My 94- year-old grandmother has been in the hospital for a variety of complications. During visits, I’ve been introduced to her physician and her nurse. The funny thing is, the physician was introduced as “Dr. Smith*,” whereas the nurse was introduced as “Nurse Emily*.” (*names changed) Christopher Johnson, MD, a pediatric intensive care physician, remarks on this same issue in a blog post on KevinMD.com. He discusses the issue...  Read More »

Nurses have to deal with all types of stress, whether it’s stress from dealing with difficult patients, nurse-to-nurse hostility, or the long hours. They are also frequently called upon to help relieve their patients’ stress and anxiety. An article in The Topeka Capital-Journal discussed this topic with registered nurse Sharon Anderson, who works in a breast diagnostic center. When patients come to see her, something is either wrong,...  Read More »

I have a couple friends who have graduated with nursing degrees and are on the hunt for a job. They’ve studied for long hours, interned in hospitals and doctors’ offices, and put their knowledge to the test for the NCLEX exam. It never dawned on me that none of these nursing friends are males; they are all female! But according to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, more male nurses than ever are coming into the nursing world. Duquesne...  Read More »

Once again, Rebecca Hendren of HealthLeaders Media has provided a provocative column on nursing. This time, she explores the rash of strikes that are breaking out over the country. Yes, there are many reason for this, but surely, one is nursing stress resulting from the intense demands put on nurses. For example, Hendren writes “New graduate initiation practically stipulates that a requirement of successful floor nurses is a gargantuan...  Read More »

There are a lot of credentials out there to be earned. An interesting article in the Philadelphia Inquirer highlights some of the issues surrounding different degrees for the advanced-practice nurse. Specifically, it explores the new trend of advanced-practice nurses earning a doctor of nursing practice degree (NPD). Enrollment in NPD programs have risen from 70 in 2002 to more than 5,000 last year, according to the Inquirer. To be clear,...  Read More »

In a continuing effort to recognize nurses, the Center to Champion Nursing in America (CCNA) is requesting high quality photos that depict nurses’ work and the relationships they form with patients and families. The winning photograph will be featured in an AARP print and/or web publication. CCNA hopes to gather images of nurses across all healthcare settings in professional practice and leadership roles, as well as in recruitment...  Read More »