Category: Employment

The electronic health records are here to stay.  You may love it because they save time or you may dislike it.  Regardless of your opinion, we have no choice about it. The government now requires that healthcare providers adopt and demonstrate “meaningful use” of electronic health records to remain eligible for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. “If it is not documented, […]

It seems that the theme for nurses this week is how do we resolve problems.  Many of us approach problems from a reactive stance, that is, we tend to respond by getting upset, angry and feel indignant that this is happening. Stepping back from the situation, we can get clear on what is really going on and what it is […]

Many nurses stay in their job because of their comfort zone.  They are comfortable with where they work, the policies and procedures, the staff, the routine, etc.  But things may not be clicking just right.  Maybe you’re getting write-ups here and there and talked to frequently.  Perhaps you may not fit in with the other staff and all these other […]

It may not feel like it but, from what I hear, nurses are having trouble finding employment.  When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed, hospitals got scared and were concerned whether they would be able to stay in business with the reimbursements provided by the ACA.  So, it appeared the nursing shortage went away, but hospitals were only waiting […]

Every nurse and health care provider knows that it is important to maintain patient confidentiality.  We are required to care for patients while respecting their privacy.  With that in mind, here are some tips on protecting patient privacy: Do NOT provide patient information to anyone. Even if a patient’s family or friends ask you for information, do NOT provide it.  […]

I remember when I was practicing that I would come to work and find almost everybody complaining.  How sick the patients were, about their assignment, what the previous shift didn’t do, difficult patients, that the family wasn’t there … and the complaints would go on and on.  From my clients, I also find occasional negativity about their workplace. Unfortunately, negativity […]

Nurses are the heart and soul of the health care team. Health Care Facilities would not exist without nurses.  Nurses are the eyes and ears of the physician and the lifeline of the patient. After I graduated from nursing school, some friends would ask “why didn’t you go on to medical school?”  Well, the public doesn’t understand how nurses are […]

During this license renewal season, I have helped several nurses who were working at a place they knew was not the right fit for them, but continued to work there anyway. I call this “the square peg in the round hole”.  The fit could be with your coworkers or with the type of unit and type of patients.  No matter […]

Recently I was on an airplane when a passenger became very ill and went to the restroom.  A flight attendant asked if there was any health professional available to provide help. My first thought was “Oh, no.  I haven’t practiced in years!  Do I really want to get involved?  And, if I do, can I get sued if I try […]

As a nurse or other health care professional, we have a special relationship with our patients.  People expect a nurse to act in the patient’s best interest and to respect their dignity. It is extremely important for a health care professional to maintain a therapeutic relationship with the patient.  A therapeutic relationship is one where the nurse can apply her […]