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DiversityNursing Blog

The Importance of a Healthy Work Environment

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Tue, Oct 24, 2023 @ 10:39 AM

Creating a healthy work environment for Nurses should be a top priority for employers in the healthcare industry. Nurses play a vital role in patient care, and their well-being directly impacts the quality of care they provide. By addressing some of the biggest issues in Nursing today, such as recruitment, retention, burnout, and bullying, employers can create a positive and supportive work environment that ultimately benefits both Nurses and patients.

Recruitment and retention are ongoing challenges in the industry. Many healthcare facilities struggle to attract and retain qualified Nurses, leading to staffing shortages and increased workload for the existing staff. By focusing on creating healthy work environments, employers can make their organizations more appealing to prospective Nurses and enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty. A positive work environment with adequate resources, support, and opportunities for professional growth can attract and retain talented Nurses, ensuring a stable workforce and improving patient outcomes.

Burnout is a pervasive issue among Nurses, resulting from the demanding nature of their work and high levels of stress. A negative work environment can exacerbate burnout and its associated physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. 

A McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) report found a direct correlation between a workplace's toxicity and the levels of stress and burnout reported by its employees. According to this research, employees are almost 8 times more likely to report symptoms of burnout when faced with high levels of toxic workplace behavior.

Employers need to prioritize the well-being of their Nursing staff by implementing strategies that promote work-life balance, provide access to support services, and encourage self-care. By fostering a culture of wellness and offering resources to manage stress, employers can mitigate burnout and create an environment where Nurses feel valued and supported.

Bullying is another significant issue that affects Nurses' well-being and job satisfaction. Workplace bullying can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and decreased morale among Nurses, ultimately impacting patient care. 

According to an article from the National Library of Medicine, "A significant percentage of Nurses leave their first job due to the negative behaviors of their coworkers, and bullying is likely to exacerbate the growing Nurse shortage. A bullying culture contributes to a poor Nurse work environment, increased risk to patients, lower Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient satisfaction scores, and greater Nurse turnover."

Health systems must take proactive measures to prevent and address bullying in the workplace. This includes implementing clear policies against bullying, providing training on respectful communication and conflict resolution, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. By creating a safe and respectful work environment, employers can empower Nurses to excel in their roles and provide the best possible care to patients.

Negative workplaces not only harm the well-being of Nurses but also contribute to disengagement and decreased job satisfaction. When Nurses feel unsupported, unappreciated, or overwhelmed by their work environment, they are more likely to become disengaged, which can ultimately lead to decreased productivity and compromised patient care. Employers must recognize the impact of the work environment on Nurse engagement and take steps to create a positive and empowering atmosphere. This can be achieved through open communication, involving Nurses in decision-making processes, and providing opportunities for professional development and growth.

In conclusion, creating a healthy work environment for Nurses should be a top priority for employers. By addressing issues such as recruitment, retention, burnout, and bullying, employers can create a positive and supportive workplace that enhances Nurses' well-being and improves patient care. Investing in the well-being of Nurses not only benefits the individuals but also contributes to the overall success of healthcare organizations. Employers must recognize the crucial role Nurses play in healthcare and take proactive steps to ensure their work environment fosters their growth, satisfaction, and ultimately, the provision of high-quality patient care.

Topics: nursing, nurse, nursing career, nursing staff, nursing stress, nurse engagement, nursing workforce, workplace culture, healthy workplace, healthcare workforce, nursing field, inclusive workplace, work environment

Exploring the Need for More Nurse Educators in Healthcare

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Fri, Apr 21, 2023 @ 11:20 AM

GettyImages-1342275996There is a growing need for more Nurse Educators to address the current shortage of Nurses and ensure the future generations of Nurses are well-trained and prepared to provide quality care.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Projections 2021-2031, the Registered Nursing (RN) workforce is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade. The RN workforce is expected to grow from 3.1 million in 2021 to 3.3 million in 2031, an increase of 195,400 Nurses. The Bureau also projects 203,200 openings for RNs each year through 2031 when Nurse retirements and workforce exits are factored into the number of Nurses needed in the U.S.
 
The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) workforce, including Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives, is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupation, by 40% from 2021 through 2031, according to the BLS’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Approximately 30,200 new APRNs, which are prepared in master’s and doctoral programs, will be needed each year through 2031 to meet the rising demand for care.

