Here’s an article from Advanceweb.com about technology and its impact on patient care at the bedside.  After reading this article, I have a new and better appreciation of the newer smartphones and the capabilities they open up for nurses.

Please read this article and let me know what you think.  Are you using this technology where you work?  If so, let us hear from you about the pluses and/or minuses you experience with their use.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Nurses help pioneer clinical use of devices for time-saving messaging and more.

As relief night charge nurse on a medical unit at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL, Jackie Baxter, RN-BC, often was frustrated by communication glitches that negatively impacted patient care.

“We were having problems because patients were waiting too long to see a nurse, but the nurses weren’t always getting the messages about their patients’ needs,” she said. Her graduate studies in nursing informatics made her aware of potential solutions, so she was pleased to be invited to participate in a discussion about smartphone solutions.

Integration

Entrepreneur Trey Lauderdale came to Sarasota to discuss healthcare-focused communications solutions software with nurses and information technology (IT) staff.

“There are so many systems in the hospital setting that produce critical information, notifications and alarms,” he explained. “There are nurse call systems, infusion pumps, smart beds, monitors, alarms and other sources. That’s a lot of information to convey. If your end device is a pager, the nurse won’t get all that rich information. Nurses were getting frustrated with the lack of innovation in end-user devices.”

Lauderdale brought along smartphones preprogrammed with software that integrates some of that vital data. “The nurse walks in, picks up a smartphone from a charger and logs in,” he explained. “The system automatically routes all messages and notifications to the correct end user.”

The synergy between clinicians and IT experts at that meeting gave rise to a long-term working relationship…[read more]…

Related articles by Zemanta

• Letters: More Nurses for Fewer Patients? (nytimes.com)
• Why should nurses blog (slideshare.net)
• Important New Gadgets of 2010 (brighthub.com)
• Smartphone market on new high (ciol.com)
• Nokia says all of its smartphones will support NFC starting next year (engadget.com)

In these tough economic times… yeah. Let’s not go there. We’ve heard that phrase way too much lately.

Seriously, though, if you are looking for a job, consider being a caregiver.  Here are a couple of facts to ponder:

1. 27 million Americans will require some type of long-term care by 2050 – a 100% increase from 2000. *

2. 5.7 million – 6.5 million nurses, nurse aides, home health & personal care workers will be needed to care for these individuals.*

In other words, there is no shortage of jobs within the nursing/caregiver/aide segment of the workforce. But, you say, I couldn’t possibly do that kind of work. I don’t have what it takes.

How do you know that if you haven’t tried?

Let’s explore a few of the reasons why you can’t do it that are probably running through your head right now:

I don’t have the right personality for that. – Granted, most successful professional caregivers are people-oriented, friendly, outgoing, and aren’t bothered by bodily fluids. My sister, Mellissa, is one of those. She’s a natural at this type of work. People meet her and immediately love her to pieces. And then they meet me. We have a running joke between us about me being ‘The Sister’. Basically, it means that, next to her, I’m almost as personable as a couch. I’d been telling her that for years, but she didn’t believe me until one day we were approached by a woman we’d never met. This woman immediately looked at her and said, “You must be Mellissa! It’s so nice to meet you! I’ve heard so much about you.” She then – after a long conversation with Mellissa while I stood aside – turned to me and said, “Oh, you must be the sister.” No name – just Mellissa’s sister. And thus ended the conversation with me.  Why? Because I’m NOT a people person. I’m quiet, have a terrible time talking to strangers, am not a witty conversationalist, and on top of all that, am somewhat germ phobic. Try cleaning up bodily fluids with THAT little issue to deal with.

BUT – and that’s a big but – I have learned to compensate, overcome, or suppress all that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still ‘me’, I’ve  just learned to push my personal boundaries, force myself out of my cocoon, become more comfortable with people, and overcome the germ phobia. Well, at least mostly. I still have a few little quirks. My point is, if I can become a professional caregiver with a reputation that has my client’s family bragging about me to everyone they see, (yep – embarrassing) anybody can do it! It won’t be easy, and it takes dedication, time, and determination, but you can do it. Remember that being a caregiver not only helps the person you care for, but it also helps you to become a better person.

