I'm still working on my list (somewhat) but I went out and actually met an author. Oncology nurse Theresa Brown was discussing her latest book, The Shift.
I started reading the book while I was awaiting the program to begin. The crowd was not rock star huge, as it often is for kids' authors or politicians, but the room was pretty full. There was not a lot of current nurses, but plenty of retired ones, and a few doctors sprinkled in.
It's not a huge book, so it won't take a ton of your time to read. When you think that it almost was never published, you realize the gravity of the attitudes about health care and the work of nurses. The author mentioned that it really was a sales job to the book folks to prove that, yes, there would be enough things happening in twelve hours to put in a book.
Surprisingly, once the editors saw the preliminary stuff, they realized she was on to something: providing a glimpse into the life of a nurse on the medical oncology floor.
Suzanne Gordon was right when she said this about what nurses do.
What do nurses do? They save lives, prevent complications, prevent suffering, and save money.
This book proves her right on all those points. Amen, sister!
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
RehabRN book club: Fall edition
Yes, the days are getting shorter, and since I'm burning the lights anyway, I might as well read. RehabLand has wonderful library folks, so check out your local library. You'll enjoy it and it's cheap.
Here are a few items on my current reading list:
1. The Great Escape by Angus Deaton. The newest Nobel laureate's book is on economics, but unlike it's common description (the dismal science), this book is very readable, even if you haven't sat through one, two, three (or like me, even more) economics classes. Professor Deaton writes a readable book that even a rehab nurse who's thinking of going to the dark side (insurance or anywhere outside the Hotel) could love.
Highly recommend this, especially if you want to learn something new, without trying too hard. Thank goodness he has a sense of humor.
2. The Joy of Work by Scott Adams. Dilbert at his 1990s finest. Reminds me of the good old days before I was a nurse. Gives me street cred with the technical folks, even though many of the tricks mentioned are dated.
My favorite escape book: I keep a copy of this in my bathroom.
3. My secret fetish lately: cookbooks. I read any and all for ideas on how to snazz up meals and bake new cakes, cookies, etc. Bubba is becoming an eating machine (and a picky one at that) so this helps keep him fed and out of my cabinets (for a while). Yes, you can get these recipes on the internet, but since my kitchen is too small for a computer and dangerous for an iPad, etc., I'm erring on the side of caution with a real book.
My current favorite: the old, reliable, Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook. I got a healthy one from work, but haven't tried it out yet.
Hope you enjoy these. Will keep you updated on the next exciting book. I will be attending a meet and greet at a bookstore this week, so I hope to have a new review soon.
Happy reading!
Here are a few items on my current reading list:
1. The Great Escape by Angus Deaton. The newest Nobel laureate's book is on economics, but unlike it's common description (the dismal science), this book is very readable, even if you haven't sat through one, two, three (or like me, even more) economics classes. Professor Deaton writes a readable book that even a rehab nurse who's thinking of going to the dark side (insurance or anywhere outside the Hotel) could love.
Highly recommend this, especially if you want to learn something new, without trying too hard. Thank goodness he has a sense of humor.
2. The Joy of Work by Scott Adams. Dilbert at his 1990s finest. Reminds me of the good old days before I was a nurse. Gives me street cred with the technical folks, even though many of the tricks mentioned are dated.
My favorite escape book: I keep a copy of this in my bathroom.
3. My secret fetish lately: cookbooks. I read any and all for ideas on how to snazz up meals and bake new cakes, cookies, etc. Bubba is becoming an eating machine (and a picky one at that) so this helps keep him fed and out of my cabinets (for a while). Yes, you can get these recipes on the internet, but since my kitchen is too small for a computer and dangerous for an iPad, etc., I'm erring on the side of caution with a real book.
My current favorite: the old, reliable, Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook. I got a healthy one from work, but haven't tried it out yet.
Hope you enjoy these. Will keep you updated on the next exciting book. I will be attending a meet and greet at a bookstore this week, so I hope to have a new review soon.
Happy reading!
Monday, October 26, 2015
What a wonderful Monday
If you call getting prepped for the upcoming full moon wonderful. Sure!
My day in a nutshell:
1. Go to do your first rounds and they're looking for Dr. X. I go to the clinic Dr. X is usually in, and they say, no, Dr. X is off today.
2. Get on the elevator to go to your next part of rounds (your unit) and Dr. X. sends me a text saying "I'm here, where's the patient."
