The 2017-2018 flu season is breaking all records. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that the “overall hospitalization rate is higher than the overall hospitalization rate reported during the same week of the 2014-2015 season; the most severe season in recent years.” The most recent CDC report showed an additional 17 flu-related pediatric deaths, bringing the total to 53 this season with little relief in sight.
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So, I had the honor of being chosen to be interviewed by Elizabeth Scala for her Your Next Shift Podcast! Yes, someone other than my family and students wanted to hear what I have to say…crazy!! I have been a fan of Elizabeth since I started blogging. She is out there and really trying to…
As many in the nursing world, I have been mildly obsessed with the unlawful arrest of Nurse Alex Wubbels. In hospitals around the county, there is a brotherhood and camaraderie between our law enforcement officers and health care workers, especially nurses. We all are literally on the front line of public service on a daily basis. So when I see something like this, I just cannot wrap my head around it. I have been wanting to get my thoughts out for a while, but I wanted to get all the facts first, cool down, and really analyze what happened.
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One of the biggest questions I get asked from students starting nursing school is, “What do I really need for clinicals in nursing school?” Sure, there are lots of fun stuff that you can load up on, but what do you REALLY need?
When working as a nurse, there is a very high chance that you will need to handle a wide range of potentially dangerous chemicals and medicines on a daily basis. With this in mind, it is crucial that you know how to use medical-grade cleaning equipment such as emergency spill kits in case of any accidents or leakages. Many places will turn to somewhere like an idaho paper product, janitorial, and santitation supply distributor, but a friend of mine who is training to be a nurse actually asked if you need to keep a spill kit on you at all times.
Fortunately, most hospitals maintain stocks of emergency spill kits, so you will not need to carry one around with you. However, it is still important that you know where your hospital keeps its chemical spill kits in case of any emergencies. You can find further information about how to use emergency spill kits by taking a look at some of the resources on the Storemasta website.
So, spill kits to one side, what do you actually need when at nursing school? Well, I have been teaching clinicals for a few years, and here’s my must-have top 10 list of supplies for nursing school and for later in your career!
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Well, another week of health care in the news. Lots of discussions, arguments, heated debates and the occasional cordial conversation on what changes need to be made. From Obamacare to staffing ratios to violence against health care workers…. lots of news these days affecting healthcare. But what I notice is missing – where are the nurses in these conversations?? I see lots of people and analysts discussing how health care needs this change or that one, but where are the front line workers. Oh, yeah….they are actually doing the work. But if there was ever a time, it is now – nurses need to be the change.
And it starts with me. And you.
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It’s that time of year again… It’s NURSES WEEK! That one week we are really good at tooting our own horns and enjoying the love that everyone shows us. It’s a week of free lunches, maybe some massages, a free mug, or even a beach towel. Actually heard of a hospital in Florida where the medical staff gave every nurse in their hospital a new Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscope. (I am a huge Littmann fan – best warranty ever!) Now, that is a nice gift!
Have you ever wondered what the origins of Nurses Week? Oh, just me? ….well, if you are curious, here’s the history of how we go to this week!
But to add to the fun, lots of bloggers and companies love to do Nurses Week Giveaways….so here’s your round up of all the fun and free gifts!!
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Last year, in May 2016, nurses came together on the lawn of the US Capitol to bring attention to the need for safe nurse patient ratios. It affectionately became known as Nurses Take DC. It was the first rally for nursing in over 20 years when over 35,000 nurses met in DC for the same issues. Well, it is happening again this year on Friday, May 5, 2017. There is still time to attend and you can get more info at Nurses Take DC.
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I always love the new year – it’s like a fresh start. A blank page.
But I also love reflecting back on all the amazing things that transpire in just one year. So many of them we forget, so it’s nice to be reminded.
As some of you may or may not know, there are a gaggle of amazing writers, bloggers, and thought provokers in the world of nursing. They are speaking out for those who won’t or can’t and generally just trying to bring our community together in one voice.
And they have ALOT to say…
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Well, 2015 is quickly coming to a close and 2016 is right on its heels. This past year was my first, full calendar year as a blogger. Considering I hated every English and writing class I ever took – not what I expected to find myself doing. But, here I am and it has been a blast! I have met so many cool and interesting people. Really tapped into a whole unrecognized source of information and resources. But, most surprising, people actually wanted to read what I had to say! Crazy! So, here is my year in review – the top 10 posts of 2015!
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Secrets of an ICU nurse
I recently had the opportunity to be a guest blogger for Stephen at Page the PA – he is a rock star on Instagram sharing his experiences as he goes through PA school. He is doing his ICU rotation soon, so I thought I would tell him a few secrets from this veteran ICU nurse! Please connect with him on IG @PagethePA and tell him I sent you!!
When most students, rotate through the ICU, they literally enter another world in health care. Whether they are new residents on service for the month, PA students, medical students or nursing students, the ICU experience is like no other rotation. Sure, you may have seen a few sick folks, but ICU patients take that to a whole new level. It’s a smorgasbord of problems – all in one human fighting to survive. It’s the land with more devices, tubes and drains than any human should have to endure. But, there is nothing like caring for a patient with multiple, often competing problems. The challenges are endless and the environment is often fast paced and demanding. But for a visiting student, it is certainly intimidating.
So, here’s a few tips from this 20-year ICU nurse that will hopefully make your experience a smooth one and ultimately make you want to come back for more!
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