I have been at my new job for a little over 6 months.  I NEVER visit anyone in the office.  I work nonstop from the time I arrive until its time to leave.  I am not anti-social, but I have a lot of work to accomplish.

I have no idea, why one co-worker has latched on to me with constant complaints about HIS work! This has been going on for 3 months!  This person spends a LONG amount of time complaining.  He even has the nerve to close MY door to complain like a woman!  This is inappropriate!

Listen folks, when things get tough at work, stop the bitching and do the work.

If you spend time in my office complaining, you cannot get YOUR work done and you are interfering with me doing MY work.

This is just common sense.  Folks, you do not need a sounding board.  Just stop the complaining and do your work.

Complaining actually takes a person away from working.  SHUT THE FUCK UP, GET THE HELL OUT OF MY OFFICE AND GO DO SOME WORK!

Why does this nonsense happen to me?????

Day After Directional Advice

I slept good last night.  I am glad to have had the opportunity to think and plan out this crucial moment in life.  It is important to go slow, be careful of spoken words because they can never be taken back.  It is not good to have to regret saying something during a stressful time.

The young relative came by last night.  I gave the loan, fixed her a drink and took her on a tour of my place.  I pointed out the grease stains on my kitchen wall, the totally destroyed back room closet, the filthy dining room carpet and the 2 broken dining room chairs.....all in lousy condition as destroyed by her mother/my sister.  Hence, this is the reason why no one will move in with me.  Her mother destroyed my home during the time she stayed here.  This was one of the reasons I told her, that she would never be able to move in with me.  I will not allow it.

I then had her review a special packet of information I prepared, assembled and copied the day before. It was good information on women's shelters.  I went through this page by page.

I then, packed a nice dinner of fried perch and chicken/veggie rice for her to take home.

I drove her to 3 SRO's that she needs to investigate.  The applications and contact information was in the pack I prepared.

Amazing, during the chat, she seemed to understand and seemed receptive to all information.  I clarified that I am retired, working part time for now and cannot allow relatives to depend on me.  This is a new day.  Everything said was passionate.  I even gave her instructions on how to make initial contact in seeking a shelter.  I will even take care of her cat.

I also warned her to be careful of her mother.  My sister will be likely to ask the nursing home to find her a place.  With that, she will move her daughter in.  My sister cannot take care of herself.  My niece abandoned her in her darkest days.  I will not step in.  So, I advised her do not allow this to happen.

My final point is not only as older adults, we cannot allow younger family folks to use us.  But, we have to be compassionate, provide them with information and details that they may never had considered.  No need for "I told ya so" or to berate a person when they are down.  Give the directions and remain prayerful.

Directives with Compassion

A young family member is following the life path of a parent.  It is a learned behavior of helplessness, dependence and failure.  A very sad reality that reflects the inability to manage one own's life.

The learned behavior is borrowing large sums of money which will never be repaid.
The potential to ask to move in "until they can get back on their feet".

A relative did both of the above for many years.  The amount of money "loaned" was ridiculously high and I will never be repaid. The relative moved in and left my place in a state of disrepair.  There was a sad image of laziness, greed and disrespect.

Let me provide some background details...

Some years ago, this young adult was working and living with mother.  Things were going well.  Then mom lost her job and daughter promptly moved out of the city, leaving her mother stranded (and dependent on me). So, that is when the mother had to move in with me.  There is more... but I'll stop there.

About one year later, I maneuvered for this person to move in with her father. She did not help him, ran up bills and started bringing her thug boyfriend into her father's home against his permission.  The father did the right thing and kicked her out after repeat warnings.    When she moved out, she left the father's place in a filthy mess.  So, of course she cannot go back there.

Now this young relative has approached me to help her... yes the same one who has horribly disrespected her mom and dad.  How does one handle this horrible situation?  I thought about this for 24 hours.  I have come up with the solution.

It is important to be compassionate. Help can be given in many ways.  Remember, the person made bad decisions that led to this point in time.