3. Call the cavalry, explain Dr. X. really is here now, so go find the patient. Cavalry is successful.
4. Run down several flights of stairs, find Dr. X and then see the patient coming in. Whew!
5. Return back to the ranch to figure out what is going on with a pending problem. No one is around. Finally get answers after two text messages and three phone calls. Problem not resolved until tomorrow.
6. Find out person you have worked with for five years is leaving her current job.
7. Find out people are retiring in droves due to pressure, illness and just plain ready. Sad on some, not on others.
8. Try to fix a patient's problem, but the help for that is not working today.
There were some good things, though.
1. The day was beautiful.
2. I went home for lunch and made a BLT. It was good, even though I set off the smoke detector.
3. I saw an incredible Buckeye butterfly today. It stopped long enough for me to snap a photo and send to my dear husband Dahey who collected butterflies as a child.
4. My friend's husband is getting stronger. He will also be getting a longer course of treatment. Neuro wanted five more doses, nephro wanted no more. They decided to meet (almost) in the middle: two.
Sure beats watching a neurologist and a nephrologist duke it out in his room.
I'm resting up hoping tomorrow is even better. Stay tuned.
My day in a nutshell:
1. Go to do your first rounds and they're looking for Dr. X. I go to the clinic Dr. X is usually in, and they say, no, Dr. X is off today.
2. Get on the elevator to go to your next part of rounds (your unit) and Dr. X. sends me a text saying "I'm here, where's the patient."
3. Call the cavalry, explain Dr. X. really is here now, so go find the patient. Cavalry is successful.
4. Run down several flights of stairs, find Dr. X and then see the patient coming in. Whew!
5. Return back to the ranch to figure out what is going on with a pending problem. No one is around. Finally get answers after two text messages and three phone calls. Problem not resolved until tomorrow.
6. Find out person you have worked with for five years is leaving her current job.
7. Find out people are retiring in droves due to pressure, illness and just plain ready. Sad on some, not on others.
8. Try to fix a patient's problem, but the help for that is not working today.
There were some good things, though.
1. The day was beautiful.
2. I went home for lunch and made a BLT. It was good, even though I set off the smoke detector.
3. I saw an incredible Buckeye butterfly today. It stopped long enough for me to snap a photo and send to my dear husband Dahey who collected butterflies as a child.
4. My friend's husband is getting stronger. He will also be getting a longer course of treatment. Neuro wanted five more doses, nephro wanted no more. They decided to meet (almost) in the middle: two.
Sure beats watching a neurologist and a nephrologist duke it out in his room.
I'm resting up hoping tomorrow is even better. Stay tuned.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
I have to admit
It's really getting better all the time. My friend and her husband are coping, and it seems that the treatment he's on is helping him. Pain is still an issue. Dahey went out and stayed with him for a while in the afternoon and they had a nice chat.
The other reason it's better: it's the weekend. Hooray!
Hope you enjoy your weekend wherever you are.
Stay tuned.
The other reason it's better: it's the weekend. Hooray!
Hope you enjoy your weekend wherever you are.
Stay tuned.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Whirlwind
The bad news just keeps coming. Dahey's cousin got diagnosed with a brain tumor. Flying by the seat of my pants. This month has flown by, too.
Stay tuned. More to come.
Stay tuned. More to come.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Halloween season scary
It's really scary when your best friend calls you up on the weekend and tells you her hubby can't get out of bed. He told her he could barely open a can of soda in the afternoon the day before.
The neuros found out what was wrong with him--late last night that he has GBS. One day you're reasonably healthy, just feel tired, and the next day, you're stinking sick.
Count your blessings folks. They're in for a scary ride, and unfortunately, it will last longer than Halloween.
The neuros found out what was wrong with him--late last night that he has GBS. One day you're reasonably healthy, just feel tired, and the next day, you're stinking sick.
Count your blessings folks. They're in for a scary ride, and unfortunately, it will last longer than Halloween.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
If it's time to celebrate an anniversary...
It's time for bedlam and mayhem here in the RehabRN household. Why, you ask? Let me count the ways...
On anniversary #1, Dahey and I had a wonderful hotel stay planned. On our way to the restaurant, we got locked in the parking garage. While we were at Chez Fancy, we got a call that WildDog was throwing up. (Crazy aunt left chocolates unattended while at church)
On anniversary #2, we got someone else's hotel room during that hotel stay. We got a new room on the side of the hotel where all the ambulances would speed by on their way to World Renown medical center.
