January 2013 Vol. 8 No. 1 Archives

January 2013 Vol. 8 No. 1

‘Post-hospital syndrome’ in NEJM

January 11, 2013

“Post-Hospital Syndrome — An Acquired, Transient Condition of Generalized Risk,” in The New England Journal of Medicine, presents “post-hospital syndrome” as a construct related to readmission. The author…

NEJM article addresses challenges of evaluating patient satisfaction

January 11, 2013

An article in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) discusses the challenges of measuring patient experiences and provides guidelines for increasing effectiveness, including focusing on a specific…

Building a compelling business case for nursing and quality indicators

January 11, 2013

The author outlines how to make a business case for clinical quality measures, including how to use NDNQI data to substantiate your position.

Building collaboration between CNOs and direct-care nurses

January 11, 2013

Collaboration hinges on mutual trust and respect. To nurture these attributes, the chief nursing officer must appreciate others’ contributions, use the skillsets of nurses at different knowledge levels,…

Caring for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults

January 11, 2013

Current discussions on the unique health issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations have prompted the healthcare professions to reexamine their mission and values. The American…

Charge Nurse University: Preparing future nurse leaders

January 11, 2013

A leadership development program helps staff nurses with high leadership potential become the hospital’s next nurse leaders.

Creating a Magnet® culture using the ANA Code of Ethics

January 11, 2013

One hospital’s Magnet workgroup used a Code of Ethics program to transform nursing practice.

Ensuring quality and saving time

January 11, 2013

The National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators&#174 tracks the care nurses provide, helping to improve nursing practice, patient outcomes, and the work environment.

FDA approves Botox for treatment of overactive bladder

January 11, 2013

On Jan. 18, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) to treat adults with overactive bladder who can’t use or don’t…

FDA approves drug to treat multi-drug resistant TB

January 11, 2013

On Dec. 31, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sirturo (bedaquiline) as part of combination therapy to treat adults with multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (TB)…

FDA approves first anti-diarrheal drug for HIV/AIDS patients

January 11, 2013

On Dec. 31, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Fulyzaq (crofelemer) to relieve symptoms of diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients taking antiretroviral therapy; it is the…

FDA approves seasonal flu vaccine made using novel technology

January 11, 2013

On Jan. 16, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Flublok, the first trivalent influenza vaccine made using an insect virus (baculovirus) expression system and recombinant…

FDA issue draft guidance on making opioids harder to abuse

January 11, 2013

On Jan. 9, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a draft guidance document to assist industry in developing new formulations of opioid drugs with that…

FDA requires lower recommended doses for drugs containing zolpidem

January 11, 2013

On Jan. 10, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is requiring the manufacturers of Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar and Zolpimist, sleep drugs that contain…

Fending off disaster for a frostbite victim

January 11, 2013

Without effective treatment, more than 40% of frostbite victims require digital amputation. Can Jonathan’s toes be saved?

Find the best route to your career destination

January 11, 2013

To move your career up a notch, should you go back to school or pursue nonacademic options? The authors’ advice can help you decide on the best professional…

Headlines from the Hill

January 11, 2013

Election results: A “demographic time bomb”

Health, safety, & wellness

January 11, 2013

To meet your New Year’s resolutions, take the SMART approach—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timebound.

Helping patients survive sepsis

January 11, 2013

In its early stages, sepsis can be difficult to detect. Learn about the sometimes-subtle signs and symptoms.

HHS releases modifications to HIPAA privacy, security, enforcement, and breach notification rule

January 11, 2013

On Jan. 17, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released “Modifications to the HIPAA Privacy, Security, Enforcement, and Breach Notification Rules under the Health Information Technology…

Highlights from the 2012 ANCC National Magnet Conference®

January 11, 2013

The recent conference offered education programs, networking opportunities, artwork, and

How one hospital helps staff nurses pay for advanced academic degrees

January 11, 2013

An innovative funding program is helping to create a highly educated nursing workforce.

How to achieve success in quality improvement

January 11, 2013

To achieve sustained improvement in patient outcomes, create a work environment that promotes a commitment to excellence and examine NDNQI data on your organization’s current performance level.

How to love and care for yourself unconditionally

January 11, 2013

Are you able to relax, have fun, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life? Or do you: have trouble falling or staying asleep? smoke, drink, or eat to…

Issues up close

January 11, 2013

ANA: Moving forward—mission possible This content is for Digital Access and Print Plus subscribers only. Subscribe Now or LoginAlready a member? Log in here

January 2013 e-Edition

January 11, 2013

Click here to access the digital edition

Joint Commission proposes alarm management as 2014 National Patient Safety Goal

January 11, 2013

The Joint Commission is inviting comments on its proposed 2014 National Patient Safety Goal on management of alarms. The 15-question survey should take about 10 to 15 minutes…

Nursing quality: Strength in numbers

January 11, 2013

"In God we trust. All others must bring data." The National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators® (NDNQI®) collects data that can improve the quality of care.

Stemming the rising tide of acute kidney injury

January 11, 2013

By obtaining a thorough history and conducting a careful assessment, you can help patients avoid this condition.

Study: Disinfecting caps reduce CLABSI rates

January 11, 2013

Using a disinfection cap (with isopropyl alcohol) on central line catheters significantly reduced central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates, according to a study in the American Journal of…

Study: Donor feces more effective than vancomycin in treatment of recurrent C. difficile

January 11, 2013

A study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that infusing a solution of donor feces through a nasoduodenal tube was “significantly more effective” for the treatment…

Study: Mindfulness meditation may help patients with chronic inflammation

January 11, 2013

A study in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention reduced the inflammatory response, suggesting that MBSR may provide therapeutic benefits to…

Study: NP-staffed clinic improves care, lowers cost for women with benign breast conditions

January 11, 2013

The Virginia Mason Breast Clinic, staffed by nurse practitioners (NPs), has substantially improved care timeliness for women with symptomatic benign breast conditions, according to an article in Health…

The healing didn’t stop during Sandy

January 11, 2013

As Superstorm Sandy ravaged much of New York City, nurses went above and beyond the call of duty. Many jeopardized their own welfare to provide patient care.

The healthy nurse

January 11, 2013

Only you can write your personal well-being prescription to feel good and maintain balance.

Too young to be a nurse leader?

January 11, 2013

Marla Johnson began her career on an oncology unit after graduating from a BSN program 4 years ago. She achieved certification and regularly takes charge on the night…

Uncover your inner nurse athlete

January 11, 2013

If you’re sacrificing your own health to care for others, you might be in for burnout, illness, or a disabling injury. The author describes seven steps you can…