You can observe a lot by just watching. ~ Yogi Berra
We got an e-mail recently saying the Hotel (and Washington and Madison) was becoming a "smoke free campus".
Supposedly, there was a campaign (not run by our crack public affairs officials) about this big news. I found out about it in a meeting earlier this month, and the nurse executive said, "This shouldn't be the first time you are hearing about this."
Sadly, it was. While I don't smoke myself, it does make things challenging for our patients that do.
Miraculously, someone got Ye Old (stress on old and clueless) Public Affairs person(s) to post this information for patients on our website and social media. It starts January 1.
The grumblings are loud and rowdy at the Hotel because our patients did not get a designated smoking area, nor did our employees. The nearest one is in the building next door, which is a long walk.
The best quote on social media, however, was truth.
"The last time I checked, no one could smoke inside Washington or Madison, so how is it that you weren't a 'smoke free campus' already?'
I'll just keep watching...stay tuned.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
So glad
Monday finally flew by at the Hotel. I went in early to check mail and messages, and my phone rang. One of our patients passed away over the weekend. It wasn't entirely unexpected, but that call really changed the tone of my day.
Mr. C. had a wonderful Christmas according to this relative. He even got to celebrate a major wedding anniversary. He saw family and friends and experienced the fun of the holidays with his immediate family around him. His grand kids all opened gifts at his house.
Ms. Relative thought he was getting a cold and was possibly getting sick. Mr. C. said, "No, I just need some sleep." Mr. C. went to sleep smiling, she said, because he had so much fun seeing his family. When she went to check on him later, he was gone.
Considering the wild, crazy last few years Mr. C. had, this was the best way for him to go: at home in his sleep.
I worked a lot with Mr. C. and his family in the last year, I'll miss him, too.
More later.
Mr. C. had a wonderful Christmas according to this relative. He even got to celebrate a major wedding anniversary. He saw family and friends and experienced the fun of the holidays with his immediate family around him. His grand kids all opened gifts at his house.
Ms. Relative thought he was getting a cold and was possibly getting sick. Mr. C. said, "No, I just need some sleep." Mr. C. went to sleep smiling, she said, because he had so much fun seeing his family. When she went to check on him later, he was gone.
Considering the wild, crazy last few years Mr. C. had, this was the best way for him to go: at home in his sleep.
I worked a lot with Mr. C. and his family in the last year, I'll miss him, too.
More later.
Monday, December 28, 2015
RehabRN book club: Holiday edition
Just to follow up on our last edition: Shrinks is so worth your time if you'd like to know how psychiatric treatment has evolved over time. While I'll never work psych (although we ALL have psych patients, no matter what area we are), it was a very meaningful book for me.
In my humble opinion, it should be required reading for all nurses before or during your psychiatric nursing class.
Here are a few other books I enjoyed recently:
1. The Laws of Medicine by Siddartha Mukerjee
This is a very short little book that's worth your time. I'm going to check out the Emperor of All Maladies soon.
And on the nightstand right now:
2. American Smoke by Iain Sinclair
Just started this one about the author who follows the trail of American literary stars such as Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs.
3. Lights & Sirens by Kevin Grange
I've called for lights and sirens a few times at the Hotel, so I was intrigued by this description of the life of a paramedic.
More to come on these books. Have a great week!
In my humble opinion, it should be required reading for all nurses before or during your psychiatric nursing class.
Here are a few other books I enjoyed recently:
1. The Laws of Medicine by Siddartha Mukerjee
This is a very short little book that's worth your time. I'm going to check out the Emperor of All Maladies soon.
And on the nightstand right now:
2. American Smoke by Iain Sinclair
Just started this one about the author who follows the trail of American literary stars such as Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs.
3. Lights & Sirens by Kevin Grange
I've called for lights and sirens a few times at the Hotel, so I was intrigued by this description of the life of a paramedic.
More to come on these books. Have a great week!
