5 West Nursing

I almost missed it!

For you folks out there with no kids to take to school, lucky you! Unfortunately some of us do have obligations and when conflict happens… family comes first. I just hope that we have a way of catching up to mandatory meetings that we miss (or almost miss)… can we post them here? (hint hint *** password protected of course ***)

Well, some highlights if you may (for those who kinda missed it). We don’t want you to be out of the loop. For starters, you can get a copy of the handouts from the meeting (or borrow one from your co-workers) and browse through it (although you wouldn’t get the whole discussion).

There were indeed some points discussed during the meeting which you’ll find in this blog. For example, observing HIPAA or using the Spectralink phones when you leave the unit.

On HIPAA and Logging Off

One thing we can do (instead of totally logging off the system) is to “lock” the computer we are using. This is especially helpful if we need to be away for only a few minutes. This way, nobody can use the computer and maliciously log you off (to “teach you a hard lesson” on HIPAA). I mean, c’mon folks… how would you like it if you were working on a 15 page admission assessment, and had one more page to go, but got an urgent call, only to come back quickly and find your 15-20 minutes worth of work gone! Then, you’ll have to redo your whole assessment or documentation, and spend another 15-20 minutes re-entering the information… which by the way causes too much incremental overtime (another point discussed in the meeting). Vicious cycle of events, isn’t it? Not anymore, thanks to Microsoft’s invention of the famous Control-Alt-Delete key combo. All you have to do is press (all at the same time) the keys [ctrl]+[alt]+[del]. What this does is brings up a window with the option to “log off” or “lock” the compter (together with other options). Just click on “lock” and the computer gets locked. You can then do your business and come back later, knowing that your work will still be there (unless of course someone turns the computer off). To unlock, simply press the same combo [ctrl]+[alt]+[del], enter your network password, and (tada!) you can get back to your work without a problem.

Specktralinks

Like the Wireless wonders that we are, communication is key. Unfortunately, we still don’t have a system in place to effectively use these wireless communication devices. The problem only seem to come up when we have to locate someone off-unit because they left without telling us they were leaving, otherwise, the phones stay in the drawers… tucked and hidden (a total waste of $$$ if you ask me). As cumbersome as they may be, let’s make a habit of strapping those phone around our waist or slipping it in our pockets… and actually carry them. That way, there will be no excuse for “not finding us” when we do wander off-unit on ocassion, e.g., going to the pharmacy to pick up narcotics, etc. Now, if we couldn’t be reached on the phones because the signal is bad… ain’t our fault! Maybe we need to switch to Verizon… they can hear us now! (just kidding)

Well, overall I’d say, things are looking great! We have a cohesive team… don’t you feel the love? You better get your shades… the future’s bright at MMC… particularly 5 West, because, at 5 West… we are the best!