Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC

Recently, I had the privilege to visit Europe. It was my first vacation in five years. 

First, I want to say, DO NOT do that! We as nurse leaders are not that important. If we set up our bench strength as a leader, we can take some time off. We need it for our mental health or else we will become a grouchy pants! But, as usual, I digress.

So, what I wanted to talk about was all these strange signs I saw in Europe.

This first one I saw in a bathroom stall in County Cork, Ireland. I think this should be posted in every bathroom stall in the United States because I am thoroughly convinced that US citizens do not know how to sit on a toilet. Otherwise, there would not be pee all over the floor and seat, right? Then, I will only make my scared-opening-a-bathroom-stall face when opening nursing progress notes, not both!

Seen in County Cork, Ireland.

I also saw this one in a unisex bathroom in Ireland. Just in case someone is tempted to peek! Please, I am a nurse on vacation. If I see one more …

Also in Ireland.

Then I saw this sign all over Ireland and England. Caution, elderly? Are there feral senior citizens you must be alert for? But this one also points to a cemetery. Too “Night of the living dead” for me!

No, this is not giving directions.

This next one I love. It is used instead of our Yield sign. But I think we should hang it on our med carts so we can help poor nurses not get interrupted a million times while passing meds. Or put it on the front of that resident in the motorized wheelchair who runs over everyone on his way to bingo!

Look out, there are meds to be delivered!

This next one has nothing to do with our profession, but I had to include it. It was in England. Wonder if Hogwarts in hidden somewhere near. Harry Potter, watch those birds, please!

Heads-up, here comes a howler!

I also love the ambiguity of this sign. Hmmm, reminds me of survey?!

… and they’ll expect you to pay, too!

But just returned to dear old USA and saw this one on my way home. Who knew we could get our senior citizens washed and vacuumed for less than $16?

Not applicable toward any negative pressure wound therapy.

Lastly, just wondering if we should put this sign out on some of our visitor days. Just saying …

Who’s being warned about whom?

Just keeping it real,

Nurse Jackie

The Real Nurse Jackie is written by Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC, Senior Director of Clinical Innovation and Education for Mission Health Communities, LLC and an APEX Award of Excellence winner for Blog Writing. Vance is a real-life long-term care nurse. A nationally respected nurse educator and past national LTC Nurse Administrator of the Year, she also is an accomplished stand-up comedienne. The opinions supplied here are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer or her professional affiliates.