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September 2014 Vol. 9 No. 9
Ruby Jacobs, age 84, arrives at the emergency department with a headache, which she says has gotten worse over the past week despite taking acetaminophen. Her past medical…
A decade of analysis shows that bariatric surgical center accreditation is linked to lower mortality and fewer postoperative complications, according to a study in the Journal of the…
It’s lunchtime. Three of your patients are scheduled to receive rapid-acting insulin in addition to sliding-scale insulin. Mr. Jones, age 87, has type 2 diabetes. His blood glucose…
People with blood type AB may be more likely to develop cognitive impairment in later years than people with other blood types, according to a study published in…
For many college students, the ever-present pressure to be thin has trumped the goal of being healthy. Females face body-image issues throughout their lifespan. Our society glorifies thinness.…
As a healthcare professional, you’ve probably witnessed the chaos and confusion that ensue when a “code blue” is called for a patient in cardiac arrest. This emergency requires…
Cancer survivorship refers to the entire process of living with, through, and beyond cancer. A person is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis until death.…
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In this supplement, national experts…
To obtain Magnet® recognition, hospitals must have structures and processes in place that ensure nurses participate in shared decision making. A shared governance (SG) structure meets this criterion.…
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, fraud is “the intentional deception or misrepresentation made by a person with the knowledge that the deception could result…
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In this supplement, national experts…
A study in Drug and Alcohol Dependence has found that because of the presence of estrogen, female rats are at least 30% more sensitive than males to the…
On September 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Movantik (naloxegol), an oral treatment for opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic non-cancer pain. Read more.
On September 24, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared a new indication for the Nova StatStrip Glucose Hospital Meter System, extending its use to critically ill…
This month, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of a group of federal programs that have helped shape the face of nursing and health care. In 1964, U.S. lawmakers…
Over the past year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has reviewed political races across the country and met with candidates for Congress who seek ANA’s Political Action Committee…
In an era of healthcare reform, organizations are beginning to implement interprofessional team-based care as a strategy to deliver high-quality care more effectively and efficiently. In 2011, the…
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In this supplement, national experts…
The U.S. healthcare system is not properly designed to meet the needs of patients nearing the end of life and those of their families, and major changes to…
Risky or excessive alcohol use is common, expensive, and underrecognized as a significant public health problem. It’s also not addressed adequately in healthcare settings. At least 38 million…
This issue of American Nurse Today marks the start of my new role as Editor-in-Chief, following Pam Cipriano’s long, successful tenure. Her shoes will be hard to fill,…
Liver injury caused by herbals and dietary supplements (HDS) increased from 7% to 20% in a U.S. study group over a ten-year period, according to an article in…
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In this supplement, national experts…
According to a study in PLOS One, people who frequently use several media devices at the same time have lower grey-matter density in one particular region of the…
A study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine reports that a new test, Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS), was 90% accurate in identifying patients with concussion. The test…
On Sept. 8, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulation that will allow pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other authorized collectors to serve…
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In this supplement, national experts…
Nina Robbins, age 36, is admitted to the medical unit with pyelonephritis. She states she has had a fever above 102° F, back pain, vomiting, and painful urination…
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In this supplement, national experts…
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In this supplement, national experts…
Monica is late for work again. June has body odor. Brian doesn’t comply with the hospital’s cell-phone policy. As a nurse manager, you know you need to do…
Nursing literature abounds with descriptive and predictive studies of structural empowerment and its relationship to nurses’ trust, commitment, control over practice, intent to stay, productivity, job satisfaction, engagement,…
Patients who are cancer survivors may require education on a wide variety of topics, from nutrition to long-term follow-up needs. It’s vital that nurses ensure patients understand the in-formation…
It’s your worst nightmare: At 8 A.M., you walk into the room of Laura M, a 35-year-old patient who had surgery yesterday, for your morning assessment. She’s unresponsive. The…
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In this supplement, national experts…
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In this supplement, national experts…
Every day, on every shift, rural nurses experience geographic and professional isolation. Confined by geography, staff in rural hospitals practice as generalists by necessity, seeing illness and injury…
What happens to patients once they reach the maximum benefit of traditional curative treatment? For many, hospice should be considered. A point on the healthcare continuum, hospice offers…
For the last 2 years, Karen, the manager of a critical care unit, has been laying the groundwork for her unit to apply for the Beacon Award for…
Assessing and managing patients with chronic subdural hematoma
Ruby Jacobs, age 84, arrives at the emergency department with a headache, which she says has gotten worse over the past week despite taking…
Bariatric surgical center accreditation improves survival
A decade of analysis shows that bariatric surgical center accreditation is linked to lower mortality and fewer postoperative complications, according to a study in…
