I completely forgot to update here about my job situation. I posted it on Facebook, but that doesn't really help those of you that I'm not FB friends with.
I did get the Receptionist / Staff Assistant position that I had applied for. I started doing that fulltime on April 27th, so I didn't have to lose any seniority. It's not my ideal job, due to the almost constant contact with people, but I quite like it otherwise. I'm not a people person at all, but I've been told I fake it very well. :p
I do a lot of different things - forward faxes that come through the faxman email account, reserve cars & meeting rooms for folks, track different paperwork on the kiddos, mail out treatment plans & discharge summaries, send the mail out, tear down files, read all the weeklies (forms that document everything that every kid did that week) & log all family contact on a spreadsheet, make copies, inventory the company polo shirts, and whatever else needs to be done.
I'm still working on getting up in time to get ready & get to work at 8am. I realized that this is the first time I've had a normal 8-5 schedule in 12 years.
Showing posts with label Work Work Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Work Work Work. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Work Update
I keep thinking that I need to post to this blasted thing, but only when I'm driving or in church (way to focus, huh?) or someplace else that is Internet-less. Anyway, on to my little bit of news...
I got a 30-day lay-off notice on April Fool's Day, but alas, it was no joke. I've been in my current position as Clinical Records Clerk for a year now, which makes a total of 5 1/2 years at this company. They're restructuring though, and I knew that it was possibility that my job would be discontinued or upgraded, which is what they ended up doing. It now requires a bachelor's, so that immediately throws me out of the running. I did apply for the Front Desk / Staff Assistant position that I've been helping out with for the past few months. I interviewed for that yesterday and they said they should have a decision in a few days. So, if I happen to pop into your head, please toss up a prayer for me. That would be greatly appreciated. :)
I got a 30-day lay-off notice on April Fool's Day, but alas, it was no joke. I've been in my current position as Clinical Records Clerk for a year now, which makes a total of 5 1/2 years at this company. They're restructuring though, and I knew that it was possibility that my job would be discontinued or upgraded, which is what they ended up doing. It now requires a bachelor's, so that immediately throws me out of the running. I did apply for the Front Desk / Staff Assistant position that I've been helping out with for the past few months. I interviewed for that yesterday and they said they should have a decision in a few days. So, if I happen to pop into your head, please toss up a prayer for me. That would be greatly appreciated. :)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Workety Work Work Work...
I have a new job! Yee-Haw! I'm still at the same place, but I'm now a clinical records clerk, which means that I do all the filing for all six cottages. I'm also going to be setting up all or most of the appointments for the campus & I'll be the backup for the food lady when she's gone. This was my first full week filing. I'm actually enjoying it but it is taking me some time to get used to sleeping at night. I was almost asleep the other night when I got the feeling that something was very wrong & I started wondering why it was so dark. It took me a minute to realize it was nighttime & I was supposed to be in bed!
I have run across a couple great quotes in files or just listening to conversations in the offices...
"Can I get in my constipation box?" Umm... that should've been confiscation!
"I’m like Pinocchio… he’s a real boy just like I’m a real girl! I cut my strings! You ain’t no puppet-master!" - told to staff by a client
And the best one, which describes this chick to a T - under Hobbies / Other Interests in a girl's file: "She likes to be as bad as she can"
I have run across a couple great quotes in files or just listening to conversations in the offices...
"Can I get in my constipation box?" Umm... that should've been confiscation!
"I’m like Pinocchio… he’s a real boy just like I’m a real girl! I cut my strings! You ain’t no puppet-master!" - told to staff by a client
"I’d rather die as a young boy than to ever fumble this football!" - also said by a client
"I’m your only friend. I’m not your only friend but I’m a little glowing friend, but really I’m not actually your friend, but I am." - written by a client
And the best one, which describes this chick to a T - under Hobbies / Other Interests in a girl's file: "She likes to be as bad as she can"
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tales of Woe Work
I am on my 15th night in a row of working. Only 10 (also in a row) to go until I leave for the church women's retreat with Mom & Belle. I am getting quite sick of this place, due in part to the long hours but mainly just from all the go se (Firefly Chinese for crap) that's going on. So far we have lost 2 overnight staff since they were both no-call, no-shows 4 days in a row & a third who would fall asleep for hours at a time. That fella was moved to 2nd shift.
The kids are being evil - for quite a while, 11 out of 12 were on restriction (basically consequences for being evil). Runners, cutters, people giving razors to cutters, just plain not following instructions or rules... They're starting to improve just a bit since we came up with the idea of not allowing the ones on restriction to use makeup, hair gel or spray, straighteners or perfume. I haven't been here when they've done hygiene, as I'm in the other girls' cottage most of the week, but I imagine they haven't been happy campers. But, if that's what it takes to get them to start following some rules around here, fine.
