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.
I've had it with snow
So I've bought one of these for my front door entryway. Yes!
Take that you kid parking your snowy boots! No more drip marks on my floor, no sirree.
Take that you kid parking your snowy boots! No more drip marks on my floor, no sirree.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A long lunch
Maybe this should go under the "expect the unexpected" category.
You go to take your sister to lunch and find out she has some odd swelling on her arm. You finish lunch, then go to the urgent care center on your way back to her house to investigate.
Then you proceed to sit for 45 minutes while you wait for them to get done with the one person ahead of you.
Three x-rays later they determine that she'll need to see an orthopedic specialist next week if it keeps hurting, since the doc sees an anomaly on the x-ray, but no fracture. Since it looked sprained, the doc wrapped it and ordered ice and Tylenol.
At least lunch was good, even if it was a little longer than we anticipated.
More to come...
You go to take your sister to lunch and find out she has some odd swelling on her arm. You finish lunch, then go to the urgent care center on your way back to her house to investigate.
Then you proceed to sit for 45 minutes while you wait for them to get done with the one person ahead of you.
Three x-rays later they determine that she'll need to see an orthopedic specialist next week if it keeps hurting, since the doc sees an anomaly on the x-ray, but no fracture. Since it looked sprained, the doc wrapped it and ordered ice and Tylenol.
At least lunch was good, even if it was a little longer than we anticipated.
More to come...
Why I am beginning to hate insurance companies
Dear MegaConglomerateInsurance Company:
Why is it your company can conveniently "forget" to remove references to a covered service during open enrollment, then send me a letter dated two weeks ago that coverage stopped effective 12/31/10?
Yes, this is more than inconvenient, since I'm only allowed to make changes to my insurance plan (and certain other benefits) during open enrollment. That ended three weeks before you noticed your "oopsie" on all those millions of packets sent out to the minions like me who work for Uncle Sam. And this oops cost me well over $1000 right now. Who knows how bad it will get before the end of the year?
Don't worry...even though, I've been a long-time subscriber, I will be taking my business elsewhere next year if this issue is not resolved to my satisfaction.
And I hope all the rest of my fellow employees do the same. Here's hoping your stock enjoys a huge plunge real soon.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
Why is it your company can conveniently "forget" to remove references to a covered service during open enrollment, then send me a letter dated two weeks ago that coverage stopped effective 12/31/10?
Yes, this is more than inconvenient, since I'm only allowed to make changes to my insurance plan (and certain other benefits) during open enrollment. That ended three weeks before you noticed your "oopsie" on all those millions of packets sent out to the minions like me who work for Uncle Sam. And this oops cost me well over $1000 right now. Who knows how bad it will get before the end of the year?
Don't worry...even though, I've been a long-time subscriber, I will be taking my business elsewhere next year if this issue is not resolved to my satisfaction.
And I hope all the rest of my fellow employees do the same. Here's hoping your stock enjoys a huge plunge real soon.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
Friday, January 14, 2011
How to perturb patients
These are just a few things I've picked up here in the SU.
1. Leave them in the waiting area forever. Yes, yo-yo unit secretary, once they're checked in, you do need to call me or get me so I get them moving. I do have a lot more to do than read my e-mails and paint my nails (caught said secretary at that the other day).
2. Don't give them xx med. Oh, I told Dr. P. we need a sign outside that says, "If you want any of these, go away." and list Vicodin, Oxycontin, and every other short-acting opioid, and abusable drug on that list.
My favorite patient today had a pain level of 10/10, told me he really needed morphine and only morphine, since methadone, "just dehydrated me." then danced down the hall once his session was over at the chiropractor next door. Hmm....
3. I don't do this one, but Dr. P. gets the pleasure of sending out the "since you skipped your scheduled appointment, you violated your opioid agreement, so we're cutting you off." This usually means I get to schedule them for an "appointment" (with the good ol' urine drug screen) and they get a follow-up. Some people think the agreement isn't enforceable. Think again, kiddies.
4. Our secretary contributes to this one yet again...improper scheduling or omissions, or my personal favorite, requesting a time on one day, then scheduling patients on another day. On top of it, she can be rude. One of these days, I'll straighten it all out.
