I left work half an hour late tonight-that's almost early for me--the new PCC (Patient Care Coordinator) is supposed to start next month--almost a year after the two PCCs retired--and the second position is posted. Again. We are all tired and I'm cranky. Covering my ward, plus part of ICU--plus part of a third ward (when someone is out, as has been the case this week--and almost every week, for forever), and covering weekends and holidays is getting really old (especially when the admissions to my ward alone already account for 38-40% of the total hospital admissions).
When I arrived home, I loaded up the clothes hamper and Bandit and set off for the laundry. I prefer the laundromat because I can do a mountain of clothes(6-8 loads) in 3 hours. Tonight I only did a single load, so we were there less than an hour. Bandit and I listened to one of my library audio books while I waited until I could fold. I ended up only having one disc left, so then we drove around in the general direction of the library, until we finished the disc and I returned the audio book.
It was after 10pm when we finally arrived home. Moggy was waiting impatiently for us on the carport. He readily came inside for his dinner and didn't even try to go back outside when Bandit went for his bedtime potty break. If you read this mornings FB post, you'll recall he was a headstrong, unherdable cat who ended up staying outside when I left for work. I guess he decided inside wasn't so bad after all.
I made a quick dinner, followed by falling asleep--AT the table--usually, I can at least hold out until I get to my recliner for book reading wind down time, before I actually crawl into bed. Not tonight. I slept, sitting upright, at the table until 2am. Did I mention I am past tired?
When I awoke from my 3-hour upright snooze, a quick trip was required, so I popped into the guest bath--I needed to replace the empty TP roll anyway. The door opens onto the hall and dinning area--I spied Bandit curled up in my clean clothes, and Moggy sprawled out on my chair.
I guess I'm not the only one tired at our house. 😴😴😴
Now that I've got my second wind, I need to clean off the table, clean up the kitchen, and put away my clean-now-Bandit-smelling clothes. And go to bed for some real sleep. Or, I might just go to bed and deal with everything tomorrow. 😉
The best news I received today was actually threefold:
1) The article I submitted about a hard case my Social Worker and I handled recently was accepted for publishing on a nationwide VA website, and is in the running for inclusion in the eLetter that is sent out to everyone.
2) The mock-Joint Commission survey we just had, loved our care plans, so we continue to remain on track. Twelve years ago our PCC position was created in large part as a response to less than favorable reviews of VA Nursing care plans. Over the years, our responsibilities have grown to include much more than merely documenting the care plan, but it's still our major focus.
3) Rumor has it Joint Commission is currently at a local hospital. Since they tend to hit several in a row, and since we are currently "in the window" for our next due survey, we may actually have a real survey within the month. This is good news because then it will be another 3 years before we are due again. I'm too outspoken (and tired) to be intimidated by people evaluating my performance. I've always said, I'm going to do my job as well as I can. If I'm doing something wrong, or subpar, tell me and I'll fix it. Until I hear otherwise, I'm gonna keep on doing it my way. So far, although I'm FAR FROM PERFECT, in my 27 years being an RN, I've been able to answer all questions they've asked to their satisfaction.
The bonus feelgood moment came today when an administrator passed my Supervisors office while we were talking. He saw her sign that says, "Adopt the Paulette Stance," and asked about its meaning. Paulette is our Service Chief. I popped up and said it means to be strong and independent. My Supervisor added, "Don't take 'No' for an answer, especially when it's clearly the wrong answer." He looked at the two of us and said neither one of us failed to be assertive. Funny thing is, he's only observed my ID Meeting with staff and the Providers once, and he's only been attending the Bed Huddle we have every morning with the Chief of Staff and sometimes Director for a week or so. Because our new Director has only been here less than a couple of weeks, I've actually been on pretty good behavior. For me. I guess my reputation precedes me: Have Oppinion--Will Share.
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