26 more days until I return to my outpatient cardiology nurse coordinator gig.

In my month so far working with the inpatient Hospitalist service, I have learned a lot.

A thread.

1.

Giving report is an art and should be an essential part of every medical education.

Every patient in the ED has a trop drawn, regardless of presenting complaint.

ID and RT don't get nearly enough credit.

Patient Placement is seated at the right hand of God.

2.

Seeing a fair amount of previously positive COVID patients who simply can't manage symptoms at home any longer and present with worsening SOB and new O2 reqs.

Local nursing homes and communities of color have been decimated by this virus.

3.

I have come to appreciate and understand strategic assignment of patients to Hospitalists. I always check to see where they already have COVID patients when a room is assigned.

When patient gets a bed, I assign to Hospitalist who already has patients on that floor.

4.

Of course, I am mindful of ensuring balance in assignments, but also try to provide Hospitalists with a logistical assignment, too.

I am thankful for leadership who makes proactive decisions about decanting other floors to provide more COVID units.

5.

I realize after 11 years in nursing that I should have tried ICU as a bedside nurse. I have always admired it from afar, and now I speak to ICU nurses every day.

At the end of each report I receive, I say, "Thank you for taking such good care of our patient. Be safe."

6.

This job has taught me a new appreciation of the macro view and how all the parts fit. From ED to the ED comm center to Patient Placement to individual units to individual nurses.

The flow is impressive.

7.

I feel as if Hospitalists kinda get short shrift. They cover their own patients admitted to their service, plus they cover various others. They also assume coverage when Firm beds are capped.

It can be a lot.

A lot.

8.

I miss my patients so much.

My time in outpatient cardiology has given me a whole new appreciation for nursing, the patient experience, and my relationship with my patients.

I miss their stories. I miss their voices.

9.

I love learning. I have learned so much in this role, but the most important thing it has taught me is that I can jump into a role and continue to gain knowledge.

And finally, Hospitalists are a fucking fun group of people.

Fin.