Artificial intelligence (AI) permeates all aspects of life, though it often goes unrecognized and misunderstood by those who use it daily. Due to various methods of development and variant subspecialties, AI has eluded a uniform definition primarily because AI is…

Leadership in nursing may be demonstrated in many ways and many different environments throughout one’s nursing career. There are similarities, though, that strong nurse leaders possess. Strong nurse leaders are able to constantly evolve as healthcare changes evolve. Nurse leaders…

Christopher E. Otto, MSN, RN, CCRN Christopher E. Otto, MSN, RN, CCRN[/caption]As a product of multiple, concurrent internal and external challenges and opportunities, the Delaware Nurses Association (DNA), like the profession, finds itself in a continuous state of evolution. When…

Dr. Stephanie J. McClellan, DNP, MBA, RN, CMSRN, NE-BCOne year has passed since I assumed the role of President of our amazing nursing association. It has been a year full of progress, excitement, work of various magnitude, and together we…

Dr. Stephanie J. McClellan, DNP, MBA, RN, CMSRN, NE-BCAs a nurse, one of the first lessons we are taught are the skills of assessment, communication, and intervention. As a nurse leader for the association and on a national level, I…

Dr. Stephanie J. McClellan, DNP, MBA, RN, CMSRN, NE-BCAs I began to write this last column as the President of the Delaware Nurses Association, I am beyond grateful. When I was notified in late 2021 that I had been elected…

The focus of this edition of the DNA Reporter is Nurse Leadership in the First State. I am honored to share this guest editor opportunity with Taryn Pariag, a former MSN Leadership student and Nurse Educator. This issue highlights the…

Greetings, Delaware Nurses! As Guest Editor for this edition of the DNA Reporter, I am honored to serve. In today’s complex healthcare environment, understanding and applying legal considerations is critical for nurses in all specialties. The first article, authored by…

Greetings, Delaware Nurses! As Guest Editor for this edition of the DNA Reporter, I am honored to serve once again. Understanding the legal and ethical dimensions of our work remains paramount, and I trust you found the articles in last…

When it comes to money, it’s easy to let your emotions get the best of you – particularly during periods of personal stress or market volatility. Even seasoned investors should guard against making financial decisions based on feelings instead of…

Overview of EMTALA The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Agreement (EMTALA) was enacted in 1986 as part of the Comprehensive Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Occasionally referred to as the “Anti-Dumping Act,” Congress adopted the agreement to ensure emergent care…

Introduction Terminating a patient-provider relationship involves several legal considerations, and as a result, some Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) often question if they should maintain or terminate a patient relationship. Fortunately, terminating the patient-provider relationship is a rare occurrence. Grossier…

Nurse Advocacy in Action: Your Voice Matters! June is always a busy month. It is the month that DNA hosts our annual “Nurse’s Day at Legislative Hall” in Dover, ANA’s Hill Day in Washington, the end of Delaware’s legislative session,…

Forensic nurses are an invaluable resource and play a vital role in treating survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault by advocating for their well-being and ensuring justice is served. As a component of this specialized role at…

The ideas for this edition of The DNA Reporter came from so many places I’ve been and experiences I’ve had in my own professional practice and working with the Delaware Nurses Association during the past years. Some ideas came from…

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing high-quality anesthesia care to patients across various settings. However, like any specialized profession, CRNAs face unique legal challenges in the United States (U.S.). From licensure issues…

Introduction Emergency nurses work in tumultuous environments where acuity and volumes are high, waiting rooms are overcrowded, and time is of the essence. Due to the variety of patients and diagnoses served in the emergency department (ED), nurses must be…

There are over 630,000 active licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs) in the United States and 2,700 are in the State of Delaware. Over 171,000 LPNs work in long-term care facilities, which is ranked as the number one field of nursing that…

Many of the myths and challenges in private duty nursing (PDN) may be due to the lack of knowledge of what PDN truly is. There are many misconceptions about PDN regarding lower pay, lack of opportunity for career advancement, a…

Advances in technology have transformed healthcare delivery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the utilization of telehealth expanded, providing critical access to primary care and specialty providers. Telehealth is “… the exchange of medical information from one site to another through electronic…

Depending on the severity of the impairment, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual disability (ID) can have difficulty with traditional primary care office visits. The clinic environment is unfamiliar and overstimulating, and even if a clinic room can…

Little research exists on nursing students with accommodations in higher education. Nursing schools historically do not admit students to nursing programs with physical disabilities due to the technical requirements of being a Registered Nurse (RN). However, students choose a nursing…

What is rehabilitation nursing? It is caring for an individual with a disability, acute condition, or chronic illness and helping them reach their maximum potential and function or adapt to the new physical or neurological challenges they are facing. According…

Millions of Americans in the workforce are heading back to school to further their education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, college students over the age of 25 are projected to increase 11% by 2026. These adult learners…

School Nursing is a complex practice in which professional nurses care for students from young preschool age through adolescence. There are various ideas and perceptions about the school nurse role, but it is quite a unique career path for professional…

Throughout my 32-year nursing career, I have been shaped by the insights and experiences of many talented individuals who have profoundly influenced my professional journey and taught me how to innovate and improve my professional practice. As I approach retirement,…

As the healthcare field continues to struggle with workforce shortages, it is imperative that nurse leaders seek other effective systems of care delivery. Re-imagining a more purposeful collaboration between nursing and other healthcare professionals may provide strategies for the future.…

Many patients to whom nurses provide care have a chronic condition. These chronic conditions can arise from any organ or system in the body. They can be present since birth (e.g., cerebral palsy) or develop at any point during the…

Innovative solutions designed to mitigate the challenges of an aging population outgrowing the supply of healthcare professionals are regularly in the news. These solutions are valuable and needed to reduce burden as more patients move across the care continuum. Becoming…

Patient safety is paramount, and yet, despite best efforts, medical malpractice incidents can lead to potential legal repercussions. For Delaware nurses, understanding nursing’s scope of practice, adhering to standards of care and organizational policies, detailed documentation, and advocating for patients…

Social Security remains a critical component of most American’s retirement plans and questions persist around its long-term solvency. While the number of Social Security beneficiaries is expected to continuously grow over the next decade, payments into the program via payroll…

To kick off Nurse’s Week 2025, the Delaware Nurses Association made several announcements about the future of our organization. Joined by U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, Delaware Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay, Speaker of the Delaware House of Representatives Melissa…

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are recognized as one of the most attractive retirement savings vehicles available to investors. IRAs allow investors to save and grow money in a tax-advantaged account. Utilizing a retirement savings vehicle like this can greatly enhance…