Lorie A Brown, R.N., M.N., J.D., Author at Empowered Nurses

Why AI Can’t Replace The Human Touch

May 16, 2024 4:30 pm Leave a Comment

As a nurse with years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of technology in healthcare. I was a nurse when dinosaurs roamed the earth! We wore whites and did not have electronic charting. From advanced diagnostics to cutting-edge treatments, there’s no denying that artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many aspects of our field. Yet, despite its promise and potential, there’s one thing AI will never be able to replace: the human touch.

Nursing is as much an art as it is a science. It’s about more than just administering medications or following protocols; it’s about connecting with patients on a deeply personal level, providing comfort, compassion, and support during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. While AI may excel in certain technical tasks, it simply cannot replicate the empathy and intuition that define our profession.

One of the most beautiful aspects of nursing is the relationships we build with our patients. We’re not just caregivers; we’re confidants, advocates, and allies in their journey towards healing. We listen to their concerns, address their fears, and celebrate their triumphs alongside them. This level of emotional support goes beyond what any algorithm could ever provide.

Furthermore, nursing is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that requires adaptability and critical thinking skills. While AI can certainly assist in data analysis and decision-making, it lacks the capacity for creative problem-solving and nuanced judgment that comes from years of experience and human intuition. In complex and unpredictable situations, it’s often the human nurse who can navigate the uncertainties and make split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.

Another crucial aspect of nursing that AI can’t replicate is cultural competence and diversity. Every patient is unique, with their own beliefs, values, and backgrounds. Effective nursing care requires an understanding of these differences and the ability to tailor our approach accordingly. While AI may be programmed with vast amounts of medical knowledge, it cannot truly understand the intricacies of human diversity or provide culturally sensitive care.

Finally, there’s the issue of trust. Patients place their lives in our hands, and that trust is built on a foundation of human connection and empathy. While AI may be able to perform certain tasks with precision, many patients may feel uncomfortable or even frightened by the idea of being cared for by a machine. In moments of distress or uncertainty, it’s the reassuring presence of a human nurse that provides comfort and reassurance.

In conclusion, while AI undoubtedly has its place in modern healthcare, there are certain aspects of nursing that are uniquely human and can never be replaced by technology. Our profession is built on a foundation of compassion, empathy, and human connection – qualities that no algorithm can ever replicate. As nurses, let us embrace technology as a tool to enhance our practice, but let us never forget the invaluable role that we play in the lives of our patients.

Mandatory Minimum Staffing

May 2, 2024 11:33 pm Leave a Comment

Finally, mandatory minimum staffing was passed for long-term care by the Federal Government. I have been harping about mandatory minimum staffing for years and finally, legislation was passed at a Federal level, but only for long-term care. I always wondered why California, which is the only state now along with Oregon, which is the second state in the nation to adopt mandatory nurse staffing ratios did not apply to long term care. I wondered why they did not include long-term care. I am so glad that finally mandatory minimum staffing is required for long-term care facilities. The law will be implemented over three years and over five years for rural areas. Ninety-four (94%) percent of nursing homes were not meeting at least one of the proposed staffing requirements.

Residents are now required to receive 3.48 hours per patient day of care and they must have an RN on site 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It will be interesting to see how these long term care facilities comply. If they don’t, the cost is huge with because they could lose funding. It will be interesting to see how these long-term care facilities improve staffing and I expect to see a dramatic improvement in care when residents are getting the hours of service that they need. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

How To Close The Sale

May 1, 2024 4:12 pm Leave a Comment

Unlike nursing, where our patients come with the room, we are now tasked with the need to market our services and promote ourselves. It is really not as daunting as it may seem. I look at sales as a service and that I am conferring a benefit onto the people who I work with. It is up to them to make a powerful choice whether they want to work with me or not. When you can solve the potential client’s problem and share the value and benefits of your product or services, people say “YES.”

Nurses may struggle to effectively promote their services and acquire clients, especially if they lack experience in marketing and sales (which most nurses do!). However, the good news is that we can learn these skills just like we’ve learned our nursing skills.

Many of us have negative connotations of sales. We look at sales like one of those sleezy used car salesmen who are trying to push an unfit product or, in this case, a vehicle down our throats.

However, I look at selling differently. I look at selling as a service. I look at sales as a service. In fact, I prefer to use the term enrolling. You are always enrolling or being enrolled. Think about when your friend says, “Oh, I want to go to this Thai restaurant, it is fantastic!” And you say, “I would really prefer Italian. Why don’t we try the Italian place?” Each of you is enrolling each other into your vision of a great dinner. You’re going to have either Thai or Italian. One of you is enrolling the other and the other is being enrolled.