1. I am going to "loan" the money.  I probably will never get repaid.
But, remember, sometimes you have to look at a loan as a way to "pay-off" a person from ever approaching again.  But, there will be promissory letters signed.  I just completed the letter.

2. This person is NOT going to move into my home.
The mom left my place dilapidated and the young adult disrespected her dad's rules when she stayed with him.  So, that pattern is established.  What could I expect???

3. I am providing life directions.
Yesterday, I drove to some housing units and picked up applications for special housings. Office managers were very helpful.
I spent about 3 hours with online searches for women's shelters.  This is a challenge as women have to be protected and this information is not published.
I went to Kinko's last night to photocopy documents I prepared.
I just finished a full life pack to discuss and give her.

In conclusion, I have had enough!  No more loans and no moving into my home.  I have done enough!  However, I am compassionate.  I spent all day, evening and night preparing life instructions.  Hopefully this will be the directions in life that will be received.

2013 - What Is Up?

2013 has been awful. Did not see such horrible events coming.
In March, Jarrell signed out of a group home with a behavioral health unit.  He went homeless that night and took an overdose of lithium.  He was hospitalized, then transferred to a psych hospital. The group home would not take him back, so I accepted him into my care.

He moved back home in May (the same day I started my new job). It was bumpy. But over time things settled.  Things seemed to be really calm by July.  I was patient and pretty happy.  I even told family and friends how well things were at home, nice and peaceful.

Jarrell wanted his own place with support.  His case manager was working on this, but Jarrell's recent history of anger and aggression made him a difficult placement. His temper was getting worse.  I took him on an interview for a day program, every time I contributed to the interview, he would go into a major rant.  Needless to say, he was not accept.

I took him for his MD appointment (new appointment).  He asked the clerk where was the bathroom; I pointed it out... he went into a rant again!

Regardless of his rants, they were not major issues.  My home was peaceful.  He has his own huge room in the back, computer, radio, DVD, cable tv and air-conditioning.  The room is junky, he is a hoarder.  The room is outright filthy.  When he leaves out, I make the bed so there is some decency.

Lately he has been asking more about his own place. But as usual, I told him it will take time for his case manager to locate.  In the meantime, I made sure he enjoyed my home.. I made muffins every morning, kept him with his Powerades, Crystal Light, and Diet Mountain Dew.  I made sure he had a good meal prepared at 3am, before I would leave for work. I'm talking chili, pork chops, casseroles, pasta, pizza and fancy salads.  He had his privacy.  I leave out at 5:15am and back home by 5:15pm. I limited conversations to keep him from going "off".  I often got bitter nasty emails from him, I only replied... "Noted"

Jarrell saw his therapist every week and his psychiatrist every month. He had a Ventra card and got allowance every single week.   All the right things were being done to keep Jarrell happy. 

On the night of October 1st, I was sleeping on the couch, woke up startled, being sprayed in the face, I screamed as Jarrell hit me with a 5 pound weight.  He ran out the house, came back and called the police.

That was the end of Jarrell.

The paramedics arrived, police were very nice, and took him to the hospital.

After a few days, he was transferred to a psych unit.

I went to visit Jarrell, he cursed me out horribly and I left promptly. He said all of this was my fault because I did not move things fast for him to get placement.

Later, he met with his social worker, threw a chair which hit her.

He was moved to a different unit.

Jarrell's case manager is working to have him placed in a State Operated Facility.

I saw Jarrell yesterday.  He looks like a walking zombie.  He still cursed me out as I left.

No one in my family knows any of this...unless Jarrell told them.

If they ask, I will inform them.  But I will not demonize him in the process.

He needs a restricted environment.

I am glad that he lived with me for the past 5 months.  It was a good life.  But he hated it.  He has got to be totally crazy.

I know he is totally crazy.  He lived in a nice group home.  They even gave Jarrell his own apartment.  Nevertheless, he did not get along with staff.  His hospitalizations increased, more police calls from property damage.  To show how crazy Jarrell was, he would leave his apartment to pick a fight with the building staff.  A kind older gentleman.

Jarrell had 12 years of wonderful independence.  Always with his own bedroom or apartment.  The last 5 months were the best on this earth for him. 

