Wow, that was an exciting time, Bloggers! A nice sychronicity with the national elections, too! Makes the hospital seem part of a bigger picture...a small example of a widespread rejection of failed policies...a breaking out of the quagmire of apathy into wide open field of action.
OK, perhaps that's a bit optimistic. But given the peculiar quality of the final three, this was, finally, a rational decision!! That's definately good news...the decisions of our leaders, at times, make one feel like Alice after going down the rabbit hole, if you know what I mean. This one makes me feel like maybe we do all live in the same world.
There have been several comments about blogging itself during all this...what purpose it serves, whether it's good or bad, why it got started...
I can speak to why it got started, at least. The blog was conceived after an injunction from my supervisor to tell her if I was thinking about making any treatment interventions with patients. The gulf between us was so enormous, so unbridgable given our respective locations on the ship that is the hospital, that it set me thinking about communication. This is an electronic age, after all...the Information Age! Information is everywhere! Why should it be so hard for people riding on the same ship to communicate at a time when each individual could, if they wished, communicate with individuals all over the globe? And about a common goal, presumably - the best treatment for patients!
The blog was my solution to the communication puzzle.
That's been a long time ago now...nearly a year. The blog has developed...it has, actually, a life of its own now.
Interestingly, having communicated on the blog about my frustration about patient care issues, I was given the opportunity to take an active role in patient care. Now, not only am I encouraged to identify patient needs, I'm empowered to act to fulfill those needs. My supervisor - who offices next door - is my ally; she gives me information, support, sympathy, ideas. She keeps track of my paperwork and reminds me about system deadlines, so I don't have to worry about having missed something...we are in the same cabin, so to speak...communication doesn't appear to be a problem.
But it's something to think about. Could articulating the conflict in the blog (digital reality), have resulted in a resoution to the conflict in non-digital - material - reality.
I'm very interested when there seem to be changes in the material world that are the result of some activity in the digital(i.e. blog) world. What's the potential? What might we accomplish by using this medium to effect real change in the world? If we could articulate and argue each of the problems here in the hospital, safely and annonymously, could we solve them? What happens - or could happen - if we all say in the digital world what we are not allowed to say in the real world?
I think it's fair to say that what's communicated on the blog is what is NOT communicated in the material world: anger, emotions, insults, the things you wished you'd said...the things that are forbidden between you face to face, the sticks and stones of human interactions.
I've been heartened by the relatively recent appearance of bloggers who represent the other side of the current argument,( as it were). Now we have an exchange; now there can be a communication between those formerly remote areas of the ship (to return to my earlier metaphor). Surely this is a good thing.
And everyone is protected in communicating this way by the very public nature of a blog. It's not a secret exchange, behind closed doors...the exchange is witnessed by the multitude...everyone has access to the same reality...everyone can read the blog...and go back and read it later...we're all on the same page (so to speak)...Surely, that's a good thing, too.
In any event, this particular blog isn't going anywhere in the forseeable (is that a word?) future, whether it's good or bad or indifferent. I enjoy it too much to give it up now.
Comments this week on the last post...and maybe the one before it.
21 comments:
My hope is that things begin to change around this hospital. WHy keep the Blog going one reader asked? The blog would die on its own if there were no true issues that needed to be discussed. But the truth of the matter there are issues. Do not play naive and pretend that all is "Dandy" here. If it truly is great to you, probably you are one of those that make it hell for others here.
I do not ask for for much in regards to being employed here. I want to here those in charge say "thank you", not look at me crazy when I step upon a unit. I want to be respected, if you want me to respect you. I have a life (family, pets not included)and it's far more interesting then those that say I need one.
1. Top heavy management
2. Misappropiation of taxpayer's funds.
3. Isolation of clients from general patients' population for months, restriction of rights beyond what is accepted in prison settings.
4. No accountability for those that are failures in management and treatment failures of patients.
5. Be unqualified and disliked generally and upward mobility is in your future.
6. Steal records and guess what you might be up for a promotion(thanks, I bet the taxpayers would like to know this one).
7. Lack of respect for direct care, and for the purpose of creating friction between staff so they forget about who is truelly screwing them.
8. A teenager unit that has been a complete failure, and uses treatment plan made for toddlers.
9. Internal fighting between staff that is not remedied to the point that animosity makes those that work these units dislike coming to work.
10. A Thank when you take a extra shift, then a F#ck you when you finish it(makes you want to do overtime here).
11. Hiring of Dumb@ass staff continually that are scared of their own shadow and could not run a group to save their life.