On anniversary #3, while Bubba was a baby, and Dahey was returning from a TDY job out west, our sewer backed up in our basement. (Cause: random rug in storm sewer main.)
Frankly, I stopped counting after the first three. However, this year, since our celebration was delayed, obviously the mayhem was on hold until we celebrated at Old Restored Building's swanky restaurant. Before we went in, my best friend called to tell me her 40 something year old husband was weak Friday, but now could not walk, so what should she do. This nurse told her (and hubby) to get to the hospital pronto. She couldn't get him in her car, so she called an ambulance to take him and his interesting medical history to the nearest Saintarama hospital (where he normally goes). He's still there, awaiting a diagnosis as to why he cannot move his arms and legs. He passed all the usual guesses yesterday. Neuro hopefully will solve the mystery today.
And while I was savoring a delightful pot de creme, my brother Jethro, decided to call to tell me he was locked out of his apartment. He has a keypad to get in, but no key, and the batteries for the keypad were dead. Since there is no maintenance on site, I had to go over and provide my credit card so the locksmith could unlock his door.
Time to unlock: about 7 seconds. Cost $75. It took him longer to walk to the apartment than to unlock the door and run my credit card.
Alas, no matter when we celebrate, it's always something. Thankfully, Dahey puts up with it. Happy Anniversary.
On anniversary #1, Dahey and I had a wonderful hotel stay planned. On our way to the restaurant, we got locked in the parking garage. While we were at Chez Fancy, we got a call that WildDog was throwing up. (Crazy aunt left chocolates unattended while at church)
On anniversary #2, we got someone else's hotel room during that hotel stay. We got a new room on the side of the hotel where all the ambulances would speed by on their way to World Renown medical center.
On anniversary #3, while Bubba was a baby, and Dahey was returning from a TDY job out west, our sewer backed up in our basement. (Cause: random rug in storm sewer main.)
Frankly, I stopped counting after the first three. However, this year, since our celebration was delayed, obviously the mayhem was on hold until we celebrated at Old Restored Building's swanky restaurant. Before we went in, my best friend called to tell me her 40 something year old husband was weak Friday, but now could not walk, so what should she do. This nurse told her (and hubby) to get to the hospital pronto. She couldn't get him in her car, so she called an ambulance to take him and his interesting medical history to the nearest Saintarama hospital (where he normally goes). He's still there, awaiting a diagnosis as to why he cannot move his arms and legs. He passed all the usual guesses yesterday. Neuro hopefully will solve the mystery today.
And while I was savoring a delightful pot de creme, my brother Jethro, decided to call to tell me he was locked out of his apartment. He has a keypad to get in, but no key, and the batteries for the keypad were dead. Since there is no maintenance on site, I had to go over and provide my credit card so the locksmith could unlock his door.
Time to unlock: about 7 seconds. Cost $75. It took him longer to walk to the apartment than to unlock the door and run my credit card.
Alas, no matter when we celebrate, it's always something. Thankfully, Dahey puts up with it. Happy Anniversary.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Technical difficulties, please stand by
This is the story of my life. Had I not lived one already in tech, I'd be crying every night. One step forward, two steps back. This place isn't the 'market leader' it used to be...at least not at the Hotel.
Contemplating a different sort of rehab spot for the future if this doesn't get any better. I tell myself everyday I'll give our new boss one year in the job before I move, but at the rate it's going, I may just move early (like him/her, hate the BS).
To be continued...
Contemplating a different sort of rehab spot for the future if this doesn't get any better. I tell myself everyday I'll give our new boss one year in the job before I move, but at the rate it's going, I may just move early (like him/her, hate the BS).
To be continued...
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Fun things to argue about at work
1. What exactly happens when someone coughs up a nasty trach plug? Is it sputum or gastric contents?
2. If you can't tell the difference in #1, should they let you graduate as a nurse practitioner? I probably p*$s% off our NP student, but last time I checked, lungs should not (regularly) contain gastric contents.
3. What does no really mean in any language (pick several, but we're all speaking English--American, anyway--here)? When you refuse to see my patients (or in our local speak: decline) and say no, I take it to mean, NO you will not see them. Yes, there is a communication gap here.
