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Building a successful behavioral emergency support team

Takeaways Healthcare workers experience more incidents of workplace violence compared to other professionals. A healthy work environment requires that nurses have the skills, tools, and support they need to prevent and manage violent patient behavior. Treating a behavioral emergency like…

Central vascular access device complications:

APPROXIMATELY 5 million central vascular access devices (CVADs) are inserted into U.S. patients every year, and at least 85% of hospitalized patients receive some form of I.V. therapy. The widespread use of CVADs presents considerable challenges for nurses when managing…

The perils of perfectionism in nursing

Perfectionism is a weakness masquerading as a strength. A perfectionist approach can cause even the best and brightest people to feel unmotivated, devalued, dependent, disempowered, frustrated, and ultimately disengaged.
cross-training

Cross-training: Preparing for disasters beyond the pandemic

A three-phase approach addressed immediate needs and enhanced nurses’ skills and confidence. Editor’s note: This is an early release of a web exclusive article for the March 2021 issue of American Nurse Journal. When the first surge of COVID-19 hit…

Nursing ethics for a gig economy

I’m exhausted. My unit is always short staffed. I’m asked to work longer hours and come in on my day off. I need more control over my life and schedule. I wish there was an Uber-like employment option for nurses.…
AI in nursing

A staff nurse’s AI wish list

The adage “necessity is the mother of invention” has been propelling human progress (or folly, depending on one’s point of view) since the dawn of time. I’m sure the need for speed was at the back of the minds of…

Antibiotic stewardship

ANTIBIOTIC resistance is a growing global threat that goes beyond methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, and other familiar multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. In fact, MDR organisms (those resistant to three classes of antibiotics) are now overshadowed by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, which…

Should a nurse’s full name be on an ID badge?

At a recent staff meeting, nurses requested to have only their first names printed on their identification badges (IDs). The nurses were concerned about being stalked or harassed at home if their last names were disclosed. What guidance can you…

Medical Cannabis: What Nurses Need to Know

Nurses frequently care for patients who use or are considering using medical cannabis. In 2018, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) released guidelines for nurses who care for patients who use medical cannabis, stating, “Nurses need practical…

Patient safety awareness

How do we create a mindset focused on safety? Patient Safety Awareness Week is March 14-20. Its importance can’t be emphasized enough. In addition to the high mortality rates this year due to COVID-19, mortality resulting from medical error in…
_NurseFatigue

Nurse fatigue: The silent epidemic

Are you getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period? According to ANA Enterprise’s new Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation® survey results, 40% of nurses and nursing students surveyed aren’t getting this much-needed rest, and 14%…

Leaders’ role in stopping workplace violence

Develop a sustainable plan that includes support and follow-up. Takeaways: The key to a successful workplace violence prevention program begins at the top with strong policies endorsed by executive leadership. The creation of a multidisciplinary committee and concise reporting mechanisms…

How to avoid gender bias in nursing education

A simple game can teach valuable lessons. Takeaways: Many men who enter nursing face bias based on preconceived notions about who can be a nurse. Nurse educators have a responsibility to ensure their biases don’t negatively impact a student’s career…
nurses walking through hospital

Why I go to the office

In these waning days of the pandemic, one of the hottest discussions is whether office workers should physically go back to the office and end the work-from-home alternative. Great arguments are offered from both sides of the divide. Those who…

Rebuilding teamwork after a turbulent time

Focus on safety and trust. Takeaways: Research indicates that many nurses who joined teams during the pandemic feel less connected to other team members. With intentional work that restores trust and psychological safety, leaders can rebuild team cohesiveness. Maria works…

Evidence-based update on chest tube management

CHEST thoracotomy tubes (CTTs) have been around for centuries, but not until the late 1950s did they become standard of care for treating empyema, pneumothorax, hemothorax, hemopneumothorax, and pleural effusion.
NP using her full scope of practice

Enhancing rural health through expanded APRN scope of practice

Rural American communities frequently struggle to provide adequate primary care services due to limited healthcare facilities and a shortage of qualified professionals. Advanced practice RNs (APRNs) are highly trained and skilled healthcare providers who can play a significant role in…