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August 2010

Issue 7.8

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FEATURE STORY

Honesty Is the Best Policy

Why we have to tell the truth, even if we'd prefer not to

Healthcare Professional Digest speaks with Peggy Pressley, RN

As a boy, George Washington chopped down one of his father's cherry trees. When his father asked if he'd done it, young George replied, "I cannot tell a lie. I chopped down the cherry tree."

Even before Abraham Lincoln was president of the United States, he'd begun to earn the moniker Honest Abe. As a young man, he walked several miles back to a store to return the extra few cents he was given in change.

EDITORIAL CORNER

Telling the truth ... Helping out newbies ... Religious convictions

Hello. I'm Linda Shaub, Interim HealthCare's vice president of marketing.

From the time we're children, we're taught to always tell the truth. If you break a window, you don't blame your brother. If you eat the last slice of cake, you don't point at your sister and say, "She did it." The same holds true when you're a grown-up healthcare professional and you've made a mistake. You have to be totally forthright about it. To learn more about how and when to admit an error, be sure to read this month's feature article.

An RN recently asked how she could communicate with new nurses, without getting "attitude" in return. Your peers offer some great advice. This month, a nurse would like to know what she can do about healthcare facilities that refuse to give her a full-time position because of her religious convictions. What do you think?

If you have a dilemma of your own or any input you'd like to share, please do. With your help, we can make our newsletter better and more relevant for you.

POLL

If you knew a co-worker was under the influence or otherwise unable to perform his or her duties, would you report the person?

Yes.
No.
Not if it is a close friend.
I would talk to them first.
Not sure what I would do.

Take poll

WHAT'S YOUR BEST ADVICE?

This Issue's Dilemma:

My religion, my career -- must I choose between the two?

I can't work on a certain day of the week due to my religious convictions. Because of this, potential employers don't think I'm "flexible" enough to hire full time. Instead, they want me to work as a PRN employee (devoid of health benefits), where I may be asked to report to an unfamiliar unit, possibly putting my hard-earned nursing license in jeopardy. Can a healthcare facility really treat nurses this way? Is there something I can do about this situation?

-- Julie, RN

Share your experience. You could win funds toward CEUs.

Previous Issue's Dilemma:

How do I help "green" nurses grow?

I almost fell off my chair when I saw the dilemma from the "newbie" complaining about veteran nurses. As one of those old-timers, I sometimes ask a new nurse to do a simple task so I can provide a treatment that requires experience. And I've corrected new nurses who've done something wrong. I have to ensure quality patient care. But how can I do this without offending the newbies?

-- Lorraine, RN Read the best responses from your peers.

SURVIVE AND THRIVE: Helping you be all you can be

Safety Tips for Home Healthcare Workers
Stay safe and injury-free when you make house calls
by Megan Malugani - monster.com

Managing Stress With Laughter
Using humor can put everyone at ease
by Bob Cook - American Medical News

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? Ways to better communication

Are You the Annoying Co-worker?
10 questions to find out if you irk colleagues
by Anthony Balderrama - CareerBuilder

Communication Trends to Avoid
Professional English skills never go out of style
by Peggy Klaus - Job Journal

REGULATORY & POLITICAL FRONT: Effects on you and your patients

Doctors Limit New Medicare Patients
Cut in payments partly to blame
by Richard Wolf - USA Today

Navigating the Labyrinth of Medicare Plan Letters
What your clients need to know
by Humberto Cruz - Chicago Tribune

A message from your local Interim HealthCare location

Employee of the month for August is Jane Smith. Congratulations to you.

number one reason for Jane is she is prompt

number 2

For more information, visit our website.

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