I don’t have the patience for it.  - Good grief, who does? Okay, okay, yes, you need patience. Lots of it. Tons. Immeasurable amounts. But what you need even more is the ability to suppress your impatient reactions when your supply of patience runs short. You only need a moment’s worth at a time of that. Anyone can bite their tongue for five minutes until you can run outside and scream. Patience is like a muscle – it gets stronger with use. The more it’s tested, the more of it you will have.

McDonald’s pays more. – That used to be true, and in some cases, still is, and is one reason there is such a shortage of caregivers. Lack of training also contributes to low wages. HOWEVER, that is improving, and if you’re willing to take a short course and become a state-certified  Nurse Aide (CNA) – which should be the minimum you do – wages are quite a bit higher. Also, some types of positions pay better than others. Private-duty home care, for example.

I don’t think I could work in a nursing home – it’s too depressing. – We’re back to the personality thing again. Different people thrive in different settings. Some people are perfectly content working in a nursing home and they thrive in the daily challenges there. Others prefer caring for one or two at a time in a home setting. Getting your feet wet, so to speak, is the only way to find out where your niche is.

 I’m a guy – that seems like a woman’s job.  – Traditionally, that has been true. BUT, in recent years – and more so as time goes on – the need for men to work as caregivers has risen, particularly to work with dementia patients. As the baby boomers age, so will the numbers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients who are in physically good health but can become violent or unruly because of their disease. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in situations where having a guy around would have made life much easier while handling elderly men who were bigger and stronger than me. Men respond to other men in much different ways than they do women and sometimes just the presence of another man in the room diffuses tense situations. Trust me, guys – whatever type of facility you choose, you’ll be welcomed with gratitude!

Still not convinced? Post your questions, fears, or reservations in the comments section below, and I’ll try to answer them. Think about it; how better to feel good about what you do for a living than to help other people have the best quality of life they can have? The question shouldn’t be “Why should I?”, but rather “Why not?”.

Does this sound like a challenge? Well, it is. I double-dog dare you to give it a try!

* Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Labor statistics

i need to get my lazy ass in gear and write damnit.  i am going to write everyday, some might be shit, some might be brilliant, but fuck if i don’t try i’m never going to know.  i’d rather crank out something shitty than nothing at all.  i apologize in advance reader, if this turns out to be shite.

what is today’s topic?  i am looking at my calendar and it says july.  i know it is still june, but i can’t stand looking at the last week of the month for some reason so i flip the page over to the next month.  the 1st of july falls on thursday.  thursdays are like my mondays because my weekend doesn’t really start till monday.  i work the entire weekend, so come monday, i don’t work and i can actually sleep in.  it is strange to be on a cycle different from everyone else.  working nights really suck because i miss out on lots or parties and dinners and get togethers.  one thing i’ve learned about myself while working as a server is that i’ve got flat feet.  i don’t think i would’ve realized this had i not spent 8-9 hours on my feet on a daily basis.  i would’ve sucked as a nurse, my mom wanted me to be a nurse, but if i can barely handle an 8 hour shift on my feet, i how could i handle a 24 hour shift as a nurse?  i wear nurse’s shoes at work, so it’s not like my feet aren’t supported.  they are. they are ugly black nurse’s shoes but damn are they comfortable.  but it’s okay because no one ever looks at my feet at work.

i was once approached to be a foot model a lifetime ago when i used to live in ny.  it’s true.  i had beautiful feet once…

guys need to know it all starts with the feet.  you want to turn a woman on?  take off her heels and start massaging the feet.  suck the toes if you want.  but caress, rub, knead the heel, the toes, the arch, the sole.  and then move your way up to her ankles, legs, thighs, and if you really want to score, turn her over and work her back.  the lower back get especially tight.  don’t forget the bum. the shoulders and neck.  at this point, you’ve got her.  massaging is the best foreplay if you didn’t know.

you’re welcome guys.

