It’s Conference Season! I love to go to conferences, and now that COVID has leveled off, more and more conferences are coming back live and in person. Conferences allow us to reconnect with colleagues and friends, learn, and meet new vendors who can help us meet...
A long time ago, one of my mentors told me, “Anne, if you have a problem, please come to me – but in addition to the problem, bring a recommendation for a solution.” This statement has stayed with me over the years and helped me use my voice to resolve...
This weekend, my husband and I traveled to Maryland for our nephew and great nieces’ graduations. Ryan is graduating from High School, and Gwen is graduating from pre-K. Both are important milestones we need to celebrate. We take the time to celebrate these milestones...
This is the 6th Year of My Professional Reading List. I hope you will take time to review this year’s list and check out some of the recommended resources. The resources listed keep me up to date on happenings in our healthcare system. I put a hyperlink in each title...
Recently a friend of mine passed away. It was a shock to learn about this, as I had just seen her at the pool. Ann was a retired teacher and came almost daily to the pool to exercise and socialize with the other ladies. I have good memories of walking in the pool,...
As a case manager, I have worked with several people who sustained catastrophic injuries. My role was to help them work with them to get them through the system, help them access the needed resources, and close the case. In a worker’s comp case, I would work...
The month of May has been designated Nurses Month to recognize Nurses for the work they do. It is a good time to reflect on your career. As a nurse since 1973, I have had an incredible career. As a nurse leader, I have been privileged to educate and share insights on...
Last week my husband and I explored the Greek Isles via the Viking Sea. In preparing for our trip, I reviewed the route we would take and tried to decide which excursions we wanted to take as we visited each Island. From my research, I knew the journey would be...
Last week I had my second annual visit with my Hematologist. As a Brain Tumor Survivor, I look forward to seeing Dr. Lossos. I know I am doing well, but having him validate that is a comfort to me. I am grateful for another good appointment. After eight years, we have...
Has anyone ever asked you, “what advice would you give your younger self about life”? If you are like me, you could think of many things you might like to do over if you have the chance. That is why I found the book “Critical Life Skills for Teens: Simple...
A few weeks ago, I met a friend for lunch. He has been in healthcare for over 50 years and has seen the ups and downs of the healthcare system. I asked him how he remains optimistic when the system seems to be going backwards. Here are his words of wisdom. “My...
As many of you know who follow me, I am a Brain Cancer Survivor. I have been doing well and moving forward with my life. In this week’s post, I want to reflect on the upheaval of illness, the challenge of recovery, and what is left in the wake. Recently, I had a...
Last week, I was looking for a contractor in North Florida to give me a bid to have a room added to a trailer for my patient, who is a quadriplegic. He needs more space in the trailer for his supplies and equipment. What I found out as I worked through the list of...
How do you find something when you don’t know what you are looking for? How do you search for the unknown? So many times, I have sorted out issues by talking to friends and colleagues. Just talking to them about the issue and laying out questions helps to focus...
I was browsing my LinkedIn messages and came across a post from Bruce Berger, Ph.D., where he introduced a new term that immediately caught my attention. The term was Health Kind Professional (HKP). Bruce is a colleague and a friend, and someone who understands...
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with a friend and colleague, Rajitha Bommakanti, BSN, RN-CCM, to discuss nurses’ roles in patient advocacy. We discussed how patient advocacy teaches people to take an active role in their health and healthcare....
Recently I was asked to be part of a radio show hosted by Sharon Weinstein and Dina Readinger who have developed the Nurse Listening Tour. I was asked to be part of the tour and share insights on where nurses are today and how we can get back to our baseline. Here is...
There is a saying that patient advocates can use to empower their patients to improve patient engagement. It is See One, Do One, Teach One. Teaching our patients what we know, allowing them to practice with you and then work on their own, will enable them to be their...