So glad this week is over! Enjoy your weekend, wherever you are.
1. Leave them in the waiting area forever. Yes, yo-yo unit secretary, once they're checked in, you do need to call me or get me so I get them moving. I do have a lot more to do than read my e-mails and paint my nails (caught said secretary at that the other day).
2. Don't give them xx med. Oh, I told Dr. P. we need a sign outside that says, "If you want any of these, go away." and list Vicodin, Oxycontin, and every other short-acting opioid, and abusable drug on that list.
My favorite patient today had a pain level of 10/10, told me he really needed morphine and only morphine, since methadone, "just dehydrated me." then danced down the hall once his session was over at the chiropractor next door. Hmm....
3. I don't do this one, but Dr. P. gets the pleasure of sending out the "since you skipped your scheduled appointment, you violated your opioid agreement, so we're cutting you off." This usually means I get to schedule them for an "appointment" (with the good ol' urine drug screen) and they get a follow-up. Some people think the agreement isn't enforceable. Think again, kiddies.
4. Our secretary contributes to this one yet again...improper scheduling or omissions, or my personal favorite, requesting a time on one day, then scheduling patients on another day. On top of it, she can be rude. One of these days, I'll straighten it all out.
So glad this week is over! Enjoy your weekend, wherever you are.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
January
“There comes that mysterious meeting in life when someone acknowledges who we are and what we can be, igniting the circuits of our highest potential.” Rusty Berkus
I have come to believe I am where I am now, because it's where I'm supposed to be. I have seen many things happen in life and I wonder why sometimes. At first, it may not seem clear, but over time, things do become clearer.
The meeting I had with the unit secretary's boss was enlightening. Hopefully, it will mean things are more efficient. If they aren't, it will be the beginning of the end for the secretary. I'm shocked no one ever asked about this topic we discussed before. The changes needed should be implemented early next week.
In addition, my own future is coming around. I had an interview today, which will hopefully put me on the road to a job that doesn't tire me out so much and suck the life out of me, wondering if I'll ever get a vacation week when I really want it.
I'm so ready. Stay tuned...
I have come to believe I am where I am now, because it's where I'm supposed to be. I have seen many things happen in life and I wonder why sometimes. At first, it may not seem clear, but over time, things do become clearer.
The meeting I had with the unit secretary's boss was enlightening. Hopefully, it will mean things are more efficient. If they aren't, it will be the beginning of the end for the secretary. I'm shocked no one ever asked about this topic we discussed before. The changes needed should be implemented early next week.
In addition, my own future is coming around. I had an interview today, which will hopefully put me on the road to a job that doesn't tire me out so much and suck the life out of me, wondering if I'll ever get a vacation week when I really want it.
I'm so ready. Stay tuned...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Could this be it?
Monumental things going on to close out this week:
1. We may actually get all of our scheduled patients finished in the mornings. This will be nice, if it actually happens.
2. VIM (Very Important Meeting). This may determine the fate of the unit secretary. My job: collect information from her boss, give to SU higher-ups and they proceed from there.
3. Telephone interview. I have a very important interview with a leading MD about my future. I hope I can pull off a winner on this one, to get to the next step. Don't you just love multi-step interviewing processes?
Stay tuned...
1. We may actually get all of our scheduled patients finished in the mornings. This will be nice, if it actually happens.
2. VIM (Very Important Meeting). This may determine the fate of the unit secretary. My job: collect information from her boss, give to SU higher-ups and they proceed from there.
3. Telephone interview. I have a very important interview with a leading MD about my future. I hope I can pull off a winner on this one, to get to the next step. Don't you just love multi-step interviewing processes?
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
I should be coasting...
But I'm not. It's been busy in the SU with this, that and the other thing. I feel drained, and when the doc I work with feels drained, too, I feel like I've really failed. I have to get things squared away before I leave this short-term replacement gig. I hate leaving a mess for someone else to clean up, if I can help it.
I enjoyed this one, especially the dance move.
Just thinking...only three something weeks left. Stay tuned.
I enjoyed this one, especially the dance move.