Nurse Educators play a vital role in the education and training of Nursing students and are responsible for developing and delivering curriculum, designing and implementing clinical experiences, and evaluating student progress.

The shortage of Nurse Educators at Nursing schools across the country are limiting student capacity at a time when the need for Nurses continues to grow.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), budget constraints, an aging faculty, and increasing job competition from clinical sites have contributed to this crisis.

However, increasing the number of Nurse Educators is critical to addressing the Nursing shortage and ensuring that there are enough qualified Nurses to meet the needs of patients. 

There are several strategies that can be implemented to increase the number of Nurse Educators:

Increase Funding

Providing increased funding for Nursing education programs can help schools hire additional faculty and offer competitive salaries and benefits packages.

It's recommended, Congress pass legislation that would invest in Nursing faculty, clinical placements, and Nursing program facilities so that colleges and universities have the resources to enroll and graduate more students. 

Tuition Forgiveness

Providing tuition forgiveness or loan repayment programs for Nurses who pursue advanced degrees in Nursing education can help incentivize Nurses to become Educators. Learn more about loan forgiveness or loan repayment programs here

Mentorship Programs

Providing mentorship programs to support new Nurse Educators can help with their retention and success in the field. These programs are meant to encourage mutual professional growth between both the mentor and the mentee through a dynamic and supportive relationship.

Flexible Scheduling

People everywhere are demanding a shift toward work-life balance. Healthcare professionals are constantly working long hours, with little to no flexibility in their schedules. Offering flexible scheduling options can help attract individuals who may be interested in teaching but have other commitments, such as family or outside work.

Professional Development

Nurse Educators are tasked with nurturing the growth and education of Nurses, but they also need opportunities for growth and development. Offering opportunities for ongoing professional development, such as attending conferences or pursuing advanced degrees, can help keep Nurse Educators up-to-date on the latest Nursing practices and research.

Collaborations with Healthcare Facilities

Partnerships between Nursing schools and healthcare facilities can help provide clinical experiences for Nursing students and provide opportunities for Nurses to transition into teaching roles.

Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, RN, Director of Nursing programs at the American Nurses Association, told Becker's Hospital Review, she views it as "building a bridge" between schools and hospitals to train Nurses in real-world healthcare situations. Additionally, she said, growing an in-house team of Nurse Educators provides a pipeline for hospitals who can be actively involved in cultivating their own future workforces.

By implementing these strategies, Nursing schools and healthcare organizations can work together to address the shortage of Nurse Educators and make sure future generations of Nurses receive the education and training they need to provide high-quality patient care.

 

Topics: new nurses, new nurse, nursing school, nurse, nurses, Nurse Educators, nurse shortage, nurse training

Things Nurses Wish Their Patients Knew

Posted by Sarah West APRN, FNP-BC

Mon, Oct 17, 2022 @ 02:32 PM

GettyImages-1210971758Across the entire patient experience, Nurses have a hand in almost every aspect of the patient's healthcare journey. Nurses are compassionate, and dedicated, and work tirelessly to meet the needs of their patients. Because Nurses are at the forefront of every patient interaction, there are many things that we wish our patients knew and understood about how we work and handle our everyday tasks.  

Every Patient is a Priority, but You May Have to Wait 

Nursing is a busy and fast-paced profession. Our days are jam-packed with patient care tasks, documentation, and care coordination. More often than not, it can be challenging to find time to eat, drink water, or even use the bathroom during our shifts. We hate having to make our patients wait for things they may want or need, but sometimes we wish our patients understood that we take great consideration in prioritizing our patient's needs. So, if you are asked to wait or have been waiting for something longer than you think you should have, please understand that your Nurse may have a more pressing matter to attend to, and every patient deserves our complete attention. 

Nurses are People Too 

Nurses often sacrifice their personal needs to care for their patients. As mentioned earlier, we often forgo meals and bathroom breaks to ensure we can complete all our tasks and care for your needs. Nursing can often be a thankless job. Nurses understand that you want the best quality care, and we strive to provide that to every one of our patients. Patience, understanding, and respect are all that we ask for in return. 

We Care More Than You Think We Do 

Nurses are multitaskers. At any given time, we can be juggling more tasks than you may even realize. Sometimes Nurses may come off as flustered or in a hurry, but that does not mean we do not value your wants or needs. Nurses stay late and come in on their days off to ensure their patients receive excellent care. We even think about you long after we've met because you have touched our lives. Patients are what make the Nursing profession so rewarding. We do what we do for you. 

