DiversityNursing Blog

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) has received the 2023 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. As a recipient of the annual Health Professions HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. health colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — FNU will be featured, along with 64 other recipients, in the November/December 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. This is the sixth consecutive year FNU has been named as a Health Professions HEED Award recipient.

“Receiving the INSIGHT Into Diversity Health Professions Education in Excellence in Diversity Award is an honor that is celebrated by everyone at Frontier Nursing University,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, CNM, DNSc, FAAN, FACNM. “We embrace this award because it acknowledges Frontier’s steps to prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at all levels of our university. We also cherish the opportunity to apply for this award because every year, the award criteria and review process challenge us to look at our successes, existing gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Our DEI work is essential to help prepare our students to provide culturally concordant care in their communities across the country.”

FNU has maintained a strong focus on increasing diversity enrollment and retention through a number of initiatives, FNU’s many recent DEI initiatives include the implementation of a holistic admissions process, the expansion of its Office of DEI staff, diversity training for all members of the FNU community, mentoring programs, an annual Diversity Impact Conference, the formation of special Student Interest Groups, and the establishment of a DEI Faculty Fellows program. Since FNU committed to DEI as a priority, enrollment of students of color has increased from 9% in 2010 to 30% in 2023. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently awarded FNU the Maternity Care (MatCare) Nursing Workforce Expansion Grant. The grant period extends from September 30, 2023, to September 29, 2027. FNU will receive $4 million – $1 million per year –  to fund the grant project. Via the grant, FNU intends to increase the number and diversity of the nurse-midwifery workforce, focusing on increasing the Hispanic population of nurse-midwives.

“Frontier Nursing University is committed to being an equitable institution where everyone is respected, valued, and welcomed,” said FNU Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, APRN. “Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central components of our data-driven initiatives and policies.”

“The Health Professions HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”

Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty and staff!

Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of the job for any healthcare professional, especially Nurses. Nurses handle patients during serious situations and often encounter patients on some of the worst days of their lives, making these conversations more challenging.

Nurses are often tasked with handling conversations such as a poor prognosis, end-of-life discussions, or delivering difficult news. These conversations can be tricky and complicated by big emotions, so you must have tools and strategies available to help navigate the situation with as much professionalism and empathy as possible. Keep reading for helpful tips and techniques for handling difficult conversations.

Prepare Yourself Before the Conversation

Before engaging in a difficult conversation with a patient or their family, take a moment to check in with yourself and mentally prepare for the discussion. Make sure to acknowledge your feelings and evaluate any biases you may have before starting the conversation.

You should also ensure that you completely understand the topic at hand because patients and families will have questions, and it is important to have the answers or know where to find them before initiating the conversation.

Choose the Right Setting and Set Aside Enough Time

Difficult conversations deserve time and attention. Choose a comfortable, private, and quiet location where you can have an engaged and uninterrupted conversation. To have an effective discussion, you and the patient should feel at ease and comfortable in the situation to freely express thoughts and emotions and have time to ask and answer any questions.

Establish Rapport

Showing empathy, validating emotions or feelings, and letting your patients know you are available to help them in any way they need can help establish rapport and create a trusting Nurse-patient relationship. Establishing rapport can help them better understand, accept, and navigate whatever their healthcare journey has in store. 

Listen

Top-notch listening skills are an attribute all Nurses must have. When having difficult conversations, always listen to your patients carefully and do not interrupt them when asking questions or venting their thoughts and feelings.

It is important to allow your patients the space and time to respond to these conversations in any way they may react. Many patients may respond with anger, sadness, or fear, so it is important to demonstrate empathy and understanding through non-verbal cues like body language and maintaining eye contact.

Express Your Empathy and Understanding

Even if you haven’t experienced the same emotions or situations as your patient, phrases like “I can understand how you might be feeling” or “I can see why this is difficult for you” can communicate empathy by acknowledging the patient's emotions and concerns. Connecting with your patients and letting them know you support them during this difficult time is important.

Be Direct and Clear with Information

When having difficult conversations with patients or their families, it is easy for emotions to get in the way of a precise delivery of information. You must deliver the information clearly and directly in language that patients can easily understand.

Try to avoid medical terminology the average person may not understand. Ask if they have any questions to ensure they understand the information. Ask the patient to repeat to you what they heard so you can help them understand the situation entirely.

Follow Up

After having a difficult conversation or delivering difficult news to your patient, follow up to check on their well-being and emotions. During difficult conversations, patients may forget to ask specific questions or have new ones to ask after reflecting.