Just thinking...only three something weeks left. Stay tuned.
Monday, January 10, 2011
You fought, you served
And in my appreciation, I do my job wrangling paper and every administrative mess, to get you in here to get you what you need. Especially you, Mr. Z. The delight on your face (and your family member) today made me so happy, even though I had people not show up yet again.
So I bid a comrade farewell...RIP Dick Winters.
Every year the band of brothers grows smaller, but rest assured, we will carry on serving you on yet another day in the Hotel. Because we must.
More to come...stay tuned.
So I bid a comrade farewell...RIP Dick Winters.
Every year the band of brothers grows smaller, but rest assured, we will carry on serving you on yet another day in the Hotel. Because we must.
More to come...stay tuned.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
CoS...the New Year's edition
Start your New Year off right, and go over to emergiblog and read the latest Change of Shift.
Yours truly was even featured. Thanks, Kim!
Yours truly was even featured. Thanks, Kim!
Changes
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."--John Lennon
Yes, the changes are all over place already this year. And as luck would have it, there are helpful articles.
I saw the Specialist in one today in RehabLand's paper talking about his next adventure as a teacher. We will miss him, because his successor at Private U. is the dreaded Hated Specialist, who many patients at the Hotel have lots of stories about. HS, hopefully, will stay at the Private U. and not visit, but time will tell.
Then the NY Times magazine has this article about death in cyberspace. This made me think...maybe I do need one of those digital legacy services to keep all my online account information together so it is not a burden to my family to track down, if my eternal reward is issued anytime soon.
Sobering thoughts barely a week into this new year...more to come.
Yes, the changes are all over place already this year. And as luck would have it, there are helpful articles.
I saw the Specialist in one today in RehabLand's paper talking about his next adventure as a teacher. We will miss him, because his successor at Private U. is the dreaded Hated Specialist, who many patients at the Hotel have lots of stories about. HS, hopefully, will stay at the Private U. and not visit, but time will tell.
Then the NY Times magazine has this article about death in cyberspace. This made me think...maybe I do need one of those digital legacy services to keep all my online account information together so it is not a burden to my family to track down, if my eternal reward is issued anytime soon.
Sobering thoughts barely a week into this new year...more to come.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Some blogs make me cry
And happily, some blogs make me laugh. Grumpy has a guest post by his wife Mrs Grumpy (aka Skool Nurse), which has a teachable moment. It would be nice for that moment to occur at home, however, without video, even though spy gadgets are really cool.
Thanks Grumpy and Skewl Nurse! I needed a good laugh.
Thanks Grumpy and Skewl Nurse! I needed a good laugh.
Friday, January 7, 2011
A week to remember
It's been a different sort of life working in the SU and in a way, I'm grateful. For the most part, it's quiet and reasonably paced. This past week, however, has been crazy.
The ineptitude of our unit secretary is coming out in the form of the MD's schedule. I've found errors and have been working to correct them, but not much has been done, since the replacement isn't much better. They just do not comprehend how to take care of patients and keep a day moving. It is a whole lot of non-nursing work, done by nursing staff. So when I complain to my boss, the answer is to talk to the administrative head, who manages the secretaries assigned to each unit. Fun.
Finally, to top it all off, the nurse manager told us she's leaving next month for another unit in the complex. She's been in our area for her entire career. It will certainly be a change. The troops at the Hotel were stunned today. "Who will lead us?" they cried. Not a single volunteer from the old timers, either. It will be an interesting time. Thank goodness no one's asking me. I would need to have that last MegaMillions salary to take a nurse management job at the Hotel with our motley crew!
May have to get my walking boots on once this assignment in the SU is complete. I see bedlam coming...more so than usual.
Stay tuned...exciting times are coming up around the bend.
The ineptitude of our unit secretary is coming out in the form of the MD's schedule. I've found errors and have been working to correct them, but not much has been done, since the replacement isn't much better. They just do not comprehend how to take care of patients and keep a day moving. It is a whole lot of non-nursing work, done by nursing staff. So when I complain to my boss, the answer is to talk to the administrative head, who manages the secretaries assigned to each unit. Fun.
