Yes, it’s still “a thing” We’re talking about the c-word: COVID. Here’s a little info update on the subject for you Three years on (!), infection prevention and control (IPAC) precautions are very much still in place within LTC homes. It’s nobody’s choice or decision within the home that this remains the case (so stop […]
Yes, it’s still “a thing” Read More »
I recently gave a lecture about my book at an alma mater of mine. Fun times and always wistful to be back on campus (still can’t believe I was on stage instead of falling asleep in the audience, even if it’s been almost 20 years since I left). I spoke about the writing process of
It’s not getting any easier Read More »
Or, anything at all?! I’m going to apologize in advance, here. This one is more about me having a bit of a moan after a particularly (and needlessly) frustrating shift. So, why are we still using fax machines? Not sure how to answer the question when companies all appear to have so much money to
Why are we still faxing important things? Read More »
I always find myself a bit crestfallen when action isn’t taken to solve underlying issues between my shifts; that is, to return to the same quagmire of problems. And so it usually is with respect to issues relating to mental health – in both the residents and the staff. The pervasiveness of mental health issues
Can you run it up the flagpole or rattle some cages to get me a response, please? Read More »
One would think that with the holidays being over, yearly trends would repeat themselves – namely, high rates of employee absenteeism would come to an end. … oh, no. No, no. What I’m seeing Last time I worked, depending on the unit, time and professional denomination, there were up to (and sometimes even more than)
New Year, Same Problems… but things are still looking up Read More »
Honestly, the inglorious truth is that it’s just another day, mostly like any other. Especially for those who are scheduled to work. Granted, the Life Enrichment department (AKA: recreational therapy and/or volunteer group) make concerted efforts to liven the spirits of everyone around with festive cheer, decorations and gifts for every resident (especially thoughtful). But
What does christmas look like in LTC? Read More »
Please just show up to work. Please. It’s really just that simple. I could end this blog right here but since you’ve made it this far, I feel I ought to elaborate. If you’ve read my book, you’ll have noticed that I have a bone to pick with staffing – not the tireless clerks who
After another wild weekend on the frontline, I’m never at a loss for new material to discuss here; however, I fear that much of it, given my proclivity for profanity, is simply unpublishable in a public format. Moreover, I feel that there would be so much explaining to do in order to set up whatever
Empower your employees Read More »
It’s funny how certain aspects of care are 24/7 and others are not. I should probably explain that. For example, obtaining medications after-hours in a long-term care home can be a limited endeavour simply because pharmacies aren’t always open. Fair enough… even though nursing staff are working and residents’ needs change independently of the
Awfully sorry I haven’t been on here in a while. I strive to add to my blog with a new post every two weeks; however, for otherwise ‘good’ reasons (work has been busy – and crucially – fruitful), my attention and energies have had to be focused elsewhere. But now, I’m back. I’ve now finished
The most interesting question I was asked… Read More »