Alcohol screening in acute care settings

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that excessive drinking is responsible for 140,000 deaths and over $249 billion in economic costs per year. Overconsumption of alcohol can result in injury and death from motor-vehicle accidents and falls as well as various adverse health conditions. To address this issue, the CDC and SAMHSA advocate for the use of screening and brief intervention tools in healthcare settings as an effective method for reducing excessive alcohol use.

Reducing orthostatic hypotension

Significant challenges to early mobilization after joint replacement include postoperative orthostatic hypotension, which can adversely affect patient experience, participation in physical therapy, patient safety, and length of stay. A multidisciplinary team implemented a quality-improvement project aimed at identifying and preventing orthostatic hypotension to reduce acute rapid response event.

Alcohol screening in acute care settings

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that excessive drinking is responsible for 140,000 deaths and over $249 billion in economic costs…

Reducing orthostatic hypotension

Intellectual and developmental disabilities: Nurse advocacy

Individuals with IDD face several challenges when accessing healthcare services. Although most nursing and medical schools offer little comprehensive education on IDD, many nurses working with these patients must clarify complex medical histories and address unique needs across all healthcare…

Who handles the handling?

Healthcare organizations that have implemented effective safe patient handling and mobility programs report a reduction in healthcare worker injury rates related to manual patient handling. In addition, organizations with early mobility programs report a decrease in harm associated with immobility…

Semaglutide: Shedding pounds, weighing risks

Semaglutide is a member of the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RAs) drug class, which promotes increased insulin secretion. GLP-1 activation also slows gastric emptying, which promotes weight loss and offers benefits for obesity in patients with type 2…

Avoid restraints: De-escalation and acute agitation

In addition to the significant time and resources required to manage a patient experiencing agitation, these stressful situations can contribute to burnout among healthcare workers. They also negatively impact the safety culture and can violate the fundamental therapeutic relationship between…

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Gastrointestinal Whole-Patient Care

Collaboration in Patient-Centered Care Planning: Navigating Oncology

Simulation: Preparing for workplace violence

Tactical Implementation of an Effective Falls Program

Challenging and Inspiring: Beyond Common Fall Prevention Practices

Current Journal

Everyday ethics: Informed consent

Just relief

Nursing faculty shortage

The gut, the brain, and the story in between

Hair For You

Performing scalp and hair assessment is an integral part of patient-centered nursing practice. While frequently overlooked, missing this care may result in…

Malignancy-induced hypercalcemia

A 69-year-old man arrives in the ED with reports of persistent fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, excessive thirst, increased urination, and back pain…

STIs: Antibiotic resistance and treatment challenges

Medicaid matters

One of our nation’s most effective health programs faces potentially devastating funding cuts, and I urge all nurses to join me in…

Continuing Education

STIs: Antibiotic resistance and treatment challenges

Since the discovery of multidrug-resistant infections, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, concern has grown regarding antibiotic resistance among sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This concern is especially significant for gonorrheal infections because antibiotic resistance already exists. Understanding antibiotic…

Premature ventricular complexes

Your patient has heart failure exacerbation, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, chronic renal failure, and depression. She says that she feels lightheaded and anxious. She also describes her heart as “fluttering” at times. After placing leads and electrodes…

Sepsis in the hospital setting: A case study

A 42-year-old man arrives in the ED. He reports not feeling like himself. Three days ago he stepped on a nail, which punctured his…

Cancer treatment delays and survival outcomes

Delays in seeking treatment frequently lead to poor health outcomes. Especially with regard to symptoms associated with cancer, early detection and treatment can improve…

Women and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis

Why are new HIV cases still occurring when we have preventive treatment? One reason could be a lack of knowledge and experience among healthcare…

Coaching and evaluating new graduate nurses

Ongoing research shows a decline in new graduate nurses’ clinical judgment. Effective mentorship plays a crucial role in ensuring patient safety while new nurses…

STIs: Antibiotic resistance and treatment challenges

Premature ventricular complexes

Your patient has heart failure exacerbation, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, chronic renal failure, and depression. She says that she…

Sepsis in the hospital setting: A case study

A 42-year-old man arrives in the ED. He reports not feeling like himself. Three days ago he stepped on a nail, which…

Cancer treatment delays and survival outcomes

Delays in seeking treatment frequently lead to poor health outcomes. Especially with regard to symptoms associated with cancer, early detection and treatment…

Education and Career Guide

Education can be the key to professional success. Whether you’re a new or experienced nurse, returning to school to get your BSN or another advanced degree can make the difference between thriving and stagnating in your career. Tap into the articles presented in this year’s education guide for tips and thoughtful advice on nursing education. The American Nurse Education and Career Guide, provides you with facts, figures, other nurses’ experiences, and tons of other resources to help you in your journey.

