Why Not Focus on the Bigger Issues?

I recently read a blog about the differences between a doctor and a nurse. It appeared that doctors were concerned that the role of the doctor was being down played by a blogger, who stated that the difference between a nurse practitioner and MD was ultimately responsibility.  One comment that stuck out for me was made a by a doctor who stated "doctors diagnosed and nurses attended to the needs of the patients.” My interpretation was the realization that some doctors really view nurses (in all practicing roles) to be “the help” nothing more, nothing less. They don’t value the education, training, experiences, and the fact that some of them can go home at night because a nurse (in some cases a intern as well) is up all night caring for their patient and being their eyes and ears in their absence, which means nurses have to do more than just attend to patient needs in my eyes. As I read through the comments section, this conversation sounded very familiar in that nurses are having to fight for the title “nurse” as a profession, which has been evident through reports that some certified medical assistants or nursing assistants introduce themselves as nurses to patients. I wonder how many of these physicians who didn’t want the importance of the physician to be down played actually allow the role of the nurse to be done just that by allowing those in their offices, who are not credentialed, to be called nurses or present themselves as such. I believe that the sustainability of health care may be in trouble because it appears to be us vs. them at various angles, even though we are all interrelated in providing patient care. In my opinion, what we really should be focusing on is that doctors and nurses have different roles and responsibilities, and there are somethings we cannot perform successfully without the other.  The health care industry is in a major crisis, while politicians and insurance companies are making decision for physicians and nurses, we are having discussions that are irrelevant to the bigger issues at hand. I respect good physicians, I know as a nurse I am not a physician nor do I want to be. I like being able to meet the daily needs of patients through care and education, as a trained registered nurse. What do you make of the doctors vs. nurses discussions?

Who's the Blame? Lawmakers say FDA fell short in policing pharmacy

I was reading a recent article about the meningitis outbreak back in September which is classified as one of the deadliest medication-related outbreaks. It looks like the problem may be multi-faceted in Lawmakers say FDA fell short in policing pharmacy. The one thing I didn't see in the article is the anticipated plan in moving forward, now that we know what we know; are are we just going to keep pointing the finger? I personally think in moving forward that there should be agency standards in place that will protect the people, and alert lawmakers of problems faced that compromise public safety. What do you think the solution(s) should be?

10 ways to Stop Being Unaccountable for Your Profession.

"Stop Being Unaccountable for Your Profession"...Huh? Yes it may seem to be a bit off the map, but is it really? I can remember in nursing school, how eager my classmates and I were in learning any and everything about the nursing profession, it's practices, and standards, but where the struggle ensued is when we went from students to nurses in working environments that don't always seem to mesh with nursing practice and standards? The day to day busy work can remove us further and further away from the bigger picture that we as nurses are all accountable and have ownership in the direction that our profession takes. To remain or become more accountable in the nursing profession, one that will eventually take care of every person at some point in life in some capacity, I have found the following helpful for me in my journey of accountability: 

1. Listen-Knowledge is gained when we are open to hearing it. 
2. Speak Up-Use your voice, every different perspective offers a unique solution.
3. Know the Nursing Laws/Standards-You have to be aware of what governs you in order to follow or challenge to improve them.  
4. Hold Each Other Accountable to the Laws/Standards-To maintain integrity and trust, you can't turn you head to what we all should be doing to make great strides within the profession.
5. Develop Solutions-When you know the problem, that's half of the equation develop the remedies as well.
6. Remove Personal Preferences/Personal Benefits-The profession isn't about individuals; you may have great ideas but when it appears to be only beneficial to you the genuineness is challenged by others.
7. Share your Solutions-Don’t be afraid, your solution can only be considered if it is known.
8. Be Constructive-Valuable feedback gets far better results than just complaining or negativity.
9. Develop a Plan-You have the solutions…you’ve shared them, now you need a plan, bring the data and present it via the proper chain.
10. Stand United-When there is a consensus, support the spokesperson and the profession. If you don't agree with a point, don't wait until the end of a process to share, use those opportunities to share early on.

Please share, if you have other ways to stop being unaccountable...





 

What Parents Should Never Forget: After the Boston Marathon Explosions

I saw this article After the Boston Marathon explosions, what parents should do first . Check it out as it may help parents deal with the recent event that is all too sad and still very shocking. God bless us all and especially those directly affected by the Boston explosions.

A Lifestyle Far From My Own....Caring for Diverse Patients.

