It’s Been a While…
It’s Been a While… I started this blog seven years ago in front of a keyboard in scrubs in an office no bigger than a closet without a window outside a PACU. When I put those first words to paper, I wanted to reach out …
Tag: OR
What was I thinking?
Some days, it’s easy to forget why we are “here”. Working in surgery can be quite challenging. Being in charge can be even more challenging. Have you ever taken a mental inventory of your career choices that brought you to where you are? I know …
Some practical thoughts about Risk Management
Risk management can be challenging. We know that we are responsible for “managing risk”, but what does that really mean? In practical terms, we support a culture of safety to reduce risk as it relates to our daily operations. If you think about it, so …
Morale is worth the money
I once had an employer ask me to attend an out of state conference. When I initially heard about the conference, I was interested in the content and locale, and was looking forward to it. Then, I heard that the same employer had wanted about …
I’m over here sewing patches on my cape
Being in a leadership position is, for lack of a better word-challenging. But, no offense to those non-surgical leaders, who may start their day at say, some late hour like 8:30, and then maybe actually go to a restaurant for lunch, or grab a call …
My recent plumbing challenge… and what it taught me about time management.
I had a recent shower plumbing problem that was causing bathroom sharing woes in my household. I decided to hire a handyman who had done work for me in the past. I trusted he would do a great job as at a reasonable price. I …
Six things I would love to tell my patients…..
Interacting with patients and their families can be very rewarding. Most are kind, grateful for the care we provide, and responsive to our instructions. Effectively communicating with patients can sometimes be challenging, and patients may say and do things that add to these challenges. Here are six …
Hospital transfers and the new Medicare rules…
When we have to facilitate a hospital transfer, we have to shift into high gear. Not only do we have to ensure a safe and smooth patient transition, we have to re-route other facility operations as we shift focus, all while being concerned for our …
The day I met Jeff Foxworthy by my surgery center
A couple of years ago, I was getting ready for a busy day at my surgery center. I got up showered, dressed, ran out the door got to work, and got in my scrubs. It was one of those early mornings that taking the extra …
Check your dance moves…
I once had a conversation with a surgeon about his frustration with a hospital due to slow turnover. He lamented that, at worst, it could be an hour or more. He shared that their process included a turnover team that came in for both the …