RobCPhT

You can slap a colored sticker over it. Such as common ones found at Staples.

I apologize for not being more informative. I work for an insurance company that has way too many cases. Here is what is happening: To save time the director over the UM department is advising staff members to not run interqual for requests, but to "just wing it". On the documentation that is sent to the department of insurance and to our providers the denials state that Interqual criteria was used, when in fact is was not. This directive was hush hush, and I found a few of these when I was reviewing cases for medication compliance. I asked around a few individualss said they didn't like the idea, but did it anyway. I want to challenge it because its unethical, but I need something to back my case up.

Can someone help me with a "Scenario"? Let's say that a Utilization Management department of a health plan decides to not run Interqual on a breast reduction request and they deny the service, but in the denial they state they used Interqual guidelines when in fact none were used and when Interqual is later checked the surgery actually does meet and should have been approved. Now let's say this trend has been going on quite a bit to "save time". I think it's false documentation. Can anyone provide me with objective information (Interqual policy, regs, etc.) against this practice?

The public doesn't know how much nurses do. They have no idea how clinical and practical nurses are and just how important their job is. From what I have seen CRNA, NP, PA etc. most of these are very close in training with physicians. All have grad programs with a slightly different focus.

Don't badmouth your previous employer; it looks bad. Something to the effect of "I wanted a change in career direction" would be fine. Be honest, but emphasize the positives.

In Ohio there are a few hospitals that will give you an RN certificate and let you take the state boards. It's kind of like an apprenticeship.

You really need to double check those. There are so many ingredients and dynamics involved.

Hah 10mg valium! :chuckle

It's an OSHA reg and often state board reg that health care providers use safety products. Sooooooooo DO NOT USE NON SAFETY NEEDLES!

Honey when you said error I thought maybe you gave the wrong blood pressure pill to someone or something. 1 vicodin tablet is silly! It would be different if a whole box of oxycontin went missing. Just tell them you don't know what happened to it, and have them drug test you. Do you have a union?

You can check pharmacy regs but for something to be generic is has to have the same active ingredients. In LTC we switched all patients to it last month.

I always say make sure you have another lined up if you need the money. If not give a two week notice of resignation and search for another.

Are any of the patients on proton pump inhibitors? If not lying down and acid reflux will cause this. Especially with meds that affect stomach acid. Something like prilosec or prevacaid would help this.

Chamberlain is all online, you do have to travel to St. Lois once a quarter for practical validations, but I think that is as close as it will get. http://www.chamberlain.edu/introducing.html

Try to use passive safety devices. I order BBraun Angiocaths and as soon as you pull them out of the vein it's shielded and can't stick you. At least if you get stuck it will be pre exposure with these devices.

Here's the thing... since the instructor is employed by the school she has to follow the rules of the school. This really isn't a matter of opinion, its a matter of policy and fact. If the teacher doesn't like smoke she should follow the proper channels and get that policy put into effect. Write the papers, file a grievience...... but do so with your lawyer. I am tired of nurses acting this way towards people who a coming into the profession. You know if we fired all the nurses who smoke at my company we would have hundreds of patients uncared for. I could care less who your are or what your title is. You don't have to like people who smoke, but you will give them RESPECT.

WOW it sounds like you guys are having a lot of pharmacy problems. I am a pharmacy coordinator for LTC and a nursing student so I see things from both sides. Do you have any type of issue capture/formal complaint forms for the pharmacy? Getting the right meds to your patient is a top priority and if that isn't happening you need to file a complaint. If the director of pharmacy isn't responsive you may want to take it to the state board. On another note I will tell you faxing is really not an efficient way to send orders. They get lost and are hard to read. Maybe try calling the order in instead sometimes.

I once read that the nursing home industry is regulated second only to nuclear energy. The common issue is that nurses can't possibly do their job by the books when they are understaffed. I also read that in 10 years the economy won't be able to afford nursing homes. This may be for the better, because when it comes down to the almightly dollar nursing home officials could care less about how many patiens you have or how many call lights are blinking. When is enough enough?

Nurses do eat their young. I don't know why anyone thinks it's acceptable. If you don't like bedside nursing have you thought about other positions? You can work for insurance companies, you could coordinate services, or do patient teaching and many more things. The world of nursing is not limited to a med/surg floor. Don't let this one nurse take away something you worked so hard for.

Call the pharmacy or suppy department and request that they order disposable ampule breakers. They cover the ampule and shield your hand from nasty cuts. I order mine from healthcare logistics but you can find them anywhere. I hope this helps!

Silent Night is what all of my facilities use. It really gets the job done without the mess.

Chantix is the new med that is growing in popularity. We have had great results in LTC. If you have medical insurance with your employer they usually have cessation programs for you.

Personally I would fill out applications say it wasn't a good fit. In many states the only thing they can tell prospective employers is your employment dates and what your pay was. Even though it's honesty, it's still taboo to tell employers you were fired. You will be able to find another job with ease. Check out this link and keep your head up! AskMen.com - Getting fired Good Luck!

Let's just talk about some scenarios: Victim reports HIPPA violation. Authorities can fine up to $50,000 (stated before) give violator prison time. Victim can sue for damages, both hospital and violator are liable. Violator being found guilty of violation will no longer be allowed to work in healthcare d/t violation. Just to start off..... and did the victim do anything to provoke this attack? It seems like there is more going on here. Two sides to every story, but why would someone just walk up into a bathroom and snatch someone up like "I hate psycho patients and you are going to pay"? Personal matters aside there is a violation and if this person violates the HIPPA regulations they need to be stopped.

Some meds still require storage in ampules. You can get disposable ampule breakers from the pharmacy. They cover the top completly and catch the glass. Inexpensive too.