Spent the last 2 days up at SC in Vancouver filling in for sick calls. At least that clinic is comparably close and I get to go against traffic both directions. Plus, it is nice to work with other people. I worked with a gal the other day who seems to be having a rough go of it with the charge up there. It is a bummer, because I really feel like she is a nice person (though Tia says she no longer will take my opinions of anyone at face value because I get along with most everyone). I admit that, much like the charge at MP, I completely don't mind working with them because they are competent and skilled, but I also would hate working for them at their sites because they adhere to zero patient standards (ambulatory and ability to self care are requirements) and let doc offices trample/bully them.
While I was working with the nurse in question (Julie) she was telling me she worked with a float (Diane) I worked with out at Mt Hood who, after what was evidently a rough day, apparently told Julie that "Bryan would just tell such and so patient/doctor to find some other place to go." And it is true. I also hear that from my direct supervisors who would love nothing more than to have me run the other clinics scheduling for that reason alone. While I worked with the float at Mt Hood, I refused to perform a phlebotomy on a patient who couldn't transfer with even a 2 person assist. I also have turned away patients who are otherwise inappropriate for the clinic, fired patients who neglect to show up or call 3 times, and tell doctors and their offices repeatedly that I cannot take their patients when I feel it is unsafe. None of these things make me belligerent or fall outside of the parameters of what we SHOULD be doing in our clinics, however, most do little more than take the patients and deal with it. Which is why I would have HUGE problems working at the other sites under those charges. The big difference is, I would make it known instead of just dealing with it. I am not big on brooding in the dark for long. I prefer to eventually just have it out and deal with it.
That isnt to say I don't think I am a very accommodating nurse/employee. I absolutely try to get my patients in when I have the availability. I also take very good care of my patients at all sites. It is a big of a brag, but I hear it often when I visit other sites how much the patients like me (this little old lady thanked me for being so nice just the other day and I got a heartfelt thanks from a pt at MH who I worked with a few times over the months who told me how much he appreciated my positivity and listening to him). I take considerable pride in that connection with the patients because it isn't like they are visiting a hair salon or a restaurant, they are seeing me for medical conditions that are at times debilitating. I feel like, as such, they deserve nothing less than skilled care, a positive attitude, and any measures I can provide to make them feel comfortable and at ease. It is the thing that I feel separates the good nurses from the mediocre, and that is remembering that patients are people and not just a series of hurdles you have to cross to make it through the day. Hell, I know I even forget that at times.
Not much else on the horizon at present. Spent the last few nights at various parks around us listening to summer concerts with Q. I have to post my new favorite current pic of him running through the water feature during the last show. Also took him to the children's museum, for the first time today. Total blast! He spent most of it between the toddler area and a room full of dump trucks and rubber 'dirt'. Can't wait to take him back.
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