Follow-up conversations allow patients to discuss their situation further and allow for informed decision-making. Always convey to the patient that you and the rest of the healthcare team are available if they need further assistance.

Manage Your Emotions and Seek Support

Difficult conversations are not only difficult for patients. They may also be difficult for you. It is essential to control your emotions during the conversation, even if your patient becomes upset and expresses strong feelings. Keep calm and professional to help diffuse the situation.

Some conversations can be more complicated than others and it is not unreasonable for some of these conversations to take a toll on your mental health over time. Seek support from a colleague you trust or a personal counselor to help you process your emotions and gain better insight into handling similar situations.

In all challenging conversations, effective communication, active listening, empathy, and a patient-centered approach are essential to reach a collaborative decision and plan of care. Next time you encounter a difficult conversation, reflect on these tips and strategies to navigate the situation smoothly and effectively.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has unveiled its groundbreaking Strategic Enforcement Plan (SEP) for Fiscal Years 2024 – 2028. With a laser focus on eradicating unlawful employment discrimination, the SEP sets forth the EEOC's top priorities, aiming to create a future where every workplace is fair, inclusive, and offers equal opportunities for all individuals.

The main objective of the EEOC's Strategic Enforcement Plan (SEP) is to effectively concentrate and synchronize the agency's efforts throughout multiple fiscal years (FY) in order to make a lasting and influential contribution toward the advancement of equal employment opportunities.

“Through the SEP’s effective implementation, the agency will continue to advance equality and justice for all in workplaces across this nation, even as significant challenges remain,” said EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows. “We are grateful to the public—especially to those who participated in our listening sessions in Buffalo, New York, Washington, D.C., and virtually, for their engagement and investment in the development of the SEP. This plan will help guide the agency’s work for years to come.”

In implementing the SEP, the Commission can – and will – do more to combat employment discrimination, promote inclusive workplaces, and respond to the national call for racial and economic justice.  Among other changes, this SEP:

• Expands the vulnerable and underserved worker priority to include additional categories of workers who may be unaware of their rights under equal employment opportunity laws, may be reluctant or unable to exercise their legally protected rights, or have historically been underserved by federal employment discrimination protections—such as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; workers facing mental health related disabilities; individuals with arrest or conviction records; LGBTQI+ individuals; temporary workers; older workers; individuals employed in low-wage jobs, including teenage workers; and persons with limited literacy or English proficiency;
• Refines the recruitment and hiring priority to include addressing policies and practices that limit access to on-the-job training, pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship programs, temp-to-hire positions, internships, or other job training or advancement opportunities based on protected status;
• Recognizes employers’ increasing use of technology including artificial intelligence or machine learning, to target job advertisements, recruit applicants, and make or assist in hiring and other employment decisions, practices, or policies;
• Updates the emerging and developing issues priority to include protecting workers affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act; employment discrimination associated with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including Long COVID; and technology-related employment discrimination; and
• Preserves access to the legal system by focusing on overly broad waivers, releases, non-disclosure agreements, or non-disparagement agreements.

With the SEP as its guiding compass, the EEOC will navigate through all aspects of its work, from reaching out to the public and providing educational resources to offering technical assistance, enforcing regulations, and even engaging in legal battles. By effectively implementing this plan, the agency will continue to propel the nation's workplaces towards the fundamental principles of equality and justice for all.

A Nurse’s life requires a level of selflessness and compassion that is incomparable to most, if not all, other careers. In this demanding and fast-paced world, where caregivers are faced with numerous challenges and responsibilities, the practice of mindfulness has emerged as a valuable tool for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Mindfulness, rooted in ancient meditation practices, involves cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance. Millions of employees in all career categories and positions are currently practicing mindfulness. In recent years, its incorporation into Nursing practice has demonstrated remarkable benefits, enhancing patient care, reducing burnout, and fostering a more compassionate and effective healthcare environment.

Enhanced Patient Care

Mindfulness in Nursing has a direct positive impact on patient care. When Nurses practice mindfulness, they become attuned to the present moment, allowing them to be fully present with their patients. By actively listening, observing, and engaging without judgment, Nurses can create a deeper connection with patients. This connection fosters a sense of trust and empathy, which are crucial elements in effective patient care.

Mindfulness also contributes to clinical decision-making. When Nurses are fully present, they can better assess patients' needs and conditions, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Furthermore, mindful Nurses tend to notice subtle changes in patients' conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed, potentially preventing complications or deterioration.