We May Not Know Everything

We encourage our patients to ask questions, but that does not mean we have all the answers. Sometimes we may need to find the answer for you by speaking to a Doctor or collaborating with other Nurses. This does not mean we do not know what we are doing. It simply means that every patient has a different healthcare journey, and often situations arise that we may not have experience with. Our top priority is that you receive the best quality care, so if you ask a question and we do not know the answer, please rest assured that we will do everything within our power to get you the information you are looking for. 

We Do Not Judge  

Nurses do not do their jobs to judge our patients. Please always be honest when answering questions or providing your health history. Withholding information because you may be embarrassed or may not think it relevant can significantly impact the care we can provide. We care about you and want to ensure that you are cared for in the best possible way. Nurses are also prepared to take care of all your personal needs. We do not mind doing ‘gross’ or ‘embarrassing’ tasks. You do not have to say sorry for natural bodily functions. We understand and are ok with it, I promise!

The Nursing profession is a delicate blend of knowledge, compassion, and critical thinking. We strive every day to make a positive impact on the lives of our patients. A strong Nurse-patient relationship improves your healthcare experience and helps us provide you with the best quality care.

Topics: nurse-to-patient, nurse, nurses, nursing career, nursing profession, nursing workforce, nurse role, nurse communication

2021 Top 10 Shoes For Nurses

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Wed, Apr 21, 2021 @ 03:15 PM

Since Nurses spend so much time on their feet, they need durable shoes that can provide ultimate comfort and support. From sneakers to slip ons, here is a list of the best shoes for Nurses this year!

1. Hoka One One Arahi 4

hoka

2. adidas Men's Ultraboost

ultraboost

3. Alegria Debra Professional

alegria

4. Crocs Bistro Clog

bistro

 

5. The Cloud

cloud

6. Clove Shoe

clove

7. Dansko Professional Clog

dansko

8. New Balance Women's 411 V1 Walking Shoe

new balance

9. Dansko Paisley Sneaker

paisley

10. Brooks Levitate 4

brooks

 

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Topics: nurse, nurses, shoes for nurses, top nurse shoes, nurse shoes, best shoes for nurses, nursing shoes

What it Takes to be a Nurse and CEO

Posted by Pat Magrath

Fri, Dec 16, 2016 @ 01:50 PM

CEO-1.jpgHave you been thinking about a Leadership position? Perhaps you’ve dreamed about being the CNO or CEO at a hospital or health system. This article speaks very frankly about what it takes and what’s involved in these positions.
 
While your clinical experience is vital, understanding business and how it works is just as important. Read on for some very insightful information about these Leadership positions and let us know if you have any comments.

Nurses bring a wealth of clinical understanding to the chief executive role, but they have to master business skills and a wider focus if they want to succeed.

When Leah A. Carpenter, RN, MPA, went into nursing 30 years ago, she did not intend to follow a career path to administration. In fact, early in her career, she was pretty skeptical about the folks in the C-suite.

"I had no desire to be a suit whatsoever," says Carpenter, who is now Administrator and Chief Executive Officer at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines, FL.

"There was a very big disconnect between the C-suite—and even middle management—and the rank-and-file staff. I really didn't have a great deal of respect for or want anything to do with a leadership at that time."

Then a bit of what she calls "divine intervention" nudged her into the administrative realm. "I lost my hearing progressively over the last past 20 years, so I'm virtually deaf in one ear," she says.

"I had to make a decision whether I wanted to go into management or education, because that's pretty much the two paths that a nurse can take if she's not going to be at the bedside."

Despite that unconventional beginning, Carpenter has risen to the top as a CEO. Now she has some insights and advice for RNs who are considering a CEO role.

Q. What talents, skills, and insights can a nurse bring to the CEO role?

A. Besides the obvious, which is the clinical background and really understanding what it takes to give safe, quality care that is service-oriented, I think I understand the struggle and what the staff needs to be able to deliver that.

That allows me to garner a certain level of respect from the team because they know I've been where they are.

Q. Do you think nurses who become CEOs face unique challenges?

A. Yes, in some respect. It's been easier for me personally in terms of mastering the role because I have the advantage of understanding the intricacies of the clinical world. I think it has been difficult—I've accomplished it but it's taken a while—to garner the respect as a businesswoman as well as a clinician.

