"Gladys Friday" ~ Healthcare Comedienne

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

"Motivational Makeover" ~ Training for Staff

"Gladys Friday" and Denise Price Thomas understand that everyone needs a "MAKEOVER" sometime ~ Sit back and ENJOY the show with a smile: http://youtu.be/SWqrey7gf2A

What attendees are saying about Denise Price Thomas' "Motivational Makeover " Staff Training:

I have a choice & I am motivated!

I will treat each patient with respect, no matter what

I will provide better patient care

Denise helped me remember why we are here

Remember to make good 1st impressions ~ it's what the patients see

To do my part in making the day more enjoyable

Reminder that I must display a positive attitude in front of patients & staff even if I am stressed

Always remember customer SERVICE

Remember to take a step back to see how things look from there

To think about what I say before I open my mouth

I will remember to smile!

A better understanding of my coworkers and myself

Be upbeat even when I don't feel that way

I will remember that a bad day is unacceptable

To treat everyone with respect

Keep the team in mind (co-workers, patients, doctors) in all that I do

I will be a better employee

I will be a better person overall

I was not wanting to attend this mandatory Friday meeting but now I DON'T WANT IT TO BE OVER!

I look forward to being of service: denisepricethomas@gmail.com

Call today and let's "Make A Difference" together ~ 704-747-8699

Friday, September 16, 2011

"Post Operative Orders"

Following a procedure, isn't it nice when we receive very detailed printed instructions upon discharge. When that happens, I am always IMPRESSED! Following a visit to the hospital with family this week:

Discharge orders:
Pre-operative blood tests were performed which showed normal liver & kidney function.
Post-operatively, these results have remained within normal limits.
During procedure, heart rate and breathing was continuously monitored and there were no problems.
A small incision was made in the abdominal area.
Surgical glue was used to close the incision.
There may be some discomfort once the sedation begins to wear off.
Pain medication has been given to the caregiver with instructions.
Plenty of rest & quiet is needed.
Activity should be restricted for 3 days.

Make sure plenty of liquids are ingested.

Do not be alarmed if there is little or no appetite, this will return.
Keep the cone around the head to prevent excessive licking of incision.

Please call our office should the incision open, you notice fever, chills, see signs of bleeding, swelling or foul odor.

Thank you for choosing our hospital and allowing our physician & staff to SPAY your pet today!

I would title this the "POOCH" page: "Post Operative Orders Canine Hospital"

We could all learn from our Veterinarians, couldn't we? Remember that printed instructions assist in reducing phone calls to YOUR practice, unnecessary calls to the physician and or trips to the ER. Plus, it gives the patient "Bragging Rights" when they proudly read all about it to their family and friends!

PS ~ "Skittles" my "grand-dog" is doing very well post-operatively, thank you! And my grandkids are calling the "cone" on her head her "satelite dish" ~ they say she's picking up some great shows!

Enjoy your weekend!
I'm "Gladys Friday" aren't you?

Alaska was WONDERFUL! What a terrific conference it was, some of the nicest people I have ever met. It was such an honor to be a part of the AKMGMA Conference. Make sure to add Alaska to your bucket list. On the Alaska Railway, we saw beluga whale, sheep, moose, bald eagle, beaver dams, dale sheep, glaciers, Mt. McKinley ~ the highest peak in North America all while riding along side the ocean. ~ ~ "And I said to myself....what a wonderful world" ~ ~

denisepricethomas@gmail.com
704-747-8699

Friday, September 2, 2011

"Ready To Check Out?"

True Story:

Denise's sister has a broken wrist which post surgery is referred to as the "Wonder Woman Wrist"(steel plate and screws). Recently, she ventured out to shop alone, planning her trip to the drug store to pick up a few necessities. Checking her list, marking off the items gathered with the "good arm" ~ along with her wallet and car keys, she began making her way toward the front of the store feeling a bit overwhelmed. She began to wonder ~ ~ "WHY did I even TRY to do this alone!" She was on the verge of tears when she heard the lady from behind the counter say, "MAM, are you about ready to check out?" Sister said......"Well, I was really hoping to have a few more years left!"

Funny how things sound on "The Other Side of Healthcare" Hope you have a great weekend!

Denise & "Gladys" ~ heading to Alaska......see ya soon!

Denise Price Thomas

denisepricethomas@gmail.com

www.denisepricethomas.com

704-747-8699

Friday, August 26, 2011

NPO with a twist ~ of lemon!

Another personal & true story as experienced by Denise & brought to you by "Gladys Friday":

NPO takes on a different meaning when......

You arrive for a procedure without YOUR morning coffee and the first person to "get you registered" is drinking the finest cup of coffee your nose has ever experienced.

