting smashed once a year.
Thank you and good night!
Call them whatever you want (girls, tatas, breasts) but THAT test is a mammogram. I don't have to be reminded, really, even though the Saintarama Medical Record nagged me at my last visit to my doctor.
There are plenty of other reasons why I don't forget. I can't forget that my mother-in-law is not here anymore because of breast cancer. Neither is a woman I went to grade school with, who was a labor and delivery nurse who left behind a little girl. My next door neighbor (also a nurse) who threw hilarious parties and sang on key when she wasn't working at Private U's trauma ICU, is also not here anymore because of breast cancer.
Besides all those missing souls, I think about the ladies I've taken care of who have had breast cancer with metastasis. They became rehab patients, because they couldn't walk (or walk right) anymore.
All because of something that, in many cases, can be detected by taking the girls to get smashed.
Please, ladies, go get smashed. I'd prefer to see you visiting rehab as a volunteer or family member, not as a patient for something that just might be found by getting smashed once a year.
Thank you and good night!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Some things aren't meant to be
This week there's been a lot of talk on the subject. Frankly, I'm glad this week is nearly over.
1. In the news, the Redskins lost their trademark protection.
2. They're redoing the parking lot (again) and we have a ton of traffic now. I can't wait to have some more!
3. My high school friend was at the far end of RehabLand with her daughter for a dance competition. Too bad I didn't have vacation. Said child one a first place in a national competition!
4. My attempts to get another side job foiled again. Better luck next time!
TGIF in advance!
1. In the news, the Redskins lost their trademark protection.
2. They're redoing the parking lot (again) and we have a ton of traffic now. I can't wait to have some more!
3. My high school friend was at the far end of RehabLand with her daughter for a dance competition. Too bad I didn't have vacation. Said child one a first place in a national competition!
4. My attempts to get another side job foiled again. Better luck next time!
TGIF in advance!
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