Let’s rewind to three years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic swarmed the United States, bringing life to a halt. Frontline healthcare workers, hailed as heroes, began or ended their shifts to rounds of applause or lights and sirens from thankful citizens. But presently, the healthcare system itself may be kryptonite to those they declared superheroes. Nurses bear the burden of this highly demanding job — balancing safe patient care and high expectations with staffing shortages, patient load, bullying, and workplace violence or abuse. But nursing is more than just a stressful job. Nurses’ strugg ..read more

The ABCs of nursing care address patients’ most critical and immediate needs. Nurses can prevent serious health consequences and save lives by systematically using these components. As nurses, we play a vital role in promoting patient well-being. And in emergency situations, we’re one of the first caregivers at the bedside, making our knowledge of the ABCs of nursing care essential. The ABCs acronym represents three central components: airway, breathing, and circulation. These components are vital because they address patients’ most urgent needs and serve as a foundation for supporting life. C ..read more

Recently, nurses have navigated their careers through a global pandemic, a travel nursing boom, supply issues, and continue to face an ongoing nursing shortage. Nearly 30% of nurses considered leaving the profession in 2021, compared to 11% in 2020, according to Nurse.com’s 2022 Nurse Salary Research Report. Nurses have many options when choosing their career and care setting. Rather than leaving the profession altogether, knowing your options can help you find a better fit. Top nurse work environments 1. Hospitals Nurses working in the hospital environment directly oversee and administer ..read more

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