February 2012 Vol. 7 No. 2 Archives

February 2012 Vol. 7 No. 2

AHRQ reports results from survey on patient safety culture

February 11, 2012

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has published “Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture: 2012 User Comparative Database Report.” The report includes areas of strengths (teamwork…

Air Force recognizes CRNAs’ full scope of practice

February 11, 2012

The U.S. Air Force releases a new policy on anesthesia delivery.

ANA releases 2011 Health and Safety Survey results

February 11, 2012

ANA’s new survey identifies nurses’ concerns about health and safety in their work environments.

Are you ready to care for patients in clinical trials?

February 11, 2012

Part 1 of a four-part series on clinical trials

C. difficile infections at record high

February 11, 2012

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that C. difficile infections are at an all-time high and are linked to 14,000 deaths in the U.S. each…

Creating a smooth move for patients and staff

February 11, 2012

When Missouri Baptist Medical Center had to relocate nearly 200 patients in a single day, staff and leaders knew collaboration and planning would be key. Here’s how they…

FDA approves first quadrivalent vaccine to prevent seasonal influenza

February 11, 2012

On Feb. 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of FluMist Quadrivalent, the first influenza vaccine to contain four strains of the influenza virus,…

FDA approves Korlym for hyperglycemia in patients with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome

February 11, 2012

On Feb. 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of Korlym (mifepristone) to control hyperglycemia in adults with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome who have type…

FDA warns of counterfeit Avastin

February 11, 2012

On Feb. 14, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration notified healthcare professionals and patients about a counterfeit version of Avastin 400 mg/16mL, which may have been purchased and…

wound care lesion ostomy continence nurse

From our readers…Beauty in the eye of the beholder: The life of a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse

February 11, 2012

I think it’s in the eyes. That’s where the connection begins. A view into the real person, not defined by his or her disease or deformity. A calm…

From our readers…Know your A, B, C, and D’s for patients with progressive disease

February 11, 2012

“Something’s wrong. We have to fix it quickly!” All of our training and experiences as nurses, such as my almost 30 years as a hospital-based RN, lead us…

advocate advocacy speak out hands black white

From our readers…Practical approaches to patient advocacy barriers

February 11, 2012

Nurses know that patient advocacy is an expected and important role for their practice, but the practical implications of acting as an advocate are often left for the…

Genetic counseling, abortion, sex-selection, and autonomy

February 11, 2012

Anya, a 36-year-old woman and her 41-year-old husband, Dev, came to the Woman’s Center to discuss issues about “advanced maternal age.” This would be their first child. Women…

ICIRN releases new edition of Essential Nursing Resources

February 11, 2012

Don’t miss out on this valuable resource.

Joint Commission awards first certifications for palliative care

February 11, 2012

The Joint Commission has awarded its new Advanced Certification for Palliative Care to five hospitals: Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minn.; Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, N.Y.; Mt. Sinai Medical…

Nurses, physicians differ in perceptions of physician abuse or disrespect

February 11, 2012

According to results from HealthLeaders Media Industry Survey 2012, 42% of nurse leaders said physician abuse or disrespect of nurses was common, compared to only 13% of physician…

Okay to play? A discussion about sports-related concussion

February 11, 2012

Learn about the types of concussions, assessment, management, and considerations before a child returns to play.

Physiology review: Circulatory system

February 11, 2012

Buff up your knowledge of preload, afterload, neurohormonal regulation of circulation, and more.

Polypectomy lowers colorectal cancer mortality

February 11, 2012

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that mortality from colorectal cancer was about 50% lower among patients who had adenomatous polyps removed compared to…

Preventing urinary tract infections in patients with indwelling catheters

February 11, 2012

One of The Joint Commission’s 2012 National Patient Safety Goals is preventing urinary tract infections caused by catheters. The author reviews best practices that will help nurses meet…

Public reporting of quality data has not significantly reduced mortality

February 11, 2012

According to a study in March’s Health Affairs, public reporting of quality data as part of Hospital Compare, Medicare’s public reporting initiative, has had “minimal impact” on patient…

Putting evidence into practice: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

February 11, 2012

This year continues our series from the Oncology Nursing Society on managing cancer-related symptoms.

Reducing barriers to practice for Missouri APRNs

February 11, 2012

New legislation is introduced in Missouri.

Save a life—yours (and your patients’)!

February 11, 2012

February is the perfect opportunity to get heart healthy.

Study finds patient satisfaction is associated with higher mortality

February 11, 2012

A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine reports that higher patient satisfaction was associated with higher overall health care expenditures and increased mortality. Read more.

Use of bone morhphogenetic proteins not associated less reoperation for lumbar stenosis

February 11, 2012

A study in February’s Spine reports that use of bone morhphogenetic proteins (BMP) in spinal fusion surgery for older adults with lumbar stenosis reports that use of BMP…