So being that I'm in Wisconsin, most can assume I am a Packer fan. In this case your assumptions wouldn't make you look bad, they would be correct. I really wanted to post about my excitement and somehow tie it in with nursing so here I go...
Last year during my kids honors program an eighth grader spoke about the meaning of teamwork. He even used a snazzy example of Brett Favre not being able to win the Super Bowl without Sterling Sharpe. (This is Wisconsin we use football references all the time) He spoke of wanting to better the world and asked if us adults were up to joining his generation (while standing and applauding that made me cry big time, this eighth grader, a 14 year old having so much insight was amazing).
This can be applied to nursing as well. We have a team of doctors, nurses, technicians, housekeepers, food service workers, administrators, unit coordinators, radiologists, phlebotomists, etc. etc. who all work together to ensure the patient has a positive outcome. None of us could run the ship without the other just as a quarter back needs a wide receiver. So as we look forward to the Packers in the Super Bowl (yes I said it), let's focus on team work and how we can be a better team player. We have after all, lives in our very hands.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Happy Happy Joy Joy
I have to admit, I was a huge Ren & Stimpy fan as a child and every time I hear this song it brings back fond memories and a smile to my face. I was just sitting here thinking about how sad I am that I have not received a phone call yet for an interview anywhere. That has me a little down but then by the grace of the Universe the television in the other room begins to play "Happy Happy Joy Joy" by Ren & Stimpy. It's hard to stay sad and anxious when you hear that song.
I know I will look back at the job search and say "Oh it was not really that long that I had to wait" but I'm not particularly a good waiter. I like action and I like it now. I've worked since I was 15 and this not having a job or being in school thing is killing me! So until I get a response from someone who would like to interview me, I guess I will listen to the words of Ren & Stimpy.
I know I will look back at the job search and say "Oh it was not really that long that I had to wait" but I'm not particularly a good waiter. I like action and I like it now. I've worked since I was 15 and this not having a job or being in school thing is killing me! So until I get a response from someone who would like to interview me, I guess I will listen to the words of Ren & Stimpy.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
From the Patient's Point of View
Now granted I'm a graduate nurse, I've been a patient far longer and thought it important to talk about something that has me quite bothered.
As some of you know I had to visit the oral surgeon yesterday and all went well, or so I thought. My first clue that something may not be so right (trust your gut people) was that they had me sign an informed consent in the waiting room without ever having had a conversation with the surgeon. I brushed it off, yeah I know what's up and can ask a question in the room, no biggie. That was mistake #1 on my part.
The reason this was a mistake for any non-nurses out there is there has to be a few things that happen before an informed consent is valid. #1 The surgeon must tell you about the procedure, the risks and benefits, and potential complications. #2 You must understand what the surgeon told you and accept it and #3 You must be fully competent and able to make that decision (I had no nitrous anyway so all was okay). It is then witnessed by another staff member such as a nurse who then signs that this took place. The nurse also has to be sure you did in fact meet all of those criterion.
The tooth that was extracted had a deep root that extended into my sinus cavity which has "grown down", according to my regular dentist. I have chronic rhinosinusitis which is controlled by flonase and singulair. Needless to say I have some nasal polyps and get sinus infections around every March or so. Anyway, before the surgeon began I said "My dentist told me that I should ask you if I need to be concerned about this root that has grown into my sinus cavity". He says "No, don't worry." Then proceeds to swab the wrong side of my mouth for tooth #3 when it was #13 that needed to come out. (Someone wrote down the wrong side).
With my blood pressure rising about 20 points at this juncture (I looked at the machine) I kind of just grinned and bore it. It went quick and yesterday wasn't that bad, there was drainage, that I expected. But today there is new drainage. Drainage that isn't saliva or blood or even serosanguinous fluid. I'm also starting to get a pain near my cheek bone. I called the office and was brushed off, "the pain medicine should be helping and you will get better in 2-3 days, most people don't even need all of it." Hmmm, thanks for the not really much of a reply there my dear.