12. Lack of essential training for those in psych. field(why not just do puzzles, hell! they barely let me serve dinner)
13. No recognizition of good deeds.
14. Walmart management mentality that screws the workers, while management pilfer the funds and build up their retirement.
15. Those that come to work in nice heels and designer clothes not to show pride in work. But for a contest of best clothes and "snatch a man" mentality(might be your supervisor).
16. Guess what most are married and have worked with you long enough to know that you are mental/crazy.
17. No fairness in regards to punishment in regards to discipline of staff. Favoritism is an unwritten policy within this facility.
18. Team leaders(24 patients units) that have bigger salaries than principals of (1000-2000 students)High Schools, needs reported to those that would investigate how funds are appropriated.
I'm done, could go on but what's the use. Will it change No, but I watch. Sooner or later their will be investigation that is not State mandated. We answer to someone and that is the Taxpayers.
SHameful is my thoughts.
Whose truth psycho?? No one in their right mind that believes what you seem to believe stays at a JOB that so obviously makes you so mad and bitter and MISERABLE. It's a JOB, and there are hundreds of them out there. You can actually go to work every day and like what you do, like who you work next to, and love the clients you serve.
I don't make things "hell" for others. I do my share, I have friends here and I love the patients. No job, not this one by far is ideal by any means. We all have families, priorities and strive for balance, for that is the key.
You talk about someone stealing records. Get the facts straight. My understanding is that they were stolen from a supervisors car, he didn't steal them.
Sorry you don't get thanked much, I do. But my life doesn't hang in the balance by getting thanked by a supervisor. I know I do a good job, and feel plenty of self-worth in that. Are you working at 0250 and have nothing else worthwhile going on, or are you at home holding your own little pity party for yourself.
I don't believe the Madhouse holds the "truth" in every blog written, just some staff's version of their own reality. You have the power to move on if you don't like it here. Go for it.
All Right!! A start ... a dialogue!! Kind of a rough start, but a start. Now. Can you two work your way across the gulf that separates you? Can you solve the problem represented by your two views? Try, at least....got nothing to loose.
g.f.
The recent Head Nurse competition was not a popularity contest. The top pick was not chosen due to past experience as a manager, credentials, higher education, psych experience. She was picked because she had given notice and was moving on to another hospital. Only a few of us here know that. She may not have been the team's first pick, but Nursing had the final say, not the team itself. Will she do a good job? Time will tell. But anyone willing to do this job on this particular unit deserves a chance, and the support from both upper management and front line staff. I, myself am glad she decided to go for it. I think she'll be tough on those that need it, and will do her best, whatever that is. At least the team can move on to a new beginning. Best of Luck!!!
Does anyone happen to know what happened to the new psychiatrist on the admission teams?
Yes, typical hospital politics. Run everyone through the ringer, only to appoint who they wanted from the beginning. No experience, but can do what Nursing Service dictates as the "New" Head Nurse. A title only.
In response to the question about the psychiatrist, the scuttlebutt is that he was hired with the promise of the medical directorship, so when it was given to another, he left. Those darned hiring promises...
g.f.
You know, I havent written on the blog in a long time.The petty personal attacks ,I think,come from wounded staff.......things have happened to all of us.....things that havent "felt" good. So,there are two arenas here.......the personal and the bigger ethical questions. Both suffer here.Management don't aquire enlightened skills,so rely on the personal development and integrity each person has or has not developed within themselves.Sometimes it is there,sometimes it isnt............as a result we are all victims of these personalities........for good or evil.Even so,There are ways to train managers that are supportive and creative and progressive,I know this to be true...........I dont think this is happening here.Often,these personalities play out their dysfunction and worst qualities on the unsuspecting staff and worse................their is no accountability,or oversiight on this damageing behavior,thus you end up with whole teams demonstrating the damaged goods,the miserable splits and misery of the ruleing personalities acted out reffuse.Just like family therapy......or an alcoholic family commited to getting healthy.......all these elements must be addressed. I see the Blog.......as an effort at "family sculpture"as it were.......adding the pieces of the "felt",the unsaid, the secrets,the underlying scaffolding supporting this whole picture.We are in the business of psychology,mental health and illness........we actually are quite excellent at identifying a sick person or system. And we easily identify our own system as sick...........and individually and en masse have asked for solutions,but think of a "sick" or alcoholic family...........O.K. then,that is the kind of response we receive.Luckily, for families or individuals, an intervention can be held..........and hopefully.....rescue the individual. I find it most puzzleing that behaviors that are damageing to staff morale,and functioning and cohesion are not addressed.........and in fact This is the Source of the Morale Problem here.