Uzbekistan EMS Training a Success

(26June2010) – Three GMR volunteers returned home safely last week from two successful weeks of EMS first responder training in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The mission was part of a joint venture orchestrated by relief organization, Medical Teams International (MTI) to increase the quality of care in the region. This is GMR’s second mission to Uzbekistan this year, building upon a foundation first responder training provided in February. For several years, MTI has been working in Uzbekistan to establish standards of care in the prehospital setting.

The two groups of students included 38 men and 3 women that travelled up to 300 miles each day to attend the training. All were members of fire departments throughout the region. The students adapted well and were very proficient at their skills despite having little or no first aid training prior. They were taught anatomy, wound care, medical emergencies, and trauma management skills. The ultimate goal of this mission was to provide the area with established training and certification so that they can evolve into a dual role system of providing fire protection as well as EMS to the citizens they serve.

The mission opened the eyes of the volunteers and provided them with cultural experience that few people have the opportunity to participate in. GMR Volunteers Greg Smith, Josh Gehrke and Tim Barbknecht would like to thank the people of Uzbekistan for their hospitality and their eagerness to learn and share ideas.

This past weekend I was in a Tomah, Wisconsin, motel when I told my husband I had to check emails before we went for dinner. The computer was in the dining room of the continental breakfast motel. I settled in and soon after a group of military men and women started a meeting around me. Then it began to rain, hard, against the window next to the computer. Since this is cranberry country, I was also surrounded with information on bogs and wine and recipe books.

As I scrolled through my emails, I spotted the one from my editor with a pdf file of Caring Lessons ready for the final proofing of the corrections I’d just sent in. I didn’t expect them back so soon and had thought I’d have the weekend free. So I focused, blotting out the military talk that sounded like a string of acronyms planning some actions, the noise of the rain pelting at my side, and the notion of cranberries all around, and checked the 20-some corrections I’d made a few days earlier. Not easy, but when one has to focus, I found out I could. And it felt great to finish!

I went back to our room and told my husband I was ready to go for dinner–that I’d been delayed because the corrections on my galley had come and I’d had to proof them. I asked, “Did you notice that it rained?”

He’d been watching the news and hadn’t noticed. He went to stand by the window. “Hey, look at this. There’s a rainbow.”

I grabbed my camera. Sure enough! A rainbow–surely a good sign after the final proof on a galley.

Seeing a rainbow always reminds me of the story about Noah and the flood. Maybe you remember the story, too, from Sunday School of the relationship between the rainbow and God’s everlasting covenant with us.

To see the rainbow, look just above the trees toward the left (or click on the photo to enlarge). A comforting promise!

Hall Rejuvenation is currently seeking an Aesthetic Nurse to add to our team. As part of Hall Plastic Surgery, Hall Rejuvenation’s Med-Spa aims to be the destination of choice for both local and out of town guests to the Austin, Texas area. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and many of our most requested services are performed by the Aesthetic Nurse.  We are excited about finding someone who wants to make Hall Rejuvenation their career home.

Find out more about Hall Plastic Surgery and Rejuvenation at www.hallplasticsurgery.com, but when applying please contact our recruiter at TalentSleuth@gmail.com. NO OUTSIDE AGENCIES, PLEASE.

Our full time employees have a compensation program which includes fully paid health and dental insurance after 90 days, PTO (paid time off), 401k with match, discounted Med-Spa services and products.

Responsibilities:

• Administer filler treatments
• Administer laser treatments
• Administer peels
• The ideal candidate will also be able to or interested in applying permanent makeup including, but not limited to: eyeliner, eyebrows, and lip color
• May include other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Registered Nurse
• Self motivated to work independently and without supervision
• Ability to adapt to change and different situations quickly
• Detail oriented and ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
• Strong closing / sales skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing
• Be an effective, interactive and perceptive team player
• Ability to adapt as the firm evolves and grows with an energetic, confident and professional demeanor

For the right applicant this can either be a full time or part-time opportunity. We are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants and employees are treated without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Submit resume to TalentSleuth@gmail.com. NO OUTSIDE AGENCIES, PLEASE.

