Change of Shift & Something NEW

How convenient that, one day after I promise to do a better job of providing blog carnival information, there's a new Change of Shift up at RehabRN's place. There's a plethora (I love this word) of interesting posts from some of the best nurse bloggers - don't miss out on what they have to say.

As they say in Monty Python's Flying Circus, "And now for something completely different". A new website just launched, called Healthcare IT Today. I was asked to write a blog post about a day in my life as a Director of Clinical Informatics. I debated a bit, as it required me to out myself in terms of name and location, but decided to go for it. So if you want to know what keeps me off the streets, read this post.

That's all for now - I have homework to do!

Seriously - move along - nothing to see here.

Twenty Ten?

I swear, I was complaining about Christmas music, getting my cards addressed and mailed, and doing my Christmas shopping when BAM! it suddenly turned into February. I don't understand how it happened, but it did. My apology for not posting for such a long period of time, and for not keeping up with the wonderful blog posts available via Change of Shift and Grand Rounds.

During the two weeks off between the first and second semesters of my MSN program, the Joint Commission made their unannounced visit to my hospital. I don't know how they got my school schedule, but am very grateful that they hit a period of time when I wasn't having to come home and do lots of readings and produce remotely intelligent writing. I was way too tired for that. The survey was successful; it was very educational; I'm very glad it's over!

Now the second semester of my MSN program has begun and I'm a little challenged to keep up due to working late on occasion. I'm going to have to plot out my readings somewhat better in order to keep this from becoming a problem. I'm generally very organized but seem to be challenged getting back in the groove.

Ashleigh Brilliant said it best here: "I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once!"

So that's it from this side of the mask - I'll get back on track starting NOW!

Diagnosis: Bingitis

I have come to the realization that I have Bingitis this holiday season. No, this isn't related to Microsoft's Bing, nor is it about Chandler Bing from the "Friends" TV series. I am referring to the much beloved Bing Crosby.

I grew up watching Bing in the "Road" movies with Bob Hope, as well as in the classic Christmas movies "White Christmas" and "Holiday Inn". He was part of my life, part of the joy of the holiday season. Unfortunately, this year is different.

When my radio station started playing three Christmas songs at the top of each hour right after Halloween, I was not pleased. It was too soon for these songs; they would wear out their welcome before Thanksgiving at that rate. I switched the channel when I remembered, and grumbled through the songs when I forgot. Bing's "White Christmas" was a frequently played tune during those early days.

When the station moved into round-the-clock Christmas tunes, it still felt too early, and Bing was still in the heavily played rotation. I got to the point that I would change the station as soon as I heard the opening notes of any Bing Crosby song...even that Hawaiian Christmas song, Melly Kamikaze, or something like that!

The 2009 season is ruined for Bing and me. There is a definite -itis surrounding him this year; he irritates the heck out of me. I think it is too late for any effective therapy. I'm hopeful that next year I'll be able to catch the symptoms early enough to avoid Bingitis. It seems like this is a malady that can be managed with a little preventative action. I'm going to have to silence the radio from Halloween to Thanksgiving. It's a small price to pay.

Never Turn Down a Free Book!

In my MSN program we are currently focusing on meta-cognition; thinking about thinking. I really enjoy learning about various thought processes and different ways to think about things, so I was pleased to stumble across an offer for the e-book What Matters Now, currently available on Seth Godin's blog.

The book contains an assortment of topics from a variety of interesting folks, including Tom Peters, Guy Kawasaki, Gary Vaynerchuk and Gina Trapani. Reading it is just the thing to give your brain a kick-start heading into 2010. I've only skimmed through it very superficially, but look forward to reading it in more detail as soon as I can.

Why not click the link and see what you think? It might just be the best New Year's gift you can give yourself. Of course, the price is right!

Blog Learning Curve

I haven't blogged in a while and it is for a really foolish reason. I think of topics about which to write, then decide said topic is not as interesting to others as it is to me, and I don't post it. Then I read the blogs of other folks and decide that perhaps I am overthinking the whole thing.

As part of my learning curve, I've come to the realization that each blog post doesn't have to contain the secrets of the universe or the basis of a new nursing theory. It's ok to post about stuff that isn't a vital link in facilitating world peace, which is an especially good thing because there have been times I couldn't facilitate peace between a couple of cranky* surgeons!

I started this blog in January 2009, in part for therapy as I faced an experience as a surgical patient. As 2010 approaches, a lot of things have happened. I have a clean bill of health from my surgical experience, started school for my MSN, gave a big presentation to my hospital about the use of social media in health care, and have lost the last parent between my husband and I. I'm busy writing papers for school and embarking on complex projects at work. I don't have the time or energy to write a dissertation for each blog post. I believe I have come to the realization that I don't have to.

So watch this space for drivel and less than earth-shaking thoughts. I hope someone will let me know if it's too awful!

*a rarity, of course!

Image source: www.chess-theory.com/images/einstein_albert_1.jpg

You'll Give Thanks for CoS!

Alright, between going back to school and having a death in the family, my blogging efforts have really gone by the wayside. Regardless, it's important to keep up with what's happening with our colleagues. The latest Change of Shift is up at Emergiblog and, as this picture indicates, there is plenty for you to read there!

Kim has provided us with a cornucopia of the best that nurse bloggers have to offer, from "Safety Sniglets" to "Chest Hair and Scrubs". Don't you hope that last one is about MEN? Seriously, I couldn't make this stuff up. Please take a moment over this weekend to read and learn. You'll be glad you did!

This image gently borrowed from http://imagineannie.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/blech/ without permission.

So Many Tricks...it's a Treat!

Change of Shift is up at Reality Rounds and you do NOT want to miss this one! The theme is "What's So Scary About Health Care?" and the question is answered in a multitude of nursing posts. Topics ranging from Health Insurance to Childbirth Education; Strikes by Nurses to Medical Decision Making, are covered in bone-chilling detail.

Don't be spooked....check it out before it's too late!!

Image Source: http://holiday-clipart.net/