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Back to reality
It was fun, but too short. Yes, vacation is nearly over. It was fun though, spending time with Bubba and Dahey and some of the other assorted relatives who were roaming around Rehab Land.
I saw some movies. Between Redbox, our local library, the movie theatre and cable TV, I saw lots of stuff: things I haven't seen in years (Elf, Scrooged), things I see every year (It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story) and movies I wanted to see this summer (Trainwreck, Inside Out).
My trip to the movie theatre was not for Star Wars (I was busy being an elf while that was going on) but with Bubba to see Daddy's Home. While it's not for everyone, it is a good one for kids, and per usual Will Ferrell movies, there is a big dance scene.
I wanted to see more holiday lights, but the weather of late has not cooperated. Tornado watches and rain ruined any chances of that.
Being away, however, when you are with people you want to be with, is priceless. While it was a lot of work, it was worth it.
I hope you enjoy your holiday season and the new year to come.
Stay tuned.
I saw some movies. Between Redbox, our local library, the movie theatre and cable TV, I saw lots of stuff: things I haven't seen in years (Elf, Scrooged), things I see every year (It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story) and movies I wanted to see this summer (Trainwreck, Inside Out).
My trip to the movie theatre was not for Star Wars (I was busy being an elf while that was going on) but with Bubba to see Daddy's Home. While it's not for everyone, it is a good one for kids, and per usual Will Ferrell movies, there is a big dance scene.
I wanted to see more holiday lights, but the weather of late has not cooperated. Tornado watches and rain ruined any chances of that.
Being away, however, when you are with people you want to be with, is priceless. While it was a lot of work, it was worth it.
I hope you enjoy your holiday season and the new year to come.
Stay tuned.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
The law of averages
TGIV! (Thank Goodness I'm on Vacation)
The law of averages still keeps cropping up at the Hotel.
What is the chance the maintenance guys will install your blinds in your office and treatment room and only one won't fit? Consequently, it will have to wait until next week. Hopefully, they'll find another.
What is the chance that a patient who's minding his/her own business as a patient would be fine one day, then slightly confused the next, then completely out of it the day after that? It was our patient and they have a slight clue what it may be (medication) but even tapering it, he/she's not getting better.
What is the chance that your boss will call a meeting, get caught up in the trappings of the holiday gifts he/she is given, and forget to do what he/she set out for the meeting?
Just another reason why each team meeting should have a written agenda and last no more than 30 minutes. If it were up to me, I'd take away the chairs to guarantee it's a short one, but the Slug would complain.
Again, TGIV! I can escape for a while and enjoy. Hope you and yours do this holiday season wherever you are!
The law of averages still keeps cropping up at the Hotel.
What is the chance the maintenance guys will install your blinds in your office and treatment room and only one won't fit? Consequently, it will have to wait until next week. Hopefully, they'll find another.
What is the chance that a patient who's minding his/her own business as a patient would be fine one day, then slightly confused the next, then completely out of it the day after that? It was our patient and they have a slight clue what it may be (medication) but even tapering it, he/she's not getting better.
What is the chance that your boss will call a meeting, get caught up in the trappings of the holiday gifts he/she is given, and forget to do what he/she set out for the meeting?
Just another reason why each team meeting should have a written agenda and last no more than 30 minutes. If it were up to me, I'd take away the chairs to guarantee it's a short one, but the Slug would complain.
Again, TGIV! I can escape for a while and enjoy. Hope you and yours do this holiday season wherever you are!
Thursday, December 17, 2015
All I want for Christmas
Yes, it's a song, but it's chorus resounds in the Hotel.
On the floor, all most of our folks want is to go home for Christmas. As nice as it is in the Hotel with all the volunteers and goodies and Santa (we even offer some shopping), most people want to go home for Christmas.
The folks who have no one, or no real home that looks like Currier and Ives, however, want to stay with us. Someone to take care of you is a happy holiday for them.