I was at one of the boys' cottages for several days a week or so ago and one of the other staff sent a kid to ask me what "parle vous Francois" means. Why he sent him to me, I'll never know. Anyway, I answered him & he then asked if I was French. I said that no, I'm English, Scottish & Welsh, which prompted the question "Is that why your hair is so long?" "Um, no... my hair is long because I don't cut it..." Apparently, if you're English, Scottish & Welsh, you automatically have long hair.
The kids are being evil - for quite a while, 11 out of 12 were on restriction (basically consequences for being evil). Runners, cutters, people giving razors to cutters, just plain not following instructions or rules... They're starting to improve just a bit since we came up with the idea of not allowing the ones on restriction to use makeup, hair gel or spray, straighteners or perfume. I haven't been here when they've done hygiene, as I'm in the other girls' cottage most of the week, but I imagine they haven't been happy campers. But, if that's what it takes to get them to start following some rules around here, fine.
I was at one of the boys' cottages for several days a week or so ago and one of the other staff sent a kid to ask me what "parle vous Francois" means. Why he sent him to me, I'll never know. Anyway, I answered him & he then asked if I was French. I said that no, I'm English, Scottish & Welsh, which prompted the question "Is that why your hair is so long?" "Um, no... my hair is long because I don't cut it..." Apparently, if you're English, Scottish & Welsh, you automatically have long hair.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Happenings...
So, since it's been a while, I'll get y'all caught up on what's been going on...
(I had a boatload of stuff to blog when I was thinking about it earlier, but now it's all slipped my mind. Hmph!)
Let's see, we had two clients from work - ages 14 & 15, steal the cottage car & take a little jaunt to Emporia, about 70 miles away. They were caught there & are being charged with felonies for car theft, obstruction of justice & eluding an officer. In a beat-up Neon, no less. Needless to say, they'll not be back, for a while at least.
Dad went in to get some bumps taken off his head. The lab called back to report that the bumps were cancerous, so he's got to go back in & have the doc dig a little deeper where they were. He, his dad & one brother have all had skin cancer spots removed & Grandpa died of prostate cancer, so he probably shouldn't let this go too long.
I've had a knot under my right shoulder blade for last month. I started taking the pain med that I've been prescribed several times before but ended up having a bad reaction - dizziness, shortness of breath, shaking, headaches, etc. & almost passed out in the doctor's office. Quite lovely. So now I get to go through withdrawal since it turns out the med (Ultram or Tramadal) is addicting. Even more lovely. But it keeps getting better, even the knot since she upped the Naproxen (Aleve) to 3 times a day & the muscle relaxer to twice a day.
I have a new game of obsess over - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Absolutely love it! I played it at my cousin Jay's & then ordered a copy for myself. Once it came I found out that it wouldn't run on either computer, so I ordered memory, a DVD drive & video card from Newegg.com. I should be able to get everything finished up when the video card gets here tomorrow.
I also turned 29 last month. It's turning into a slippery slide to 30.
One more thing - I mentioned in a post a while back that Peanut & Belle are pregnant. Well, Kat is now due around October. Three new babies next summer & fall. :-)
(I had a boatload of stuff to blog when I was thinking about it earlier, but now it's all slipped my mind. Hmph!)
Let's see, we had two clients from work - ages 14 & 15, steal the cottage car & take a little jaunt to Emporia, about 70 miles away. They were caught there & are being charged with felonies for car theft, obstruction of justice & eluding an officer. In a beat-up Neon, no less. Needless to say, they'll not be back, for a while at least.
Dad went in to get some bumps taken off his head. The lab called back to report that the bumps were cancerous, so he's got to go back in & have the doc dig a little deeper where they were. He, his dad & one brother have all had skin cancer spots removed & Grandpa died of prostate cancer, so he probably shouldn't let this go too long.
I've had a knot under my right shoulder blade for last month. I started taking the pain med that I've been prescribed several times before but ended up having a bad reaction - dizziness, shortness of breath, shaking, headaches, etc. & almost passed out in the doctor's office. Quite lovely. So now I get to go through withdrawal since it turns out the med (Ultram or Tramadal) is addicting. Even more lovely. But it keeps getting better, even the knot since she upped the Naproxen (Aleve) to 3 times a day & the muscle relaxer to twice a day.
I have a new game of obsess over - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Absolutely love it! I played it at my cousin Jay's & then ordered a copy for myself. Once it came I found out that it wouldn't run on either computer, so I ordered memory, a DVD drive & video card from Newegg.com. I should be able to get everything finished up when the video card gets here tomorrow.
I also turned 29 last month. It's turning into a slippery slide to 30.
