Some very disturbing news is exposed in the San Francisco Chronicle today. We all know that as nurses we are exposed to chemicals, germs, and a whole lot of unknown problems everyday. It’s just part of the risks we take to help others. But how much exposure is too much? And what is being done to protect us? The results of an online survey of 1500 nurses in the U.S. conducted by the Environmental Working Group and Health Care Without Harm shows that nurses are being affected by their exposure to eleven common health care chemicals. These common chemicals include: hand disinfectants cleaning agents latex chemotherapy drugs and antiretrovirals gasses…
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National Nurse Campaign
To solve the nursing shortage crisis, it’s going to take a lot of thinking outside the box. One idea came from Terri Mills RN, MS, ANP, a nurse educator at Portland Community College in Oregon. In an op-ed column in the New York Times, Mills suggested the idea for a National Nurse. Over the past couple of years, the idea has evolved and gained support. Learn more about the Campaign for a National Nurse. Watch this video about the National Nurse Campaign. For more information read the National Nurse blog.
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Inspirational Quotes
A little stress buster for you today
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Looking for Something Beyond the Bedside??
Things got a little crazy this week. I was out of town and didn’t have a chance to get anything written here. I did find some interesting blogs for nurses and one that really caught my eye…. Alternative Nursing Careers. It’s a great resource for those looking for a field beyond the bedside. Check it out. Many times I get questions from readers about what else is there and so many hospital nurses who feel stuck and just want to give up entirely. There are many alternatives for nurses.
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Head to Toe Assessment
A head to toe assessment involves assessment of the 11 body systems including Neuro, Respiratory, Circulatory, Integumentary, GI, GU, Reproductive, Muscular, Skeletal, Endocrine, Lymphatic/Immune systems. One of my most popular articles has always been the Head to Toe Assessment. Student nurses and nurse educators have used this page quite often, and I have posted it on [UPDATED LINK] ANewNurse.com today. I have added a few recommended books at the bottom of the page for further reading on assessment skills for nurses. Photo: Dilated pupils by Kathy Quan