Sorry if you don't like what your boss says to you after that when I tell him/her. Not exactly my problem. If I could write orders for what the patient wanted, I'd be practicing medicine, not being a nurse.
The color of the sky, football teams, and crabby patients are all up next. We'll see how the week progresses.
Stay tuned.
2. If you can't tell the difference in #1, should they let you graduate as a nurse practitioner? I probably p*$s% off our NP student, but last time I checked, lungs should not (regularly) contain gastric contents.
3. What does no really mean in any language (pick several, but we're all speaking English--American, anyway--here)? When you refuse to see my patients (or in our local speak: decline) and say no, I take it to mean, NO you will not see them. Yes, there is a communication gap here.
Sorry if you don't like what your boss says to you after that when I tell him/her. Not exactly my problem. If I could write orders for what the patient wanted, I'd be practicing medicine, not being a nurse.
The color of the sky, football teams, and crabby patients are all up next. We'll see how the week progresses.
Stay tuned.
Friday, October 9, 2015
So glad
TGIF! A long weekend awaits with Dahey and Bubba. I can't wait. It's been far too long.
It was an exciting week. Dahey returned from TDY. Hallelujah! I have a backup for the soon-to-be teenager who needs a parent pal sometimes. I love Bubba, but Momma needs a break! The boys are already planning their next adventure to the movies for The Martian.
We survived the inspection, but maybe, after a few of these, I'm becoming jaded. Some of the things they asked us has very little bearing on nursing. I like to consider myself informed, but I had no idea about some of the stuff they asked. Happily, most of my other colleagues in the department felt the same.
Happily, we saw a few patients and got some work done. Since we've had a few exciting things happen lately, I've gotten to put on my research hat. One of our patients seemed sick but really had a anteroapical MI on our acute unit. Diagnosing an MI in a spinal cord injury patient, or one with diminshed sensation due to stroke, brain injury, etc., can be challenging.
I learn something new every day. Another one of our patients had issues being intubated so the doctors elected to do awake airway intubation for his/her surgery. It was very interesting to me to watch the staff who participated in this video below.
Hope you enjoy your weekend, long or short, wherever you may be!
It was an exciting week. Dahey returned from TDY. Hallelujah! I have a backup for the soon-to-be teenager who needs a parent pal sometimes. I love Bubba, but Momma needs a break! The boys are already planning their next adventure to the movies for The Martian.
We survived the inspection, but maybe, after a few of these, I'm becoming jaded. Some of the things they asked us has very little bearing on nursing. I like to consider myself informed, but I had no idea about some of the stuff they asked. Happily, most of my other colleagues in the department felt the same.
Happily, we saw a few patients and got some work done. Since we've had a few exciting things happen lately, I've gotten to put on my research hat. One of our patients seemed sick but really had a anteroapical MI on our acute unit. Diagnosing an MI in a spinal cord injury patient, or one with diminshed sensation due to stroke, brain injury, etc., can be challenging.
I learn something new every day. Another one of our patients had issues being intubated so the doctors elected to do awake airway intubation for his/her surgery. It was very interesting to me to watch the staff who participated in this video below.
Hope you enjoy your weekend, long or short, wherever you may be!
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Rooting for the underdog
I was perusing a bunch of online articles after another exciting day stirring the pot (and seeing patients) at the Hotel, when I saw this article that struck me. It's title: Fat Guy Across America.
He started over 500 lbs and is heading out to see America. And there's an interesting back story along the way.
I hate smoking and the horrible things that come with it (not the smoker). I've had to work with people who were far too sick because of those "coffin nails" as one of my relatives calls them.
Here's hoping he stops by the Great American Smokeout and makes it all the way across the country.
If you're going to set goals, sometimes you gotta go big.
Stay tuned...
He started over 500 lbs and is heading out to see America. And there's an interesting back story along the way.
I hate smoking and the horrible things that come with it (not the smoker). I've had to work with people who were far too sick because of those "coffin nails" as one of my relatives calls them.
Here's hoping he stops by the Great American Smokeout and makes it all the way across the country.
If you're going to set goals, sometimes you gotta go big.
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
I'm glad they're not my bosses
When you come out of a meeting and want to scream, it's not always good.
When people come to a meeting with an agenda on their yearly visit, it's always interesting. Either, I'm getting better at it, or the inspectors are becoming more transparent.
Needless to say, when they complain about things that are absolutely crazy, my lack of poker face showed.