One more thing - I mentioned in a post a while back that Peanut & Belle are pregnant. Well, Kat is now due around October. Three new babies next summer & fall. :-)
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Oh. My...
I am not a nurse. I am not trained or equipped to deal with recently post-operative children who have holes in their throat. Especially when said hole is draining mucus at an alarming rate. I don't recall "cleaning mucus out of a hole in a client's neck" being in the job description, but they would probably say that falls under the "and anything else needed" section.
I so want to gag right now...
I so want to gag right now...
Saturday, October 20, 2007
:rolls eyes:
Ahhh, what a world, what a world...
The other morning we ended up secluding a girl after she was sent back from the school for refusing to take off her coat. She has readily admitted that the reason she acts up is for the attention, so while I was monitoring her thru the little window in the locked door, I refused to look directly at her & just kept track of her in my peripheral vision. Another staff came along & started laughing. I guess the girl was trying to stare me down & my ignoring her was driving her nuts. She pulled a 6-inch piece of denim from the cuff of her pants & faked strangling herself. I just raised my eyebrows & shook my head. After all, what damage could she possibly do to herself with that. She kept banging on the window & would occasionally yell "HA-HA!" thru the intercom. I wanted to get on the intercom & ask her what she thought was so funny, since she was secluded & we as staff were the ones who were foot loose & fancy free. I was even getting paid time & a half to be there. But we mustn't instigate the precious little kiddos.
This was the same kid who took a good 45-minutes to come out of her room for lab draws several weeks ago & was wearing a leather jacket when she knew full well she would have to remove it for the nurse. She just stood there, looking down her nose at me with this smug little smirk on her face. I told her she wouldn't get anything at all, bathroom door open included, until she redirected & followed instructions. It took her another 45 minutes, but she eventually let the nurses get their vials of blood.
Did I mention she broke her glasses (either 2nd or 3rd pair since she's been here) & then broke a lense & started scratching on her wrist. She put it up to the window & said "See - I'm bleeding." There was a spot of blood maybe as big as the tip of a pin, but she kept going on it, so we had to go take it before secluding her again for pushing staff.
At least the physically violent one who was refusing her meds for the last week & a half is gone to the psych hospital.
The other morning we ended up secluding a girl after she was sent back from the school for refusing to take off her coat. She has readily admitted that the reason she acts up is for the attention, so while I was monitoring her thru the little window in the locked door, I refused to look directly at her & just kept track of her in my peripheral vision. Another staff came along & started laughing. I guess the girl was trying to stare me down & my ignoring her was driving her nuts. She pulled a 6-inch piece of denim from the cuff of her pants & faked strangling herself. I just raised my eyebrows & shook my head. After all, what damage could she possibly do to herself with that. She kept banging on the window & would occasionally yell "HA-HA!" thru the intercom. I wanted to get on the intercom & ask her what she thought was so funny, since she was secluded & we as staff were the ones who were foot loose & fancy free. I was even getting paid time & a half to be there. But we mustn't instigate the precious little kiddos.
This was the same kid who took a good 45-minutes to come out of her room for lab draws several weeks ago & was wearing a leather jacket when she knew full well she would have to remove it for the nurse. She just stood there, looking down her nose at me with this smug little smirk on her face. I told her she wouldn't get anything at all, bathroom door open included, until she redirected & followed instructions. It took her another 45 minutes, but she eventually let the nurses get their vials of blood.
Did I mention she broke her glasses (either 2nd or 3rd pair since she's been here) & then broke a lense & started scratching on her wrist. She put it up to the window & said "See - I'm bleeding." There was a spot of blood maybe as big as the tip of a pin, but she kept going on it, so we had to go take it before secluding her again for pushing staff.
At least the physically violent one who was refusing her meds for the last week & a half is gone to the psych hospital.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Things That Make Me Mad...
...people who adopt a 6-year-old from another country & then decide they don't want her three years later and then don't have the guts to tell her themselves.
...social workers who don't tell the same girl for 2-3 months that her parental rights are terminated because *whining* "we don't know how to tell her - let's get a consultant to tell us how". Guess what - the consultant is gonna tell you that you're idiots for not telling her & leaving her to wonder why her family never calls her anymore.
For three freakin' months!
...sneaky, manipulative teenagers. 'Nough said.
...staff who take a 15-year-old's court-ordered "Baby Think It Over", put it in the basement & muffle it with pillows, just so they don't have to listen to it, leaving her still thinking that she can have a baby "so she has someone to love her" & not be aware of the consequences & responsibility. 'Cause now she thinks that someone will magically appear & make the crying go away. (Trust me, girl ain't exactly a genius...)
On the other hand, it's kinda funny to see a smug little smile practially falling off a bratty girl's face when calling me a nerd doesn't get the desired result. Instead she gets reminded that I'm a (usually) smart nerd & what exactly does she have going for her... ? 'Cause knowing how to cuss, insult people, do drugs & sleep around ain't gonna get her anywhere worth going.
