Cheryl's Blogspot

Fresh out of nursing school I worked in a busy Internal Medicine physician group.  I had thought it would be my dream job, but after several months went by, for me it actually became a daily dull-drum of  scheduling tests, refilling prescriptions, and  tearing table paper.  I remember getting excited when a patient needed a joint injection so I could prep and assist with a procedure!  I know that sounds creepy to some.  It's a nurse thing; some don't understand. Nowadays as a Case Manager, it's still a thrill when an injured worker needs a joint injection, or a trigger point injection in clinic; Because I know this is something that will likely give that patient quick relief from their pain, and at the very least be diagnostic to clarify the pain generator.  These injections typically consist of a lidocaine, an anesthetic to numb the area, and a steroid, which acts to reduce inflammation and promote healing.  This is a wonderful thing. ...

You might be a boomer if:       The Beatles                                                   You know why they call it "dialing" a phone You researched a topic using your parents' set of encyclopedias  You remember Joe Namath in pantyhose As our case managers log in their case updates, I noticed several claimants that are baby boomers, injured in the workplace.  Stacy Mathis, RN just closed a file on an injured fireman.  His work injury involve several body parts, and his treatment planning had to take into consideration a pre-existing knee surgery and mental depression. From day one, this injured worker stated his goal was to get back to work, which he did achieve.  Jackie Cooper, RN has an ongoing file where the injured worker was just shy a few months from retiring, and will lose all benefits if she cannot com...

There is a RIGHT way and a WRONG way to achieve our case management goals.  Unfortunately, some RN Case Managers have gone the wrong route all to try and steer treatment and medical opinions in the direction that would make their customer happy.  They committed the one deadly sin that I teach our JMS RNs to never commit...arguing with the treating physician. Now don't get me wrong, we MUST ask for clarifications of opinions, recommendations, etc., but you just don't argue with a  physician.  WHY?  because:  It won't do anything but make him/her mad - doubtful it will change their mind You will make it much more difficult for that physician to appropriately manage your patient. If it doesn't get you thrown out of and banned from the clinic, you will certainly have heck to pay the next time you need to work with that physician again.  And trust me, if you intend to stay in the case management field, you WILL have need to see that physician aga...