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Rapid Response

Malignancy-induced hypercalcemia

A 69-year-old man arrives in the ED with reports of persistent fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, excessive thirst, increased urination, and back pain for 3 days. His medications include oral hydrochlorothiazide, oral cholecalciferol, oral atorvastatin, and subcutaneous teriparatide. The ED nurse…

Acute myeloid leukemia

An 80-year-old man received a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. He’s been hospitalized for a month, including an ICU stay during which he received mechanical ventilation due to acute hypoxic respiratory failure. He also developed an acute kidney injury secondary…

Acute kidney injury: A quick diagnosis aids recovery

A 35-year-old man arrives at the ED with severe weakness, diarrhea, nausea, hypotension, and tachycardia, which began after he finished a 100-mile race the…

Aspiration: Blocking the airway

You’re caring for a 75-year-old man admitted to your unit with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, left-sided weakness, and dysphagia. He receives continuous feedings…

Acute dystonic reaction

Acute dystonic reactions, movement disturbances, fall under the umbrella of extrapyramidal side effects. They’re associated with medications (including antipsychotics and antiemetics) that mediate dopamine.

Cystic fibrosis

A 48-year-old woman with a history of cystic fibrosis, is admitted to the surgical unit with a small bowel obstruction. At home, the patient…

Malignancy-induced hypercalcemia

A 69-year-old man arrives in the ED with reports of persistent fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, excessive thirst, increased urination, and back pain…

Acute myeloid leukemia

An 80-year-old man received a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. He’s been hospitalized for a month, including an ICU stay during which…

Acute kidney injury: A quick diagnosis aids recovery

A 35-year-old man arrives at the ED with severe weakness, diarrhea, nausea, hypotension, and tachycardia, which began after he finished a 100-mile…

Aspiration: Blocking the airway

You’re caring for a 75-year-old man admitted to your unit with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, left-sided weakness, and dysphagia. He receives…

Practice Matters

Hair For You

Performing scalp and hair assessment is an integral part of patient-centered nursing practice. While frequently overlooked, missing this care may result in physical harm and emotional distress.

This article is available to American Nurses Association members and ANJ subscribers only.

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Progress and promise

The American Nurses Association (ANA) Innovation Awards recognize nurses who are creating change from the inside out, not only for themselves, but also for…

Oncology nurses and prognosis-related communication

Nurses’ knowledge and communication skills enhance informed decision-making for patients with cancer. Discussions with patients and families about a cancer diagnosis or recurrence typically…

Caring for veterans

Strategies to understand and support health goals Veterans have distinct determinants of health related to their military service and occupational exposures. With more veterans…

Advance care planning in the Black faith community

Advance care planning, a routine aspect of healthcare, helps individuals make decisions about future care by reviewing their values, goals, and wishes. However, many…

PTSD: Increase screening and treatment

Many nurse practitioners (NPs) provide care in medically underserved areas, some in one of the more than 1,400 free clinics throughout the…

Support planetary health

Actions to promote and protect the environment Spring marks a time of renewal and reawakening with cleaning, planting, and other fresh starts,…

EBP, QI, and IS

Some use the terms evidence-based practice (EBP), quality improvement (QI), and implementation science (IS) interchangeably. However important differences exist. Clinicians must understand…

From the Ethics Inbox

Everyday ethics: Informed consent

As a study coordinator, I recruit participants to a randomized clinical trial that’s evaluating experimental drugs for renal cancer. One of the individuals who met the trial’s eligibility criteria told me that he was enrolling regardless of what the informed…

Everyday ethics: Balancing beliefs with care

I’m a nurse in a med–surg unit. A patient I recently cared for who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis decided to voluntarily stop eating and drinking (VSED) because she wanted to avoid death from disease progression. I consider this suicide and…

Everyday ethics: Responsibility and accountability

A few weeks ago, I was floated to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), which was seriously short-handed due to surgeries from a multiple-car accident.…

Everyday ethics: Privacy and trust

As a perioperative nurse, I understand I should ensure the privacy and confidentiality of my patients and their information while providing care throughout pre-,…

Everyday ethics: Prioritizing patients

It’s my understanding that a nurse’s primary commitment is to our patients. Recently, while working as a travel nurse, I’ve been concerned about some…

Ethics in everyday care

The pandemic, from its earliest days in March 2020, exposed not only a health and healthcare crisis but also deep inequities in our society.…

Everyday ethics: Informed consent

As a study coordinator, I recruit participants to a randomized clinical trial that’s evaluating experimental drugs for renal cancer. One of the…

Everyday ethics: Balancing beliefs with care

I’m a nurse in a med–surg unit. A patient I recently cared for who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis decided to voluntarily stop…

Everyday ethics: Responsibility and accountability

A few weeks ago, I was floated to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), which was seriously short-handed due to surgeries from a…

Everyday ethics: Privacy and trust

As a perioperative nurse, I understand I should ensure the privacy and confidentiality of my patients and their information while providing care…

Perspectives

The owl and the fox: A nurse leader’s fable

Why I am Building a National Voice in Nursing

Nightingale: Exemplar for the power of nursing

Sexuality and gender identity: Know the basics for equitable patient care

Strengthen health systems worldwide: Invest in nursing professional development

Healthcare workers are the bedrock of an effective healthcare system and nurses comprise nearly 60% of the global healthcare workforce. Despite this…

Remembering Eloise Richardson

During World War II, countless women answered the call to serve, stepping into roles that reshaped history and helped turn the tide…

Study abroad programs and nurse cultural competence

There is an increased need for health professions students, including nurses, to learn how to work effectively with people of other cultures.…

Still new, still standing: A novice adjunct nurse educator in Texas

I entered nursing education with two feet in and my heart wide open. After years of bedside patient care, nurse preceptor experience,…

Community

A whole lot better than good enough!

