July 2016 Vol. 11 No. 7

A kinder, gentler workplace

According to an analysis in the May 2016 issue of BMJ, medical errors in U.S. healthcare facilities are incredibly common and are now the third leading cause of death—more than respiratory…

A summer of learning

The period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is a special time—a stretch of (ideally) sunny days when school is out and vacation time becomes a priority. In a typical year,…

Boost your career with community outreach involvement

Does patient teaching energize you? Could you see yourself leading a hula hoop contest to motivate children to exercise? Do you enjoy working with patients and professionals who appreciate your contributions? If you…
Nursing careers and education

Collaboration: The key to healthcare transformation

Transforming health care is a complex challenge that can best be met through a coordinated response from academia and clinical practice. Working together, chief nursing officers (CNOs) and academic leaders ensure that clinicians…

Fall prevention: Applying the evidence

This is the first in a series of three case studies illustrating success stories in preventing falls and injuries from falls. The series is brought to you by Posey.…

FDA approvals—July 11-12, 2016

On July 12, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Read more  …

FDA approves extended depth-of-focus IOL

On July 15, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tecnis Symfony intraocular lens (IOL), the first IOL that provides cataract patients with an extended depth-of-focus, which helps…

FDA approves first absorbable stent for CAD

On July 5, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first fully absorbable stent to treat coronary artery disease (CAD): Absorb GT1 Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold System (BVS).…

Frailty syndrome: A weakly addressed problem

Fran Covington, age 82, has a history of cardiovascular disease, chronic diastolic heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She lives at home with her husband and enjoys gardening and visiting with…

Helping patients who harm themselves

Why would someone deliberately hurt herself? The notion might seem odd—but as a nurse, you may encounter patients with signs of selfinjury (also called cutting, selfinflicted violence, self-harm, or self-mutilation). Cutting the skin is the most…

High stakes in the U.S. House and Senate

While the 2016 presidential campaign continues to dominate headlines, the outcome of critical races in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate could dramatically alter Washington’s political landscape. Through your advocacy and engagement, registered…

Hyponatremia signals acute adrenal insufficiency

Maryann Ward, age 56, is admitted to the chest pain unit. Sara, her nurse, finds her alert and oriented. Mrs. Ward tells Sara her chest pain started yesterday. When assessing her, Sara…

Maintaining clinical competency is your responsibility

Healthcare consumers expect competency from the nurses who care for them—and registered nurses (RNs) have an ethical and legal responsibility to maintain their competency. The scope of the professional nurse evolves continuously to adjust to the…

Medical alert: Delirium do’s and don’ts

Delirium is a state of confusion and altered level of consciousness that comes on suddenly and lasts for hours or even weeks before resolving. A serious and often deadly medical condition, it…

Medical marijuana lowers prescription drug use

Legalized medical marijuana saved Medicare $165.2 million in 2013 by lowering prescription drug use, according to a study in Health Affairs. Read more and access the abstract.

Olanzapine for chemo-related nausea and vomiting

Compared with placebo, olanzapine significantly improves nausea prevention in patients treated with emetogenic chemotherapy, according to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine. Read more

Reducing readmissions in in COPD patients

A preventable and treatable lung disorder of adults, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common causes of hospitalizations and readmissions. It affects 15 million Americans; nearly one in five hospital patients older than age…

Smoothing your transition from RN to NP

Transitioning to the nurse practitioner (NP) role is exciting—but it can also be stressful. Fortunately, taking certain steps can make it smoother. I’m a family NP (FNP), board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing…

The will to live – and living well

Groucho Marx said, “Marriage is the chief cause of divorce.” When we mentioned this to a friend of ours, he retorted, “Yes—and life is the chief cause of death!” In writing…

Urinary tract symptoms in nurses

Lower urinary tract symptoms are a “significant issue” among female nurses, according to a systematic review published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing. Read more

Your path to becoming an administrative supervisor

Naomi, a novice staff nurse, calls her administrative supervisor, Madelyn, for assistance with Selma Rice, an 84-year-old patient  who has pulled out her I.V. line and wants to leave against medical advice (AMA).…

Zika virus: Dispelling the myths

Since its emergence, Zika virus has been a source of concern and confusion for many people worldwide, particularly in today’s era of instant messaging and misinformation. However, because nurses spend more time with…

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