I make it a habit not to announce to everyone my status in the medical field, I don't want special treatment, I want to be able to gauge it from the perspective of the regular Joe and Jane. I just feel like a diagnosis at the moment and I really dislike this aspect of health care. Patient-centered care cannot get here fast enough!
If not better by Friday, I'm calling my primary doc, after my due diligent research I may need to see an ENT if this drainage doesn't stop.
As some of you know I had to visit the oral surgeon yesterday and all went well, or so I thought. My first clue that something may not be so right (trust your gut people) was that they had me sign an informed consent in the waiting room without ever having had a conversation with the surgeon. I brushed it off, yeah I know what's up and can ask a question in the room, no biggie. That was mistake #1 on my part.
The reason this was a mistake for any non-nurses out there is there has to be a few things that happen before an informed consent is valid. #1 The surgeon must tell you about the procedure, the risks and benefits, and potential complications. #2 You must understand what the surgeon told you and accept it and #3 You must be fully competent and able to make that decision (I had no nitrous anyway so all was okay). It is then witnessed by another staff member such as a nurse who then signs that this took place. The nurse also has to be sure you did in fact meet all of those criterion.
The tooth that was extracted had a deep root that extended into my sinus cavity which has "grown down", according to my regular dentist. I have chronic rhinosinusitis which is controlled by flonase and singulair. Needless to say I have some nasal polyps and get sinus infections around every March or so. Anyway, before the surgeon began I said "My dentist told me that I should ask you if I need to be concerned about this root that has grown into my sinus cavity". He says "No, don't worry." Then proceeds to swab the wrong side of my mouth for tooth #3 when it was #13 that needed to come out. (Someone wrote down the wrong side).
With my blood pressure rising about 20 points at this juncture (I looked at the machine) I kind of just grinned and bore it. It went quick and yesterday wasn't that bad, there was drainage, that I expected. But today there is new drainage. Drainage that isn't saliva or blood or even serosanguinous fluid. I'm also starting to get a pain near my cheek bone. I called the office and was brushed off, "the pain medicine should be helping and you will get better in 2-3 days, most people don't even need all of it." Hmmm, thanks for the not really much of a reply there my dear.
I make it a habit not to announce to everyone my status in the medical field, I don't want special treatment, I want to be able to gauge it from the perspective of the regular Joe and Jane. I just feel like a diagnosis at the moment and I really dislike this aspect of health care. Patient-centered care cannot get here fast enough!
If not better by Friday, I'm calling my primary doc, after my due diligent research I may need to see an ENT if this drainage doesn't stop.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Today I Celebrate the Day My Oldest Son Was Born
13 years ago today, my oldest son was born. He was a bouncing 8 lbs. 2 oz. 20 & 1/2 inches long. He reminded us all of a "little papoose" as his Native American ancestry really showed through. He gets part Inuit from me and Choctaw from his dad, he is also part African American and many European American ethnicities.
He is an extremely intelligent, kind, considerate, and handsome young man. He also deals with Attention Deficit Disorder and a speech impairment known as stuttering.
I become concerned at times that because of his stuttering people may think he is dumb. He is far from it, in fact he wants to work for NASA. Learning to articulate his words effectively is difficult for him, but he has an incredible perseverance that I know will help him as he grows.
He recently learned that James Earl Jones and Vice President Joe Biden overcame stuttering and went on to become successful. He is a big Star Wars fan so to find out that the voice of Darth Vader once was like his, helped to boost his self-esteem.
I think it is wonderful that people in the position of power, be it celebrity or in the public eye to some degree, are open about things like this.
Children are so impressionable and they learn by the models of behavior they see around them. To know that he can overcome this deficit, something that causes him embarrassment and shyness, has given him a new sense of strength.
As he continues to grow up I can only work to be the best mother I can be, support him in his efforts, and just love him for who he is. I am incredibly proud of him and I know he will go on to do great things.
