thinkertdm

In order for HIPAA to be in effect, doesn't there need to be two things? Like an identification of some sort (such as a name) matched to protected health information? Surely you aren't claiming that using a wheelchair is indicative of health information? That's pretty much the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

Maybe the nurses aren't younger, maybe you are just older. Don't mean to be snarky, but I'm sure when you started, an older nurse said the same exact thing about you. Also, you seem to equate ability with age. Not even age, but the appearance of age!

Technically, it's not a "Babinski reflex". It's a plantar reflex, and it's a Babinski sign when the toes curl up. It can be a sign of a central nervous system lesion, or can be a normal variant in a small portion of people.

Happy hospitalist is an ignorant SOB who believes that as a physician, all others are beneath him. He may have valid points, but his pomposity hides any point he tries to make. In his little world, he has all the answers, and no one else- and this includes nurses, PA's, NP's- has the ability to formulate an opinion. Personally, I find all his posts incredibly offensive, correct or not.

It's not a HIPAA violation, because the patient isn't identified. I believe HIPAA violations happen when the patient is identified. That's why case studies can have patient initials in journals. Additionally, for it to be a HIPAA violation, there has to be Protected Health Information (PHI) associated with the name. Just being in the ER doesn't count. That information isn't protected HEALTH information. And a "diagnosis" made by a person unqualified to make that diagnosis isn't PHI either. Just looking abused isn't a diagnosis.

I think that you are right, technically, it is "unknown" because it is, well, unknown. However, that label is used when there isn't a plausible explanation of the event. You had one. The abuse label is the opposite- you don't want to click it unless you know for sure-100% beyond a doubt sure- that it is abuse. Otherwise, put "unknown" for that.

So, despite all your so-called advanced training, you are intimidated by someone taller than you? Why is this even relevant? Unnecessary tests=insurance fraud. I'm sure some bean counter somewhere would have flagged this. What tests? I'm interested as to which "blood test" would diagnose skin cancer. Of course, a biopsy might make more sense. With all the additional tests that were being ordered, and with you "staying late" and "finding interesting things", no wonder your wife was getting lonely. This is where you should have thought a bit more about this. You said up above that you had two (2) PA's, and two (2) NP's. Now, are there 3 NP's? Excellent. So, they ordered meds under your name, and the only thing you did was call the hospital security? Both NP's and PA's can write their own orders, so by doing it under your name, it was illegal. All the hospitalists I know don't have time to read forums on the internet. Especially if they have wives. You're right, doctors (especially hospitalists) are super duper smart, and PA's and NP's are dumb. We get it. Thank god you got the blood tests and successfully saved the patient! I'm glad you are around!

Short of stabbing it into the bone, you can't really do it too hard. This person was just being a baby. Also, check the finger (or ask the patient) to find one that is least used. If I forget which finger I used, I usually default to my pointy finger, and if it gets stuck numerous times in a day, it can be a little sensitive.

While I agree that physician assistants should not call themselves doctors, they are NOT "assistants"- certainly not on the level of a CNA calling herself a "nurse".

They probably aren't more supportive because most smokers have quit numerous times- or have no plans of quitting at all. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known, and it's very difficult to quit, even when people want to. Which most don't.

Respiratory alkalosis?

I feel for you, I really do. But if you don't like their rules, you don't have to play. Take a walk. And by that, I mean, quit. You can do that.

Wow- the only nurse in the world with the name of Allison?

So...it's just nurses who have to do more with less? Who have to prioritize on a daily basis? Have increased expectations of them by supervisors? Who work for an organization that has to make a profit to keep everyone employed? If you think that, I have a teeny tiny violin here playing for you. There are few jobs where you can work at whatever pace you want and still be hired. Believe it or not, this has been going on forever. Economics, unfortunately, does not take a backseat just because you are "saving lives". I understand you are busy. That's just too @#$@ bad. The original post had a definite "I have too much paperwork/answering questions/etc too bother with you" attitude. Anyone who has a job understands that the bean counters want things done as cheaply as possible. Everyone has boxes to check off and deadlines to meet. Now, just because you may do procedures expertly, and document your ass off, and do whatever, that doesn't make you a good nurse. It makes you a good factory worker, churning out product day after day that no one really cares about as long as it's done. And that is fine. You are just a little cog in a great big machine, and unfortunately, no one is going to say, "thanks for saving a million dollars", or "thanks for making that big machine turn". Nope. What makes a good nurse is that they understand the end product. They know they are working for a higher cause, not just turning their little mouse wheel over and over again. And you know, people do know, and thank you for, that work. Thanks for helping my father pass away with some dignity.

Chances are that it was reviewed by an IRB, probably both at the NIH as well as whatever hospital is doing it. Extremely strict guidelines were probably described (and implemented) to ensure the confidentiality of all participants. Do NOT talk to your employer about it- there is no need to. At all. It's not of their business. There is no way they will find out. (Of course, there are bizarre circumstances, but nothing that really applies in real life). I would encourage you to do it. You can drop out any time you want. The contributions you make will benefit people all over the country.