I was a young stay-at-home mom in my early 30s when a series of mysterious ailments began to rattle my world. After several months of testing, I finally had a diagnosis — multiple sclerosis. I was devastated when I was bluntly told that I would die from MS. Soon, I sank into a yearlong funk. Laura Langham-Sotoodeh, RN On a quiet morning while sitting with my family doctor, he gently said, “You need to choose where you will be in three to five years. You will still get there, but how is up to you. With MS, you must use it or lose it.” He went on to explain his thoughts, but, really, “use it o ..read more

A registered nurse (RN) says she works at a clinic where nurses attend to patients with common symptoms such as coughs, minor cuts or abrasions, and sore throats. The nurse is authorized to provide patients with some guidance and recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications. A physician signs off on patients’ visits and completes the documentation in the electronic medical records (EMR). Currently, however, nurses are required to input a medical diagnosis from a predetermined list before a physician reviews the EMR notes. However, the clinic is contemplating changing the list and establishing ..read more

When I became an RN 25 years ago, I decided that caring for the elderly was where I would learn not only how to truly be a nurse. but how to care for the most fragile, and I was right. I was working as a weekend nurse at a long-term care facility on an intermediate care floor when I learned a new resident had moved in and she would need a little extra TLC. I introduced myself to Mary and told her I was so happy she was here. I could only imagine how difficult leaving a home full of memories for a floor full of strangers could be, and I wanted Mary to feel included. Mary hung her head and barel ..read more

Evidence-based practice can rejuvenate your career or indicate that it’s time for a change. According to the American Nurses’ Association (ANA), evidence-based practice in nursing means providing quality care based on the latest research and knowledge. This approach not only improves and streamline workflows — it prioritizes safety and outcomes for patients. However, research has shown that evidence-based practice in nursing can also be a tool to enhance and gauge career satisfaction. It can revitalize your passion for your specialty, inspire you to take the next step in your career, or motiva ..read more

Evidence-based practice can rejuvenate your career or indicate that it’s time for a change. According to the American Nurses’ Association (ANA), evidence-based practice in nursing means providing quality care based on the latest research and knowledge. This approach not only improves and streamline workflows — it prioritizes safety and outcomes for patients. However, research has shown that evidence-based practice in nursing can also be a tool to enhance and gauge career satisfaction. It can revitalize your passion for your specialty, inspire you to take the next step in your career, or motiva ..read more

Between updating resumes and researching organizations, job seeking can take a lot of time, patience, and preparation. Knowing what to wear to a nursing interview can show employers you’re the best fit for the role. What you wear to virtual or in-person job interviews can say a lot, according to nurse managers and leaders that conduct those interviews. “Like the saying goes, ‘You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression,’” said Traciann Carr, BSN, Office Nurse Coordinator at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, Pennsylvania. Nursing interview attire sets the stage and is the fi ..read more

An RN says another nurse accused her of having dementia and spread this falsehood to other nurses and administrators. The state Board of Nursing (BON) also received an anonymous complaint against the RN. The BON held a hearing with the RN, clinic administration, and others, but the board has yet to make its determination. The RN has denied this allegation and wonders if she has any legal recourse. This situation is disturbing. Any false accusation is cruel, especially when it casts doubt on the ability to practice one’s profession competently. Libel, slander, or both? In a previous blog ..read more

My story begins when I was 6 years old. I was living in a violent world surrounded by chaos and alcoholism. My father had been a Navy medic in the Korean and Vietnam wars and was suffering from PTSD, nightmares, and sleepless nights. Lori Wells, RN But I have fond memories of staying up late with him and watching classic shows like Car 54, Where Are You? and M.A.S.H. I always asked him questions about the medical stuff; I knew even at that age what I wanted to do. Seeing action before second grade One day I was at my friend’s house jumping on a trampoline in the backyard, which faced a busy ..read more

Conducting head-to-toe assessments is a critical skill for all nurses. This exam identifies potential problems and helps form appropriate nursing diagnoses and interventions. The first step of the nursing process involves collecting data with a thorough assessment. This evaluation includes many factors, including a head-to-toe exam. A head-to-toe assessment is a comprehensive patient health evaluation. You collect subjective and objective data that helps to identify a patient’s needs and problems which lead to the formation of nursing diagnoses. Heath assessments also provide vital information ..read more

An RN claims his nurse manager criticized him for documenting in the medical record that a patient was “combative and noncompliant,” after the patient struck the RN and another nurse during discharge. The RN wonders how he should’ve documented the incident since the nurse manager didn’t provide constructive feedback. I’ve written blogs about legal cases that focus on nursing documentation and its importance. For instance, in one blog I explained how one OR nurse’s proper documentation helped her defend against allegations of professional negligence. The outcome could’ve been very different. Im ..read more