Reduced Burnout and Stress

Nursing is undoubtedly a high-stress profession, accompanied by long shifts, critical decisions, and emotionally charged situations. Mindfulness practices offer Nurses valuable tools to manage and reduce these stressors. Regular mindfulness practice has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone, leading to decreased anxiety and burnout.

Through mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, practicing muscle relaxation, and meditation, Nurses can activate the body's relaxation response, promoting a sense of calm even in the midst of chaotic situations. This not only benefits Nurses' mental and emotional well-being but also helps them maintain their focus, clarity, and resilience, which are essential for providing quality patient care.

Cultivation of Compassion and Empathy

Mindfulness fosters compassion and empathy – qualities that are fundamental to Nursing practice. By practicing self-compassion, Nurses learn to be kind and understanding toward themselves, even when facing challenges or mistakes. This self-compassion extends naturally to patients, as Nurses become more attuned to their emotions and needs. This heightened empathy can significantly improve the patient experience, making them feel understood, cared for, and respected.

Incorporating mindfulness into their routines also enables Nurses to better navigate emotionally charged situations. They can respond to patients' and families' emotions with patience and understanding, rather than reacting impulsively. This emotional regulation creates a more supportive environment for everyone involved.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nursing, the integration of mindfulness practices holds immense promise. From enhancing patient care to reducing burnout and stress, cultivating compassion and empathy, and improving communication, the benefits of mindfulness in Nursing are undeniable. By adopting mindfulness techniques, Nurses can create a more holistic, patient-centered, and empathetic healthcare environment. With hundreds of mobile apps and programs, practicing mindfulness has now become easier than ever.  As mindfulness continues to gain recognition, its incorporation into Nursing education and practice stands to elevate the quality of care and the well-being of both Nurses and their patients.

In today's increasingly diverse healthcare landscape, Nurses from various backgrounds play a pivotal role in delivering culturally competent and inclusive care. As a diverse candidate entering the Nursing field, you possess a unique set of experiences and perspectives that can greatly enrich patient care and the overall Nursing community. However, standing out amidst the competition requires a strategic approach. Here's how to set yourself apart and excel as a diverse candidate in Nursing.

Embrace Cultural Competency: Cultural competency is an essential skill for Nurses, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Understanding and respecting patients' cultural beliefs, practices, and values not only enhances patient outcomes but also demonstrates your ability to adapt in different scenarios. Take the initiative to educate yourself about various cultures, languages, and traditions, and showcase your willingness to work effectively with patients from all walks of life. 


Highlight Multilingual Abilities: Being fluent in languages other than English can be a significant asset in Nursing. The ability to communicate directly with patients in their native language fosters trust and ensures accurate information exchange. Include your language proficiency on your resume and during interviews to demonstrate your added value in providing patient-centered care. 


Share Personal Experiences: Your unique life experiences can enrich the Nursing profession. Whether you've overcome personal challenges, immigrated from another country, or come from a non-traditional background, share these experiences to showcase your resilience, adaptability, and empathy. These qualities resonate with patients and colleagues, setting you apart as someone who can connect on a deeper level. 


Pursue Further Education: Continuous learning is a hallmark of a successful Nursing career. Consider pursuing certifications or advanced degrees in areas related to diversity and cultural competence. This not only deepens your knowledge but also demonstrates your commitment to staying informed about the latest healthcare trends and best practices.


Advocate for Inclusivity: Promote diversity and inclusivity within your workplace and the Nursing community as a whole. Participate in discussions, seminars, and workshops centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion. By actively engaging in these conversations, you position yourself as a leader who is dedicated to driving positive change in the Nursing field. 


Network Effectively: Forge connections within Nursing associations, multicultural organizations, and professional forums. Networking not only exposes you to valuable opportunities but also enables you to exchange ideas with fellow Nurses, creating a supportive community that values diversity and collaboration.

Exhibit Strong Leadership Skills: Leadership transcends job titles. Display leadership qualities by taking the initiative, demonstrating problem-solving skills, and mentoring others. Showcasing your ability to lead and inspire can set you apart as a diverse candidate who brings innovation and positive change to the Nursing environment.

Tell Your Story: Craft a compelling narrative that showcases your journey and aspirations in Nursing. Whether it's in your cover letter, personal statement, or interviews, your story adds depth to your application and demonstrates your passion for the field. Connect your experiences to your desire to make a meaningful impact on patient care and the Nursing profession. 

