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 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"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!

"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!

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 ~

2011 Clients:

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

Dermatology Group of The Carolinas

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 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 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Don't anybody SNEEZE!"

Good morning ~ little "Gladys Friday" today?

I've noticed when I'm out of town, I return to a house full of relatives! This happens every time. I walk through the house and can immediately tell there has been a family reunion here. EVERY ONE of my cremated relatives are gathered around the dining room table, the tv and have even settled down in the bedroom. They will just take over the place before you know it. Some friends came over and I asked them to be very careful...."Don't anybody sneeze" I said, we wouldn't wanna disturb the relatives. Perhaps we should call "Dust Busters!"

Have a wonderful weekend ~ my friends. "Training Wheels in Heels" are on the way to Allergy Partners of the Piedmont today ~ "Motivational Makeover for the Medical Practice" ~ Fashion Show of Characters are on the way!

"Training Wheels in Heels" ~ On-site training delivered to your door. Customer Serve US vs Customer Service ~ Making THE Difference ~ Professional Polish ~ Winning Team ~ Communication ~ and more.

2011 Clients:

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

Baptist Hospital Leadership Conference, Pensacola Florida

Novant Healthcare Managers

NC Association for Healthcare Quality

SC Oncology Management Society

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

Gaston Memorial Hospital

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 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 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"One Happy Meal ~ Two Ringy Dingy ~ Three Strikes You're OUT!"

You all know Denise.....well, SHE is my boss, I guess that's the best way to explain her. She reminded me recently about the time she was interviewing applicants for a position that she had posted for the surgical practice where she was the administrator.

The first young lady appeared, shook her hand and had a seat in the chair across from her desk. Before any words were spoken, the lady said, "Do you mind if I eat my Happy Meal while we talk, I'm on my lunch break" ~ Denise responded, "Certainly, help yourself, by all means enjoy your Happy Meal." "Gladys" wished she had been hired because she always wanted a sandwich shop in the lobby!

The second applicant came in and during the interview....her phone rang and she asked Denise, "Do you mind if I answer this? I am expecting a call" DURING THE INTERVIEW! Of course Denise didn't mind at all. "Gladys" thought she would have made a wonderful person at the switchboard because she actually answered that call on the second ring ~ with a smile!

The third applicant came in with a long list of problems about the practice where she was still employed. She spent the first 15 minutes wanting to criticize everyone there, explaining that she was the only one that deserved a paycheck ~ "I do it all by myself, no one will help me, they won't hire any more help either!" So "Gladys" decided since she did it all by herself, she could probably find her way back to the door all by herself.

Funny how different things seem on "The Other Side Of The Desk" (Book in progress)

Last week ~ "Undercover Patient" (Denise) had a very pleasant experience by someone in a clinical setting. Compassion was all around. She made immediate eye contact, she listened, she wasn't rushed, she comforted the "very nervous patient" (aka me). It's so nice to find these treasures in healthcare.

This week ~ "Fashionable Characters" were on stage and Denise was the emcee for the show. The fashion show revealed personalities that we work with....from whiners to shiners. After all....it's what's on the inside that counts.

Next week ~ Denise & "Gladys" are excited to be going to Allergy Partners of the Piedmont. Invited for the third year in a row ~ Denise will lead in a "Motivational Makeover for the Medical Practice" for their staff appreciation day and training. What a terrific group they are. Can't wait to see you all! Of course they've requested "Gladys" to provide the humor again to bring up the rear! "Healthcare ~ The Funny Side Up!"

As always, thank you for your continued encouragement. It's nice to know that so many of you look forward to The Friday Funny ~

Denise Price Thomas

denisepricethomas@gmail.com

704-747-8699

"Alma Victim" & Friends ~ Living "Down" To Standards?

Last week "Gladys" ran into "Alma Victim" and was quickly reminded that some people prefer to be a victim. They CHOOSE to carry baggage around with them for years, sometimes for a lifetime. They are never responsible for their own actions ~ there's always someone else to blame.

Speaking of accepting responsibility...."LOW & BEHOLD" (no pun intended) here comes yet another politician in the news whom I'll refer to as "Oscar" ~ "Oh I wish I were an Oscar Meyer ~~~" comes to mind but I bet this one WILL NOT WIN AN OSCAR! Perhaps we need to assign "Accountability 101" classes vs "Accounting 101" for everyone!

Thinking of both these "characters" (and many more) ~ I remember when we purchase a house....someone comes out to detect the septic system and they mark it. They find exactly where the entire septic tank and lines are and just how FULL IT IS ~ BEFORE you purchase the house. Nice! Wouldn't it be GREAT if we had a pole (that's what they use) so that BEFORE we HIRE someone, before we VOTE for someone, before we DATE or MARRY someone.....the ENTIRE SEPTIC SYSTEM was detected?!?!?! And LOW & BEHOLD ~ MARK IT!

As for me....I have made my choice ~ I am not at all like "Alma Victim" ~ I am "Gladys Friday" and I shall not WHINE!

In Joy ~

"Ms Gladys"

denisepricethomas@gmail.com

704-747-8699

PS ~ Thank you for the kind words last week regarding my friend. She will certainly be missed.