Handling difficult patients is expected by those going into the nursing profession, but most don’t expect to be physically attacked. Nurses are routinely spit on, kicked, shoved, and verbally abused by patients, and a recent law in New York now classifies such actions as felonies. On Tuesday, November, 2, The Violence Against Nurses law went into effect in New York state, offering nurses the same protection as provided to police officers,...  Read More »

A new survey found that patients in the Northwest believe nurse practitioners provide primary care that is just as good as physicians. Oregon Public Broadcasting News just completed a survey of 1,200 residents of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho comparing the quality of treatment provided by nurse practitioners and physicians. The survey found that 49% of Northwesterners agreed that they receive treatment from a nurse that’s just as good...  Read More »

Under the health section of The New York Times website, there is a column called ‘Well,’ which is an informational column on everything health related. I read a few different blog entries from current nurses who detail their day-to-day activities. One blogger in particular, Theresa Brown, RN, recalls on a lot of situations, both good and bad, that take place in a hospital: To many of us, ‘the patient bolused once this morning for a...  Read More »

About a month ago, I wrote about the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) AACN Nurse Residency Program,TM which dramatically decreased turnover rates for nurses in their first year on the job. The blog post prompted Daniel McCarthy, a retired airline pilot and flight instructor, as well as an aircraft mechanic, to write a comment. At 53, McCarthy went to nursing school and later became a nurse. Despite his experience in the tough field...  Read More »

Most nurses and physicians are aware of the problems that still exist between the two groups—but did you know the extent? A new December 2009 report by the American College of Physician Executives found that the tension between nurses and physicians is pervasive and affects patient care for the worse. More than 2,100 nurses and physicians participated in the survey–67% were nurses and 33% were physicians. Almost all respondents...  Read More »

When nurses become jaded and angry every day, what are they, and those around them, to do? A new piece in NursesTogether.com says if you’re a jaded nurse, it’s time to reevaluate and ask yourself why you got into the profession, how you have made a difference so far, and what you love about nursing. If these answers are enough to remind you that you want to be a nurse, then reset your attitude and give it your best, columnist...  Read More »

Despite all the talk about critical thinking, nurses operate in a very task-oriented system. In our rush to take care of all our patients’ needs, we are prone to neglect ourselves, which affects not only our own health but also our ability to care for patients. Remember, there are few things that can’t wait five minutes, so take a moment for yourself. Much of my increased efficiency at the bedside results from the way I now manage...  Read More »

Are you in search of the ideal gift to show your gratitude to a fellow nurse? Is it time to reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve been doing? Whether it’s a resource to help save time or to expand knowledge—and whether it’s for you or a colleague—we’re going to make it easier on your wallet. In appreciation of your loyalty to HCPro and in recognition of the upcoming week that celebrates your profession, we would like to...  Read More »

If you’re not battling stress right now, you’re one of the few. As a nurse who has to deal with long hours, a sore back, aching feet, new rules from administration, challenging physicians, moody coworkers, and difficult patients, it’s not easy out there. Throw in a sinking economy and, well, say hello to lots and lots of stress. But there’s hope—in numbers. There’s comfort in solidarity. When you know everyone...  Read More »

“Oh my God! You’d think he won a cameo on the season finale of ER.” And the winner is … (drum roll, please) … Linda Luusua! Congratulations, Linda! 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?   Read More »