Here is a follow-up on the article I posted from the NY Times “Is There a Nurse in the House?”  This is from the SEIU Blog and is a very good complement to the original article.   Please read below and let me know what you think.  Do any of you readers sit on your hospital’s Staffing Committee?  If so, tell us about your experiences please.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

A recent NY Times editorial — “Is there a nurse in the House?” — hit a nerve with me, and probably many other registered nurses around the country. I rarely see a piece in the paper that is so on point about the challenges professional nurses face providing healthcare to our patients.

The editorial, by Theresa Brown, RN described nurses as first responders and the first providers to act in crises. And yet, as Brown notes, even though research proves that thousands of patients die unnecessarily in hospitals where there are too few nurses to provide care, most hospitals around the country continue to cut nursing staff as a cost-cutting measure.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Patients at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH), a level one-trauma center, where I work in Pittsburgh, PA are among the lucky few in this country. We union nurses sat down as equal partners with management and negotiated safe nurse to patient ratios into our SEIU contract for every department in the hospital. Our facility is definitely not the norm. Outside of California, where SEIU was instrumental along with other nurse unions in winning legislated staffing ratios, there are no requirements for safe staffing ratios. In fact, most hospitals in the rest of the country force nurses to accept overloaded assignments that risk patients’ lives on a daily basis. But, as I said, it doesn’t have to be this way.

When nurses have the time to professionally monitor our patients, we identify the smallest changes in a patient’s condition and thereby prevent complications that might otherwise lead to death. We provide the care that eases pain and reduces fear.
When nurses have too many patients on a shift, that level of attention is impossible to maintain; and patients lie in wait and at risk.

Patients in hospitals where nurse to patient ratios are in place, are free from central-line infections and other hospital-induced complications; they are rarely harmed by medication errors; they learn about their medications from nurses who have time to teach them; and they can go home healthier and prepared to live in a state of wellness rather than returning to the hospital sicker than ever just a short time later.

There is no reason why every single hospital in this country cannot model its nursing practice after Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and frankly, patients in this country cannot wait for it to happen hospital by hospital. Our hospital has had its financial challenges, but nurses and administrators kept working together, focusing on the mission of providing the highest quality of care to the community it serves.

As healthcare reform is implemented and quality care is incentivized, the healthcare industry is finally shifting its attention to quality standards for care. The only way for hospitals to achieve those standards will be to adopt nurse to patient ratios. However, hospitals are notorious for resisting the obvious. That’s why I agree with Theresa Brown that nurse to patient ratios must be mandated by law in order to give every patient in this country the care that our AGH patients in Pittsburgh receive.

It seems to me that patients in New York, or Louisiana, or Alaska might want that kind of nursing care, too. As a nurse I think they deserve it. As a leader of nurses in this country I will fight for it and I hope the rest of the nurses in this country and our patients will stand with us to support the staffing ratios bills from Congresswoman Schakowsky, HR2273, “Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2009″; and Senator Boxer, S1031, “National Nursing Shortage Reform and Patient Advocacy Act”. The research leaves no doubt. You are safer in my hands when I have the appropriate number of patients.

Cathy Stoddart, RN, BSN is the Chair of the Nurse Alliance of SEIU Healthcare Policy & Politics Committee and a staff nurse at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA

Related articles by Zemanta

• Letters: More Nurses for Fewer Patients? (nytimes.com)
• Nurses are underappreciated but key to patient care (kevinmd.com)
• Op-Ed Contributor: Why Lower Nurse-Patient Ratios Matter (nytimes.com)
• An Open Letter to the ANA (emergiblog.com)

So it was another serious session at the gym today and after the exercise I planned a swim in the outdoor pool followed by a little lounge around the outside to read my book and soak up the sun, but that didn’t really quite go to plan…

The gym session itself went well, what can I say? I do the exercise yes it’s hard being the size I am, but I feel good about the fact I am there and working towards losing weight plus it doesn’t feel like a chore I do actually enjoy the exercise.

(more...)