Participate in Community Outreach: Engage in community service and outreach programs that align with your background and interests. Volunteering demonstrates your commitment to making a difference and highlights your compassion for marginalized or underserved populations.

Stay Resilient: As a diverse candidate, you might face unique challenges on your path to success. Persevere in the face of adversity, using setbacks as opportunities for growth. Your resilience will not only propel your own journey but also serve as an inspiration to others. 

Being a diverse candidate in Nursing offers you the chance to bring a wealth of experiences and perspectives to the profession. To truly set yourself apart, embrace cultural competency, share your personal stories, continue your education, advocate for inclusivity, and exhibit leadership qualities. By doing so, you'll not only excel as a Nurse but also contribute to a more inclusive and effective healthcare system. Your journey as a diverse candidate is a testament to the richness of the Nursing profession, and your impact will be felt far and wide.

 

Each year, from September 15th through October 15th, Americans honor and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration where we recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Hispanic or Latino Heritage. The celebration begins on September 15th because it marks the anniversary of when Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua gained independence.

When Nursing professionals represent the patient populations they care for, healthcare improves for both the patient and the healthcare provider. Hispanic Nurses, like Nurses from any other cultural background, play a vital role in Nursing, bringing varied perspectives and beliefs into view.

While Latinos represent 18% of the US population, less than 7% of the Nursing workforce is of Latino descent https://www.nahnnet.org/about-nahn. Here are some of the many benefits Hispanic representation adds to the Nursing profession.

Diversity and Cultural Competence

As patients come from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, representation in Nursing is crucial for better patient outcomes and satisfaction. Thankfully, the healthcare landscape is becoming increasingly more diverse, with more and more Nurses of Hispanic and Latino heritage joining the field.

Hispanic Nurses bring cultural competency and an understanding to the profession that can significantly differ from other cultural backgrounds. Representation of Hispanic individuals in the nursing progression can bridge communication gaps and foster trust between patients and healthcare providers.

Language Skills

Many Hispanic Nurses are bilingual or multilingual, which is crucial to providing effective care to patients with limited proficiency in English. Properly communicating with patients in their native language improves comprehension of medical instructions and guidelines, reduces misunderstandings, and ensures accurate exchange of information. Explaining medical information in language and terms your patients understand increases medical compliance.

Representation

Representation matters in all professions, especially in healthcare. When patients see healthcare professionals who share their background, it creates comfort and understanding within the Patient-Nurse relationship. This encourages patients to better engage in their care and treatment plans. When patients feel connected with their healthcare provider, healthcare outcomes are often improved.  

Community Outreach

Nurses from different ethnic backgrounds can significantly improve community outreach by better connecting to different patient populations. Hispanic Nurses can help educate the people of their communities about preventative care, health screenings, vaccinations, and other important health topics in language and terminology that they can better understand. Community outreach within diverse patient populations promotes health awareness and encourages people to seek medical attention promptly.

Reduce Health Disparities

Addressing health disparities in the Hispanic population can be challenging. Unfortunately, many Hispanic people face health disparities due to socioeconomic status, limited access to healthcare, and cultural barriers. Hispanic Nurses have a unique understanding of these challenges, can make efforts to reduce these disparities, and advocate for equitable healthcare access and resources. 

Patient Advocacy

Nurses of Hispanic heritage can advocate for their patients, particularly those facing discrimination or systemic barriers. They can help ensure that patient concerns are heard, help promote informed decision-making, and work towards providing a patient-centered approach.

Cultural Sensitivity

Every patient comes from a different background or culture, and everyone has unique healthcare beliefs and practices. Hispanic Nurses can understand these nuances and help provide care to patients that respects and accommodates their cultural preferences while also adhering to evidence-based medical practices.  

Workforce Enhancement

Hispanic representation in the Nursing profession encourages diversity and helps enrich the profession with various perspectives and experiences. Healthcare diversity can lead to innovative solutions and approaches to healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Hispanic Nurses can significantly contribute to the healthcare system by bringing diversity, cultural understanding, language skills, representation, and a deeper connection to the communities they serve. Hispanic representation in Nursing enhances the overall quality of care and helps address healthcare disparities while fostering a more inclusive and patient-centered healthcare environment.

In a recent announcement, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has provided employers with an updated deadline to submit their essential demographic data.

With the commencement of the EEO-1 Component 1 data collection for the year 2022 set for October 31st, employers will now have until December 5th to file their crucial EEO-1 reports.