Is there anything you have had to overcome in your life that has made you stronger?
He is an extremely intelligent, kind, considerate, and handsome young man. He also deals with Attention Deficit Disorder and a speech impairment known as stuttering.
I become concerned at times that because of his stuttering people may think he is dumb. He is far from it, in fact he wants to work for NASA. Learning to articulate his words effectively is difficult for him, but he has an incredible perseverance that I know will help him as he grows.
He recently learned that James Earl Jones and Vice President Joe Biden overcame stuttering and went on to become successful. He is a big Star Wars fan so to find out that the voice of Darth Vader once was like his, helped to boost his self-esteem.
I think it is wonderful that people in the position of power, be it celebrity or in the public eye to some degree, are open about things like this.
Children are so impressionable and they learn by the models of behavior they see around them. To know that he can overcome this deficit, something that causes him embarrassment and shyness, has given him a new sense of strength.
As he continues to grow up I can only work to be the best mother I can be, support him in his efforts, and just love him for who he is. I am incredibly proud of him and I know he will go on to do great things.
Is there anything you have had to overcome in your life that has made you stronger?
Friday, December 24, 2010
New Blogging Position
I have had the fortune of being accepted as a nurse blogger with Clear Nursing Matters it is a wonderful site that offers inspiration and advice to nurses and health care professionals.
They have a Facebook group as well that I would recommend joining called ClearMedicalNetwork all you have to do is "like" the page and you are in!
I would also suggest you check out an inspirational group 8pm Warriors.
After all of the activity of the last few days, joining Twitter, Linkedin, and the Clear Medical Network; I am in awe of social media.
I have always loved to write so not only do I get to do that, I get to network with individuals in the same field as I. People who understand health care and those who dedicate their lives to it.
I am excited about this opportunity and will share more as time goes on.
They have a Facebook group as well that I would recommend joining called ClearMedicalNetwork all you have to do is "like" the page and you are in!
I would also suggest you check out an inspirational group 8pm Warriors.
After all of the activity of the last few days, joining Twitter, Linkedin, and the Clear Medical Network; I am in awe of social media.
I have always loved to write so not only do I get to do that, I get to network with individuals in the same field as I. People who understand health care and those who dedicate their lives to it.
I am excited about this opportunity and will share more as time goes on.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Job Search Tips
During my hunt for a Nursing gig, I found a few things I would like to share, some "tips" you could say.
#1 - Make a Word document containing Names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of employment, and a brief summary of your duties for each of your past employers.
The Internet is great but by the time you have looked up names/addresses of your past employers 18 times you realize it is just wasting some of your precious time.
#2 - Make another Word document with your references, 3 professional and 2 personal, their addresses and phone numbers as well as company they work for and position.
Nothing would be more embarrassing than having a reference but not their correct phone number, you want to look like you know what you are doing.
#3 - Write a cover letter.
This may seem like a no-duh but this helps because you are not only researching the company you are applying for, but many people do not include one and this helps to set you apart.
#4 - Have a list of achievements ready to add to any online application that has an "other" box.
Companies love it when individuals take pride in their success, shared governance committee attendance, and volunteer work. Just do not include things like 'I <3 puppies'
#5- Find common interview questions and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
A confident applicant who has practiced their answers, not in a way that sounds rehearsed, but in a way that shows they took time and effort goes a long way in saying something about your tenacity.
These are just a few tips, more may follow. I am still thinking of tackling the big "Tell me about areas you need to work on?" question from employers in a blog.
Any questions? Comments? Concerns? Please feel free to join in the discussion.
#1 - Make a Word document containing Names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of employment, and a brief summary of your duties for each of your past employers.
The Internet is great but by the time you have looked up names/addresses of your past employers 18 times you realize it is just wasting some of your precious time.
#2 - Make another Word document with your references, 3 professional and 2 personal, their addresses and phone numbers as well as company they work for and position.
