Nurses have done some amazing things in the course of human history. Countless women and men have cared for the sick and guided millions back to health. They’ve endured wars, comforting the wounded and lending an ear to the ill-fated. Only one nurse, though, has turned out the lights on top of the world. Patrick Hickey, RN, BSN, MS, MSN, Dr. P.H., CNOR, an assistant clinical professor at the University of South Carolina, returned home from his ascent...  Read More »

To help ease the growing nursing shortage in the area, the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission recently awarded nine grants worth a total of $5.9 million to local colleges and universities. The campuses will use the funds to create partnerships with clinics, hospitals, and health systems. The hope, over the next five years, is that the new relationships could produce as many as 1,500 new graduate nurses for the state. Some recipients of the grants...  Read More »

Let’s face it: Some of us have sloppy handwriting. Whether we are in a rush, in love with loopy letters and smiley faces, or prone to chicken scratch, many of us could use some improvement. And as nurses, handwriting is a big part of our jobs. One miscue could compromise patient care in a huge way. We’re here with some tips to help you avoid handwriting errors. There was a scene in an episode of the TV sitcom “Scrubs” a year or two back....  Read More »

We’ve all been there. You’re sitting on one side of a desk. Someone, who happens to be judging everything you do, is sitting on the other side. Thoughts are rushing through your head at dizzying speeds: “What are they thinking? Did they like that answer? Does my hair still look good? Should I check my breath?” Right up there with public speaking and snakes, interviewing is one of people’s biggest fears. But it doesn’t have...  Read More »

In nursing, it’s easy to feel isolated. Whether you are still a student or you’ve been on the floor for 20 years, long hours, time away from family and friends, and stress can be overwhelming. So, sometimes it’s nice to know where you stand. It’s nice to know that others in similar situations are enduring the same highs and lows. And sometimes, it’s just nice to know what everyone else is watching on TV. Our polls serve as a window...  Read More »

“And he thought he was getting his appendix out . . . he’s going to LOVE the psych unit!” And the winner is . . . (drum roll, please) . . . Ruth Anne Milstead! Congratulations, Ruth Anne! Thanks to everyone who submitted a caption. They were all fantastic! And, we’ll be back next week with a brand new cartoon! Will YOU be the next winner?   Read More »

It’s no secret. All the studying, all the long nights, all the money, and all that tireless effort goes toward one goal: a job you love. Whether you are looking for a short commute, lots of money, a new group of friends, or just somewhere to make a difference, your first nursing gig is an important one. While you may not have it forever, you’ll always remember it. One new graduate nurse working in Boston was kind enough to share her experience and...  Read More »

Mr. Sim may help curb the nursing shortage in California. The robotic mannequin is part of a new state-of-the-art simulation center that will be used by three schools: the College of Marin, Dominican University, and Sonoma State University. The hope is that students can fulfill up to 25% of their clinical requirement through simulation training, which, in turn, will make room for 20% more students, officials estimate. The 12 robotic mannequins that will make...  Read More »

It’s a question asked by new and experienced nurses alike: when the list of to-dos seems insurmountable, how should valuable time be managed? A time-sensitive clinical setting leaves little room for wasted minutes, and with staffing numbers taking a hit at many facilities, nurses need to learn how to best utilize the workday. As staff members learn the essentials about time management, they will realize that other equally important goals are directly...  Read More »

Once you have settled into your job, you need to consider joining a professional organization. Aside from being recognized as someone committed to the profession, there are many perks to joining a professional organization: Networking opportunities (which help you when looking for other positions) Collegial support, especially during tough times The opportunity to learn about other facilities Continuing education opportunities (often at a discounted rate) Invitations...  Read More »