Not every nurse leader or CNO can transition from the clinical world into the administrative world.

Q. Do you think there's a major difference between CNO thinking and CEO thinking?

A. Absolutely. You have to still have the understanding and the insight of the CNO, but there's a completely different skill set that you have to master in order to be a CEO.

You have to learn that balance. You can't look at it from just the eyes of a nurse. You're everyone's voice and you represent everyone—the clinical side, the dietary side, the environmental side, the construction side, the legal side.

There's a whole scope of skills and negotiation abilities that you need to have to balance all of that.

Q. What advice do you have for nurses interested in becoming CEOs?

A. It shouldn't be about the title or about the money. It needs to be about the impact: What do you hope to achieve and deliver? What's the end product?

For me, the end product was having an impact on safety, quality, and service, but at a table where I could really make a difference by having the experience as well as learning the business end of it.

I would steer [prospective nurse CEOs] away from a graduate degree in nursing. I think it limits your scope. They have to look at a business or administration type master's degree.

Also, mentors are key. You have to find people who are really good at this, attach yourself to their hip, and learn everything you can from them.

Not everybody's not going to be a great leader, but you can still learn from bad leaders. You can learn what not to do, and you can develop yourself into the kind of leader you want to be, knowing the things that don't work.

Interested in learning more about this or maybe have a general question? Ask one of our Nurse Leaders today.
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Topics: ceo, nurse, leadership

WWII Nurse Who Skipped Chemo To Explore The World Passes Away At 91

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Thu, Oct 06, 2016 @ 12:35 PM

14195247_1118567864901482_4176363292415554093_o-850x566.jpgAfter 13,000 miles and 75 locations in 32 states, Norma – the 91-year-old Nurse who chose to take a road trip instead of spending her last days undergoing chemotherapy – has passed away. This fun loving lady lived the last year of her life in an Airstream trailer with her therapy poodle Ringo, enjoying the sights of our lovely nation. Keep reading to learn more about Norma and see photos from her journey!  

In 2015, 90-year-old Norma Bauerschmidt found herself in the hospital, listening to a doctor explain the treatment options for her recently diagnosed cancer.

Bauerschmidt, better known as Miss Norma, stopped him right there. Matter-of-fact like, she told her doctor, “I’m 90 years old, I’m hitting the road!”

Now, more than a year after issuing that powerful statement, Miss Norma’s journey has come to a peaceful end.

Norma Bauerschmidt died at the age 91 in home hospice care from complications of stage four uterine cancer.

She became a worldwide icon for living life on your own terms when she famously rejected medical treatment for her cancer, in favor of going on the road trip of a lifetime.

She is survived by her son Tim and daughter-in-law Ramie, who were both instrumental in giving her a truly extraordinary last year.

Scroll through the gallery below to learn more about how Miss Norma took life by the reins, and inspired millions along the way!

In the summer of 2015, Norma Bauerschmidt made a decision that touched the lives of millions, when she lost her husband and found herself diagnosed with cancer in the span of just two weeks.

Bauerschmidt’s husband of 67 years, Leo, was admitted to hospice just as Bauerschmidt herself was undergoing a series of medical tests after her doctors noticed blood in her urine.

On July 7th, Leo Bauerschmidt passed away after lingering in hospice care for two weeks. Two days later, doctors confirmed the results of Norma’s tests; she had stage four uterine cancer.

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It’s easy to speculate about what happened next; perhaps if Bauerschmidt hadn’t just lost her husband, or if she’d been ten or even five years younger, she would have chosen to go ahead with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Instead, Norma Bauerschmidt made history when she told her doctor, “I’m 90 years old, I’m hitting the road.”

She refused treatment, and decided that with the amount of time she had left, she was going to spend it living her life to the fullest!

Her son Tim and his wife Ramie had retired to a nomadic lifestyle in their vintage Airstream trailer years before. They invited Bauerschmidt to join them, and set off all together on the adventure of a lifetime!

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Bauerschmidt and her sweet therapy poodle Ringo got their very own trailer suite hitched to the back of the Airstream, and Ramie set up a Facebook page for fans inspired by Bauerschmidt’s decision to follow along.

With Tim and Ramie leading the way, the 90-year-old began a grand tour of the country, stopping to see every site she ever dreamed of.