You determine very quickly during registration that she really NEEDS the caffeine, she has had a bad night / bad day / bad year(s).....as it is showing on her face and through her actions.

You are privileged to her taking the time to answer a personal phone call while she is trying to get her printer to work by hitting it multiple times. The registrar tells her friend on the other line, "I wish I COULD go on break now, but I still have a PATIENT!" (Surprise! That patient has EARS!)

Denise is aware that we can always find something good in someone if we search for it so "Gladys" will report to you that the registrar was a multi-tasker; answering the phone while drinking her coffee & hitting (I mean repairing) her printer.....all while.....ummm assisting a patient??? Yeah, that too.

You are excited when the printing is finally completed and she calls for transport for you to be taken to your room.

You have finally escaped the aroma of that gourmet coffee and then you hear the following employee conversation in the hallway:

"What's the lunch special?"

"I think it's dumplings"

"Oh great! I missed dumplings last week, I'll pick up the order if ya'll will call it in."

Do you realize what thoughts pop into a person's mind when they have had no coffee? But ahhh ~ that IV was soooo yummy! Denise now wants to design "scratch & sniff" hospital gowns with a smell of gourmet coffee!

Innocent conversations ~ innocent words ~ yet sometimes creating SOUR impressions thus ~ "NPO with a twist of LEMON" May we be reminded to tune in to those around us ~ putting the patient & their needs first and foremost each & every time.....filling THEIR cup ~

Have a terrific weekend my friends ~

Recent words of thanks:

Dermatology Group of the Carolinas is now an even better place because of “Denise”. She was so enthusiastic with her presentation. Also, she was able to engage with each and every one of our staff members. The fashion show was also very beneficial to let each of us know how our individual personalities can and do effect the workplace. Situations were also shared with our staff members to make them think about how they are interacting and are providing customer service to patients, staff members, and our providers. Dermatology Group of the Carolinas looks forward to working with Denise on future presentations and how to improve our practice.

Amy Walters

Operations Manager

Dermatology Group of the Carolinas

I just wanted to say "Thank you" for such an enjoyable time. It was
truly delightful but it was also very meaningful. Thank you for
sharing with us those important pieces of your life and for helping us
see how important what we do can be for others so that we can strive
to improve ourselves and the services we provide.

May God Bless you and your family always and may you continue to lift
people's hearts and lives with your wonderful humor. I am certain
that your dad is extremely proud of you and continues to watch over
you from his new address. My dad has been living there for some time
now, and I am sure he was glad to welcome a neighbor such as your dad.

Best wishes,

Maria Gabriela Solorzano
Pediatric Dental Clinic at Summit

Keep in touch ~

Denise Price Thomas

denisepricethomas@gmail.com

704-747-8699

2011 Clients:

Allergy Partners of the Piedmont "Motivational Makeover for the Medical Practice"

Dermatology Group of The Carolinas

Gaston Family Health Services

Community Health Foundation

Baptist Hospital Leadership Conference, Pensacola Florida

Novant Healthcare Managers ~ "The Way We Were" (Going through the CHANGE in healthcare)

NC Association for Healthcare Quality

SC Oncology Management Society

Georgia Society of Ambulatory Surgery Center & SC Ambulatory Surgery Center (GSASC & SCASCA)

Gaston Memorial Hospital

Gaston Memorial Hospital Nurses Conference

Alaska Medical Group Managers Association Conference (AKMGMA)

NC Healthcare Financial Management Association (NC HFMA)

Oncology Nursing Conference, Little Switzerland

"Undercover Patient Assessments" (shhh, that's a secret)

Relay for Life, Belmont

Gaston County Senior Games

American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)

Lincoln County Association of Educational Office Professionals (LCAEOP)

Greater Clover Females In Business

Bethel Presbyterian Women's Conference

Bowling Green Presbyterian Church Women's Conference

Tarheel Thunderbird Club

Lions Club

Gaston County Association of Educational Office Professionals (GCAEOP)

First Freewill Young at Heart

First Freewill Women's Retreat

First Presbyterian Women's Conference, Stanley

Firestone Wesleyan Women's Event

Kings Mountain Women's Event

Truth & Tea Women's Conference, Pleasant Ridge

Covenant Baptist Church

Park Street United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church Women's Conference

Women's Expo

First United Methodist Church Friendship Club

Cramerton Seniors

Terrace Ridge Assisted Living

Courtland Terrace

and more ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Monday, August 8, 2011

"The Ailing Nurse"

A friend of mine was recently scheduled for surgery. Arriving in the pre-op area on the morning of his surgery, the nurse began to ask him the routine questions:

Nurse: "Have you ever had problems with high blood pressure?"

Patient: "No mam, no problem at all, I've been very fortunate."