This extension allows companies ample time to gather and analyze the necessary information to ensure accurate and comprehensive reporting, promoting transparency and fairness in the workplace. By adhering to these deadlines, employers can contribute towards fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, ultimately leading to greater opportunities and equitable treatment for all employees.

The EEO-1 Component 1 report is a mandatory annual data collection that requires all private sector employers with 100 or more employees, and federal contractors with 50 or more employees meeting certain criteria, to submit demographic workforce data, including data by job category and sex and race or ethnicity to the EEOC. 

The 2022 EEO-1 Component 1 Instruction Booklet is now available at the following link https://www.eeocdata.org/pdfs/2022_EEO_1_Component_1_Instruction_Booklet.pdf

All updates about the 2022 EEO-1 Component 1 data collection, including the updated 2022 EEO-1 Component 1 Data File Upload Specifications, will be posted to www.eeocdata.org/eeo1 as they become available. The EEOC anticipates posting the updated 2022 EEO-1 Component 1 Data File Upload Specifications for filers on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

Race data: According to SHRM, currently, the categories for race on the EEO-1 form are White, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, or 2 or more races. Hispanic or Latino is categorized as an ethnicity, not a race, on the form.

Some comments in court documents in the Supreme Court's recent affirmative action case suggested the race categories in the EEO-1 form are overly broad, so they might be revised in the future. EEOC spokesman Victor Chen confirmed that the race categories won't change for the 2022 data collection.

"While the EEOC has participated in the Interagency Technical Working Group (ITWG) that's looking at revising the race and ethnicity categories, the ITWG is expected to complete their revisions next year by summer 2024," said Rachel See, an attorney with Seyfarth in Washington, D.C.

Pay data: According to HRdrive, employers are not required to report pay data as part of Component 1. Pay data collection as part of EEO-1 Component 2 remains on hold; EEOC last collected Component 2 in 2018 and has not renewed the collection since.

A 2022 report commissioned by EEOC and conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine examined the agency’s 2018 pay data collection and determined the data “may be used effectively” to address pay discrimination, but the agency has not announced any future pay data reporting requirements.

Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare innovation. Innovation in Nursing requires a creative approach to develop and implement new technologies, streamline workflows, improve patient care, and enhance overall healthcare outcomes. Nurses are uniquely qualified to contribute to Nursing innovations due to their frontline experience, patient interactions, and in-depth understanding of the healthcare process. Here are some attributes, qualities, and competencies Nurses need to be an innovator.

Clinical Expertise: Nurses have an in-depth understanding of patient needs, treatment plans, and healthcare procedures. This first-hand experience allows you to identify areas of healthcare where innovation may be needed to enhance patient safety and healthcare outcomes. Clinical expertise is the first step of innovation in Nursing.

Patient-Centered Care: The #1 focus of Nurses is to provide patient-centered care. It is often the top motivator of Nurse innovators. Nurses spend a significant amount of time with patients, making them expertly qualified to contribute ideas to personalize care plans, enhance communication, and improve the overall patient experience.

Thinking Outside the Box: All innovation in Nursing is born from thinking outside the box and exploring many possibilities to create a solution. Nurses are natural problem solvers who use creativity and curiosity to continually investigate problems and develop practical solutions that are easy to implement and understand.  

Risk Taking: Although risk taking can often be viewed as a negative term, no Nursing innovation was ever successful without taking a risk. Nurse innovators interweave evidence-based practice with practical solutions to change how we care for our patients and ultimately improve their health outcomes.

Innovation in Nursing starts with a need for change, a desire to help, and an idea that changes the face of healthcare and positively impacts patient care. Here are several fantastic Nurse innovators took their ideas and turned them into reality.  

The Crash Cart: Anita Door, a Registered Nurse, created the first-ever crash cart in 1968 after years of watching Doctors and Nurses run around Nursing units looking for essential equipment in the face of emergencies. She developed the first crash cart prototype in her basement, and now, crash carts are a staple of any healthcare facility and are used worldwide.

Lumify uNight Light: The Lumify uNight Light was developed by Anthony Scaropone-Lambert, a then Nursing student and NICU Nurse, Jennifer Mancillas. While working together, they realized a need for light they could use to light their workspace without disrupting their patients with bright overhead lighting in the middle of the night. This is how the idea for a portable, battery-operated, clip-on light was born. Now, the Lumify uNight Light is a must-have accessory for any Nurse.

