[Dysphagia] Holiday Coverage

[mbuckie at dmc.org (Buckie,Marcia)]

If my loved on had an acute event (and this has happened) , Speech Pathology services would not be first on my mind. Proper medical workup and management would be. I am not being facetious. 
Without devaluing our profession, our services are not emergent. I'm sorry, I don't see us in the same way as I do nursing, doctors and respiratory care. 
  I think it is ridiculous when they talk about "stat" therapy orders. For example, I will hear P.T. get a stat order for crutch training. That is misuse of the term 'stat," The urgency is length of stay and cost driven, not clinically driven.
  I have and would work on Labor Day, Fourth of July, but to be asked to work on a major religious holiday would be a lot to ask any person to do. I think it would entail double time pay (like nursing and other 24/7 services) and I don't know if  our hospital would pay for that. I don't see that as being a prima donna. (I get in there in the trenches with the oral care, stay late when needed..etc.)

	-----Original Message----- 
	From: dysphagia-bounces@b9.com on behalf of Ralph and Patti 
	Sent: Sat 9/11/2004 3:04 PM 
	To: dysphagia@b9.com 
	Cc: 
	Subject: [Dysphagia] Holiday Coverage
	
	

	I have watched the comings and goings of those who work acute care and paid attention to the debate about SLP staffing being so incredibly small when compared to PT/OT.  I thought someone would speak up and express my feelings, but it didn't happen.  My question is:  If your loved one had an acute event on Christmas eve, would you expect that someone respond?  If your loved one was dying and needed intervention to make the last hours comfortable, would you expect someone to respond?  We as SLPs want respect and support from the medical community, but why should they give that?  We are posturing as prima donnas who need all holidays.  I worked acute care for three years and was on call 24/7.  I did what needed to be done to insure the integrity of my profession and to demonstrate to the medical community that we have value.  I treasure my personal life, but I also know when I was licensed to practice, I was charged to insure the integrity of my profession.  My family learned how to creatively celebrate the holidays when Mom was working.  Patti
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