None of us see the world as it is, we see the world the way we are. We all operate from different experiences, values, cultural norms, etc., that affect how we treat each other. When I walked into a room and a patient or family member would start to complain, I use to feel as if I was a bad nurse and become defensive. I now recognize that complaints are actually requests in disguise–when patients or families are complaining they are operating from a place...  Read More »

“I can’t make it to work because I’m stranded on a desert island … No! I’m not making it up this time!” And the winner is … (drum roll, please) … Aimee Dinwoodie! Congratulations, Aimee! Thanks to everyone who submitted a caption. They were all hilarious! And, we’ll be back next week with a brand new cartoon! Will YOU be the next winner? In the meantime, we’re going to give away a few copies of our...  Read More »

An article on advanceweb.com is an interesting piece on the relationship between nurses and pharmacists, and the sometimes tricky relationship they have. Communication seems to be the key; according to the article, nurses often complain about wait times for orders to be filled, while pharmacists complain they are never received the order. The article partly blames technology-especially when both sides are still getting used to it. The key, writes Roxana Gonzalez,...  Read More »

Q: As a caregiver, do you have an opinion about doctor-assisted suicide? A: This isn’t something I have to deal with at all at work, but it is definitely something I have found myself wondering about. As caregivers, I’m sure we all have an opinion on the topic. I find myself conflicted on the issue: When talking with someone who is for it, I feel like they come up with good evidence and arguments. But then when I talk to someone who is against it,...  Read More »

“Here’s a bill from the plumber. Did you know that the volunteers thought you could get rid of old fruit by flushing it down the toilet?” And the winner is … (drum roll, please) … Deb Francisco! Congratulations, Deb! Thanks to everyone who submitted a caption. They were all hilarious! And, we’ll be back next week with a brand new cartoon! Will YOU be the next winner? In the meantime, we’re going to give away a few...  Read More »

Feeling overwhelmed with a case of the Mondays? Need a little laugh and a little stress relief? Check out this hilarious video of Gene Cotton singing “I Am a Nurse” at the recent National Student Nurses’ Association Convention in Nashville, TN. Are you headed to Phoenix for the NSNA MidYear Conference? Kathleen Bartholomew, RC, RN, MN, best-selling HCPro author, is slated to be the keynote speaker.   Read More »

Here’s a refreshing take on hospital education: A Denver company is customizing the outer skin of its vending machines for customers. You could combine a hand-washing reminder with a delicious soft drink for only $2,695. Can you picture one in your facility? Click here to see the full article.   Read More »

Q: Have you ever made a mistake or been involved in an accident at work? How did you tell your manager? A: Just the other day, I was involved in an incident that is going to cause me a couple months of headaches. Thankfully, no one was hurt (although maybe my feelings a little). It was a simple blood transfusion. I have given blood to hundreds of patients before and this time was no different. It was me and another nurse (you need two nurses to make sure you...  Read More »

It’s become a tired joke on TV shows through the years: A patient’s gown opens in the back and reveals his or her bottom. But the reality can be quite serious and embarrassing for hospital visitors. According to the Buffalo News, Idaho registered nurse Carleen Egbert and anesthesiologist Brian Kerr are hoping to change that—and increase dignity and privacy—with a new design. The duo conceptualized the idea for a gown that parted on the side...  Read More »

Along with sorting through the emotions and memories from her medical mission trip to Haiti, Bonnie Clair, MSN, RN, had another tall task: She had to sort through the pictures. “I took about 400,” she says. “I took pictures of Haiti and the Haitian people as well as the people I went with. I didn’t want to forget anyone.” Clair, the retention project manager at Cox Health in Springfield, MO, went on a medical mission trip to Haiti...  Read More »