Category: Empowered Nurses

    The South Carolina state legislature has pumped $30 million into collegiate nursing programs over the past three years. It is anticipated that the Palmetto State has the seventh largest shortage of registered nurses in the nation which leaves one-in-five (20%) positions unfilled due to nurses retiring and current low staffing levels. An article published in Becker’s Hospital Review […]

“The best defense is a good offense” is a maxim that everyone has heard. But a better position to come from is to never have the problem in the first place. How do you do this? By being proactive. Proactive means that if you smell the handwriting on the wall: leave! Leave before you get fired. As I often say, […]

According to Indiana Code § 25-23-1-19.8, before December 31st of every even numbered year, the Board is required to randomly audit at least one per cent (1%) but not more than ten per cent (10%) of the APRNs with authority to prescribe legend drugs. This was enacted last year, and the board is still in the process of auditing. Currently, […]

As a nurse, we’re trained to handle emergencies in various settings—from the controlled environment of a hospital to the unpredictable chaos of an accident scene. However, one of the most challenging and unique situations I’ve encountered happened not on the ground but 35,000 feet in the air. Imagine this: you’re seated comfortably on a plane, finally taking a break from […]

  Little Rock, Arkansas nurse Amber Nelson had been caring for a patient she had previously known when, for some reason, she chose to reveal the patient’s MyChart on the social medium, Snapchat. There are all kinds of misinformation out there about this case, including the patient whose confidential information was disclosed. I’m not sure exactly when this happened and […]

In a recent article, the number of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) is rapidly growing in healthcare right now. There are more than 300,000 nurse practitioners and this figure is expected to climb 45.7%. This is the fastest growing profession outpacing the growth of physicians. However, with the increase in nurse practitioners, there has been an increase in the number of programs […]

  The nursing profession stands as a cornerstone of the healthcare system, with nurses providing essential care, comfort, and support to patients and their families. Yet, despite their critical role, nurses often face challenges that can lead to burnout, stress, and dissatisfaction. However, recent initiatives focusing on self-scheduling and increased control over the working environment and schedules are paving the […]

In a surprising and significant development, several members of the nursing faculty at Dickinson State University (DSU) have recently resigned. This wave of resignations has sparked concerns and conversations among students, faculty, and the broader community. Let’s explore the potential causes, implications, and what it means for the future of DSU’s nursing program. Understanding the Context Dickinson State University, located […]

    Introduction The journey to becoming a registered nurse is rigorous, requiring dedication, education, and successful completion of the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). However, there’s a growing debate about allowing nursing graduates to practice before passing the NCLEX Recently, Rhode Island passed a law allowing nurses to begin practice prior to taking the NCLEX. As the healthcare industry […]

Dear Fellow Nurse, As I sit down to pen these thoughts, I find myself reflecting on the many layers of freedom we experience as nurses. Freedom is a profound and multifaceted concept, one that weaves through our professional and personal lives in ways that are both subtle and profound. One of the things I think nurses value is control over […]