Stink Balm Odor Blocker: Created by an Emergency Room Nurse who wanted to find a way to cover foul odors often inconspicuously encountered on the job. The Stink Balm Odor Blocker is a must-have for all Nurses. The Balm comes in a discrete, lip balm-like container and can be quickly and easily applied under the nose so you can enjoy a fresh scent while taking care of your patients. The company is 100% Nurse-owned and operated out of Long Island, New York.

The N95 Mask Preserver: The COVID-19 pandemic inspired Nurse innovators to push the limits and invent practical solutions to everyday problems. Timothy Aurelio, an Emergency Room Nurse who worked during the pandemic, was forced to reuse his N95 mask due to a short supply of PPE. He invented the N95 Mask preserver as a convenient and clean place to store his mask between his shifts. The preserver is made of antimicrobial, medical-grade plastic, allowing Nurses to preserve PPE while keeping themselves and their patients safe.

The Beata Clasp: Nurses who work at the bedside know all too well how easily IV tubing, drains, and other medical lines can get tangled up throughout the shift. Lennor Henning, an experienced bedside Nurse, developed the Beata Clasp, a latex-free appliance to be applied to the bedrail to keep lines organized easily.

The Neo-Slip: The Neo-Slip was developed by a Registered Nurse who realized how tough it was for older people to apply compression stockings to prevent leg blood clots. The Neo-Slip provides a smooth base with a lubricated effect to help slide stockings into place.

Nurses everywhere continue to utilize their knowledge and experience to create practical solutions to solve problems and streamline processes. As healthcare grows and evolves, new innovative opportunities will continuously emerge. If you have an idea, there is no better time to put that idea into motion and change the face of Nursing.

Lately, the media has been filled with reports of devastating wildfires in Maui, destructive flooding in Vermont, and powerful tornadoes and earthquakes. These natural disasters serve as a reminder of the importance for Nurses to be prepared for any emergency.

Nurses play a vital role in disaster response, and being well-prepared for natural disasters is crucial to ensure they can provide effective care during these emergencies.

Here are steps Nurses can take to be prepared for natural disasters:

1. Education and Training:

• Emergency Preparedness Courses: Nurses should consider taking courses in disaster preparedness and response. These courses often cover topics such as triage, emergency medical procedures, and disaster management protocols.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): Maintaining current BLS and ACLS certifications is essential, as these skills are valuable in emergency situations.

• ICS/NIMS Training: Familiarize yourself with the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). These frameworks are used in disaster response and coordination.
  
  

2. Workplace Protocols:

• Nurses should be familiar with their healthcare facility's emergency protocols, including evacuation plans, roles and responsibilities during emergencies, and how to access emergency supplies.

• Participate in emergency response drills and exercises at your workplace to become comfortable with the procedures and to identify any areas that need improvement.
  
  

3. Personal Preparedness:

• Create a personal emergency plan for your family, including evacuation routes, meeting places, and communication strategies. Ensure everyone in your household understands the plan.

• Build a personal emergency kit that includes essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, medications, flashlight, batteries, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Regularly update and refresh your emergency kit to ensure that supplies are not expired.
  
  

4. Stay Informed:

• Keep informed about potential disasters or emergencies by following local news, weather alerts, and official sources of information.

• Download emergency alert apps or subscribe to text alerts from local authorities.
  
  

5. Networking and Collaboration:

• Establish relationships with other healthcare professionals and organizations involved in disaster response. This can include local public health agencies, emergency medical services (EMS), and disaster relief organizations.

• Understand your role within a disaster response team and how to collaborate effectively with other healthcare providers.
  
  

6. Triage Training:

• Understand the principles of triage, which involve assessing and prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries or conditions.

• Practice triage scenarios to improve your ability to make quick and accurate decisions during emergencies.
  
  

7. Psychological Preparedness:

• Be aware of the emotional and psychological challenges that can arise during disasters. Understand how to provide emotional support to patients, families, and even colleagues.

• Consider taking courses or attending workshops on psychological first aid and stress management.
  
  

8. Documentation Skills:

• Emphasize the importance of accurate and thorough documentation during emergencies. Ensure that you are well-versed in charting procedures, both on paper and electronically.
  
  

9. Continuous Learning:

• Stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and best practices for disaster response and emergency medicine.

• Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops related to disaster nursing and emergency preparedness.
  
  

10. Community Involvement:

• Participate in community disaster preparedness efforts. This involvement can help you better understand local risks and resources.

By following these steps, Nurses can enhance their preparedness for natural disasters, contributing to more effective and compassionate care during emergencies. Preparedness not only benefits Nurses but also the communities they serve.