Some folks want a diagnosis for an illness that just cropped up. One minute, you're healing up. The next, you're sick, sick, sick and no one seems to know why even after multiple consults.
My office mate and I are still awaiting things to do our job, namely window blinds. That HIPAA assuring privacy thing really is a big deal, Mr./Ms. Hospital Interior Design person. We cannot do all of our jobs without it. So we rearrange, we encroach, and we crash in other areas. This makes for some other unhappy coworkers, but we manage. 'Tis the price of improvement and remodeling the Hotel, we say.
However, my relative is asking for something big: an accessible neighborhood. One in which you can ambulate by walking, your walker or your electric wheelchair, without fear of being hit by cars on a busy street. And since it's not far from the Hotel, it matters to us, too.
The social media campaign began yesterday. The news story airs tonight.
It's a big Christmas wish, but one that really should come true. Somebody's life may depend on it.
Stay tuned...
On the floor, all most of our folks want is to go home for Christmas. As nice as it is in the Hotel with all the volunteers and goodies and Santa (we even offer some shopping), most people want to go home for Christmas.
The folks who have no one, or no real home that looks like Currier and Ives, however, want to stay with us. Someone to take care of you is a happy holiday for them.
Some folks want a diagnosis for an illness that just cropped up. One minute, you're healing up. The next, you're sick, sick, sick and no one seems to know why even after multiple consults.
My office mate and I are still awaiting things to do our job, namely window blinds. That HIPAA assuring privacy thing really is a big deal, Mr./Ms. Hospital Interior Design person. We cannot do all of our jobs without it. So we rearrange, we encroach, and we crash in other areas. This makes for some other unhappy coworkers, but we manage. 'Tis the price of improvement and remodeling the Hotel, we say.
However, my relative is asking for something big: an accessible neighborhood. One in which you can ambulate by walking, your walker or your electric wheelchair, without fear of being hit by cars on a busy street. And since it's not far from the Hotel, it matters to us, too.
The social media campaign began yesterday. The news story airs tonight.
It's a big Christmas wish, but one that really should come true. Somebody's life may depend on it.
Stay tuned...
Friday, December 11, 2015
Dear Medicaid
You suck.
Why? Let me count the myriad ways...
One, you are the payor of last resort, but alas, when you have a loved one who goes to the emergency room because someone else caused their injury as they were going down the street, you are checked first.
It's especially nice when the injury occurs on the same day as the spend down deduction and you freak out said relative by saying, "Your Medicaid rejected you".
Two, you assume so much.
Three, when in doubt, you cut people off. It's way simpler than finding out what the actual problem is (i.e. a little timely communications re: the changing of spend down payments by $4 also helps) I guess.
That's okay. In the spirit of Christmas, besides assisting said relative in hiring an attorney, I'm just going to hang on the phone lines at your place and remind you of what the state laws really are when you've collected your $150 spend down.
And I'll make sure the nice people in Saint Elsewhere ER and the attorney do, too.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
Why? Let me count the myriad ways...
One, you are the payor of last resort, but alas, when you have a loved one who goes to the emergency room because someone else caused their injury as they were going down the street, you are checked first.
It's especially nice when the injury occurs on the same day as the spend down deduction and you freak out said relative by saying, "Your Medicaid rejected you".
Two, you assume so much.
Three, when in doubt, you cut people off. It's way simpler than finding out what the actual problem is (i.e. a little timely communications re: the changing of spend down payments by $4 also helps) I guess.
That's okay. In the spirit of Christmas, besides assisting said relative in hiring an attorney, I'm just going to hang on the phone lines at your place and remind you of what the state laws really are when you've collected your $150 spend down.
And I'll make sure the nice people in Saint Elsewhere ER and the attorney do, too.
Sincerely not,
RehabRN
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
RehabRN reading continues...
It's so nice that Bubba's been feeling like reading, so Dahey and I take him regularly to RehabLand's public library (which is pretty darned good).