Again, I am glad he lived with me for these last 5 months.  He hated it.  No one on this earth would have it that good.  He had his chance.  He showed his mental state which is not good at all.

A Long Awaited Turning Point

I did not see this coming.  This was not a "Janet's Plan".  But, 2013 has been a profound year; September has been a profound month; the week of September 22 major and September 27th was a long awaited day.

Without a lot of unnecessary background information, I am now at long last semi-retired!

I really never planned to outright retire as I enjoy the hustle of working.  Some major family life events took place early this year, my home-life has been readjusted and it is good.  I have been in search of the ideal employer for a very long time.  Such a creature does not exist.  No more searching for me.

I am now semi-retired, working ONLY part-time with NO take home work.  I am carefully scheduling my work periods.

• I am now on my own schedule. 

• I have more time to take care of my home and son.  No competition with a full time job.

• I now have more time to spend in church and doing church work. My life long church- First Immanuel Lutheran Church has welcomed and been so receptive of this little busy body.  They have given me the freedom to engage in many activities and roles.  First Immanuel Lutheran Church has been with me and filled a major void in my life ever since my best buddy- my beloved mother past away.  The ministry of First Immanuel Lutheran Church is my mission.

• I am also going to spend more time with my sister. I got time for her again.  I really enjoy the "Girlie Times" that me, Janine and Ms. Beans spend together on occasional afternoons.

• I am also ready to take care of me again!  Back to the fitness center!!  Attention recent weight gain... You are sooooo out of here!!!

So on this early Saturday morning as I am sipping on the best cup of coffee ever... I am also taking a deep breath and exhaling!  Ahhhhhhh.... this feels good!    Hello sunshine!

Patterns of "Friendship" BEWARE!

This morning my wonderful cousin posted a very significant photo-link on Facebook.  I have added it to this blog as a photo.  I need to discuss the message much further in this blog because I know exactly what the problem is and it is more that what the photo states.

Folks have to be cognizant of how they form relationships. Certain dependent and toxic patterns must be stopped early. Once we recognize the formation of toxic relationship patterns, if we do not stop it, then we become enablers.

Here are some examples of dependent and toxic relationship patterns you may have encountered: 

•  when a classmate ONLY makes contact at test time; 

• a co-worker who ONLY makes contact when stressed out at the workplace; 

• a relative who makes contact ONLY when money is needed; 

•  a colleague who you NEVER EVER heard from until a reference is needed. 

Just note how foolishly dependent folks are who start those toxic patterns. When you experience these problems, you must stop it and discontinue communications. 

These functionally disabled/dependent folks need to LEARN how to make contact when things are going well. It is easy!!!!

• Why not meet up for coffee?

• Why not "do lunch" or "do dinner"?

• Why not invite the person over for a quick meal and chat?

Probably requires too much effort... Hence that is why the relationship is T-O-X-I-C!

You will further need to put up those bricks that are forming that wall as shown in the picture below.

Most Employers are Resilient and Don't You Forget It!

Yes, most employers are resilient, not all of them but most of them.  This means that YOU, the worker is dispensable.  YOU CAN BE REPLACED, the workplace will adjust and do even better without you!

This week, I witnessed a worker get fired.  The worker had excellent skills for the job, had many years of tenure, but seemed to have started to with quality of work.  May have started to take the employer for granted.  But the organization has been very patient, carefully monitored the performance from many perspectives and promptly fired the stated worker this week. 

This coming week, adjustments will be made and the organization will be better than ever!  This is the resilient nature of the workplace.

In my career, I have NEVER witnessed the resiliency of past employers.  When I left or was moved from a unit, I have seen:

• My past work be maintained for 10 years or more because workers have been incompetent and did not have a clue, desire or drive to update my outdated work.

• Projects that I developed remained untouched but continued implementation until a re-accreditation approached.

• Projects that I developed deteriorated horribly.

• Co-workers left or were released because they could not continue the "project" that I implemented.