~~~~~
By the by, been busy with school, work & school. I have pictures from family stuff plus some of the new house & fun at the firing range that I'll post later when I get caught up on some of my class work. In the meantime, don't hold your breath for the next post - blue just isn't your color... ;-)
...social workers who don't tell the same girl for 2-3 months that her parental rights are terminated because *whining* "we don't know how to tell her - let's get a consultant to tell us how". Guess what - the consultant is gonna tell you that you're idiots for not telling her & leaving her to wonder why her family never calls her anymore.
For three freakin' months!
...sneaky, manipulative teenagers. 'Nough said.
...staff who take a 15-year-old's court-ordered "Baby Think It Over", put it in the basement & muffle it with pillows, just so they don't have to listen to it, leaving her still thinking that she can have a baby "so she has someone to love her" & not be aware of the consequences & responsibility. 'Cause now she thinks that someone will magically appear & make the crying go away. (Trust me, girl ain't exactly a genius...)
On the other hand, it's kinda funny to see a smug little smile practially falling off a bratty girl's face when calling me a nerd doesn't get the desired result. Instead she gets reminded that I'm a (usually) smart nerd & what exactly does she have going for her... ? 'Cause knowing how to cuss, insult people, do drugs & sleep around ain't gonna get her anywhere worth going.
~~~~~
By the by, been busy with school, work & school. I have pictures from family stuff plus some of the new house & fun at the firing range that I'll post later when I get caught up on some of my class work. In the meantime, don't hold your breath for the next post - blue just isn't your color... ;-)
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Oh. My. Gosh.
Yesterday my coworkers & I discovered the dangers of diarrhea.
One of the girls, who was described by the therapist as the craziest client she's seen, came out to use the restroom. She came to the office & just stared at me. I was getting ready to ask what she needed when she mumbled "I have diarrhea". I said that the bathroom was open & then... the smell hit. It was so bad I'm surprised I didn't see a green wave of funk floating at me. Girl was in there for quite a while. I went to check on her nut she had finally gone back to her room. I thought I saw lint on the floor so I flipped on the light and... nope. Not lint. Definately not lint.
The girl had gone back to bed - no shower, nothin'. I had her get up & clean the bathroom. I mean the whole stinkin' room. The floor, the toilet seat, the so-clogged-I-could-see-it-from-the-door toilet bowl, the door, the counter... ev.ery.thing. Another staff had already started spraying chemicals while I was getting trash bags. She had to be redirected several times to go finish it all. She eventually finished & showered. I left about that time.
Last night, I heard from the other staff that she did put her clothes & bedding in the washing machine like I asked, but she left all the crap on everything & shoved so much stuff in there that it smelled like "burnt diarrhea". That bedding, needless to say, is now in the dumpster but only after getting it out of the washer & spreading more crap all over the laundry room. The staff told me she got sick after seeing/smelling all of that.
Ick.
On a brighter-smelling (& yummier) note, I was working with the same staff this morning & she offered to get me a doughnut since I was staying late to help her out. I told her I wanted a Bavarian cream with chocolate icing & she said "an ovarian cream?" I spit out the drink I just taken & corrected her. Later we were laughing about it & she got mixed up again & said something about "Bavarian cysts." Basically, be careful when you order a doughnut in these parts.
One of the girls, who was described by the therapist as the craziest client she's seen, came out to use the restroom. She came to the office & just stared at me. I was getting ready to ask what she needed when she mumbled "I have diarrhea". I said that the bathroom was open & then... the smell hit. It was so bad I'm surprised I didn't see a green wave of funk floating at me. Girl was in there for quite a while. I went to check on her nut she had finally gone back to her room. I thought I saw lint on the floor so I flipped on the light and... nope. Not lint. Definately not lint.
The girl had gone back to bed - no shower, nothin'. I had her get up & clean the bathroom. I mean the whole stinkin' room. The floor, the toilet seat, the so-clogged-I-could-see-it-from-the-door toilet bowl, the door, the counter... ev.ery.thing. Another staff had already started spraying chemicals while I was getting trash bags. She had to be redirected several times to go finish it all. She eventually finished & showered. I left about that time.
Last night, I heard from the other staff that she did put her clothes & bedding in the washing machine like I asked, but she left all the crap on everything & shoved so much stuff in there that it smelled like "burnt diarrhea". That bedding, needless to say, is now in the dumpster but only after getting it out of the washer & spreading more crap all over the laundry room. The staff told me she got sick after seeing/smelling all of that.
Ick.
