Category: Empowered Nurses

There seems to be an old wife’s tale in nursing that if you do not accept a report of a difficult assignment then, you are free to leave. I don’t understand why nurses think that this is OK, because if you do leave, who is going to take care of the patients assigned to you? How are they going to […]

Because of the nursing shortage as well as widespread burnout, a recent study shows that reducing nursing staffs by ten percent (10%) could result in nearly 11,000 deaths in the hospital each year. We know that poor staffing leads to poor care. However, until now, I had not seen it quantified in any study. This was a retrospective study from […]

  Some hospitals have come up with a creative idea to offer nurses a sabbatical to decrease burnout. Can a sabbatical really transform your professional and personal and professional life? The way some hospitals do sabbaticals is by transferring the nurse to a lower acuity unit for a couple of months. No nurse likes to float so I am not […]

Nursing is a profession built on trust, compassion, and rigorous standards. When a nurse faces disciplinary action, it can have significant repercussions, both professionally and personally. One common concern is how long this disciplinary action remains on a nurse’s license. Understanding this is crucial for nurses aiming to navigate their careers post-disciplinary action. Types of Disciplinary Actions Before delving into […]

  As nurses, we often feel the pull to further our education and pursue advanced degrees. The allure of increased knowledge, better pay, and enhanced career opportunities is strong. However, it’s important to remember that an advanced degree isn’t the only path to a fulfilling and successful nursing career. Here, I want to explore why you might choose to forgo […]

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 […]