Nothing would be more embarrassing than having a reference but not their correct phone number, you want to look like you know what you are doing.
#3 - Write a cover letter.
This may seem like a no-duh but this helps because you are not only researching the company you are applying for, but many people do not include one and this helps to set you apart.
#4 - Have a list of achievements ready to add to any online application that has an "other" box.
Companies love it when individuals take pride in their success, shared governance committee attendance, and volunteer work. Just do not include things like 'I <3 puppies'
#5- Find common interview questions and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
A confident applicant who has practiced their answers, not in a way that sounds rehearsed, but in a way that shows they took time and effort goes a long way in saying something about your tenacity.
These are just a few tips, more may follow. I am still thinking of tackling the big "Tell me about areas you need to work on?" question from employers in a blog.
Any questions? Comments? Concerns? Please feel free to join in the discussion.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
That Stupid Pharmacist! That Stupid Nurse!
A lot of misunderstandings can occur between members of a team when said members probably don't even realize they are a part of a team. I spent 8 years as a pharmacy technician in the outpatient setting and I can tell you, I heard these words almost daily. Here is where most of the misunderstandings revolved around:
The doctor's handwriting (which has been improved greatly by electronic prescribing)
A piece of missing information on the prescription (DEA # for controlled substances, signature, quantity to be dispensed *hint #1 is not very clear unless it is 1 tab)
A dose discrepancy (we all know mg and gm are very different things)
A medication that interferes with something else or a medical condition the patient has. (The not knowing this one could be any number of reasons)
So instead of blaming the messenger why not realize that in an environment where people are overworked and pressured to be busier than they'd like, be glad you caught the potential mistake and laugh a little we are all human.
The thing that nurses need to understand is that the Pharmacist has to make sure he/she can prove the Prescriber's intent unless they get audited by an insurance company; of whom are happy to take as much money back as possible.
The thing Pharmacists need to understand is nurses entrust the Physician to write the prescription order and focus on the medication and the dose so they can teach their patient proper instructions not whether a DEA # is missing.
It has little to do with intelligence and more to do with respect. In the end the patient deserves to leave the hospital or clinic and go on about their business quickly, not waiting for phone calls back and forth to clarify this or that. If you find your office taking a lot of calls for a specific doctor due to their missing something on the script, talk to the nurse manager or someone who can get to the root of the problem.
We are all a part of the team in the health of our patients, it is up to us to ensure positive outcomes. The extra stress I saw in the pharmacy only added to the discomfort and it is one thing I think we all can team up to fix.
The doctor's handwriting (which has been improved greatly by electronic prescribing)
A piece of missing information on the prescription (DEA # for controlled substances, signature, quantity to be dispensed *hint #1 is not very clear unless it is 1 tab)
A dose discrepancy (we all know mg and gm are very different things)
A medication that interferes with something else or a medical condition the patient has. (The not knowing this one could be any number of reasons)
So instead of blaming the messenger why not realize that in an environment where people are overworked and pressured to be busier than they'd like, be glad you caught the potential mistake and laugh a little we are all human.
The thing that nurses need to understand is that the Pharmacist has to make sure he/she can prove the Prescriber's intent unless they get audited by an insurance company; of whom are happy to take as much money back as possible.
The thing Pharmacists need to understand is nurses entrust the Physician to write the prescription order and focus on the medication and the dose so they can teach their patient proper instructions not whether a DEA # is missing.
It has little to do with intelligence and more to do with respect. In the end the patient deserves to leave the hospital or clinic and go on about their business quickly, not waiting for phone calls back and forth to clarify this or that. If you find your office taking a lot of calls for a specific doctor due to their missing something on the script, talk to the nurse manager or someone who can get to the root of the problem.
We are all a part of the team in the health of our patients, it is up to us to ensure positive outcomes. The extra stress I saw in the pharmacy only added to the discomfort and it is one thing I think we all can team up to fix.
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