On a brighter-smelling (& yummier) note, I was working with the same staff this morning & she offered to get me a doughnut since I was staying late to help her out. I told her I wanted a Bavarian cream with chocolate icing & she said "an ovarian cream?" I spit out the drink I just taken & corrected her. Later we were laughing about it & she got mixed up again & said something about "Bavarian cysts." Basically, be careful when you order a doughnut in these parts.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Sleepy Talker
I did a room check last night & was upstairs when I heard Half-Pint, who is downstairs, say "Watch... watch... watch... WATCH THIS!" I continued the check & heard two of the other girls laughing about it.
I've also heard her whine "But I was gonna eat that, Erin!" followed by "It's not fair!" and a huge sigh. Another staff saw her sit bolt upright & hold out 4 fingers while exclaiming "Guess what, (room mate)! My birthday is in FOUR MONTHS!" before flopping back down.
This is the same girl who fell asleep on the toilet several months ago. *snicker*
I've also heard her whine "But I was gonna eat that, Erin!" followed by "It's not fair!" and a huge sigh. Another staff saw her sit bolt upright & hold out 4 fingers while exclaiming "Guess what, (room mate)! My birthday is in FOUR MONTHS!" before flopping back down.
This is the same girl who fell asleep on the toilet several months ago. *snicker*
Friday, July 06, 2007
Eeeevil Children of the Night...
We have a client (P) who is downright mean & e-e-evil. I had to hold another client back from going after her after P mocked her for being given up by her biological mother 2 days after she was born. Several days ago, she & another girl ripped up the little half-pint client's favourite stuffed animal. She just doesn't care about anyone else at all.
Part of the problem is the parents. Girl goes on home passes, the parents don't keep an eye on her or enforce any rules & then freak out when she doesn't show up in time for her curfew. The last two home passes she's been on, she's stayed out all night & come back high on "skittles", or over-the-counter drugs, probably decongestants. And yet, someone - workers or the therapist, somebody - keeps approving for this girl to go on home passes. Are they missing their brains or what? Way to improve this chick's life & future, people...
Part of the problem is the parents. Girl goes on home passes, the parents don't keep an eye on her or enforce any rules & then freak out when she doesn't show up in time for her curfew. The last two home passes she's been on, she's stayed out all night & come back high on "skittles", or over-the-counter drugs, probably decongestants. And yet, someone - workers or the therapist, somebody - keeps approving for this girl to go on home passes. Are they missing their brains or what? Way to improve this chick's life & future, people...
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Funny Chillens
We have a new client. She's a tiny little bit of a thing. The other day, another staff had the following conversation with her...
Staff: So, where are you from?
Girl: (very perky) Haiti!
S: Oh. ... How old are you?
G: (again, very perky) Nine!
S: Why are you here?
G: (still perky) 'Cause I'm homicidal!
S: Oh. ... Oh! Really?
G: Yeah, I threaten to kill people!
S: Ooo-kay...
Looks like we'll be having some fun soon. Heh.
Staff: So, where are you from?
Girl: (very perky) Haiti!
S: Oh. ... How old are you?
G: (again, very perky) Nine!
S: Why are you here?
G: (still perky) 'Cause I'm homicidal!
S: Oh. ... Oh! Really?
G: Yeah, I threaten to kill people!
S: Ooo-kay...
Looks like we'll be having some fun soon. Heh.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Haaaaa-lellujah!
My schedule has changed! I now work Tuesday thru Saturday, which means I have my Sundays back. I can now have a, uh... what's that word again... let me think... oh yeah, a life!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Kids, Kids, Kids...
Ever want to throttle a child one moment & the next squeeze 'em & tell them everything will be alright?
Parents - you have my utmost respect.
Right now, we have some kids that I don't ever want to see again, some that I want to take home with me & some that bounce back & forth between the two. I guess it's always like that here, though.
The ones I wouldn't care to see again are the brats - they pick on the others, do anything & everything they can to grind others into the dust & think it's all a great big joke. They're here for their behaviours. Sometimes the parents can't control them, sometimes they just don't care enough to try. But these kids have a choice. They choose their paths.
The ones I want to tuck under my arm & carry home are the ones with genuine emotional problems and the ones who are MR (mentally retarded) & don't always have control over what they say & do. They haven't chosen that path, it was chosen for them. The one who punched me is my favourite. She goes around calling staff the "n-----" word & "lesbians". Doesn't matter what color skin you have or anything - she just shouts random stuff. I often call the girls Fred, George & Maynard. This girl usually gets Maynard & one day another staff called her for meds or something & she responded with "My name isn't J---, it's Maynard!" We also call her Jazzy Jeff & Grandpa. She loves the goofy nicknames.
~~~~~
I arrived to work about a week ago & noticed chalk outlines of bodies all over the sidewalk. I had to ask if we had any living clients left.
