Today was the official start of the conference ... lots of energy :) We went to several classes, mostly on an individual basis, so it was a lot of fun to meet up at the end of the day and compare notes. We're all so stoked about the new stuff we've learned.

I remember when I worked in IL, our hospital had these surveys they'd send out to patients. Our manager at the time put so much value into these surveys, and would change our practice based on patient's perspectives. One time, she mentioned that a patient wrote that they were so tired of looking at the ceiling in our unit, because it was drab and stained and icky - but laying flat on their backs, what else could they look at? So I suggested painting the ceilings! With a nice light blue, maybe stencil some simple clouds - I thought it was a grand idea. She completely shot it down and said there was NO way. I was pretty disappointed.

Today I went to a class about patient's perspectives and thought again about that old idea - the coworker I was with talked about her research into healing colors for hospitals (El Camino is building a new hospital within the next few years) and I suggested painting the ceilings. She initially thought it was a neat idea, but then seemed to reconsider - after all, painting the ceiling? Huh? She was more focused on wall art and such.

Tonight, we were all together again with my boss and we were chatting about our day, and I brought up the ceiling thing one more time to my current boss - and she loved it!! She said when the census dips a little during the summer, we should just go out on our own, buy some paint, get a few cloud stencils, and go to town on those ugly ceilings. Without even asking anyone for permission! I'm so excited about it - even one room would be so cool.

All I've ever heard from RN's is that NTI is so inspiring, blah blah - but it really sort of is. I'm having lots of fun :-)