After all of my years of working, it has not been until 2013, that I witnessed resiliency in the workplace following release of a worker with good skills.  I think that HR has finally actualized strategies that promote resiliency.  FINALLY!!!

So, now that this day has arrived, my advice is... watch yourself!  You can and will be replaced!  The new employer now knows how to strategies and rebound effectively after releasing workers with excellent occupational skills.

Today's worker must have the skills, talent, attitude and drive to be effective.  If any element in that equation is compromised just remember that today... YOU CAN BE REPLACED!!

Words of Wisdom to My Nursing Students - August 10, 2013

I was a witness to a major power play at work which resulted in a high level firing. No need to go into details, that is not necessary.  Focus on the big picture, not the small minor "gossipy" chatter.

1. This is a man's world. So you better watch your step!  There is a difference in female to female conversations as compared to female to male conversations.

2. In the boardroom, women can be "catty" and aggressive with other women.  But with men, we women better watch our mouth and be strategic with our words and mannerisms.

3. If you women fail to heed those above two facts, regardless of how well you serve your organization, if you are fierce with men in the boardroom, you are going to get FIRED!

Okay, here are some more observations from this month...

4. Plan for your retirement NOW!!! Yes, you are just starting as an RN, but you need to pick up high level skills no less than 5 years of nursing!

5. What are those skills?  WRITING, SPEAKING, THINKING, PLANNING, & COMMUNICATING.

6. A very high level, respected educator just retired and is now asking me where to seek employment! I was shocked that this person spent 30+ years without acquiring additional skills! Uh... excuse me, it is too late now.  That person wasted 30 years!

7. I spent 20 years doing the following IN ADDITION to my full time job.  It was hard, but the pay-off has been wonderful:

• Evaluating CE programs as a peer reviewer.

• Volunteering as an ANCC appraiser.

• Teaching LPNs.

• Serving as a clinical nursing adjunct.

• Putting extra effort into staff development.... I always took lots of work home.

• Volunteered in committees for the Illinois Nurses Association.

• Worked on curriculum development projects for the City Colleges of Chicago

8. When it was time for me to leave / early retire from my job, I did it as planned! I was fully prepared and packaged by professional development to be recognized as a valuable asset to future employers.

9. When it is time to retire, you need to be ready!  If you become a "non-valued" employee, you will be miserable.  No one wants to listen to years of complaints about your workplace.  At some point, you have to recognize that the problem is not the employer.... it is YOU!

10. Someone recently asked me for my resume for a company that was being considered.  I declined because I have no experience in that field.  But, students, remember that your supervisors are your future references!  You do not approach "strangers" for a reference!!!  You must pave your career paths early.  EVERY SUPERVISOR IS A POTENTIAL REFERENCE FOR A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION!

In summary, acquire new skills beyond basic nursing care now; do not wait until you retire to figure out what you can do.... in most instances, you have not prepared your career path, so there is NOTHING new you can do; when you are no longer useful with your employer, give it a couple of years, then move on, do not sit around and complain until you have enough time... you may get fired; respect your supervisors as they are your future references; and finally beware of the boardroom - do not take on the same approach when you battle with men as you would battle with women.

I AM AN ASTUTE WITNESS TO ALL OF THE ABOVE!!!

Week in Review - July 13 2013

This was the first week back to work after a fantastic four day summer holiday weekend. What a busy work week!

I accomplished a lot.  Performed a huge qualitative trends analysis that is awesome!  Really glad the wonderful administrative assistant is doing well, back to work and I am now able to focus on the business of my duties.  I think I really have a fantastic team.  Did I say team?  Yes!  I am thinking, is this the first time in 30 something years, I am part of a work team instead of Team Janet, party of one???  IJS!

Yesterday, we had a fun event with the Board.  Huge cupcakes had to be creatively decorated by our pre-assigned teams.   Many of my co-workers are really creative!  It was truly a fun event.

Wednesday night, I managed a big time conference call.  Had a pretty good team member.  Glad that is over.  Will do report this weekend.

Went to an advanced nursing practice event Thursday evening in Oakbrook.  Nice way to reward myself for a busy month.   That was a lot of fun at Maggiano's.  I have leftovers to last the full weekend.