They are apparently loving the giant coloring sheets I got for them.
If you ever want to do something for some kids, find a local residential facility & donate books, clothing, shoes, hygiene products, decorating stuff, magazine subscriptions, sports equipment, anything you think a kid would enjoy. They will most certainly enjoy it, even if you yourself never hear anything about it. You never know what will touch someone's heart & change their life.
(Another suggestion - chocolate PRNs [as needed medication] for staff *grin*)
Parents - you have my utmost respect.
Right now, we have some kids that I don't ever want to see again, some that I want to take home with me & some that bounce back & forth between the two. I guess it's always like that here, though.
The ones I wouldn't care to see again are the brats - they pick on the others, do anything & everything they can to grind others into the dust & think it's all a great big joke. They're here for their behaviours. Sometimes the parents can't control them, sometimes they just don't care enough to try. But these kids have a choice. They choose their paths.
The ones I want to tuck under my arm & carry home are the ones with genuine emotional problems and the ones who are MR (mentally retarded) & don't always have control over what they say & do. They haven't chosen that path, it was chosen for them. The one who punched me is my favourite. She goes around calling staff the "n-----" word & "lesbians". Doesn't matter what color skin you have or anything - she just shouts random stuff. I often call the girls Fred, George & Maynard. This girl usually gets Maynard & one day another staff called her for meds or something & she responded with "My name isn't J---, it's Maynard!" We also call her Jazzy Jeff & Grandpa. She loves the goofy nicknames.
~~~~~
I arrived to work about a week ago & noticed chalk outlines of bodies all over the sidewalk. I had to ask if we had any living clients left.
They are apparently loving the giant coloring sheets I got for them.
If you ever want to do something for some kids, find a local residential facility & donate books, clothing, shoes, hygiene products, decorating stuff, magazine subscriptions, sports equipment, anything you think a kid would enjoy. They will most certainly enjoy it, even if you yourself never hear anything about it. You never know what will touch someone's heart & change their life.
(Another suggestion - chocolate PRNs [as needed medication] for staff *grin*)
A Little Rant
Turns out a fella at work has been spreading lies about me. I worked one night with him & D, and he's claiming that we didn't do any work - he did everything. D cooked, we both packed meds for kids' home passes & we did some of the room checks as well as the laundry. I also spent part of the time mending clothing for the girls & sewing a (very cute) curtain for the kitchen window. He did some of the room checks & played on the internet the rest of the night.
Several people have told me that he's telling new staff that he did everything & we just sat there playing on the computer & that I was using the cottage's laundry facilities for my personal use. (I wonder if he also tells them that he went to sleep for over an hour one night, while working by himself, & no one could get a hold of him.) He says that he emailed the supervisor & we haven't worked there since. Umm... that's because we were filling in for someone else & haven't been needed there since. *major eye-rollage*
I really, really want to give him a rather large piece of my mind, but I fear his over-sized ego & under-sized brain would be unable to handle it. The result would likely be more & nastier rumors. The folks who know me wouldn't believe it, but with working the night shift, there are a lot of staff who don't know me & would believe every word.
Ah well, now that I've had my little rant, I can let it go & just let his nasty little attitude continue to poison himself.
Several people have told me that he's telling new staff that he did everything & we just sat there playing on the computer & that I was using the cottage's laundry facilities for my personal use. (I wonder if he also tells them that he went to sleep for over an hour one night, while working by himself, & no one could get a hold of him.) He says that he emailed the supervisor & we haven't worked there since. Umm... that's because we were filling in for someone else & haven't been needed there since. *major eye-rollage*
I really, really want to give him a rather large piece of my mind, but I fear his over-sized ego & under-sized brain would be unable to handle it. The result would likely be more & nastier rumors. The folks who know me wouldn't believe it, but with working the night shift, there are a lot of staff who don't know me & would believe every word.
Ah well, now that I've had my little rant, I can let it go & just let his nasty little attitude continue to poison himself.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Dave
A friend, Dave, died of a heart attack yesterday at work, while in one of the cottages with the kids. The girl who was going off & stressed him out is on the run. She doesn't yet know what happened, but her peers are threatening to kick the ever-lovin' you-know-what outta her once she returns.
His daughter also does overnights here & his dad/her grandpa died several months ago. In addition, the grandma is not in good health at all. So, please remember this family in your prayers. And the staff & kids here as well.
His daughter also does overnights here & his dad/her grandpa died several months ago. In addition, the grandma is not in good health at all. So, please remember this family in your prayers. And the staff & kids here as well.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
I Have A Dream...
...A dream where, one day, instead of having to redirect the children with restrictions and amends that they care nothing about, they will wear shock collars & the cottages will have electrified zones so that they will stay in their designated areas.
