RNstorm

Giving immunization to kids is a lot of work. They scream, yell, scratch and refuse to sit still. But, despite the temporary chaos and pain, they're worth it. What are your favorite techniques for poking kiddos without causing too much anxiety and fear? For the bigger kids who haven't grown out of their fear of needles, I like using the hug technique. If none of my other distraction techniques work, I get the kid to focus on me by telling them I'm going to hug them. This surprises them enough to allow me to hug them, immobilizing the arm, and allowing the other nurse to quickly administer the immunization. Usually it's done so quick, they end up embarrassed that they made such a big deal about it :)

I am currently a RN/Care Coordinator at a PCMH (Patient Centered Medical Home) clinic that has a unique setup. Though it mostly functions as a family practice clinic we also have a pharmacy, limited function dental clinic and also triage like a urgent care clinic. Because the clinic is geared for the uninsured or underinsured, we get most of our funding from federal funds or grants which means that we have to compile and present a lot of data to prove to funders that we would put their money to good use. Now, I've been working there for about 5 weeks and have determined that there are some organization issues that need to be ironed out. Not to say that I have a bad work environment or that the clinic is falling apart, I love working there but it sometimes feels like we're shooting from the hip and I think things could run so much smoother. The other two nurses I work with agree with me about this and we are going to start having weekly meetings to hash out a plan to fix things. I was hoping someone on this site could point me in the direction of some resources to help us accomplish this goal. What we're focused on is: 1. How to spend less time on med refills/referrals/prior authorizations so we can focus more on case management (even though med refills/referrals/prior authorizations tie into case management). 2. How to effectively compile different types of data needed to get grants. 3. How to increase communication and collaboration between the pharmacy, dental clinic, billing, outreach etc.) Thanks in advance for any advice provided!