This was indeed a busy BUT productive and enjoyable week!

Relaxing July 2013 Holiday Weekend

I really enjoy this +4 holiday weekend!  No frantic cookout, just relaxed and enjoyed.

 Tuesday was my pre-holiday celebration.  Went to a vendor dinner meeting at Athenos Restaurant and had a really good time!

Wednesday was an early release day at work.  Never experienced that!  What a wonderful treat!

Thursday was the holiday. No frills!  Just grilled hot dogs and burgers.  Sister and niece over for cocktails and girl talk.  Nice and relaxing.  No hustle.

Friday was a wonderful day off.  But, I was up early with coffee and doing office and church work.  Spent the rest of the day relaxing and looking at TV.

Saturday was another nice laid back day. Up early sipping coffee as I did some office and church work.  Went to visit cousin and aunt.  Then, some shopping at my favorite Walmart.

Sunday I was up early again doing church work, scanned and returned photos to a church member and checked PO box.  Rest of day relaxing ALL DAY.

Well, I love my uneventful holidays.  Time to get ready for my work week hustle.  I am fully relaxed and ready to head back to work.

Farewell June 2013 - Busy and Blessed Birthday Month

June 2013 was an absolutely busy month!  I am so blessed to have been so very busily engaged in many wonderful events this, my birthday month of June.

Professional:
I had 3 back to back seminar dinners at the Hilton on important professional healthcare topics.  I also attended an additional seminar dinner at Morton's The Steakhouse.

Church work:
I was very active in church work with fellowship in the June Birthday Club- prepared my favorite rice casserole dish, deli sandwiches and hot dog sandwiches on Sundays.  Plus I assisted with Confirmation Sunday and Graduation Sunday - two very promising recognition Sundays that focused on our progressive youth.
I participated in the Deacon's Pastor Breakfast event that included baking a new breakfast casserole.
I also hosted lunch for our quarterly Deacon's Retreat.

Work:
Rapidly acclimating to my new job. It has been very busy and very productive.

Me:
I spent my birthday in fabulous Las Vegas.  But as usually, I spend a lot of time working on projects. It is something about that desert that is really great for taking work to a much higher level of production.  I have been taking work to Vegas since 2007 when I was teaching LPN students at PCCTI.  I developed major fundamentals of nursing catalogs for RNs and LPNs in Las Vegas.  I did a lot of work for my current employer during my recent visit to Vegas.

Family:
Not much time spent with family, until yesterday.  Spent time with my sister and niece then we headed out to a nice birthday party for my aunt, which essentially turned out to be a mini reunion.

So for June 2013, every weekend was busy.  I enjoyed it.  But now its time to wind down a bit for July.

Thanks be to God for enabling me to be active, productive and effective in my birthday month of June 2013!

Sunday Morning Reflections- My New Workplace 2013

I have been settling into my new workplace for two weeks now.  This is the first time, I have been employed outside of the city of Chicago.  In the past, it would take me less than about 45 minutes to travel by car.  In most instances I drove to work.

Now, I take the public transportation and Metra and it takes 2 hours.  A nice long time.  BUT, it is worth the time.  The travel time is actually less than two hours, but I do not believe in rushing and once I arrive at the train station, I wait over 30 minutes for the train to leave.  From station to station it is only 30 minutes... not bad.

Anyway, let me now offer a bigger picture of this situation.  WARNING... I have many items to list, so get your coffee or beverage, because this is important!

NEW WORKPLACE:

• I had to leave Chicago in order to land a job at an excellent workplace! I've been there only 2 weeks, and I know that of which I speak!  

• I am so relaxed on my rides into work.  It is so much better than driving.  I am able to think, play games and relax.  I do not arrive stressed out due to driving.

• On the very few occasions when I drive, parking is on site and FREE!!!!

• I have a lovely and very efficient private office that I deserve.

•  Co-workers are pleasant and hard workers.  I am honored to work with such effective folks.

•  Nice coffee available!  YES!!!  It is free and delicious!

