Reality Checks

Published

  • Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years). Has 44 years experience.

Several years ago, I worked in Program that assisted long-term Institutionalized Mental Health Clients transition into the Community. The Team consisted of a Leader, an RN, an Addictions Counsellor, and a couple of Case Managers. It was a revolutionary program in this area. When it began, we had a basic framework to work from. So the five of us team members laid down the format.

In the beginning, the program required a lot of Planning Meetings. Since it was a Team Approach, all members had an equal say. At times, the meetings could become loud and a little chaotic. When this would happen, the Addictions Counsellor would say, "People! People! This AIN'T emergency brain surgery!"

This "Reality Check" allowed us to pause, chuckle, and continue the problem-solving process with a more realistic attitude.

"This ain't emergency brain surgery" became a favorite reality check.

What's your favorite reality check?

Dave

wooh, BSN, RN

1 Article; 4,383 Posts

"Worst that could happen is they quit breathing, and you know where the code cart is, right?"

Mwuhahaha!

wondern, ASN

694 Posts

Has 20 years experience.

"Just like in the BIG medical centers..." whackawhacka :smokin::jester::rolleyes::D

OttawaRPN

451 Posts

Specializes in acute care med/surg, LTC, orthopedics. Has 5 years experience.

"I don't care if you have a medical degree, I still know this patient better than you do."

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

4 Articles; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma. Has 43 years experience.

Before you over react...................take your own pulse first!

AltaEnfermera

45 Posts

Specializes in Geri-psych, corrections, wound care, MDS. Has 4 years experience.

"Chill, chill....Remember, all bleeding stops eventually, and asystole is the most stable rhythm!"

classicdame, MSN, EdD

2 Articles; 7,255 Posts

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

what my granddaughter claims" It isn't rocket surgery"

BacktoBasics

109 Posts

Specializes in ICU/CCU, PICU.

"Relax! I'm trying to save your life!"

sevensonnets

975 Posts

How about "There will be a mandatory staff meeting at 8:30 am. All staff are required to attend. Have all am meds and care completed by that time."

Davey Do

1 Article; 10,290 Posts

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years). Has 44 years experience.

Good ones! (I'm still chuckling over "Relax! I'm trying to save your life!")

Here's one a stone-faced surgeon gave to me in his deadpan delivery after I dropped a kelley on the sterile field:

"Never say 'oops' when the patient's awake."

But I guess you could also call that "some good advice".

Thanks for the reality checks.

Dave