So glad MY boss wasn't there at that meeting.
More to come.
When people come to a meeting with an agenda on their yearly visit, it's always interesting. Either, I'm getting better at it, or the inspectors are becoming more transparent.
Needless to say, when they complain about things that are absolutely crazy, my lack of poker face showed.
So glad MY boss wasn't there at that meeting.
More to come.
Inspection day
Yet again, it's that time of year. Why they decided to come back early: didn't like coming in the snow (truth). Ugh!
I really need to take two weeks of vacation at a time next year. Glad I got to rest up for this one.
Stay tuned...
I really need to take two weeks of vacation at a time next year. Glad I got to rest up for this one.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Fun, fun, fun
So much fun on my last day of vacation. Visited my sister, went to lunch with Bubba, got his favorite treats, saw a new art exhibit and went to a local history museum, which had a new exhibit on one of my favorite things: coffee, and included samples.
Life is good. Here's hoping next week is good as that cold brew they served (freaking amazing).
More to come...
Life is good. Here's hoping next week is good as that cold brew they served (freaking amazing).
More to come...
It's almost over...
But we won't stop enjoying what we have left of the weekend and of my vacation, darn it!
Bubba and I had a great time out and about in our aunt's neighborhood. It was a food truck fest and a charity concert, headed up by my favorite police captain (and the power point/satire master) Cap'n Ned. Cap'n Ned and I worked together nearly two decades ago (kind of scary) in MegaBurg, way before any of the niceties were added all around town, such as the cool amphitheatre.
Cap'n Ned's own band headed up the concert, and they had a U2 tribute band as the headliner. It was fun watching folks from many generations up there dancing in front of us. It was also homecoming in the neighboring towns, and since the MegaBurg park is scenic, we saw dozens of kids (and parents) walking by dressed up and taking pictures. A couple of times, they timed their parades to song lyrics that talked about young'uns being places they shouldn't...which made for some hysterical video clips.
Bubba even got ME up there and dancing to the U2 tribute band, but with all the smoke from the stage, cold air, and other assorted pollutants (this was outside), I thought I would have an asthma attack and require paramedic attention (because, of course, I never figured I'd need to bring my inhaler along). I sat out. Consequently, Bubba danced his heart out and had a blast, while I watched from the second row.
We spent money, Bubba got his pic taken with some famous football cheerleaders and bought a calendar they had, since proceeds went to their charity for fallen first responders. He had a grand old time, and so did I, spending some time in my old workplace of MegaBurg, marveling at all the good that's come there, and talking to old friends I don't see nearly enough.
So, we'll be off on our day soon, to make some more memories today. Stay tuned.
Bubba and I had a great time out and about in our aunt's neighborhood. It was a food truck fest and a charity concert, headed up by my favorite police captain (and the power point/satire master) Cap'n Ned. Cap'n Ned and I worked together nearly two decades ago (kind of scary) in MegaBurg, way before any of the niceties were added all around town, such as the cool amphitheatre.
Cap'n Ned's own band headed up the concert, and they had a U2 tribute band as the headliner. It was fun watching folks from many generations up there dancing in front of us. It was also homecoming in the neighboring towns, and since the MegaBurg park is scenic, we saw dozens of kids (and parents) walking by dressed up and taking pictures. A couple of times, they timed their parades to song lyrics that talked about young'uns being places they shouldn't...which made for some hysterical video clips.
Bubba even got ME up there and dancing to the U2 tribute band, but with all the smoke from the stage, cold air, and other assorted pollutants (this was outside), I thought I would have an asthma attack and require paramedic attention (because, of course, I never figured I'd need to bring my inhaler along). I sat out. Consequently, Bubba danced his heart out and had a blast, while I watched from the second row.
We spent money, Bubba got his pic taken with some famous football cheerleaders and bought a calendar they had, since proceeds went to their charity for fallen first responders. He had a grand old time, and so did I, spending some time in my old workplace of MegaBurg, marveling at all the good that's come there, and talking to old friends I don't see nearly enough.
So, we'll be off on our day soon, to make some more memories today. Stay tuned.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Planes, trains and automobiles, NOLA version
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was only 24 hours, but darned, it was so good. I felt the pangs of frustration of Steve Martin, the screaming kids, the shuttle that was crammed with folks, but it was really amazing.