•   My office is located in an ideal location.  Corner office, right at bathroom, water fountain and workstation kiosk.

• Desk is equipped with high tech and efficient computer that is connected to printer/scanner.

•  Printer / scanner is one of the best!!!!

• Building is secured, FOB is required for entry.

• A lot of travel is required for conferences and I am the key person to accreditation for conferences.

• I have nice hours and I work very hard!  I have always been a hard working hustler in my workplaces, but this place is different.  I meet with upper management, who appreciates the work that I do.  

• The attire is casual.  So, it is fun to wear jeans and gym shoes to work!!!  Casual Fridays are everyday!  

So, from these points, this is why the lengthy travel time is worth it.  However, when I drive, it only takes 40 minutes, but I do not plan to drive no more than once or twice a month.


PREVIOUS CHICAGO WORKPLACES:

• One place was so miserable, all folks did was pray for early retirement.  No one hardly ever had a good thing to say about it.  That workplace was indeed TOXIC from so many perspectives!

• Parking was expensive and vicious at that workplace for employees.  The garage was lousy and poorly maintained.  I had a co-worker who slipped, fell and got injured from icy conditions!

• No such thing as free coffee at that workplace. 

• It only took 25 minutes to drive there, but the time system was vicious, swiping was an insult and so many folks were resentful of the registered nurse!

• The conversations with co-workers was always in relationship to.... "How many years until retirement!"

• A different workplace was in a lovely upscale office building in downtown.  Esthetics were beautiful, but internally, it was the WORSE place ever!  We were confined to cubicles like rats. No one seemed to be happy and most folks left after 2 years.  I resigned from this place twice!   

• My bus drives past this same office building everyday.  I enjoy that ride, because it reminds me of how much I hated that place!!!  

• Another workplace was nice, but, I did not like working evenings.  There was just too much uncompensated work.  Administration must learn that they must honor contracts!  I never missed a day of work and resented being pulled out of teaching to attend meetings.  As a valued educator, I expected regular (but not frequent) meetings.  I am not a secretary and do NOT do minutes.  

• I had a nice decent office, but administrators must remember to have conversations with valued employees.  But overall, this was a nice organization, but I do not do evenings.

• Another Chicago workplace was just awful.  I never witnessed so many folks dependent on me.  So many folks who approached problems as educational in nature.   I had NO privacy and shared an office with two other folks who always used the SPEAKERS ON THEIR PHONES!!!  No office etiquette.   I was not the employee to share an office.  Forget about it!  This certain workplace has a long way to go.  The leadership group was pleasant.  I liked them.  But, my little work unit needed a major overhaul.

So, those are the reasons I have NO problems with the lengthy travel time to work.  I appreciate and really enjoy my new workplace.  Ya kind of have had to "walk a mile" in my shoes to appreciated where I have arrived today.  I am truly blessed.

First Work Week 2013

This first work week with my new employer was very interesting.  My new workplace is very professional and business focused.  Employees are professional, hard workers and proud of their work.
Here is what happened my first work week...
Monday- Drove in, what a mess!  Traffic was horribly backed up.What a nightmare.  Once at work, things were better.  Excellent orientation, nice office, excellent technology, nice aesthetics in building and very pleasant co-workers. Team took me out to a Tai restaurant for lunch.
Tuesday- I took CTA and Metra to work... walked 1/2 mile from train to office.  Nice quick brisk 10 minute walk.
Wednesday- Orientation meetings continued, enjoying the train ride to work.
Thursday- Lot of work done!!!  Pleasant train ride... but quite cold outside!

This is the first time in my career that I needed to take a train to work.  But, it is worth it to travel to a very professional work place!  Plus, I am saving a lot of wear and tear on my car!!!

I am the ANCC Lead Nurse Planner and Nurse Peer Review Leader for continuing nursing education.

Mother's Day 2013 - My Weekend in Review

Mother's Day 2013 was a bit different for me as compared to previous years.  It was quiet, serene and without all of the hustle and bustle. It was relaxing and enjoyable.

