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Toni Talks about PT Today

A Disturbing Trend
by Toni Patt
The old ladies of therapy have been talking again. This time we were discussing a trend we've noticed. We're concerned because what we've seen doesn't bode well for the future of our profession. None of us are excited with the new graduates we've been Read More...
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The Family Issue
by Toni Patt
Last weekend I was reminded of why I hate visiting hours. I went to treat a patient who had family in her room. Usually I let the patient decide if the family can stay. This time the family decided for the patient. Not only did they decide to stay they Read More...
69 views     1 comments »     
I'm Confused About Something
by Toni Patt
I work as a contract therapist. Using me is expensive. In Houston the rates for contract services keep going up. I think there have been two rate hikes in the last 6 months. Facilities use us to fill vacant positions until someone can be hired. Many facilities Read More...
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Right Where I Want to Be
by Toni Patt
I'm back in the ICUs again. These aren't just any ICUs. They are in one of Houston's major hospitals, the place you want to be if anything bad happens to you. This is where I want to be. This is what I think of when I say ICU. These are among my favorite Read More...
105 views     0 comments »     
Who is Responsible?
by Toni Patt
Like most therapists, I'm a veteran of interdisciplinary turf battles. Usually the problem is PT and nursing going around over getting a patient out of bed. Sometimes it's about whether out of bed to chair is a PT or a nursing order. This time was a little Read More...
230 views     1 comments »     
The Squeaky Patient Gets the Oil
by Toni Patt
There's an old saying that says "the squeaky wheel will get the oil." I think a similar saying exists in health care. It says "the patient who complains the loudest gets the most attention." I've never seen it fail. As soon as a patient starts complaining, Read More...
180 views     2 comments »     
What if I Won the Lottery?
by Toni Patt
Today at lunch we talked about what we would do if we won the lottery. Almost every one said she would continue to work but not at her current job. A couple said they would stay home and be mom. An ST said she would volunteer her time to help uninsured Read More...
335 views     2 comments »     
If You Want My Respect, Earn It
by Toni Patt
Currently I'm working in a SNF. Every Monday we have our weekly meeting to go over proposed discharged dates. Our census generally runs 125-135 which is a lot of patients to keep track of. Since we're all together in one place we frequently have a department Read More...
303 views     2 comments »     
We Just Don't Get Along
by Toni Patt
What do you do when you have a patient you don't like? I don't mean one you are unsure how to treat or one who drives you crazy. We've all had those. We've all learned to take a deep breath and just do it. I think we all have patient types we prefer to Read More...
407 views     3 comments »     
Not All Refusals Are Created Equal
by Toni Patt
Last week I heard something that made me stop in my tracks. A PTA was going to treat a CVA patient who was new to her. When the PTA attempted to initiate the treatment the patient refused the standing frame. The PTA sent the patient back to the room, Read More...
528 views     5 comments »     
I Lift Patients For a Living
by Toni Patt
This week I started wondering about something. When did physical therapy become synonymous with getting people out of bed? For the last week it seemed like all I did was get patients out of bed. Now out of bed is a good thing. It increases alertness, Read More...
539 views     5 comments »     
Experience Counts
by Toni Patt
An OT friend and I were talking the other day. Between the two of us, we have almost 50 years of experience. There doesn't seem to be that many of us "old ladies" around any more. Frequently I'm the most experienced person in the facilities where I work. Read More...
427 views     3 comments »     
Don't Call Me
by Toni Patt
Recently I've noticed an increase in the number of calls I've been receiving from recruiters. Out of curiosity, I started listening to the messages. I like to know which facilities are chronically short staffed and which are suddenly hiring. Besides, Read More...
304 views     0 comments »     
A Tale of Two Christmases
by Toni Patt
Christmas will be past when this is posted. That doesn't mean I can't have a Christmas topic. In this case I refer to the annual Christmas party. Yes, it's time for the big event where everyone sits around and overeats. I don't know about anyone else, Read More...
143 views     0 comments »     
Quality Help is Hard to Find
by Toni Patt
Remember the days when the only people who worked for contract staffing companies were the ones who couldn't get a job anywhere else? Those days are long gone. Some very good therapists work for these companies. Using a contract therapist can be expensive. Read More...
199 views     2 comments »