A dream that those collars will have little ampules of Haldol & Geodon that can be triggered by a remote control so that when they go all crazy, staff won't get kicked or bit or punched trying to restrain them.
(For anyone who happens to be an extremely unfunny person - this is a joke.)
Actually, I would just settle for being able to spank them & wash their mouths out with soap.
(That part is not a joke.)
Ooooh, I also want C's idea of a little radio controlled helicopter with a wireless camera mounted on it for doing room checks - up & down stairs 32 times every night is not exactly my idea of fun. Especially on the fibromyalgia-pain-filled nights.
A dream that those collars will have little ampules of Haldol & Geodon that can be triggered by a remote control so that when they go all crazy, staff won't get kicked or bit or punched trying to restrain them.
(For anyone who happens to be an extremely unfunny person - this is a joke.)
Actually, I would just settle for being able to spank them & wash their mouths out with soap.
(That part is not a joke.)
Ooooh, I also want C's idea of a little radio controlled helicopter with a wireless camera mounted on it for doing room checks - up & down stairs 32 times every night is not exactly my idea of fun. Especially on the fibromyalgia-pain-filled nights.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Heaven Help Us...
From an independent living assignment in the cottage - What our half pint client will need when she moves into her first apartment:
1. bed
2. ckawch (couch)
3. silverwer
4. chaer (chair)
5. lamp
6. fernuter (furniture)
7. food
8. vakuomclener (vacuum cleaner)
9. brome (broom)
10. plunger
11. napcins (napkins)
12. grill
13. rags
14. londery baskit
15. sampow (shampoo)
16. condichner
17. mony
18. job
19. fiyerikstenwesr (fire extinguisher)
20. books
21. paper
22. plege
25. cawercertins (shower curtains)
26. tothbruch
I think she needs to add a dictionary onto that list. My favourites are the fire extinguisher & vacuum cleaner.
One of the other girls put "a man" on her list, right in between make-up & shampoo. Another listed "husband (Bill Gates)" on hers.
I can't quite decide whether this belongs in the D'oh or Ha, Ha, Ha category...
1. bed
2. ckawch (couch)
3. silverwer
4. chaer (chair)
5. lamp
6. fernuter (furniture)
7. food
8. vakuomclener (vacuum cleaner)
9. brome (broom)
10. plunger
11. napcins (napkins)
12. grill
13. rags
14. londery baskit
15. sampow (shampoo)
16. condichner
17. mony
18. job
19. fiyerikstenwesr (fire extinguisher)
20. books
21. paper
22. plege
25. cawercertins (shower curtains)
26. tothbruch
I think she needs to add a dictionary onto that list. My favourites are the fire extinguisher & vacuum cleaner.
One of the other girls put "a man" on her list, right in between make-up & shampoo. Another listed "husband (Bill Gates)" on hers.
I can't quite decide whether this belongs in the D'oh or Ha, Ha, Ha category...
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Oh The Humanity!
I've found a new way to terrorize the kids at work. I just tell them that I haven't turned my TV on for several months, don't listen to (c)rap music & have never been on a date. Heh. One girl's eyes got so big I thought they were going to fall clean outta her head.
Oh yeah, I also got one of those el cheapo flying monkey toys that have rubber bands in their arms & make a really annoying & loud screeching sound. Great for pestering them until they decide to crawl out of bed. Plus it doesn't give me that headache I get when I do a really bad, really loud off-key opera version of "On Top of Spaghetti".
Oh yeah, I also got one of those el cheapo flying monkey toys that have rubber bands in their arms & make a really annoying & loud screeching sound. Great for pestering them until they decide to crawl out of bed. Plus it doesn't give me that headache I get when I do a really bad, really loud off-key opera version of "On Top of Spaghetti".
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Empty Headspace
CAUTION: RANT WARNING!!!
I would really, really like to know what (if anything) the higher-ups are thinking here at work.
We have 5 cottages open right now, all Level 6 (the next level up is the mental hospital) & we are already short-staffed. We are also supposed to open a temporary shelter for boys here in the next week. How in the world are we supposed to do that when staff are already working overtime like crazy (a friend worked 130 hours in the last 2-week pay period)?
No wonder the turn-over rate is so high. They tell new hires one thing (new overnights don't have to cook as they will always be working with someone who's been here a while & the other person can do that) & then stick them in a completely different situation (the regular person is on vacation or sick & 2 noobies are working together & neither knows how to cook). They try to implement new plans without thinking whether they are logical in the first place or even legal. People are promoted depending on who their buddy is. Certain jobs aren't even posted to the rest of the company, just offered to someone. Until they want to demote someone & then everyone with that same job title has to reapply for their job, just so they can get rid of that one guy.