Finally, to top it all off, the nurse manager told us she's leaving next month for another unit in the complex. She's been in our area for her entire career. It will certainly be a change. The troops at the Hotel were stunned today. "Who will lead us?" they cried. Not a single volunteer from the old timers, either. It will be an interesting time. Thank goodness no one's asking me. I would need to have that last MegaMillions salary to take a nurse management job at the Hotel with our motley crew!
May have to get my walking boots on once this assignment in the SU is complete. I see bedlam coming...more so than usual.
Stay tuned...exciting times are coming up around the bend.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Reading list
Heroic Living by Chris Lowney. I loved Heroic Leadership, which I read on my vacation, thanks to my pal Pattie.
Living with Stroke by Richard C. Senelick. Got this for my friend who recently had a stroke and one for myself.
And finally, I'm living this title today, Don't let the turkeys get you down.
More to come...stay tuned.
Living with Stroke by Richard C. Senelick. Got this for my friend who recently had a stroke and one for myself.
And finally, I'm living this title today, Don't let the turkeys get you down.
More to come...stay tuned.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
1005 reasons
Yes, in the spirit of the season, I totally forgot that RehabRN has finally hit the 1000 post mark. Gee, who'd have thought I'd have this much to talk about as a newbie rehab nurse?
Yes, time does fly when you're having fun. Some days, however, have more fun than others.
Trust me, it's been a pleasure taking you all along for the ride and opening up my HIPAA-fied little world of the Hotels I've toiled in as well as all the characters, past and present.
In light of all the recent developments, I hope I'm around for the next 1000. It's been a hell of an experience.
Yes, time does fly when you're having fun. Some days, however, have more fun than others.
Trust me, it's been a pleasure taking you all along for the ride and opening up my HIPAA-fied little world of the Hotels I've toiled in as well as all the characters, past and present.
In light of all the recent developments, I hope I'm around for the next 1000. It's been a hell of an experience.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
So long Skippy
It's hard to imagine that the party man Skip will never host another night of drinking and playing cards in his "club" (aka back bedroom). Skip's club wasn't just any bedroom, it was a remodeled extension put onto his house to accommodate him when he was first injured.
Once he was able to gut rehab his house and make it more accessible, it was remodelled, too, and became the place to go in the little community he lived in when the American Legion post down the street closed for the night. Everyone went to Skip's and continued to play cards, and of course, down a few beers at the bar, or play a few hands at one of the four card tables, and eat Mama Skip's meatball sandwiches from the kitchen.
Sadly, on the biggest party night of the year, Skip told his visiting nurse he wasn't feeling so hot, so please come over later. She did and Skip was found in his chair, with the phone lying beside him on the floor. Since Skip was a long-time customer at the Hotel, a group of nurses carpooled over to the little town and to the funeral home. It was a sight to see.
In this part of RehabLand, flags fly every day from nearly every house: American flags, flags for your branch of service (Marine standard for Skip), POW/MIA flags for the guys Skip couldn't bring back with him, and even flags with flowers and birds saying "Welcome." A dozen American flags and the Marine flag flew outside Little Town's Funeral Parlor. While it looked small, the inside was big and it was packed. It seemed as if everyone in town was there to comfort Skip's family: friends, neighbors, and all the veterans: the Marine League, the Amvets, the VFW guys, and of course, the American Legion post from Skip's neighborhood.
As we approached the casket, a cry went up that startled me. "They're here!" they shouted. "Oh, Skip would have loved it that all you nurses came to see him, " Mama Skip cried. Skip's kids grabbed us and hugged us. Some of our group had known Skip for many years. Skip's brother Bob (who was a double for Skip down to the laugh) took us and introduced us to all the neighbors and friends in the room.
"Here they are, folks. The best nurses in the world. Skip called them his angels."
And now we call Skip one. Godspeed, friend...o bella, ciao!
Once he was able to gut rehab his house and make it more accessible, it was remodelled, too, and became the place to go in the little community he lived in when the American Legion post down the street closed for the night. Everyone went to Skip's and continued to play cards, and of course, down a few beers at the bar, or play a few hands at one of the four card tables, and eat Mama Skip's meatball sandwiches from the kitchen.