She went from Niagara Falls to the Grand Canyon, visited the Jolly Green Giant in Minnesota, and collected sea sponges in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

12622452_972189156206021_1135367574544414708_o-850x1275.jpgEverywhere she went, Bauerschmidt — often called “Miss Norma” who was in a spoof on the film Driving Miss Daisy — made sure to share her infectious smile and enthusiasm for life with everyone she met.

She traveled as a young woman when she worked as a nurse during WWII. In the intervening years, however, she settled down in Michigan with her husband to raise their family.

Faced with the uncertainty of a stage four cancer diagnosis, she made sure to experience each of her adventures with joyful enthusiasm.

After all was said and done, she spent more than a year on the road, crisscrossing the country from east to west and back again.

To mark the anniversary of Miss Norma’s grand adventure, Tim and Ramie took to the Facebook page in late August 2016 and thanked everyone that helped them and show the world how precious that time was for everyone involved.

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“We have driven the RV nearly 13,000 miles and slept in over 75 different locations in 32 states. Miss Norma has experienced more “firsts” than we can count. 

Big things, like riding in a hot air balloon or on a horse, to little things like getting a pedicure or having her first taste of key lime pie, oyster, and fried green tomatoes. 

She had her hair done by ten different stylists and crossed the time zones nine times (I think.) 

Over these past 12 months, all of us learned so much about living, caring, loving and embracing the present moment. 

No matter where we are, when asked where her favorite spot has been on this trip, Norma now says, “Right here!””

14114785_1112178335540435_5006430927942371674_o-850x1512.jpg

As Tim and Ramie helped Miss Norma celebrate her one-year anniversary of hitting the road, they were also acknowledging that their adventure might be drawing to an end.

Bauerschmidt’s health was deteriorating. They knew that now, after a year of adventures and firsts, she had seen, well, just about everything.

At 90, the WWII WAVES Navy veteran — who once had her service benefits checks hand-delivered by her congressman, Gerald R. Ford, after they were delayed — got to tour the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford in style.

She saw whales in the Pacific North-West and ate as much cake as she could; by any description, that’s a great way to spend a last year.

In August of 2016, Bauerschmidt attended the San Juan Country Fair, and went into hospice on the same day.

She passed away on September 30th, not in a hospital, but in the trailer she called home for more than a year — her end-of-life care was molded to fit her unique lifestyle and extraordinary final year of seeing it all.

Tim, Ramie, and her poodle, Ringo, were by her side through it all, and when she left this world, her family commemorated her life with a beautiful quote from the Sufi mystic Rumi: “Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.”

Below, they added, “Today, we are letting go.”

All we can say is, thank you, Miss Norma, for showing the whole world what living really looks like.

If you’re touched by the incredible story of the woman who learned she was going to die, and decided to live, make sure to SHARE in memory of Norma Bauerschmidt.

Topics: nurse

Study Confirms What We Knew All Along: Nurses Are Key to Hospital Success

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Mon, Jul 13, 2015 @ 11:47 AM

Amy Rushlow

www.yahoo.com 

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We all know and love Nurses, but isn’t it wonderful when a research study validates something you already know? We think you’ll enjoy this article.

If you’ve ever had a loved one in the hospital, you know how important nurses are. Studies show that the amount of time that nurses spend with patients is related to fewer errors. And according to a new study, investing in nursing is key to patient outcomes, including the risk of dying while in the hospital.

The study’s researchers, a team from the University of Pennsylvania, wanted to understand why certain hospitals have better outcomes than others. Specifically, the UPenn team was trying to explain why hospitals in the Kaiser Permanente health care system — an integrated health network in eight states that includes hospitals, insurance, and doctors’ offices all in one system — have such efficient and high-quality care. 

Other organizations have tried to mimic Kaiser Permanente’s organizational structure in order to improve care, but with mixed results. The researchers thought there might be a different X factor that could explain Kaiser’s success: nurses.

In order to find out, the study looked at more than 550 hospitals in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida, including 25 California-based Kaiser Permanente hospitals and 56 Magnet hospitals. Magnet hospitals are recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for being good workplaces for nurses.

Nurses in each hospital answered surveys about their work environment, level of education, job satisfaction, and the number of patients visited during a typical shift. The researchers also pulled data on patient mortality.

“It turns out that, by and large, nursing differences accounted for much of the mortality difference that we saw in Kaiser Permanente hospitals,” says study author Matthew McHugh, PhD, RN, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

The results were clear: The odds of dying were about 20 percent lower in Kaiser Permanente and Magnet hospitals, and differences in nursing accounted for “a sizeable portion of the advantage,” according to the study. The analysis adjusted for factors such as hospital size and the severity of patients’ conditions.