Granted, it's a little better than it used to be. I lost count of the number of times I worked by myself in a cottage with 12 kids (2 staff are legally needed if there are more than 10 kids), a co-ed cottage, mind you (we were supposed to have 2 staff for that no matter the number of clients). Not to mention the times that no one was scheduled to replace me. I was supposed to work 12am-12pm on Saturdays & 12am-9am on Sundays (so I could make it to the Sunday School class I helped with) but stayed until 2 or 3 in the afternoon most every time due to no staff. One weekend I was the only one on the schedule on the Sunday overnight, no one was scheduled at all from 9am-noon & a fairly new lady was the only one scheduled from noon-midnight. I had worked 18 hours the previous day & couldn't get anyone to help me. I had emailed & talked to my supervisor for several weeks before that day & she said would take care of it. Guess what - she went on vacation that week with nothing set up. I worked until 6pm that Sunday night, when I broke down in tears from being so tired (and I don't cry). Then they finally got someone in there to help. GAHHH!
And don't get me started on the therapists - I'm liking the one we have now, but one guy (who's thankfully not here anymore) about drove several staff to quit. He had his Master's & my theory is that he sat in classes for so long that his brain rotted & was thereafter incapable of using anything resembling common sense. He said that we weren't allowed to restrain the kids for physical aggression. They could be tearing stuff off your car & putting as many dents & scratches as they like in it, but oh no, we mustn't restrain the poor little dears. (slight sarcasm there) I had a plan - if they wanted to tear up a vehicle, they could do anything they wanted to the green station wagon & I wouldn't touch them. Mess with another car though, and I wouldn't pay a lick of attention to what little Mr. Therapist-Boy said. One kid hit a staff with a plastic hanger, so the staff gently put her hand on the boy's arm & guided him to time out. When she got back to the office, the therapist chewed her out & said she shouldn't have done that. Yeah, nothin' like letting a kid get away with hitting staff.
I sooo need another job.
/rant off
I would really, really like to know what (if anything) the higher-ups are thinking here at work.
We have 5 cottages open right now, all Level 6 (the next level up is the mental hospital) & we are already short-staffed. We are also supposed to open a temporary shelter for boys here in the next week. How in the world are we supposed to do that when staff are already working overtime like crazy (a friend worked 130 hours in the last 2-week pay period)?
No wonder the turn-over rate is so high. They tell new hires one thing (new overnights don't have to cook as they will always be working with someone who's been here a while & the other person can do that) & then stick them in a completely different situation (the regular person is on vacation or sick & 2 noobies are working together & neither knows how to cook). They try to implement new plans without thinking whether they are logical in the first place or even legal. People are promoted depending on who their buddy is. Certain jobs aren't even posted to the rest of the company, just offered to someone. Until they want to demote someone & then everyone with that same job title has to reapply for their job, just so they can get rid of that one guy.
Granted, it's a little better than it used to be. I lost count of the number of times I worked by myself in a cottage with 12 kids (2 staff are legally needed if there are more than 10 kids), a co-ed cottage, mind you (we were supposed to have 2 staff for that no matter the number of clients). Not to mention the times that no one was scheduled to replace me. I was supposed to work 12am-12pm on Saturdays & 12am-9am on Sundays (so I could make it to the Sunday School class I helped with) but stayed until 2 or 3 in the afternoon most every time due to no staff. One weekend I was the only one on the schedule on the Sunday overnight, no one was scheduled at all from 9am-noon & a fairly new lady was the only one scheduled from noon-midnight. I had worked 18 hours the previous day & couldn't get anyone to help me. I had emailed & talked to my supervisor for several weeks before that day & she said would take care of it. Guess what - she went on vacation that week with nothing set up. I worked until 6pm that Sunday night, when I broke down in tears from being so tired (and I don't cry). Then they finally got someone in there to help. GAHHH!
And don't get me started on the therapists - I'm liking the one we have now, but one guy (who's thankfully not here anymore) about drove several staff to quit. He had his Master's & my theory is that he sat in classes for so long that his brain rotted & was thereafter incapable of using anything resembling common sense. He said that we weren't allowed to restrain the kids for physical aggression. They could be tearing stuff off your car & putting as many dents & scratches as they like in it, but oh no, we mustn't restrain the poor little dears. (slight sarcasm there) I had a plan - if they wanted to tear up a vehicle, they could do anything they wanted to the green station wagon & I wouldn't touch them. Mess with another car though, and I wouldn't pay a lick of attention to what little Mr. Therapist-Boy said. One kid hit a staff with a plastic hanger, so the staff gently put her hand on the boy's arm & guided him to time out. When she got back to the office, the therapist chewed her out & said she shouldn't have done that. Yeah, nothin' like letting a kid get away with hitting staff.
I sooo need another job.
/rant off
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