Sadly, on the biggest party night of the year, Skip told his visiting nurse he wasn't feeling so hot, so please come over later. She did and Skip was found in his chair, with the phone lying beside him on the floor. Since Skip was a long-time customer at the Hotel, a group of nurses carpooled over to the little town and to the funeral home. It was a sight to see.
In this part of RehabLand, flags fly every day from nearly every house: American flags, flags for your branch of service (Marine standard for Skip), POW/MIA flags for the guys Skip couldn't bring back with him, and even flags with flowers and birds saying "Welcome." A dozen American flags and the Marine flag flew outside Little Town's Funeral Parlor. While it looked small, the inside was big and it was packed. It seemed as if everyone in town was there to comfort Skip's family: friends, neighbors, and all the veterans: the Marine League, the Amvets, the VFW guys, and of course, the American Legion post from Skip's neighborhood.
As we approached the casket, a cry went up that startled me. "They're here!" they shouted. "Oh, Skip would have loved it that all you nurses came to see him, " Mama Skip cried. Skip's kids grabbed us and hugged us. Some of our group had known Skip for many years. Skip's brother Bob (who was a double for Skip down to the laugh) took us and introduced us to all the neighbors and friends in the room.
"Here they are, folks. The best nurses in the world. Skip called them his angels."
And now we call Skip one. Godspeed, friend...o bella, ciao!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Year's resolutions
I always have a couple. Nothing fancy this year. I'm planning on drinking more water and reading more. I know I should be able to accomplish those.
The rest, if I knew I could, I would resolve to travel three times this year (and not always on business), and I would resolve to get into shape. I think it's more realistic to say I will keep evaluating my diet and watch the carbs. My measuring tool is my scale. I know my magic number and I'll be looking to keep it under or at that!
Well, there's lots of articles on the subject out there right now, so have a look if you're interested.
The rest, if I knew I could, I would resolve to travel three times this year (and not always on business), and I would resolve to get into shape. I think it's more realistic to say I will keep evaluating my diet and watch the carbs. My measuring tool is my scale. I know my magic number and I'll be looking to keep it under or at that!
Well, there's lots of articles on the subject out there right now, so have a look if you're interested.
- The LA Times has this one about improving your odds of successfully achieving your resolutions.
- Suite101 has some odd resolutions.
- Wanna make your own? Check out the Resolution Randomizer for some silly ones.
- Example: "I (state your name) hereby resolve to justify my love of arm wrestling with coworkers."
- And finally, if you want to see a really odd one, see Dr. Grumpy's post about New Year's resolutions this year. WTF?
One more day...
Then it's back to work at the Hotel. Hope the New Year is less exciting than the old one, and that all the patients stay alive.
Too many discharges lately, and not enough returns.
Off to read and relax some more! Stay tuned...
Too many discharges lately, and not enough returns.
Off to read and relax some more! Stay tuned...
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year?
Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin
I certainly hope so. Woke up with all the body parts and house intact, and trust me, after a wild, stormy day like yesterday in RehabLand, that is all I ask for. I love the Wizard of Oz, but have no desire to have a life-like recreation while I'm on vacation. I still worry about the Specialist's senior assistant NP, since she lives very near where some tornadoes tore up a wide swath of town. I'll be checking on her today.
And since it's a Saturday, I'm hitting the road to see my siblings and check out a couple of holiday open houses.
Gonna have to find me some blackeyed peas somewhere, since I can't find my can. I'll take whatever luck I can get!
More to come....
I certainly hope so. Woke up with all the body parts and house intact, and trust me, after a wild, stormy day like yesterday in RehabLand, that is all I ask for. I love the Wizard of Oz, but have no desire to have a life-like recreation while I'm on vacation. I still worry about the Specialist's senior assistant NP, since she lives very near where some tornadoes tore up a wide swath of town. I'll be checking on her today.
And since it's a Saturday, I'm hitting the road to see my siblings and check out a couple of holiday open houses.
Gonna have to find me some blackeyed peas somewhere, since I can't find my can. I'll take whatever luck I can get!
More to come....
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