“After I explain the workload, we can move you into recovery . . .” Think you’d be able to come up with a funnier line? We’re going to give you a chance to prove it. Our Name that caption! contest is coming very soon—so stay tuned.   Read More »

The key to reducing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is through awareness and recognition of potential problems. Drug errors are usually due to human error-regardless of whether harm results in the client. You can prevent ADRs by following the practices validated by evidence-based research and using discerning clinical skill when administering drugs. Avoid potential serious ADRs by Performing drug research prior to the administration of drugs Practicing the...  Read More »

Pink and blue balloons were everywhere. Gifts, a fantastic spread of great food, and smiling faces greeted everyone as they walked through the door. Excitement and electricity filled the air. Sounds like just your average baby shower, right? Except there was nothing average about the baby shower put on by Texas Tech nursing professor Linda Brice, RN, PhD, FNP, and two of her classes a couple weeks ago. In conjunction with the March of Dimes Stork’s Nest...  Read More »

In an effort to recruit more new nurses, the Veterans Administration (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System in CA has adopted the Versant R.N. Residency program. The 18-week orientation program consists of 200 hours that combines classroom instruction, clinical training, and mentoring opportunities. The hope is that the extended program will create more comfortable, competent workers than are typically seen after an average, two-month orientation. Fifteen new graduates...  Read More »

Tammy Adams, a senior in the nursing program at Salem State College in Salem, MA, took some time to share her story about finding a job in light of the well-known national shortage. The shortage varies from state to state, with California, Texas, and Florida at the top of the list. Adams told us about the difficulties she is facing in Massachusetts:      So, how about that nursing shortage? Remember when we were in high school, contemplating...  Read More »

Somewhere in the course of education history, someone came up with the idea of having a “final.” They thought an exam that tested your knowledge on anything and everything you learned during an entire course was a good idea, a way to see if you really understood the material. We have this brilliant person to thank for one of the most stressful times of the year. But honestly, it’s not that bad. While finals are the only obstacle left between...  Read More »

Pink and blue balloons were everywhere. Gifts, a fantastic spread of great food, and smiling faces greeted everyone as they walked through the door. Excitement and electricity filled the air. Sounds like just your average baby shower, right? Except there was nothing average about the baby shower put on by Texas Tech nursing professor Linda Brice, RN, PhD, FNP, and two of her classes last Thursday. In conjunction with the March of Dimes Stork’s Nest Drive,...  Read More »

Wouldn’t it be nice if there were handy, little pocket guides for nurses? Wouldn’t it be nice if those guides were broken down into specific units so they included only pertinent information? And wouldn’t it be nice if those guides had hip, catchy names? Well, today is your lucky day! Many of you have seen our Quick-E! series of books. Maybe you’ve received a free copy at a convention or maybe you’ve just perused the 10 titles...  Read More »

What happens if you make a documentation error? In the past, charting errors were corrected by writing the word “error” near the mistake. The standard today is to write “mistaken entry” above the line drawn through the words that need to be deleted. The author’s date, time, and initials go above “mistaken entry.” Here are some more helpful hints: Keep the original entry intact. Never scratch out or attempt to obliterate...  Read More »

As graduation time nears and decisions about what jobs to take loom on the horizon, it’s helpful to know what matters to nursing students. Money? Sure. Location? Of course. But what is No. 1 on the list? Positive working conditions, according to a recent survey of 1,626 nursing students by AMN Healthcare. Having low nurse-patient ratios was second on the list, while favorable work hours, pay rates, and geographic location rounded out the top five. AMN...  Read More »