Here's a couple of things on the burner right now.
1. Child, please by Ylanda Gault Caveness. This author works the parenting sites and has lots of interesting perspectives as the mother of three kids.
While my childhood deviated on many planes from hers, due to ethnicity, etc., there were more than a few common sayings mentioned in the book that I heard in our house among my parents.
I chuckled to myself more than a few times reading this book, and frankly, there are some hilarious moments that will make you laugh out loud. (and even disturb your neighbors sitting nearby).
Little book with a whole lot of parenting wisdom. I highly recommend it.
2. Shrinks: The untold story of psychiatry by Jeffery Lieberman I just started this one, and the intro is just right. It sets you up in a patient story, and draws you in. The stress, anxiety and the ambivalence of the general public to consider the benefits of a medical psychiatric workup.
I can't wait to continue down the road of this story penned by the former president of the American Psychiatric Association.
Stay tuned!
Here's a couple of things on the burner right now.
1. Child, please by Ylanda Gault Caveness. This author works the parenting sites and has lots of interesting perspectives as the mother of three kids.
While my childhood deviated on many planes from hers, due to ethnicity, etc., there were more than a few common sayings mentioned in the book that I heard in our house among my parents.
I chuckled to myself more than a few times reading this book, and frankly, there are some hilarious moments that will make you laugh out loud. (and even disturb your neighbors sitting nearby).
Little book with a whole lot of parenting wisdom. I highly recommend it.
2. Shrinks: The untold story of psychiatry by Jeffery Lieberman I just started this one, and the intro is just right. It sets you up in a patient story, and draws you in. The stress, anxiety and the ambivalence of the general public to consider the benefits of a medical psychiatric workup.
I can't wait to continue down the road of this story penned by the former president of the American Psychiatric Association.
Stay tuned!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
'Tis the season
Oh, the holiday parties, lunches, etc. begin. We recently got our decorating requirements from the safety staff at the Hotel: no lights near patient beds, no blocking egress with trees or decorations, or covering up fire alarms (yes, they have to tell people that).
The weird requirement, though, was the "No decoration can cover more than 10% of a door". Guess I have to tell the elves that the fancy bow on our door is actually over the limit.
If that's not exciting enough, it's always fun when I'm off work and see some of our fine floor unlicensed nursing staff out shopping at 9AM. The local mall is located two miles from the Hotel. It's not lunch time, either.
Oh, I so want to call the house supervisor, to ask if he/she knows where all his/her employees are, but I know nothing will be done.
Stay tuned...
The weird requirement, though, was the "No decoration can cover more than 10% of a door". Guess I have to tell the elves that the fancy bow on our door is actually over the limit.
If that's not exciting enough, it's always fun when I'm off work and see some of our fine floor unlicensed nursing staff out shopping at 9AM. The local mall is located two miles from the Hotel. It's not lunch time, either.
Oh, I so want to call the house supervisor, to ask if he/she knows where all his/her employees are, but I know nothing will be done.
Stay tuned...
Friday, December 4, 2015
Almost home
The office mate is at a conference. His/her previous office mates dropped off the rest of his/her stuff yesterday. Why people don't move EVERYTHING when they move is beyond me. I'm just surprised they haven't asked to change the locks yet.
We are still in a fishbowl with no window coverings (blinds, etc.) which means no patients in our treatment area. One of these days our interior design staff will get a clue.
I'm hoping that clue comes special delivery today.
The patients that pass do like coming in to look around. Most folks in wheelchairs can do a 360 in the space in front of our desks, which is nice.
It's nice to be almost home.
We are still in a fishbowl with no window coverings (blinds, etc.) which means no patients in our treatment area. One of these days our interior design staff will get a clue.
I'm hoping that clue comes special delivery today.
The patients that pass do like coming in to look around. Most folks in wheelchairs can do a 360 in the space in front of our desks, which is nice.
It's nice to be almost home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)