Our shuttle driver gave tips on some of the best things to do (and most importantly, eat) in New Orleans. I promptly made my way to Central Grocery to try out their muffaletta, and I made it, just before they closed. On the way back, I ate dessert first: beignets with cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde. My other culinary adventure was to Acme Oyster House, while I was roaming around Bourbon Street before I left. You can't beat an oyster poboy! (NOTE: I don't eat raw oysters, so try it if you are not a fan of these runny bivalve mollusks. They are delicious fried!)
While I was in the neighborhood, I fulfilled a mission: I went back to the French Market and got the silver pendant I figured I didn't need two years ago to go with the earrings I bought to remember the Crescent City.
Coming home I met a nice lady from another conference at our hotel. She worked for a very famous beauty company, and picked up my tab for the cab ride. Thank you Angela! Will definitely buy your products at the store!
The rest of my trip included a layover, but since the massage shop was too busy, I opted for a salty summer brew, then I talked to some fun folks at the airport's Starbucks. And listened to live music in the terminal.
I attended the meeting and longed to stay for the awesome conference I went to last year, but family comes first. I went home to get Bubba and he was happy. He got an awesome trumpet T-shirt souvenir to replace the one he grew out of, and a good one to wear for Mardi Gras this year.
I can't wait to go back and hang out among the many rehab nurses again. It's always a blast. See you all in Philly next year.
Stay tuned...vacation is never dull.
Our shuttle driver gave tips on some of the best things to do (and most importantly, eat) in New Orleans. I promptly made my way to Central Grocery to try out their muffaletta, and I made it, just before they closed. On the way back, I ate dessert first: beignets with cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde. My other culinary adventure was to Acme Oyster House, while I was roaming around Bourbon Street before I left. You can't beat an oyster poboy! (NOTE: I don't eat raw oysters, so try it if you are not a fan of these runny bivalve mollusks. They are delicious fried!)
While I was in the neighborhood, I fulfilled a mission: I went back to the French Market and got the silver pendant I figured I didn't need two years ago to go with the earrings I bought to remember the Crescent City.
Coming home I met a nice lady from another conference at our hotel. She worked for a very famous beauty company, and picked up my tab for the cab ride. Thank you Angela! Will definitely buy your products at the store!
The rest of my trip included a layover, but since the massage shop was too busy, I opted for a salty summer brew, then I talked to some fun folks at the airport's Starbucks. And listened to live music in the terminal.
I attended the meeting and longed to stay for the awesome conference I went to last year, but family comes first. I went home to get Bubba and he was happy. He got an awesome trumpet T-shirt souvenir to replace the one he grew out of, and a good one to wear for Mardi Gras this year.
I can't wait to go back and hang out among the many rehab nurses again. It's always a blast. See you all in Philly next year.
Stay tuned...vacation is never dull.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
On ICD-10
It's so nice to know, if I ever have a patient playing a trumpet during his/her appointment, I can use this ICD-10 code:
Y93J4 Activity, winds and brass instrument playing
Or my other favorite, if you go to Hawaii and get attacked by a macaw, there are plenty of ways to describe it:
W6111XA Bitten by macaw, initial encounter
W6111XD Bitten by macaw, subsequent encounter
W6111XS Bitten by macaw, sequela
W6112XA Struck by macaw, initial encounter
W6112XD Struck by macaw, subsequent encounter
W6112XS Struck by macaw, sequela
W6119XA Other contact with macaw, initial encounter
W6119XD Other contact with macaw, subsequent encounter
W6119XS Other contact with macaw, sequela
Hope your ICD-10 transition goes smoothly.
Y93J4 Activity, winds and brass instrument playing
Or my other favorite, if you go to Hawaii and get attacked by a macaw, there are plenty of ways to describe it:
W6111XA Bitten by macaw, initial encounter
W6111XD Bitten by macaw, subsequent encounter
W6111XS Bitten by macaw, sequela
W6112XA Struck by macaw, initial encounter
W6112XD Struck by macaw, subsequent encounter
W6112XS Struck by macaw, sequela
W6119XA Other contact with macaw, initial encounter
W6119XD Other contact with macaw, subsequent encounter
W6119XS Other contact with macaw, sequela
Hope your ICD-10 transition goes smoothly.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Everything IS great
It's vacation. And it IS approved. All I ever wanted, especially after the crazy week I've had.
Here's hoping for nothing crazy or any weird snacks. See you next month!
