A fellow nurse was killed by ICE on Saturday, January 24,2026. Everyday something new reminds us we are NO LONGER SAFE in our own beloved country! Alex Pretti RN was trying to defend and help a woman at a protest against ICE tactics in Minneapolis, MN regarding the recent shooting of citizen Renee Goode. The woman had been knocked down by ICE agents and Pretti was defending her. It hits home hard when it’s one of our own. Pretti, an ICU nurse at the Veterans hospital in Minneapolis. Alex was just 37 years old. He was holding his phone in one hand and his left hand was above his head…
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Nurses Month Continues – 2025
As Nurses Month continues for 2025, I hope you have taken or plan to take the opportunity to do something just for YOU to honor you and all that You do for your patients, co-workers and colleagues. If not, please make plans to do so in the coming weeks. Self-care and self-love are essential to avoiding burnout and caregiver fatigue. The health care industry is under duress and and attack. Cuts are threatened in many different ways, from funding cuts to insurances and programs for children and adults who lack other options. Funding has been cut for research, and support groups. Wellness programs including vaccines and preventative treatments are being…
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Patient and Family’s Perspective of Hospice
As nurses, we understand that hospice is a peaceful way for patients to transition from this world, but what about our patients’ and families’ perspective? I recently had a patient who, over the last few months, had a significant change in her health. She was diagnosed with cancer and ended up with two major surgeries in a three-month time frame. After the second surgery, the patient decided she could no longer endure the pain and wanted a hospice consult. It was not surprising, as she was elderly, but what surprised me was this patient’s perception of hospice. She truly believed we would be euthanizing her the same way we euthanize…
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Nurses Writing Patient Education Materials
Writing patient educational materials can be a great niche for nurses who love to write and a natural means to grow a freelance career as a nurse writer. The following article, Nutrition in Pregnancy, by Melissa Murphy RN, is a great example of solid patient education. Patient Education Patient education is a huge part of nursing. Education can begin with the physician or other practitioner, but the major portion of the education falls to the nurses. Be sure to go over the materials with the patient to ensure they understand. Patient education is best when it’s interactive and not just handing the patient something to read. Healthcare literacy is maximized…