Fmc

Does anyone know about the FMC 'open house' that the units are going to be having this coming week? I have heard, from several, that numerous states (Louisiana, California, for example) will be having open houses? Also, what happens at an open house and does the patient have to sign any kind of paper for it? Thanks.

From what I understand, it it going to be national.

Basically, it is nothing more than a marketing tool.. invites are mailed out to various docs in the community, etc. We are not expecting a whole lot to show up, so it will be a whole lot of work for nothing.

And the last thing the floor staff needs is a lot of folks milling about our SMALL unit while we are trying to do our jobs..we trip over each OTHER as it is ! I think this is utterly ridiculous, and it really bothers me.

Yes, the patients are given info re the open house and are asked to sign their consent re the visitors (HIPAA).. those who don't wish to be "seen" may have a screen placed around them... not that any of our patients care one way or another.. but if any DID and chose to be screened, that would be just one more HUGE obstacle in MY way, and something else to trip over.. not to mention not being able to visually observe my patient !

Again, none of our patients care, as this is a very friendly, laid back area, but just the thought annoys me.

I completely agree with you. As if we don't have enough to worry about now we have to try and impress people while all we truly want to do is take care of our pt.s and keep them safe. I do have a pt. who wishes not to be seen and will need a screen. I am very nervous that I will not be able to observe her at all times. God forbid that something awful happens I wonder what will happen during turnover when all of us are runing around? What will the "visitors" think then?

I know.. it's sick. Once again, the total disregard for staffnurses by FMC.. afterall, it's all about THEM, right? And lining their pockets. It also irks me because "open house" is almost as if they are trying to "push" dialysis.. as in.. "gee, wouldn't you like to do this", or encourage docs to send us their patients. I just don't like it. It reeks of advertising. which is what exactly what it is. There is jsut SO MUCH going on at all times in dialysis, the last thing we need is to have all these ppl walking about, getting in our way. I hope every one of them is made to wear a gown, too. Visitors are NOT allowed on the floor when patients are going on or coming off... blood can fly across the room. Wonder how they're going to get around that one? Turnover is wild enough without a room full of strangers and visitors.. nor do we have the ROOM.. we have so many wheelchairs now, there's no room to turn around as it is !

Thank goodness our will be held on what once was our "short day".. while we do have two shifts on that day now, it is only two patients, so if they come after 9 am, just about everyone but the two second shift patients will be gone.

I'm also scheduled off that day.. woohoooooooo !!!

BUT.. I hear that it is likely that ALL STAFF will be asked to come in that day. For WHAT ? I'll be darned if I'm going to be spending my day off passing out cookies and teacakes !!! :angryfire And making small talk and praising this company to high heavens... no way.

:chuckle You go girl!!!

I truly admire all of your and what you are stating. Having worked with several patients at FMC units they are telling me that it seems unfair if their family members can't be with them during put on and take off, but visitors on open house day will be. ALthough, one person stated it will be betweenhours of 11 and 2..

Although my work is mostly (volunteer advocate) dealing with doctors appts, clarifying situations, etc. I am finding this entire dialysis world quite interesting. I noted that FMC has been given yet another supeona. Not sure if it is the same as before which has to do with the testing of pth and administration of vit D and charging. Interesting how some of the staff at FMC units are praising over and over the use of single dialyzers when I am not sure they fully understand what a money maker it is and does the company REALLY believe first in patients, or first in profit. FMC makes it own single use dilayzer then charges each time. Definitely profit making verses reuse. .. even tho it is better for the patient. It would be nice if FMC gave staff better salaries to compensate them for what they do.

As a former clinic manager at FMC, this sounds like nothing more than a pie in the sky marketing ploy that someone up in the east, sitting in their office with nothing else to do, came up with. Sorry about the run-on sentence.

And, as far as turn-over goes, it should not be crazy. However, due to the fact that time = dollars, and with the way this company is going, it will not get any better, only worse!

If they were nearly as interested in the safety of the patient and the retention of staff, they would ask the staff what the best way to do this in the individual facility would be. After all, the staff probably has the best ideas for making it work well.

As a former clinic manager at FMC, this sounds like nothing more than a pie in the sky marketing ploy that someone up in the east, sitting in their office with nothing else to do, came up with. Sorry about the run-on sentence.

And, as far as turn-over goes, it should not be crazy. However, due to the fact that time = dollars, and with the way this company is going, it will not get any better, only worse!

If they were nearly as interested in the safety of the patient and the retention of staff, they would ask the staff what the best way to do this in the individual facility would be. After all, the staff probably has the best ideas for making it work well.

I couldn't agree with you more ! :kiss

I am in my ninth year with FMC, and in all this time, I (or any of the floor staff) have YET to be asked for our input regarding ANYTHING. Our clinic mgr. is GREAT.. and SHE is one of the main reasons we stay on. But her hands are tied as well... the monthly CQI comes and goes, and our regional mgr. never even nods her head our way to acknowlege us.. and we have achieved every golden and platinum award of excellence in the geographical area ! But the floor staff is ignored by this company, and it's enough to make you want to spit fire! :angryfire

Not ONCE have we ever been asked for input on any of the hundreds of changes they pass on down the line nearly every other month....