A congress of baboons?

5 Healthy Ways to Start Your Day in 5 Minutes or Less

You don’t need a rigid schedule or even a lot of time to get each day off to an energetic and healthy…

Highlighting the CNO’s role: An interview with Linda Stoverock

The American Nurse team is delighted to have had an opportunity to speak with Linda Stoverock, a nurse who is retiring after a 43-year…

News

A view of 5600 Fishers Lane in Rockville, Maryland, which houses the headquarters of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and other health agencies. According to a senior AHRQ official who spoke on condition of anonymity, a climate of deep depression has settled over the agency’s offices. (Antony-22/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0)

What’s Lost: Trump Whacks Tiny Agency That Works To Make the Nation’s Health Care Safer

COVID-19 patients fared worse on ECMO than non-COVID-19 patients: Study

What’s Lost: Trump Whacks Tiny Agency That Works To Make the Nation’s Health Care Safer

Sue Sheridan’s baby boy, Cal, suffered brain damage from undetected jaundice in 1995. Helen Haskell’s 15-year-old son, Lewis, died after surgery in…

COVID-19 patients fared worse on ECMO than non-COVID-19 patients: Study

Pneumonia patients with COVID-19 who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) fared worse than those without COVID-19, according to a study that looked…

My Nurse Influencer

Publication extenders include infographics

Publication extenders—A powerful tool for extending your article’s reach

Do you want your work to resonate with as large a readership as possible? If so, consider publication extenders (also called publication enhancers)—tools that present key points of an article in an engaging style. Extenders include infographics, video abstracts, graphical…

Why human flourishing matters in nursing

I had the honor of serving on the expert panel entrusted with the 2025 revision of the Code of Ethics for Nurses. Amid a vast constellation of concerns, one concept stood out for its quiet gravity and elusive power: human…

In sickness and in health: The parallels of weddings and nursing graduations

May and June mark the season of graduations and weddings—milestones that celebrate commitment, transformation, and new beginnings. There’s something vaguely matrimonial about a nursing…

The future of innovation in nursing is you!

Over the years, my definition of innovation has changed — I care less about the end product and more about the human-centered process used to create…

Multitasking: Gift or Nursing’s Curse?

A study that examined the cognitive mechanisms involved in task switching, particularly how executive control processes manage multiple tasks (think of the time you…

Syphilis eradication is still a long way off: Doxy-PEP can help

In the late 1990s, public health departments around the globe celebrated the prospect of eradicating syphilis. However, by the early 2000s, this sexually transmitted…

Publication extenders—A powerful tool for extending your article’s reach

Do you want your work to resonate with as large a readership as possible? If so, consider publication extenders (also called publication…

Why human flourishing matters in nursing

I had the honor of serving on the expert panel entrusted with the 2025 revision of the Code of Ethics for Nurses.…

In sickness and in health: The parallels of weddings and nursing graduations

May and June mark the season of graduations and weddings—milestones that celebrate commitment, transformation, and new beginnings. There’s something vaguely matrimonial about…

The future of innovation in nursing is you!

Over the years, my definition of innovation has changed — I care less about the end product and more about the human-centered process used…

Mental Health

How the brain balances feelings of stress and calm

An imaging study published in the Nature Communications journal focused on how different regions of the brain, specifically the hypothalamus and dorsolateral…

chaplain, healthcare, registered nurse, nursing, nursing journal

Chaplains as connectors

In caring for the whole patient—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—nurses collaborate with other disciplines. To ensure a patient’s spiritual needs are met,…

Critical Care

Hours per patient day: Understanding this key measure of productivity

Tracking HPPD helps to ensure each of the units in a hospital are meeting financial targets in order to remain financially healthy.…

Maternal hemorrhage in 2020: Is your team ready?

During childbirth, 3% to 5% of women experience maternal hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal death around the world. In 2010, the…

Pediatrics

Smart pump technology and dose error reduction

In the hospital setting, nurses administer I.V. medications using infusion pumps; unfortunately, administration errors when using these pumps occur frequently.

Getting shots in arms

Stay current with vaccinations. Viral respiratory illness season has arrived. Many people may be behind with their annual and routine vaccinations. What…

Cardiology

Study: Pradaxa reduces stroke and death, but increases GI bleeding compared to warfarin

According to a study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pradaxa (dabigatran), in comparison to warfarin, was associated with a…

Responding to a hypertensive crisis

Clifton Jones, an African-American male aged 59, comes to the emergency department (ED) complaining of headache and blurred vision. After the triage…

American Nurse TV

HealthCom Media, the publishers of American Nurse Journal, the American Nurses Association and Al Roker Productions collaborated to bring a few shining examples of the exemplary work being done by nurses in today’s very challenging healthcare environment to the American public.

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