AHRQ reports results from survey on patient safety culture
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has published “Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture: 2012 User Comparative Database…
February 2012 Vol. 7 No. 2
Air Force recognizes CRNAs’ full scope of practice
The U.S. Air Force releases a new policy on anesthesia delivery.
ANA releases 2011 Health and Safety Survey results
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?
Part 1 of a four-part series on clinical trials
C. difficile infections at record high
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that C. difficile infections are at an all-time high and are…
Creating a smooth move for patients and staff
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 did it.
FDA approves first quadrivalent vaccine to prevent seasonal influenza
On Feb. 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of FluMist Quadrivalent, the first influenza vaccine…
FDA approves Kalydeco for rare form of cystic fibrosis
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Kalydeco (ivacaftor) for the treatment of a rare form of cystic fibrosis…
FDA approves Korlym for hyperglycemia in patients with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome
On Feb. 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of Korlym (mifepristone) to control hyperglycemia in…
FDA approves Surfaxin to prevent respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.
On March 6, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of Surfaxin (lucinactant) for the prevention of…
FDA warns of counterfeit Avastin
On Feb. 14, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration notified healthcare professionals and patients about a counterfeit version of Avastin…
From our readers…Beauty in the eye of the beholder: The life of a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse
I think it’s in the eyes. That’s where the connection begins. A view into the real person, not defined by…
From our readers…Know your A, B, C, and D’s for patients with progressive disease
“Something’s wrong. We have to fix it quickly!” All of our training and experiences as nurses, such as my almost…
From our readers…Practical approaches to patient advocacy barriers
Nurses know that patient advocacy is an expected and important role for their practice, but the practical implications of acting…
Genetic counseling, abortion, sex-selection, and autonomy
Author Leah Curtin discusses the implications of genetic testing for sex determination
ICIRN releases new edition of Essential Nursing Resources
Don’t miss out on this valuable resource.
Joint Commission awards first certifications for palliative care
The Joint Commission has awarded its new Advanced Certification for Palliative Care to five hospitals: Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minn.;…
Migraine increases risk of depression in women
A study of women enrolled in the Women’s Health Study has found that women with migraines or a history of…
Nurses, physicians differ in perceptions of physician abuse or disrespect
According to results from HealthLeaders Media Industry Survey 2012, 42% of nurse leaders said physician abuse or disrespect of nurses…
Okay to play? A discussion about sports-related concussion
Learn about the types of concussions, assessment, management, and considerations before a child returns to play.
Physiology review: Circulatory system
Buff up your knowledge of preload, afterload, neurohormonal regulation of circulation, and more.
Polypectomy lowers colorectal cancer mortality
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that mortality from colorectal cancer was about 50% lower among…
Preventing urinary tract infections in patients with indwelling catheters
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 that goal.
Public reporting of quality data has not significantly reduced mortality
According to a study in March’s Health Affairs, public reporting of quality data as part of Hospital Compare, Medicare’s public…
Putting evidence into practice: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
This year continues our series from the Oncology Nursing Society on managing cancer-related symptoms.
Reducing barriers to practice for Missouri APRNs
New legislation is introduced in Missouri.
Save a life—yours (and your patients’)!
February is the perfect opportunity to get heart healthy.
Sharps Safety Consensus Statement and Call to Action
March 8, 2012 (Washington, DC) – In the ten years since the passage of the federal Needlestick Safety and Protection…
Study finds patient satisfaction is associated with higher mortality
A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine reports that higher patient satisfaction was associated with higher overall health care…
Use of bone morhphogenetic proteins not associated less reoperation for lumbar stenosis
A study in February’s Spine reports that use of bone morhphogenetic proteins (BMP) in spinal fusion surgery for older adults…
Viewpoint: Why nurses will require a stronger back in 2012: Six key challenges facing the nursing community
American Nurse Today editorial board member Courtney Lyder, ND, GNP, FAAN, outlines what’s at stake in 2012.
Visits to ED for dental problems increase
According to a Pew Center report ED visits for dental problems increased 16% from 2006 to 2009. Read more.