Nurse: "Well yes, you are so lucky, I have had problems with mine! In fact, I'm on blood pressure medication now and it has terrible side affects, dry mouth, I can't sleep, just be glad you don't have any of those problems. OK, have you had any prior surgeries?"

Patient: "No mam, I've been pretty healthy."

Nurse: "Wow, you sure have been. I've had a hysterectomy myself, had my gallbladder removed and then had to go back with appendicitis a couple years later! I've had lots of minor surgeries too, like this mole right here, I've had those removed but fortunately, they were all benign."

(thank GOODNESS, he thought!)

Nurse: "Let's see here, now let's go on to review your FAMILY history"

Patient: "Excuse me mam, my surgery is in one hour and if YOUR family has medical problems like you, I'll miss MY SURGERY!"

He thought seriously about getting off of the stretcher & perhaps exchanging places with the nurse! It was obvious that he felt much better than she did!

There's a BIG DIFFERENCE in being personable vs. getting personal ~ agree?

Denise is looking forward to speaking for the Caromont Nursing Conference this week along with being the Keynote Speaker for The Georgia Society of Ambulatory Surgery Centers & South Carolina Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.

On Friday she received a standing ovation from Gaston Family Health Services as she addressed customer service issues ~ what a terrific group it was & a great time they had. Thank you all!

Friday, July 29, 2011

"Caught with her top down!"

What a beautiful morning it was. Over the hills, by the lake, enjoying the world with my top down. Things seem a lot different that way, you should try it. Very laid back and relaxed. The sunshine feels so warm on your skin, people smile at you so much more and they blow the horn A LOT! It's always a friendly horn though, not the mad one....you know the difference. People even let you enter into oncoming traffic, you NEVER have to wait! They are so gracious. It's amazing how different the world responds to you with your top down.

They even smile at you when you are CAUGHT IN THE RAIN with your top down! The rain ALSO feels great on your skin ~ no matter how old that skin may be. It will slow you down and make you smile. I was actually "singing in the rain"

~ ~ ~ "And I say to myself ~ what a wonderful world" ~ ~ ~

So, I decided I will take my Baby Bird out of her nest as often as I can. Her name is "Sunny Bird" and she's the same age as ME! She's a 1955 Thunderbird ~ Canary Yellow. Our birthday is Sunday ~ we will be out and about with our top down! Holden Beach ~ here we come!

"Gladys" entertained the Tarheel Thunderbird Club last Sunday ~ what a TREAT it was! She was so honored to be surrounded by a nest of beautiful BIRDS! Of course, hers was the prissiest!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Have you seen "Ms. Ida Marder?

Hey Friday Friends ~

I'm still alive! Many of you have checked in on "Ms Gladys" ~ she has been missing in ACTION but all is well ~ thanks for checking in.

Which reminds me.....we ALL KNOW "Ms Ida Marder" (as in martyr) We have each worked with her. She's the one that says, "Nothing around here ever gets done unless I do it MYSELF" and "I'm the ONLY one that will answer the phone, the first one here in the morning, the last one to leave, I work through my lunch, no one else does ANYTHING!" and "I SHOULD be the only one that gets paid around here, no one else does anything!" and then of course, "I even do the managers work!"

OK, we get it! "Ida" finally resigned from her position and low and behold, the lights came on the next day! The phones were answered, the doors were locked at the end of the day and in fact, the staff was much happier! Isn't it amazing that "Ms Ida Marder" is sometimes the "ONLY ONE that makes everyone ELSE miserable?" Oh and by the way ~ the manager carried on ~ didn't miss one beat!

It is my belief that we CAN BE happy while working ~ if "Ms Ida Marder" isn't HAPPY at her work, allow her to find happiness elsewhere. As for me ~ I want to be around "Joy Hunter" ~ she's a dear friend of mine. I'm "Gladys Friday" aren't you?

Denise (and "Gladys") are still writing their "Book of Characters" In the meantime, the Fashion Show is gaining popularity.

Enjoy your weekend ~ and again, thanks for missing me!

Denise & "Gladys" have been on the road again ~

Training wheels in heels ~ Comments from the audience are:

"Very informative, educational and heart warming. I have laughed and cried all in one session. Your mission was successful"

"You are a bright and shiney star! You make me smile! Your words of wisdom are heartwarming!"

"Great presentation!"

"You make me feel & think about a lot of things in my life, you are wonderful!"

"Very Motivating!"

"Loved it! Very original - Keep up the good work!"

"Love this lady ~ she ROCKS!"

"You are so much fun & make me want to be a better person both personally & professionally"

Denise has just completed a "Facility Face Lift" for Crossway Pediatric Therapy where she custom designed & added a schoolhouse, a school bus & a train that the children have fallen in love with. Pictures available upon request. More fun on the horizon ~