Enrolling is the process of helping people see the value and benefits of your service so that they can make an informed choice. Your job is to stay unattached to whether they choose your service or not. Your job is to help them make an informed decision of eithr

a powerful yes or a powerful no. Allowing them to stay in indecision, just prolongs the person’s pain.

By doing this, you’re not taking advantage of anyone, but you are helping serve them for their highest good. If you are a sleep coach, think about what a blessing it is for a new mom to finally get a good night’s sleep. If you are a health coach, think about what a blessing it would be for your client to reverse their diabetes. If you are a legal nurse consultant, what a blessing it would be for your attorney-client to know they have a case that they can defend their client.

Here are my 5 steps to closing the sale:

Step 1: Assess

Step 2: Plan

Step 3: Intervene

Step 4: Overcome Objections and Secure Commitment

Step 5: Exchange and Accept Payment Step 6: Congratulate

Step 1 is to Assess. Just like in nursing, we must assess our potential clients to ensure we can fill a need. Be thorough in your assessment and make sure they are the right fit for your services. Ask your clients about their situation. What problem do they need to solve? What’s working and not working for them?

Step 2 is the Plan. You’re planning a solution to their problem. How will your business be the solution to the problem? This is the prescription. Recap what they’ve told you. That helps to clarify and to validate that they’ve been heard.

Step 3 is to Intervene. Share the solution to the problem, and ask them how it would change their life if their problem were solved. This is where you give. You give by offering your solutions, any freebies or discounts, and again show your value and how your solution will solve their problem.

Most people buy based on emotions. Get them into their hearts about what their life would be like when their problem is solved. By doing that, it brings them right back into their heart where they can feel the future joy and relief from achieving the outcomes that you will help them achieve.

Step 4 is to Overcome Objections. Listen to their objections and show the value you offer. If you get rejected, respond professionally and remember it doesn’t mean they won’t change their mind in the future. “No just means “next opportunity.”

Go under their objection. Is it really true? Many people say they don’t have money. Does that mean they are not going to be able to eat? Or are they choosing to spend their money elsewhere. If they really have money, then they most likely don’t see the value in your services. Share more of the value.

If they say they don’t have time to participate in your program. Is that really true? Do they have time to eat and brush their teeth? The answer is probably yes. We all have the same 24 hours in the day. It is how we use our time that makes the difference. Again, they most likely do not see the value in your services. Go back to the pain this problem is causing and the cost of not solving the problem them and share more of the value of your services.

Step 5- Exchange and Accept Payment. Accept credit cards or payment. Don’t put it off for another time, you want to do this when they commit. You want to secure payment and exchange their credit card information so you can get them signed up. Don’t wait, get them committed now and at stake with a financial investment. It’s a good idea to have some payment software accounts set up initially.

I have taken hundreds of free programs and honestly didn’t do much with them. When people don’t pay for your service, they do not have a stake in getting the outcome that your services can provide. It’s not a good idea to give your services away for free.

Step 6: Congratulate! The last step is to celebrate and tell them what a great choice they’ve made. Really reinforce what a great decision they made by choosing your services and how you will do everything you can to help them.

I hope this demystifies the process of closing the sale. Your job is to listen. That’s it: listen! Be the doctor and assess the problem. You can ask questions to help them get in touch with the pain their problem is causing them.

I have a few spots for an exclusive mentorship. If you would like to see if it’s right for you, lets chat and I will be the doctor! CallwithLorie.com

If It’s Not Documented, It Was Not Done

April 18, 2024 11:30 am Leave a Comment

How many times have you heard this “If it’s not documented, it was not done?” I assume many and it is so true. Your documentation will save you every time. Some common areas where lack of documentation becomes concerning include:

Failing to document Verbal Orders. It is imperative to document verbal orders. I hear it all the time from ER nurses that they forgot to document the verbal order. If that verbal order was not documented, it looks like theft and practicing medicine without a license because medication was taken out of the Pyxis without an order and given to the patient.
Questioning Provider Orders. I was taking care of a patient who had an order for Bumex in a large dose. I questioned the physician about it and he said it was the last chance to avoid dialysis to get her kidneys working with this large dose of a diuretic. I felt comfortable giving it but if I had not documented the conversation, that could have been trouble for me if something happened to the patient.
Failing to go up the Chain of Command. If the physician in the above matter did not give me a good explanation for the large dose, I needed to go up the chain of command. Many times, nurses are afraid to go up the chain but it is necessary and needs to be documented to protect yourself.
Failing to Document Timely vital signs. Unfortunately, with electronic medical records, the time you document is the time on the record so if you are documenting something late, be sure to enter it as a late entry. This may raise a red flag too but is better than not documenting.
Reporting of changes in condition. If you do not document a change in condition and what you did about it can also be problematic.
Medications Given. Again, if you do not document medication given, it can be considered theft. There are many steps to giving narcotics such as taking it from the Pyxis then scanning the patient’s wrist band that the medication was given. Don’t forget this step and if the scanners are down or the EMR is down, make sure it gets documented.
Patient Response to Medication. Let’s say the count was off for Norco and you gave a Norco to a patient. Now you are being accused of taking the Norco but if you document the patient’s response and if the patient says she never received the Norco, this will help protect you.
Discharge Teaching. If your discharge teaching includes when to call the doctor and it is not documented and the patient does not call the doctor, then it falls back on you. You are liable.

Nurses are so busy and the last thing we want is to stay late to chart but if you document it today, it will save you a bunch of headaches in the future!

You’ve Been Charged With a Crime

April 11, 2024 11:29 am Leave a Comment

I frequently get calls from nurses because they have been charged with a crime and want to protect their license. Some nurses say to me, well, I was arrested, but it has nothing to do with nursing. According to the Board, if you do have a criminal matter, they’re concerned about your professionalism and ethics. Therefore, in some states, like Arizona, you have ten days to report an arrest to the Board, but in other states, you need to notify them upon conviction.

Some states may also require you to report even if you made a no-contest plea or even if your matter goes on pretrial diversion. I highly recommend that you review your state’s Nurse Practice Act so you know exactly what you need to report and when. In addition, you should know your employee handbook as to what, if, and when you are required to report any matter to your employer.

By far, the biggest criminal matter in nursing is DUI. However, with Uber and Lyft, it seems that it wouldn’t be as prevalent, but it still is. Be safe, take an Uber or a Lyft, and if you are intoxicated, be careful of being charged with public intoxication as well. Again, the Boards have a duty to make sure that you’re safe. They want to make sure that you don’t have a substance abuse problem. They really take these criminal matters seriously. It is better to report as required than to hope that they don’t find out because if they do, it could be worse.

Nurses’ Salary Disparity

April 4, 2024 6:05 pm Leave a Comment

Every healthcare system I have driven by this week each had construction going on. With nonprofit healthcare systems, they need to reinvest the profits back into the organization. When healthcare systems say they do not have enough money to pay their nurses more, then why are they remodeling or growing their system? Nurses are often hailed as the unsung heroes, the backbone of the system, the ones who provide compassionate care around the clock. We dedicate ourselves to healing, comfort, and support for those in need. Yet, despite our crucial role, there exists a glaring disparity in compensation between nurses and top executives, particularly CEOs, within the healthcare industry.

As a fellow nurse, I understand the frustration and disillusionment that comes with this wage gap. It’s disheartening to see the stark difference between our salaries and those of corporate leaders, especially when we consider the only reason why patients are in the hospital is for nursing care.

Let’s delve into some numbers for context. On average, nurses earn a fraction of what healthcare CEOs take home. In the United States, the median annual salary for a registered nurse is around $75,000, whereas healthcare CEOs can rake in millions annually, sometimes even tens of millions, in salary, bonuses, and other perks. This stark contrast raises important questions about fairness, equity, and the value placed on different roles within the healthcare ecosystem.

The work we do as nurses is not just physically demanding but emotionally taxing as well. We are on our feet for long hours, providing direct patient care, administering medications, advocating for our patients’ needs, and often serving as a source of comfort and support during difficult times. We juggle multiple responsibilities, often under intense pressure, all while striving to maintain the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Meanwhile, healthcare CEOs undoubtedly have their own set of challenges and responsibilities. They oversee the strategic direction of healthcare organizations, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, manage budgets, and make critical decisions that impact the entire institution. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that their success is built upon the foundation laid by frontline healthcare workers like nurses. Without us, their lofty visions and strategic plans would be impossible to realize.

So why the gaping chasm in compensation? Some argue that executive pay is justified by the level of responsibility and accountability they shoulder. While this may hold some truth, it does not negate the fact that nurses are equally accountable for the well-being and safety of patients. We are the ones who spend the most time at the bedside, monitoring vital signs, detecting subtle changes in patient condition, and intervening promptly to prevent adverse outcomes.

