Cultural competence and cultural safety are crucial to delivering effective care. They are also key to creating working environments where everyone feels valued and able to function at the highest level. If we invest time and energy in understanding and implementing these concepts, the dividends can be invaluable, both individually and collectively. Defining Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety Dr. Raj Sundar is a physician, community organizer, and the Healthcare for Humans podcast host. As a healthcare leader, Dr. Sundar uses various platforms to bring a human sca ..read more

Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) Nurse Week runs from April 14-20 and brings attention to this nursing specialty and the expertise WOC nurses bring to patient care. As a member of the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®) for 31 years and now its president, Vicky Pontieri-Lewis, MS, RN, ACNS-BC-CWOCN, says the field is exciting and ever changing. This kind of dynamic professional learning environment brings a career satisfaction that keeps her advocating for nurses in the specialty while also appreciating the continual work they must do to stay current of WOC developments ..read more

Heart-stopping moments don’t just happen in the OR. As a nurse, you may be called upon in emergencies without access to an AED (automatic external defibrillator) or other equipment. Ensuring CPR certification means you are on hand with the knowledge to help save a life in or out of the hospital. Debunking 5 Big Myths About CPR Although most people know CPR and how it can save lives, wrong information often hinders effective aid. Do you think these, even to yourself? Someone Around Me Will Know CPR Most Americans know CPR increases survival rates for myocardial infarctions, but only 2 out ..read more

Radiology  Nurses Day, also known as Radiological and Imaging Nurses Day, is celebrated annually on April 12 and was established to recognize the work that nurses do in the specialties of radiologic and imaging nursing. The work of radiologic and imaging nurses is not only important for an accurate assessment and diagnosis, but it is also a skill set increasingly in demand. As radiology and imaging services such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasounds are required for more careful diagnosis, the expertise of a radiology nurse becomes critical to accuracy. And as the technology for such imaging ..read more

According to the AACA, in 2022, 80% of nurses in the United States were white/caucasian. With nurse burnout already a problem nationwide, being a minority in the industry can create even more unique challenges. That includes things like racism from patients or co-workers, discrimination, and even economic hurdles depending on your background and where you grew up. All nurses must care for themselves and infuse wellness into their daily work. However, it might be even more essential for minority nurses to integrate holistic approaches into their careers. With that in mind, let’s explore th ..read more

Did you know your next vacation might offer insight into your next career move? Travel opportunities give you a chance to see how other nurses might work in the field– in a location thousands of miles from your home or even in a different country. If you have ever entertained “what if” thoughts about a new area, travel can give new perspectives to see what’s available. You might just want to find out more about the location and what it offers or you might be looking for a career switch. Maybe you’re thinking of an advanced degree and want to see what the campus is like or visit a faculty membe ..read more

The stigma around mental illness is slowly ebbing, but it is by no means gone. Days like World Bipolar Day, held annually on March 30, offer excellent opportunities to spread awareness about this condition including symptoms, treatment, medications, and resources.    World Bipolar Day opens the door for people to share their stories and for others to learn how they can get help for themselves or for a loved one. According to the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), this awareness day is a initiative shared by the IBPF and in collaboration with the Asian Network of Bipolar Disord ..read more

Whether you know it or not, you have a brand. Like it or not, YOU ARE THE BRAND! One way to check out your personal brand is to google yourself and see what pops up. You may be surprised. If you do not create your brand, it may develop on its own. Research demonstrates that 94% of recruiters will search for a candidate online. Career Builder found that 70% of employers said they use social media to screen their candidates and are less likely to interview a candidate they cannot find online. There are many definitions of a brand. However, the simplest explanation is how people perceive you. To ..read more

When you earn a nursing degree — an ADN, BSN, MSN, or beyond — you signal to the world that you’re a professional who values education and advancing your career. Consistently reaching for increased expertise is a goal for individuals working in almost any discipline, and nurses are no exception. Beyond your formal education, you have other opportunities to expand your knowledge, and certifications are one such avenue for demonstrating dedication to having the most up-to-date, evidence-based information possible in your area of nursing practice. Why Get Certified? If you haven’t yet pursued nur ..read more

Are you the tech-savvy nurse on the unit? Do your colleagues seek you out with questions about the quirks of your electronic health record (EHR)? If so, consider turning that know-how into a career in nursing informatics. Leveraging Bedside Experience Nursing informatics reads a definition from the ANA’s Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice, 3rd Edition, “is the specialty that transforms data into needed information and leverages technologies to improve health and healthcare equity, safety, quality, and outcomes.” A background at the bedside is critical for a successf ..read more