I was up early, drinking coffee and working on a major report, final product looked pretty good.  No church for me.  I have not been to church on Mother's Day since my beloved mother passed away.  I am not quite ready for that.  Let those with mothers celebrate as I had done for over 50 years.

No sulking here.  Received nice text messages from family members and friends.  Prepared grocery list for a fancy breakfast casserole I will be making for a Saturday event. Rented a Google video, which I promptly fell asleep on (Why do I keep wasting my money?  LOL)


To FairPlay for groceries on this cold Sunday afternoon, then visited my sister Janine, had a nice time with niece Jillian as well.  Returned home to prepared dinner... a simple garden salad and baked chicken wings. My brother Jon came over for dinner and cocktails.

But this was really a nice Mother's Day weekend.  I visit my son Jarrell on Saturday and later took my youngest nephew Drew out for a belated birthday dinner at The Boundary in Wicker Park.

So, in reflection, I made nice family rounds on this Mother's Day weekend.  I did not get a chance to see Jerald and Jamelle, but I did get a nice early morning text from their dad / my brother Jerome.

So it was a nice weekend... peaceful, quiet, connected and reflective.

Facebook Family Timeline Report Card

For about a couple of years now, we have finally formed our own Facebook personality.  Hence, it is time for me to grade the Facebook Timeline of my family members.






This evaluation is based on the following rubric:
          Presence:  Are updates present?
          Variety:  Are there multiple postings?  Blogs, photos, newsclips, etc.
          Junk: Games, applications... other stuff that does not interest others.
          Current:  Are updates timely?

Facebook Timeline Report Card

     Janet Williams Crawford (me):  A+ (Excellent variety and informative)
     Jamelle Robert Williams: A- (Nice updates, too much emphasis on sports)
     Andrew Williams: B (Nice but not enough photos)
     Jonathan Williams:  C (Nice photos, but updates decreasing)
     Jerald Williams: D+ (Lacks regularly consistent updates)
     Jillian Sneed:  D- (No updates)

Why I Am Enjoying My iPhone 5 - Let Me Count The Ways

 I am so happy that I made the switch from BlackBerry to the iPhone 5.  I was a long time BlackBerry enthusiast for many years... I am old school, I do not like switching stuff.   But starting last year, it seemed that RIM no longer ensured the fine quality support.  I was unable to add contacts, no Facebook, calendar did not maintain history and I could not update new email accounts.  So, I made the switch this month.

Let me know list why I am just luv'n this newfangled gadget:
1. My iPhone actually taught me how to get better use out of my iPad.  I just realized I can configure many email accounts into my iPad!

2. It is a valuable "office assistant" to me.  Really ideal for business solutions!  I am alerted to incoming emails and upcoming appointments/events.

3. Time Management.  When I arrive early to anything, I can just sit back, play my games and before I know it's time for whatever.

4. GPS.  My iPhone is powerful.  No lengthy waiting for navigation and tracking location.  My iPhone is ON IT FAST!

5. Utilities.  All of my contacts are easy to access.

6.  Notepad.  I always use this extensively for taking quick notes.


7. Games Games and More Games.  Need I say more????

8.  Apps!  The many options with iPhone applications is fantastic!

9. Camera.  I love taking and sharing photos.  I just discovered my iPhone camera has a flash!  YES!!!  It is easy to upload photos to Instagram (I just registered) and Facebook.

10. Expeditious Communications:  So many options!  Email, instant messaging, telephone and Facetime.

11.  Design Cases:  Kim Kardashian's floral gown is the same pattern as my nice iPhone case!  See below photo.

12. Right Sized Cover Case.  I know me.  I got a perfect case to contain and protect my iPhone.  No leaky ink on my iPhone!  LOL!

13. Screen.  Nice size screen, no problems visualizing anything.

14. On screen keyboard.  This is the way to go, no little buttons to deal with for typing.

15. Light-weight.  The iPhone 5 is light weight, fits perfectly in my purse and pockets.

I know I have and will identify more.  But, this is a nice start after just one week of use!!!

I'm luv'n it!!!

