Articles related to NURSING

Disheartening statistics reveal that suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, with nurses appearing to be at a higher risk than the general population, particularly following the relentless strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that our profession can struggle with addressing institutional problems such as inadequate personal protective equipment and enforced overtime, these stressors can intensify the psychological toll. Despite several studies investigating the stress experienced by nurses, we’re often encouraged to endure these pressures stoically, even amidst a pandemic. The stigma surrounding mental health and suicide within our ranks is not addressed as it should be, which is detrimental to our wellbeing as individuals and professionals. In comparison, physician suicide does not pose a higher risk than that of nurses or the general public. However, a turning point came with the tragic suicide of Dr. Lorna Breen, an Emergency Department physician, leading to the enactment of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act in 2022. This legislation established a national program designed to prevent suicide, reduce mental health stigma, and enhance resilience among health care professionals. The Act emphasizes the importance of seeking mental health support and demystifying the stigma associated with […]

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has laid a crucial foundation in understanding medical errors. In their transformative report, they found that systems failure is frequently the culprit behind medical errors. The report highlighted that medical errors account for 98,000 deaths per year, while up to 220,000 lives could be saved annually if we address these errors. Recognizing the importance of risk management, healthcare organizations are taking strides to pinpoint, assess, and control risk and potential liability exposure. Considering the pivotal role that nurses play in risk management daily, it’s crucial that you are well informed about common patient safety risks, the reasons for medical errors, and how to reduce risk. The primary aim of this course is to deepen your understanding as a nursing professional in acute care of risk management. The course also equips you with practical risk-reduction tools to minimize your exposure to professional liability. Once you have completed this course, you should be equipped to: Be at the forefront of reducing medical errors and enhancing patient safety. By expanding your knowledge and skills in risk management, you can make a significant difference in patient outcomes and the healthcare landscape as a whole.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has just disclosed an enlightening study titled, “Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Burnout & Stress Among U.S. Nurses.” The study provides a stark look at how the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the U.S. nursing workforce, leading to stress, burnout, and a disturbing decline in their numbers. The groundbreaking research has unveiled that approximately 100,000 registered nurses (RNs) exited the workforce during the pandemic, primarily due to stress, burnout, and retirements. A staggering 610,388 RNs reported plans to leave by 2027 for similar reasons. Particularly alarming is the high proportion of younger nurses, under 40 years of age, who share these intentions. In total, about one-fifth of RNs across the nation are predicted to depart the health care workforce. Moreover, the study revealed that 62% of nurses had to shoulder a heavier workload during the pandemic. A significant portion reported feeling emotionally drained, burned out, and even at the end of their tether. These feelings were notably more pronounced among nurses with 10 or fewer years of experience, leading to an overall 3.3% drop in the U.S. nursing workforce within the last two years. Licensed practical/vocational nurses, who […]

Nursing education has its foundations in the classroom, and the relationship between the nurse educator and the nursing student is a cornerstone of this educational process. At the heart of this relationship is ‘presence’, a practice where the caregiver gives full, attentive care to the patient, understanding their needs, desires, and fears. This ‘presence’ is key to the nursing profession and must be woven into teaching and learning. Reflective practices provide a strategy for nurse educators to instill ‘presence’ in nursing students, even in large class settings. These practices present various challenges such as unfamiliarity with alternative teaching methods, time constraints, and discomfort with new teaching approaches. To overcome these, a model has been developed, relying on proven theory development steps, such as concept analysis, model development, description, and evaluation. The model’s evaluation has been performed by an expert panel and nursing participants. Using an explorative and qualitative design, the model went through a two-step evaluation and refinement process. The expert panel used critical reflection to refine the model initially. Subsequently, participants evaluated the model empirically using participatory evaluation. The data was collected through online focus group interviews with nurse educators and virtual sessions with nursing students. Open coding was […]

AI technologies are reshaping the world of nursing, creating opportunities for enhanced patient care and efficiency in healthcare delivery. In this ever-evolving landscape, nurses can use AI to guide decisions, take autonomous actions, and predict risks, making them critical players in this transformation. Clinical decision support tools, empowered by AI, assist nurses in making informed clinical decisions. These tools, such as alerts in the electronic health record (EHR), clinical practice guidelines, and order sets, boost the accuracy and specificity of predictions and suggestions beyond human capacity. For example, AI algorithms can accurately predict fall risks and suggest interventions, ensuring patients’ safety while reducing human error. Meanwhile, mobile health and sensor-based technologies are paving the way for remote patient care. These technologies, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, allow nurses to deliver care and monitor patients with limited resources, proving particularly beneficial for managing chronic illnesses. Through smartphones, apps, and wearable technologies, nurses can receive real-time data about patients’ health and respond accordingly. In addition to these, voice assistants and robotics are joining the nursing workforce. Voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant can potentially collect patient data and remind patients about medication or checkups, easing the load on nursing staff. Similarly, […]

As nurses, we often experience unexpected detours in our career journeys, providing us with opportunities to diversify our experiences. Yet, there are times when we may feel stagnant and crave change. For such moments, here are some pivotal steps to advance your nursing career. Firstly, seize the power of networking. Attend local or international conferences—be they virtual or in-person. Connect with fellow attendees and presenters, ask insightful questions, and exchange contact information. Social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, also provide an excellent avenue for fostering professional connections, while practicing caution against potential misinformation. Furthermore, consider finding a mentor—a trusted colleague who can guide and support your professional growth. Secondly, consider joining a committee or board. Back in 2014, the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) set a goal to fill 10,000 board seats with nurses by 2020. We reached this milestone! Our unique perspective is invaluable in decision-making processes, given our roles as the largest segment of healthcare providers. So, join working groups, committees, boards, councils, or governments to ensure our voice is heard. Thirdly, achieve specialty certification. Doing so communicates commitment to your education and, consequently, to patient care and outcomes. Certification also boosts your confidence, career advancement, and potentially, your […]