Category: Empowered Nurses

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) recently released its much-anticipated annual survey results, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of the nursing profession in the United States. These findings offer valuable insights into the experiences, challenges, and sentiments of nurses nationwide, revealing critical issues that need addressing to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare […]

  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 […]

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 […]

  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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

  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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The commitment of healthcare providers to their patients is often unparalleled. They are the frontline warriors battling against diseases, injuries, and tragedies, striving to preserve life and alleviate suffering. However, amidst their noble dedication, a silent and somber reality persists: healthcare providers are sometimes compelled to sacrifice their own well-being, even their lives, due to a sense of loyalty or […]