Worldwide Stew

Verbal Order Read Back

When a doctor or Advance Practice Provider (like a Physician Assitant or Nurse Practitioner)issues a verbal order, the person taking the order is usually supposed to read it back to confirm understanding. Clinicians often feel its unncessary: We’re in a hurry.We’ve got things to do.

Verbal order readback (VORB) is an invitation. It’s an invitation to reduce confusion or dispel doubts. With VORB, the person receiving the order and the person giving the order have the opportunity to dance. Do you understand what I want? Do I understand what you’re reporting? We get to do this before we step on each other’s toes. Or, more importantly, before we hurt the patient or family.

Stretch

Cassie, let’s go for a walk.

Cassie, our dog responds more slowly than usual. She usually gets to the door first. She’s feeling lazy this morning. Finally, at another beckon, she arises. But, as she does, she takes a long, deep stretch. Her body lengthens. She twists like her body is a towel being wrung out. Then, she releases a full-body shake.

Now, she was ready to go. Our walk could begin. Our day could officially begin.

Wait before you make any resolutions

Wait before you make any resolutions. If you don’t, your resolutions make may cost you time, vital energy, money, and hope about your ability to change.

The making of resolutions is a time-worn transition marking the beginning of a new year. Usually, we focus on our deficits, and then create a grocery list of needed changes. If we listen to advertisers, it almost literally turns into a shopping list. Who we are wasn’t good enough. So, voila, we’ve bought a laundry list of things or apps we’ve been told will help us feel better about ourselves.

Make do with what you have

Imagine you’re asked to fetch a ball. Without arms or legs.

I’m sorry. I can’t. In fact, the very fact that you ask is is insulting and cruel.

But, is it possible we could, at the very least, contemplate working it out: how could I fetch a ball without arms or legs?

We’ll come back to that in a second.

Do animals play?

Yes, it seems some do. But, you have to take into account the definition of play. If an animal does something once, it’s likely a fluke. If the animal does it multiple times on it’s own, it’s possibly play. If the animal does it on request, it might also be play.

Lotion

The days are cooler with the onset of Fall and Winter. My skin cuts more easily. It’s dried out.

You, too?

Lotion may be part of the answer. It might help the scratches, the itching, and it might reduce skin discomfort.

But, I’ve brought up lotion for another reason. I want to encourage you to apply it regularly. Slowly. Thoughtfully. Mindfully.

Notice how it feels to touch the skin. To care for myself. To feel the fingertips glide across the skin. What does the sensation of added moisture feel like?