Have you ever had a patient where their values differed so much from your own, that it really challenged your core beliefs. I remember in my first job, I had a patient with dementia, he was constantly making inappropriate sexist comments each time I entered his room. I have to admit it was very uncomfortable for me to be treated this way, but the reality was I chose to be a nurse which meant I would care for diverse patient populations with different value systems from my own. But did that make me any less human? Absolutely not, it just challenged me to look at this person at a very vulnerable point in life who needed me to look beyond who he was to what he really needed from me, the nurse. I realized in that moment, that it was not important to me if he never learned a thing from me, but more of what I could learn from him and how I wanted to be seen as  the nurse. From that point to this, almost 12 years later, I told myself that no matter the difference that I may have as a person it should never interfere with my ability to care for my patients or to use my interactions with them as opportunities for me to grow and learn something new about who it is that I want to become, as a person and as a nurse. I think as nurses was have great opportunities to not only show how much we truly care for human life, but to grow each day and show that we can care for diverse patient populations in spite of the percieved differences. It is what makes us who we are and truly displays what we stand for as nurses and as the most valued profession.

Do you have any experiences as a nurse, where you cared for a patient with a different lifestyle than your own? What did you do to ensure that this difference was not evident in the care you provided?

Health care Savings: How to See the Doctor and Save Money

How can you save money and still remain healthy? In this economy, it seems almost impossible to do both; as pay goes down or remains the same, copays and deductibles increase and more healthier foods are costly.  I decided to develop a list from what I know as a health care consumer and what I have heard others say have made the most differences to them.

Savings at the Doctor's Office or Pharmacy

• Use urgent care offices or your regular doctor for non-life threatening issues. Ask your doctor's office if they offer sick, after hours, or weekend visits or ask where they would encourage  you to go during those times for non-life threatening issues.
• Review office billing policy make sure you know the rules; know if you will be charged for after hour calls, or when your doctor returns a phone call, or spends phone time talking to referral sources on your behalf. 
• See the same doctor, whenever possible. This will help you develop a relationship with your doctor which may mean that they become more in tuned with past or current problems and easily are able to pick up on new problems. This will also help you feel comfortable and more willing to share your thoughts and wishes regarding your health care plan.
• Educate yourself, so you can ask questions and get answers. The more you know the more you can prepare and do what you need to do to stay healthy.
• If you are diagnosed with a medical condition, ask about all of your options and the costs.
• Make sure you keep in contact with your insurance company so you can ask questions and know your benefits.
• Go to the your yearly wellness appointments, the healthier you are able to stay the less it will cost you, plus most of these appointments are covered by your insurance so the cost to you is little to nothing.
• Ask for itemized bills from whomever you see, look it over and make sure what you are charged for what was actually done.
• Ask your doctor's office what services they provide, some offices do their own x-rays, EKGs, and other tests that may cost more if you have to go to another facility.
• Talk to your doctor's office about payment options and possible discounts. Some healthcare agencies may give you a % off your bill in you are able to pay in full or if you need a payment plan, ask you may be surprised at what your options are {I would add ask first, when you are scheduling new appointments.}
• Ask about generic medications vs. brand names
• Ask about low price medication lists; some pharmacies have a list of medications that you can get some times cheaper than through using your insurance.
• Look into any store reward deals for using their store for pharmacy benefits
• Shop around for the best prices for eyeglasses and other medical equipment/devices when possible; ask health care provider and other agencies about lower prices {they are out there}.
• See about having labs and the appointment performed on the same day or ask if labs are done earlier what the charges will be.
• Be prepared, always prepare for your doctor's appointment--have your list of questions or symptoms you are having. Make the time spent useful and worth every penny.
• Look into health care flexible spending, it is pre-taxed and it allows you to plan for those unexpected medical expenses.

Saving at the Grocery Store

• Use your rewards savings cards at the grocery or coupons.
• Shop around online for the best savings; now a days there are so many online resources/blogs/etc. to help you determine the best deals that are more cost effective and healthier.
• Use farmers markets for fresh fruits and produce.
• Plan your meals, look at healthier options/recipes that suggest ingredients that are budget friendly.

Tell me how you save and stay healthy? We could all use the extra bucks:)

Reveal or Not? Airing Medical Mistakes.......

I saw this article Airing medical mistakes and was amazed! It gave me hope; I think that hospitals/clinics that take ownership in their part in improving patient care/patient outcomes is one I wouldn't mind working with and working for. We all have to do our part.