Beware of oversimplifying mealtime insulin dosing for hospital patients
It’s lunchtime. Three of your patients are scheduled to receive rapid-acting insulin in addition to sliding-scale insulin. Mr. Jones, age 87, has type 2…
Blood type may affect cognition in later years
People with blood type AB may be more likely to develop cognitive impairment in later years than people with other blood types, according to…
Bonding over body image
For many college students, the ever-present pressure to be thin has trumped the goal of being healthy. Females face body-image issues throughout their lifespan.…
Calming the chaos: Simulated code interdisciplinary team training
As a healthcare professional, you’ve probably witnessed the chaos and confusion that ensue when a “code blue” is called for a patient in cardiac…
Cancer survivorship
Cancer survivorship refers to the entire process of living with, through, and beyond cancer. A person is considered a cancer survivor from the time…
Developing a sling management system
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In…
Developing shared governance leaders
To obtain Magnet® recognition, hospitals must have structures and processes in place that ensure nurses participate in shared decision making. A shared governance (SG)…
Documentation: You’ve got a lot to lose
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, fraud is “the intentional deception or misrepresentation made by a person with the knowledge that…
Elements of a successful safe patient handling and mobility program
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In…
Estrogen increases cannabis sensitivity in rats
A study in Drug and Alcohol Dependence has found that because of the presence of estrogen, female rats are at least 30% more sensitive…
FDA approves treatment for opioid-induced constipation
On September 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Movantik (naloxegol), an oral treatment for opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic non-cancer…
FDA clears glucose monitoring system for use in critically ill patients.
On September 24, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared a new indication for the Nova StatStrip Glucose Hospital Meter System, extending its…
From your ANA President
This month, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of a group of federal programs that have helped shape the face of nursing and health care.…
Headlines from Hill
Over the past year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has reviewed political races across the country and met with candidates for Congress who seek…
Health, safety, & wellness
In an era of healthcare reform, organizations are beginning to implement interprofessional team-based care as a strategy to deliver high-quality care more effectively and…
Implementing a mobility assessment tool for nurses
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In…
IOM says end-of-life care needs not being met
The U.S. healthcare system is not properly designed to meet the needs of patients nearing the end of life and those of their families,…
Issues up close
Risky or excessive alcohol use is common, expensive, and underrecognized as a significant public health problem. It’s also not addressed adequately in healthcare settings.…
Launching a new season: Fall, football, and a focus on being the best
This issue of American Nurse Today marks the start of my new role as Editor-in-Chief, following Pam Cipriano’s long, successful tenure. Her shoes will…
Liver injury from herbals/dietary supplements rise
Liver injury caused by herbals and dietary supplements (HDS) increased from 7% to 20% in a U.S. study group over a ten-year period, according…
Making the business case for a safe patient handling and mobility program
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In…
Multitasking with media devices may change brain structure
According to a study in PLOS One, people who frequently use several media devices at the same time have lower grey-matter density in one…
New exam for identifying concussion
A study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine reports that a new test, Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS), was 90% accurate in identifying patients…
New policy on disposing unused prescription drugs announced
On Sept. 8, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulation that will allow pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other…
Prepare to care for patients of size
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In…
Respiratory failure from a myasthenic crisis
Nina Robbins, age 36, is admitted to the medical unit with pyelonephritis. She states she has had a fever above 102° F, back pain,…
Safe patient handling and mobility: A call to action
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In…
Standards to protect nurses from handling and mobility injuries
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In…
STOP: A strategy for dealing with difficult conversations
Monica is late for work again. June has body odor. Brian doesn’t comply with the hospital’s cell-phone policy. As a nurse manager, you know…
Structural empowerment and the Magnet® Model: A perfect fit
Nursing literature abounds with descriptive and predictive studies of structural empowerment and its relationship to nurses’ trust, commitment, control over practice, intent to stay,…
Teach-back essentials for cancer survivors
Patients who are cancer survivors may require education on a wide variety of topics, from nutrition to long-term follow-up needs. It’s vital that nurses ensure…
The case for capnography in patients receiving opioids
It’s your worst nightmare: At 8 A.M., you walk into the room of Laura M, a 35-year-old patient who had surgery yesterday, for your morning…
The sliding patient: How to respond to and prevent migration in bed
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In…
Transforming the culture: The key to hardwiring early mobility and safe patient handling
To avoid injuring their patients and themselves, healthcare providers must get in the habit of using safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology. In…
Using simulation-enhanced education and nurse-to-nurse mentoring
Every day, on every shift, rural nurses experience geographic and professional isolation. Confined by geography, staff in rural hospitals practice as generalists by necessity,…
When to refer patients for hospice care
What happens to patients once they reach the maximum benefit of traditional curative treatment? For many, hospice should be considered. A point on the…
Why timing is crucial in leadership
For the last 2 years, Karen, the manager of a critical care unit, has been laying the groundwork for her unit to apply for…