I also dont think anyone here is hanging on to an expected "Thank you", and we are all adult enough to know this is a JOB .Where is the accountability,thats all we want to know. We want accountability for the behaviors of our managers .We want fair and equitable and transparent communication and processes across the board for everyone.No secrets,no favoritism,no colusion,no pretending.
And to address the "If youre so miserable, go get another job" contingent.........Grow up........Let's talk recovery and wellness in our work environment and be very clear about it.
concerning said psychiatrist,no that wasnt the reason he hasnt been seen recently.
Taking records out of the security of the hospital,as defined by HIPPA REGULATIONS,would be considered stealing,since it is not a sanctioned activity by any stretch of the imagination,especially by one who is also responsible for enforceing and monitoring Hippa regs.and was fully cognizant of the gravity of the offense,and was dismissive of and lacked regard for those whom the offense was perpetrated upon.
Correction, the records were stolen out of his car. Unless his car is located in Medical/Personel Record's department, how did they end up in his car. Why did he have personel documentation at his house, Hmm. If that is your idea of a professional, try doing that outside of this job. By recieving a "Thank You" does not make my world go around, but if you want to build any kind of successful company, you must show employees they are appreciated, Business 101(the flipside Walmart 101 i.e. Here!)
I would not try and defend the ideology of this hospital, it is a "Wherehouse" and that is a fact in the community.
You are correct there are many jobs out there, ask any nurse(maybe me), I'll tell you about them. I am not mad, sad in the way that everyone is treated here after awhile. Does it break my heart, Hell no!(got a way better job), but for those that have there time in here, it is unfair. I stay(barely), because nothing gets changed if we all up and quit, just the same archaic ideology gets continued, before the doors finally close.
I will continue to object and speak my thoughts in person and whereever else I see fit. Its America, and if they do not like it, oh well.
Do you think people complain here so much because it is such a great place to work. Do not tell me its just a job, I work other places and this by far the worst employee disatisfaction I have seen beyond another program that is now closed.
That supervisor that showed such incompentence with confidential files("I'll just leave these files in my car, Oh Well, I'll say I filed a police report when I trully didn't" ). To try and defend such action is totally irresponsible and shows backward thinking that seeps from Adminstration and their minnions.
If I lose some medical records that I left in my car, at my house. Will I get looked upon for a promotion(okay stop laughing), you know the answer.
Have a life, family, great job, (my real one). I think the full-time staff here deserve a good job, especially when they have adhered, conformed and complied to the stupid changes that have been made here through the years. Show us some loyalty the same way we have you through the years.
But this would not be a discussion if our retirement was say privatized(like a true 401k) most of us would have ran along time ago. We cannot even get new grads anymore, Imagine if "Peru" was ever privatized "measure 81, 91 and 93". Sooner or later it will happen. I know me and all other employees will stay here though, because the work environment is "just so Great". How about you?
Ps,
Not mad or bitter. Outspoken well I am guilty of this.
How is my selfworth? Ask my last interviewer and the pay(bonuses) I was offered and accepted.
Employed here but, feel more like a visitor. Will leave here as soon as I am done with school. As I speak lacing up my trusty track shoes and will run like the wind come February 23rd. Listened to the oldtimers about good ole days,this place is a hospital on life support. Can't we all feel it? I know I do, they put scotch tape on real problems and overreact to simplistic issues. The wife says leave now, she works in the field as a nurse and calls this place an ass sore of mental health in the Denver area. Though I enjoy a lot of the people I work with on the direct care part of it. Will not speak on other aspects of employement here everyone knows the answer.
Why am I up at 1:00am in the morning? Not at work but get paid the same called a home business and rather good at it. I admire you that stay, many of you are highly educated, would fair better and be utilized a lot better outside of Planet Loganite. Good luck.
Can't you feel it?
Forgot thanks to all who told me the real scope way things run here. Saw with my own eyes too. I am now like the french army in a state of constant retreat from here. Helped me push to finish school, young enough to know the pay sucks here, wise enough to know not to depend on pera and educated enough to figure out this is not a very good place to work.
But I did not go to school for sociology type field so come at it from a different perspective. Do not let this place mentally drain you, or place undo burden upon your person for sake of being employed. There are a ton of jobs, even within the state system. Some of the city, county also use pera, look out for each other.
The buttkissers who don't like what I have said and troll the blog, well you can kiss my A#s. If you know who I am, its guaranteed you would know I would tell you the same in person.
Sorry, one more blog then need to get back to business and not at work either but getting paid.
