Good Idea. Bad Idea.

Good Idea: Throwing a surprise party for little Johnny in the pediatrics unit.

Bad Idea: Throwing a surprise party for Mr Smith in the cardiac surgery unit.

Good Idea: Talking about what Cdiff smells like in the employee break room.

Bad Idea: Talking about what Cdiff smells like anywhere else.

Good Idea: Chatting with Susie about American Idol while your patient is sleeping.

Bad Idea: Chatting with Susie about American Idol while your patient is coding.

Good Idea: Trying therapeutic communication with the 72 year old lady who refuses her pills.

Bad Idea: Trying therapeutic communication with the 29 year old guy swinging his IV pole like a baseball bat.