Addressing the issue of salary disparity requires systemic changes at both institutional and societal levels. Healthcare organizations must prioritize fair and equitable compensation structures that reflect the value of all employees, from frontline workers to top executives. This may involve reevaluating executive compensation practices, implementing transparent salary scales, and ensuring that nurses receive competitive wages commensurate with their skills, experience, and contributions.

Additionally, policymakers, advocacy groups, and the public at large must recognize the importance of investing in nursing workforce development, improving working conditions, and advocating for policies that promote pay equity and fairness across the healthcare sector.

At a major teaching hospital, the CEO earns $529/hour making 14 times more the average salary of nurses.

Let us continue to champion our profession and advocate for the recognition and compensation we deserve. Together, we can work towards a future where the invaluable contributions of nurses are duly acknowledged, respected, and fairly compensated.

The Path To Nurse Business Ownership

March 29, 2024 5:13 pm Leave a Comment

Years ago, I had a mentor that told the story of how she wanted to hike Machu Picchu over spring break. She arrived in Peru and had to wait 3 days for her body to acclimate to the altitude. Then the day of the hike came. The guide shared the ins and outs of hiking the trail to the top. A cold sweat broke out as she realized she was completely unprepared to do this. I remember when I started my business, I felt completely unprepared.

She had flown across the world to get to Peru so she was not going to quit. Her guide said he helped hundreds of people climb Machu Picchu every day. What my mentor realized is that the path has already been paved. She just needed to follow her guide. She did not need to blaze her own trail. Just because business ownership may be new to you, it’s not new to everyone. Just follow the path!

Passion and Purpose: Every successful business starts with a spark – a passion, a purpose, a vision that ignites the soul. As a nurse, you possess a unique perspective shaped by your experiences, compassion, and dedication to patient care. Reflect on your passions, identify areas of need or opportunity in healthcare, and let your purpose guide you as you envision the business you were destined to create.
Knowledge and Expertise: As a nurse, you bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table – a foundation upon which your business will thrive. Take inventory of your skills, experience, and areas of specialization. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and seek out opportunities for continuous learning and growth to expand your expertise and position yourself as a leader in your chosen niche.
Market Research and Analysis: Before diving headfirst into entrepreneurship, it’s essential to conduct thorough market research and analysis. Take the time to understand your target market, assess competition, and identify unmet needs or gaps in the healthcare landscape. By gaining a deeper understanding of the market dynamics, you’ll be better equipped to develop a business model that resonates with your audience and stands out from the crowd.
Strategic Planning and Execution: Building a successful business requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and relentless execution. Develop a clear business plan that outlines your goals, objectives, target market, value proposition, and revenue model. Set actionable milestones, create a timeline for implementation, and stay focused on executing your plan with precision and purpose.
Networking and Collaboration: As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Leverage the power of networking and collaboration to forge meaningful connections, build partnerships, and access valuable resources and support. Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs who can offer guidance, inspiration, and encouragement along the way.
Adaptability and Resilience: Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, triumphs and setbacks. Embrace the inevitable challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Cultivate adaptability, resilience, and a mindset of perseverance as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of business ownership.
Passion, Purpose, and Persistence: Above all else, remember the driving forces behind your entrepreneurial journey – your passion, your purpose, and your unwavering persistence. Stay true to your vision, remain committed to your goals, and never lose sight of the profound impact you aspire to make on healthcare and the lives of those you serve.

Embark on Your Entrepreneurial Journey Today

Nurses, the path to business ownership awaits – a journey filled with boundless potential, limitless possibilities, and unparalleled fulfillment. Embrace the challenge, seize the opportunity, and dare to dream of the extraordinary legacy you will leave behind. Together, let us pave the way for a brighter, bolder future in healthcare – one nurse-led business at a time.

Would you like to hop on a call with me to chart the path for your nurse owned business? CallWithLorie.com

Nurses are Fed Up

March 28, 2024 5:27 pm Leave a Comment

Recently, eight nurses who were terminated from Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination claiming the hospital retaliated against them for reporting unsafe conditions. According to an article in MedPages Today, there have been over 600 official reports filed by nurses over the last six months regarding staffing shortages in this hospital. Nurses are frustrated that sometimes there are only four nurses to handle 150 patients who are treated in the emergency room on one shift. Patients are being left in urine and feces because they don’t have enough staff to clean them up. One nurse was terminated for theft after receiving a suture for a lacerated finger which allowed her to continue to work and was terminated for using her cell phone. A nurse was terminated for patient abandonment when she refused to take a fifth patient in a cardiac step-down unit.

This hospital is a union yet these things are still happening to the point where there were a number of complaints against this hospital. The nurses are suing for retaliation of reporting unsafe conditions. It is sad that these nurses were terminated just for doing their jobs, speaking up about the conditions and being patient advocates.