As one blogger put it. Would we have this discussion or care for this hospital if there was no pera. Not that people are greedy but what other reason would anyone want to work here. There are no other selling points.
Now I resent that last comment... I am ONE of the few young people that work at the Fort. I have no intentions of retiring with the state. I work here because I really like the patients & I really enjoy MOST of the people I work with even though everyone bitches constantly about working here. Is it really that bad? Try finding a job where people aren't bitching or there aren't cliques...Too bad we can't get more young people with new ideas and some positivity!!
Wow, oh wow! Folks are really on a roll. I see this as a form of validation for this venue. I hear also, that even though those that don't like this expression of an individual's 1st amendment right, they too, read and react. And it would appear, albeit from afar, that this is a functioning tool for change. No not every writing is going to make an impact, because some of it is just sour grapes. But some of the words put down here do what was unexpected, but welcome - they make someone pay attention. The snowball effect is a time consuming one in this case. And because I believe that I make a difference and have faith in some others as well, I stay, I work, I do a fair share of bitching, I don't expect acknowledgment, nor do I want any redirection. Afterall, those that would do that, aren't in the milieu enough to know how to do the job better than me. So I persever, and probably enable some that I shouldn't. I recognize this fault and will maybe make a new years resolution to think about doing something about it. Or not. What really floats my boat though is this - I do good work, I get paid for it, I think what goes around, comes around in time, and of all the folks at this madhouse, it's the one or two patients a year that meant it when they said it, that were genuine when they thanked me.This keeps me clocking in. Administrators, managers, supervisors, anyone else that thinks they are helping me, are just wrong. Me, my co-workes, the mentally ill in the metro area are really helping them to keep their jobs. Oh! I may have just goofed. This was surely a madhouse top secret and not talked about fact . Oh well, like I said, I think a whole lot of people read this stuff, and this little lapse in judgement on my part, won't hurt them too much when they log on and read, read, read.
To the other young person, actually have found other places without as many cliques and fighting. But of course it a totally different field. The business realm so people are competive yet hold themselves to be professionals and a lot of things that go on here would not happen at my other gig. Job performance, not knowing one's job or high failure to success ratio would get you terminated "with severance", but still the same.
I'm fairly young but have worked many jobs and not first true job by any long shot of the imagination. Yet I clock in everyday, do my job, but understand it will not change and it is at best to call this part-time job and strengthen resume and education . This not true psych, and there are many good hospitals, facilities that will use your knowledge beyond smoke breaks, serving dinner, and limited ability to do 1:1 with clients. I have learned nothing here, all I have learned was at other facilities "you know ones that train you, beyond missed swipes, and online insurance registration on gov site.
I do not know your work experience or if first stop in psych, but believe me it is not what psych is actually about. But this is my final stop in this field, "my calling was never this, but works with school and other pursuits. I am good at this, but better at business aspect.
Not say I may stay here in minimal compacity "pool", but do not really want to be vested though, have my own Ira and other retirement. So that is a dilemma for me. So I probably will not, I like success but see to many failures within this organization as whole. Not people, but policies, forward looking statements, general outlook of hospital, and do not want it rubbing off on me in my business pursuits.
And that was not to say staff do not make impact on clients, but direct care staffs' hands are really tied here. Maybe it is because private hospitals have certain guidelines they must go by. In relation to insurance companies providing more oversight and keeping tabs on their consumers better. COuld be why tons of groups, activities are done in private sector. But what else would a insurance company expect for 700-1300$ a day stay. Maybe that is what is lacking here is that insurance oversight. I do not know.
Wow, I just noticed one thing about the blog. How similar it is to the Ebay Seller community boards. You want to see fighting check them out. Those people dont even clock in at work, unless have second job. I must admit I like Ebay and dislike this job, but almost the same feel when Ebay raises fees over there. Comparable in talk. Like reading the blog I thought it was just me at one point that felt this way. Now let me get back to giving seller tips over there to newbies.Good Luck!
Sincerely,
the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to w in or lose.
-Sun Tzu, the Art of War
To the one calling someone a psycho, prove the arguement wrong. Give valid reasons why such points provided by the blogger are not true. You stated insults but provided no facts or a counter arguement to disprove validity. Therefore your mouth was moving yet nothing of interest came out. We are all adults, most of us have more than two years college under are belt. We should have taken critical thinking or at least philosophy in school. Use it.
“I would much rather have regrets about not doing what people said, than regretting not doing what my heart led me to and wondering what life had been like if I'd just been myself.”
Brittany Renée
Post a Comment