“It turns out that these differences we see in nursing, in terms of work environment, staffing levels, investment in nursing around a highly educated workforce, those things translate into better outcomes,” McHugh tells Yahoo Health. 

There were a few specific factors that made Kaiser and Magnet hospitals stand out from the rest, McHugh explains:

1. Better work environments

Happier nurses mean healthier patients, research shows. “We find that places where nurses have a good experience working are places where nurses are better able to do their jobs. They’re more autonomous, they’re supported by management, and they’re integrated into hospital decision-making,” McHugh says.

Empowered nurses have better relationships with physicians, “so when they say ‘something isn’t right,’ they’ll be taken seriously,” McHugh adds. And patients can receive faster and more efficient care when nurses are authorized to make decisions such as when to remove a catheter, for example.

In fact, a study published last year in the Journal of Nursing Administration found that empowered nursing units are more effective and report better patient care compared to units with less authority.

Tangible changes matter, too. In response to the nurse shortage in the early 2000s, Kaiser Permanente made a deliberate, research-based effort to invest in nursing, says Marilyn Chow, PhD, RN, Vice President of National Patient Care Services and Innovation for Kaiser Permanente. 

study of Kaiser hospitals conducted in 2005 and 2006 found that nurses spent more than 35 percent of their time on documentation. Starting in 2005, the system switched to electronic medical records, which helped streamline paperwork. They also observed that nurses spent a lot of time hunting and gathering equipment and information — checking to see if a medication was ready, for instance. In response, Kaiser Permanente rearranged the work environment to make things more convenient. (Nurses now receive a notification when meds are ready for pickup.)

“We wanted to make sure that we were a place that nurses wanted to work,” Chow tells Yahoo Health. “If you have nurses who are happy and joyful at their work, they will definitely pass that on and be caring and compassionate.”

2. More nurses with Bachelor’s degrees

The role of the nurse is much more complex than it used to be, Chow explains. “The role is not only surveillance, but facilitating and coordinating the care, and not just for one patient, but for four to five patients … there are so many things to take care of,” she says. Patients also arrive sicker and leave the hospital earlier, Chow and McHugh say, which puts an extra demand on nurses to coordinate care and teach patients and family members what to do when they arrive home. 

“Hospitals are very complex, and integrating all of that information requires a certain set of skills and requires you have a pool of knowledge within the overall nursing staff,” McHugh explains. He adds that the study observed a wide variation in nurse education from hospital to hospital, and that variation was associated with adverse events.

3. More nurses, period

Kaiser Permanente hospitals have a 4-to-1 patient-to-nurse ratio, on average, compared to 5-to-1 in non-Magnet hospitals, the UPenn study found.

Having more nurses ensures that there are enough eyes in rooms monitoring patients. It also means that nurses have sufficient time to follow up with patients and communicate effectively. “Nurses are at the bedside and are working with all the other providers. They’re the essential person for monitoring patient condition, and if something bad does happen, intervening and mobilizing the intervention response,” McHugh says.

We all know and love Nurses, but isn’t it wonderful when a research study validates something you already know? We think you’ll enjoy this article

Topics: study, nursing, nurse, nurses, hospital

Advantages Of Being Bilingual in Nursing

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Thu, Jun 25, 2015 @ 09:02 AM

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By Pat Magrath – DiversityNursing.com

If you’re considering a career in nursing and are bilingual, this can be a tremendous advantage for you, your patients and their families. With increased diversity in the U.S., patients with limited English-language skills often arrive at the emergency room and there is no one available who speaks their language. This makes it very difficult for everyone involved to try to understand why the patient is there. Sometimes a family member who speaks limited English accompanies the patient and attempts to describe the family member’s symptoms. This is not an ideal situation and can lead to misunderstanding, frustration and an incorrect diagnosis. To drive this scenario home, imagine you’re on vacation in another country and become ill. You need medical attention, and when you arrive at the hospital no one understands you. This is a scary situation!

While most healthcare institutions offer translation services, sometimes the service is provided over the phone. This method is efficient in communicating information such as what the patient’s symptoms are, describing the appropriate course of treatment, or explaining the specific care of a condition at home. However, we all know there’s nothing like the ability to communicate with someone on a more personal, face-to-face basis. The patient may have more questions after the phone conversation is over. They or their family might ask questions such as, how often should I take this medication? Should I take it with or without food? Who do I call if I have questions when I get home?