Studies have shown that when the patient outcomes are affected by the staff’s well-being when the staff is experiencing dissatisfaction or problems at home, patient outcomes are significantly affected. I appreciate these nurses speaking up and trying to do the right thing to advocate for their patients. It is unfortunate that it had to reach this point of a lawsuit to get the hospital to listen.

The Pitfalls of Social Media

March 21, 2024 11:24 am Leave a Comment

Nurses often find solace and connection in the communities we build. These communities extend beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics, reaching into the vast expanse of social media platforms. While these platforms offer us opportunities to share our experiences, seek support, and celebrate our victories, they also present challenges that we, as nurses, must navigate with care and thoughtfulness.

In the digital age, it’s all too easy to hit “post” without considering the implications of our words and actions. We’re accustomed to sharing snippets of our lives, from the heartwarming moments of patient recovery to the frustrating encounters with bureaucracy. Yet, in our eagerness to connect and communicate, we may inadvertently breach patient confidentiality, violate professional boundaries, or tarnish the reputation of our profession.

One of the most pressing concerns in the realm of social media is patient privacy. As nurses, we are bound by ethical and legal obligations to protect the confidentiality of our patients. Each interaction, each diagnosis, each moment of care is sacred and must be treated with the utmost respect. Sharing identifiable information, even inadvertently, can have serious consequences not only for us but also for the individuals under our care. A seemingly harmless post can quickly snowball into a breach of trust and a violation of privacy laws.

Furthermore, social media blurs the lines between our personal and professional lives, making it difficult to maintain appropriate boundaries. It’s tempting to turn to our online communities for advice or support when we’re grappling with the challenges of our profession. However, we must remember that what we share online can impact our relationships with colleagues, employers, and patients. Venting frustrations or airing grievances in a public forum can erode trust and undermine the integrity of our profession. Potential employers will do their due diligence and review your social media before they hire you.

Additionally, our online presence reflects not only on ourselves but also on the nursing profession as a whole. Each post, comment, or like contributes to the public’s perception of who we are and what we stand for. In a world where misinformation runs rampant, it’s more important than ever to uphold the values of integrity, compassion, and professionalism in everything we do, both online and offline.

So, how can we navigate the complexities of social media while staying true to our values as nurses? It starts with mindfulness and self-awareness. Before hitting “post,” pause and reflect on the potential consequences of your words. Ask yourself: Does this respect patient privacy? Does this uphold professional boundaries? Does this reflect positively on the nursing profession?

Furthermore, familiarize yourself with your organization’s social media policy and adhere to it diligently. Seek guidance from mentors or colleagues if you’re unsure about the appropriateness of a post. And above all, lead by example. Be a beacon of integrity and professionalism in the vast sea of social media, inspiring others to do the same.

I have heard nurses eat their young on social media by cannibalizing another nurse. Always remember to be professional.

In closing, let us remember that our words and actions have the power to shape the narrative of nursing in the digital age. Let us wield that power with wisdom, compassion, and respect. Together, we can build a stronger, more united nursing community—one that uplifts and empowers both its members and the patients we serve.

Inadvertent Errors is one of the Leading Causes of Death in Hospitals

March 14, 2024 7:48 pm Leave a Comment

In the In the world of hospitals, where every beep and shuffle tells a story, there’s a tough truth that weighs on us nurses: 250,000 people die in hospitals every year because of mistakes. It’s a big number, but each one represents a real person with real dreams, loved ones, and stories.

As nurses, we’re there in the thick of it all. We see the ups and downs, the hope and the heartache. We’re there to hold hands and offer comfort, but we’re also part of a system that sometimes fails people.

It’s tough to hear that so many lives are lost because of mistakes. It’s like a heavy cloud hanging over our heads, making us wonder if we could have done more.

But even in the face of such sadness, there’s hope. We nurses are like frontline soldiers fighting against these mistakes. We work hard to keep our patients safe, to learn from our mistakes, and to make things better.

We need to talk about what goes wrong and figure out how to fix it. We need to make sure that patients and their families are part of the team, so they can help us catch mistakes before they happen.

But most importantly, we need to remember why we became nurses in the first place. It’s not just about giving medicine or doing procedures. It’s about being there for people when they’re scared, in pain, or just need someone to listen.

So, let’s keep doing our best, even when things get tough. Let’s honor the memories of those we’ve lost by working together to make things better. And let’s never forget that every life we touch is a chance to make a difference.

Author Archives: Lorie A Brown, R.N., M.N., J.D.