How to Talk with Folks

I am convinced that people do not know how to engage in conversations in person or in real time.  Folks must learn how to control that flapping hole in their face!  From my important viewpoint, here's why...

Keep the conversation short and brief.  No one wants to hear a line by line discussion about what you said to "so and so". SHUT UP!!!!

I may not agree with your bizarre perspective. More than likely, I totally disagree with your crazy viewpoint.  SHUT UP!!!!

Watch  my non-verbal response.  Did you notice my eyes shifted away??  Did you notice that I glanced at my watch?  Did you notice that polite smile I gave you?  Did you notice that I am NOT engaging in a dialog with you?  SHUT UP!!!!

Listen to me carefully!  Whenever I give a "grunt", that means SHUT UP!!!!

Keep your emotional conversations on the "lite" side.  I do not want to hear about your "train wreck", I'm probably too busy managing train wrecks in my inner circle.  For your heavy issues... go see a therapist!  I do not want to hear about your bizarre issues.

By the way... why have you not seen a psychiatrist, psychologist or a therapist?  I'm just saying...

Norwegian American Hospital

I had doubts about working at Norwegian American Hospital. It was not preferred choice. My preferred workplace was the National Council of State Boards of Nursing as a content expert.  But, with the final interviews, they apparently selected a better candidate.  No problem.  At least I gave competition to the process.

NAH has been LOUSY!!!!  Today marks my 90th day, end of probation and I am preparing to QUIT!!!!

Here are the problems:
#1- I was hired as a "clinical educator".  But during the interview, I was informed of my position description being upgraded to a clinical specialist (I am licensed as a clinical specialist).
#2- I was assured of a collaborative agreement (as required as a clinical specialist), but this has not happened.
#3- My office is a ZOO!!  There is a crazy co-worker who talks to herself, bitches all day about work, uses the phone on speaker and is incompetent.
#4- The other co-worker checks her voice mail on speaker phone.  These folks are so ignorant!!!
#5- There is no evidence of nursing education for the previous years!  No content, just pages of PowerPoint, very few attendance sheets as records, no student learning objectives.
#6- The VP / CNO told me at interview they were preparing for Magnet.  There is no quality "Magnet" anything there.  They are about 5 years from pre-Magnet.
#7- Nursing Orientation was fucked up. Lots of bullshit speakers.  But, I cleaned it up!
#8- Nurse Managers are lousy!  They have no type of nursing quality assurance program. No QA in nursing at all!
#9- My clinical areas were given to me AFTER I was hired.  Behavior mental health, Emergency Nursing and Perioperative Nursing are NOT my specialties.  My specialties are burns, dermatology, nursing staff development and continuing education.
#10- They just gave me Nursing QA.  I hate Nursing QA!

Well time for me to quit this job.  I am currently interviewing.

Update 2013 - A Potpourri

Since my last post in 2011, I worked at Daley College.  What a disorganized and chaotic college!  Here are my legitimate complaints:

#1- No orientation to the Department of Nursing!

#2- No time off for 18 months!!!  Even worse, no compensation for extra work over Spring Break, a special Summer curriculum assignment and conference calls!

#3-The Director of Nursing quit on the spot, we got a new Director who was absolutely lousy!

#4- The new Director of Nursing was tenured and long term. She was entirely dependent on me!  She even went as to assign me to do minutes at all department meetings!  Since when did I become a secretary????

#5- The President assigned faculty to teach special remediation classes... without pay!

#6- There were rumors that I was going back on evenings for Spring 2013.

#7- Administration did not respond to meeting requests for my tenure project.

#8- Administration attempted to pull me out from teaching a class to attend a meeting on the new building.

#9- No administrative support for faculty!  We had to run around and request, secure lab rooms for computer based testing.

#10- Colleagues for Fundamentals were dumb.

I was so glad when the semester was over.  I loved my students, many of whom have connected with me on Facebook.  Have you noticed.... I had not one single complaint of my students. I loved teaching.  But, the college was not supportive and violated labor laws.  Tenured faculty never intervened.  Fuck them.