As a nurse who is bilingual, you can be a tremendous help and source of comfort in answering these questions. Let’s take the example of a Hispanic nurse who not only speaks and understands both English and Spanish, but who also understands Hispanic culture, values and family traditions because of growing up in that community. My friend Esteban, who happens to be a bilingual Hispanic nurse, also knows the prevalence of certain diseases in the Hispanic community. These include diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular issues. He’s seen these diseases in his family and community. He mentioned that diet and genetics contribute to these problems as the Hispanic diet often contains a lot of pork and fatty foods, which can lead to these conditions.

This is important information he already has because he is a member of the Hispanic community. He also speaks the language and can translate information to the medical team. His ability to communicate between the patient and medical team as well as his knowledge of Hispanic culture is extremely valuable in the care he can give his Hispanic patients. The ability of a patient to communicate directly and effectively with their healthcare provider increases feelings of trust and understanding, which can lead to a higher level of care and well-being. Again, I’ll take you back to becoming ill while traveling in another country and you don’t have the tools to effectively communicate your symptoms. Finding someone on the medical team who speaks English would be a tremendous relief!

The bottom line is clear: open communication, in terms of both verbal and listening skills, is essential to assessing a patient’s problem and determining the appropriate care and treatment. If you’re considering the field of nursing and are bilingual, you know so much already about your community’s language, customs, food and family values. You also have an awareness of healthcare issues prevalent in your community. As a bilingual nurse, you can be incredibly effective in delivering a high standard of care while putting your patient at ease.

As the Hispanic population and the need for nurses continues to grow, consider becoming a nurse. Courses are available online so you can fit classes in that accommodate your schedule and needs. The biggest benefit of online courses is that they offer flexibility. You’ll also save on time and commuting expenses. You can work, take classes online and reach your goal of becoming a nurse on your timeline!

I’m compensated by University of Phoenix for this blog. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

For more information about on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by students who completed this program and other important information, please visit phoenix.edu.

Topics: language, diversity, nursing, nurse, health care, patients, Bilingual

Nurses Surprise 90-Year-Old Nurse For Birthday [VIDEO]

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Mon, Jun 22, 2015 @ 10:44 AM

Martie Schultz

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We found a story about a Nurse who has been in the profession for decades and she’s still working a couple days a week. She is an inspiration and we hope you’ll enjoy it.

SeeSee Rigney, an operating room nurse at Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, WA, celebrates her 90th birthday with her coworkers, and six decades of nursing. She is an inspiration to all! God bless you my friend. We love you and can only hope to have half of the energy you have at your age.



Topics: nursing, nurse, nurses, hospital, medical staff, operating room nurse

After 2 Liver Transplants Woman Becomes Transplant Nurse

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Wed, Jun 17, 2015 @ 12:31 PM

By Erica Bettencourt

LaurieLukianov061615 resized 600

When did you first know you wanted to be a Nurse?

This story is very touching about a patient’s perspective of Nurses at a very young age. Her experience with the Nurses who cared for her over the years, made Nursing an obvious choice for her.

Laurie Lukianov, 26, is a woman from Massachusetts who received two liver transplants as a child and is now working to become a transplant nurse. She told Boston Children's Hospital's blog “There is no question in my mind. Since I was 3 years old, I wanted to be a nurse.”

Laurie was born with biliary atresia and she needed liver transplants to save her life. At 3 years old she made headlines when she became one of the first patients in the country to receive a liver transplant from a living donor -- her father, Alex Lukianov.

When she was 13, Laurie Lukianov needed a second liver transplant. It came from an organ donor, and she had to fight for her life.

"I had 13 emergency surgeries from the two-week span from the initial transplant," Laurie Lukianov said.

But she won the fight and continued on to good health with the help of her family, a great surgeon and nurses.

Now the mother to a 6-year-old boy, already works in a local emergency room and is finishing her first year of nursing school.

Laurie Lukianov is also an advocate for organ donation. She tries to let potential donors know that the medical staff will do everything to save a life. Sometimes modern medicine falls short but, the gift of life is never lost on the recipient. 

Topics: emergency room, nursing school, nurse, transplant nurse, liver transplant, biliary atresia, organ donation

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