And you're right.. turnover should NOT be this chaotic and DANGEROUS.. if we could push back all the second shift patients and have time to breathe and regroup.. perhaps eat lunch, and then go on to the next shift of patients.. but no.. that would mean the company would have to pay US (the undeserving floor nurses) for that extra hour to regroup and avoid mistakes or prevent disasters which so easily occur during turnover. :stone

It would be nice if FMC gave staff better salaries to compensate them for what they do.

Actually, imperial... this year for the first time, they have stooped so low as to CUT our annual raise percentage. :stone

Our facility happens to have the cream of the crop when it comes to staff... one could not find a more dedicated group of nurses and techs.. loyal to our patients as well as to one another. Our staff turnover is zero. Unscheduled sick time call-ins are virtually NILL. Attendance is 100 % other than for SCHEDULED appointments or medical procedures, which we all try our best to take care of on our days off, rather than take sicktime.

This company is about to run off teh best and most dedicated staff with over 12 years of experience and caring... because of their neglect and lack of recognition of these fine nurses.. and refusing to even ASK for our input on those things that directly affect our patients and the smooth operation of our facility.

Actually, imperial... this year for the first time, they have stooped so low as to CUT our annual raise percentage. :stone

Our facility happens to have the cream of the crop when it comes to staff... one could not find a more dedicated group of nurses and techs.. loyal to our patients as well as to one another. Our staff turnover is zero. Unscheduled sick time call-ins are virtually NILL. Attendance is 100 % other than for SCHEDULED appointments or medical procedures, which we all try our best to take care of on our days off, rather than take sicktime.

This company is about to run off teh best and most dedicated staff with over 12 years of experience and caring... because of their neglect and lack of recognition of these fine nurses.. and refusing to even ASK for our input on those things that directly affect our patients and the smooth operation of our facility.

WOW, sorry Jnette, that is unbelievable. Heck, I would rather work on a Sunday and reschedule the patients than put them at risk... gawwwdd, people could be coming in coughing and hacking, the very thought of a barrier between myself and my patient...EEK!

THEY should schedule their open house on a Sunday... when you aren't working!

WOW, sorry Jnette, that is unbelievable. Heck, I would rather work on a Sunday and reschedule the patients than put them at risk... gawwwdd, people could be coming in coughing and hacking, the very thought of a barrier between myself and my patient...EEK!

THEY should schedule their open house on a Sunday... when you aren't working!

baahaha ! We don't work Sundays.. the facility is closed on Sundays.. I guess they want to "show off" their satisfied patients, yes? How ridiculous.

And, to boot, we ALL have to come in for open house.. even if we're scheduled off. I mean, for WHAT ??? To kiss butt? No way.

I just heard from a few patients giving information regarding the consent the signed for the ultracare open house. They have told me that information is related to them signing a waiver saying that FMC can, at any time/place, use them for advertising purposes... using their name, picture and taped voice. It also further states that the person who signed the consent can not sue FMC and will NOT receive any money from any advertising, etc. I am wondering how many patients actually read this release for open house, etc and it they truly understand that their name MIGHT BE used in public for advertising? I know, not only from person experience as a nurse, but now, that often many staff will just say to the patient..'here is a paper to sign giving consent for the open house;'...............now,, what are your thoughts on this...

I just heard from a few patients giving information regarding the consent the signed for the ultracare open house. They have told me that information is related to them signing a waiver saying that FMC can, at any time/place, use them for advertising purposes... using their name, picture and taped voice. It also further states that the person who signed the consent can not sue FMC and will NOT receive any money from any advertising, etc. I am wondering how many patients actually read this release for open house, etc and it they truly understand that their name MIGHT BE used in public for advertising? I know, not only from person experience as a nurse, but now, that often many staff will just say to the patient..'here is a paper to sign giving consent for the open house;'...............now,, what are your thoughts on this...

ok.. imperial.. trying to be civil here.. but once again you're doing the " often many staff will blah, blah, blah..."

PLEASE try to refrain from this or try wording your questions differently.. you simply do not get it how offensive this is to us !

Actually, our clinical mgr. is the one responsible for informing the patients of open house, and all that might take place. She is more than professional in carrying out ALL her duties, including making patients aware of ALL privacy concerns.

Not only that, but it is also the PATIENT'S responsibility to read the information and to take an interest in what they are reading. Please remember that PATIENTS must ALSO take part in their care and those things surrounding such care.. as a matter of fact, it is in their contract to do so.

While I am opposed to theis "open house" marketing nonsense, it is in fact, no different than what other corporations or hospitals do, and write up in their info statements.. I have seen this before at various places.. about authorizing use of pictures, etc. for advertising purposes. It's to inform the people involved in advance that photos MIGHT be taken and to protect themselves form later lawsuits.

So basically, the patients should read the information well, and then they have a choice as to whether they agree or not. If not, they can choose to refuse to be photographed or "interviewed". It's really quite simple.

I'm not thrilled about this silly open house, but the patients ARE being informed, and it is up to the patient and/or their family or advocate to do their part in understanding the information being given them. This should not be unloaded on the nurses or staff.