Here's hoping for nothing crazy or any weird snacks. See you next month!
Thursday, September 24, 2015
An obituary for Yogi
There is much sadness these days for all the baseball fans here in RehabLand. While we are far away from New York City, many mourn one the passing of the last great characters in baseball, Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra, the pride of the Yankees.
Here in the wilds of the middle of America, it ain't proper to like anything coastal. "Them people are strange" is a comment that is not uncommon. In the villages, towns and small cities, baseball is the life of summer. People come out, see neighbors, and have a good time.
Yogi, however, was someone people could identify with in RehabLand. He was a son of immigrants who grew up in St. Louis, MO and never forgot where he came from. He was tough and never let people's impression of him become his destiny. Beneath that smiling, crinkly face was a sharp guy with an eye for baseball, and how to navigate it successfully.
In later years, Ron Guidry wrote a book about going to spring training with him. I highly recommend it. It's a fun book to read.
It really wasn't over, 'til it was over, and what a life it was. Thank you Yogi for giving us a lot of smiles and excitement watching our national past time. You will be missed.
Here in the wilds of the middle of America, it ain't proper to like anything coastal. "Them people are strange" is a comment that is not uncommon. In the villages, towns and small cities, baseball is the life of summer. People come out, see neighbors, and have a good time.
Yogi, however, was someone people could identify with in RehabLand. He was a son of immigrants who grew up in St. Louis, MO and never forgot where he came from. He was tough and never let people's impression of him become his destiny. Beneath that smiling, crinkly face was a sharp guy with an eye for baseball, and how to navigate it successfully.
In later years, Ron Guidry wrote a book about going to spring training with him. I highly recommend it. It's a fun book to read.
It really wasn't over, 'til it was over, and what a life it was. Thank you Yogi for giving us a lot of smiles and excitement watching our national past time. You will be missed.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
The answer: send someone a letter
I had a day yesterday that (again) questioned my faith in the leadership of the Hotel at the very tip top. The root cause: BS plain and simple.
How in Hades do we have people (with credit to do so) purchase equipment, tell everyone "go out and get some patients to use it" then suddenly drop it? This happens (of course) once you get the ninnies at your location to buy in. When asked late last week, when I went to order and couldn't find a gadget available, I got an e-mail that said "Well, we don't know if we'll have money next year to continue this" as some very valuable pieces of equipment sit unused on people's desks throughout the system as a totem of "Look what I have..this cool gadget!" As such, these "gadgets" which are really FDA approved health care tools, do nothing for patients.
I know they work. Some of my patients have them. I got them through a loophole, which I willingly followed policy and procedure TO THE LETTER to get. They are making a difference in the lives of these people. I see it on a regular basis. Some of our people were back and forth to the Hotel several times in a year. Guess what? One character hasn't been back in six months (and counting). Another is over four months and we haven't readmitted him/her.
When I asked our technical gurus (who have way more experience with this sort of shenanigans) what I should do, the answer was "write a letter to someone who can do something about it". The consequences of doing that, could very well cost me my job.
But after years of waiting, working, busting butt for things that turn to vapor, I'm just about there.
Will be writing, editing, and thinking very carefully this week about that very thing...
Stay tuned.
How in Hades do we have people (with credit to do so) purchase equipment, tell everyone "go out and get some patients to use it" then suddenly drop it? This happens (of course) once you get the ninnies at your location to buy in. When asked late last week, when I went to order and couldn't find a gadget available, I got an e-mail that said "Well, we don't know if we'll have money next year to continue this" as some very valuable pieces of equipment sit unused on people's desks throughout the system as a totem of "Look what I have..this cool gadget!" As such, these "gadgets" which are really FDA approved health care tools, do nothing for patients.
I know they work. Some of my patients have them. I got them through a loophole, which I willingly followed policy and procedure TO THE LETTER to get. They are making a difference in the lives of these people. I see it on a regular basis. Some of our people were back and forth to the Hotel several times in a year. Guess what? One character hasn't been back in six months (and counting). Another is over four months and we haven't readmitted him/her.
When I asked our technical gurus (who have way more experience with this sort of shenanigans) what I should do, the answer was "write a letter to someone who can do something about it". The consequences of doing that, could very well cost me my job.
But after years of waiting, working, busting butt for things that turn to vapor, I'm just about there.
Will be writing, editing, and thinking very carefully this week about that very thing...
Stay tuned.
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