There are many potential hazards with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Encourage clients to read drug labels and follow checklists for remembering good practices when taking drugs. You can also assist clients in the prevention of OTC interactions with other drugs by making the following recommendations: The client should know why he or she is taking the drug Encourage the client to read drug labels Advise the client to take only recommended doses as directed The...  Read More »

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Along with Gordon Smith (R-OR), Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) recently reintroduced the Nursing Education and Quality of Health Care (NEHQC) Act to help improve nursing in rural areas. The legislation would provide funds to improve nurse training and assist with recruitment and retention. The Act would also seek to increase patient safety by creating demonstration projects that will be integrated into education programs. It would also bolster nursing leadership....  Read More »

The transition from nursing school to the halls of the hospital can be quite difficult for many young nurses. There are stones to be uncovered, discoveries to be made, and tricks to the trade. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was someone to fill you in on some of the secrets before your first day of orientation? One of our nurse friends from Ohio is going to do just that by listing the top 10 things she wishes she knew before she became an RN. My name is...  Read More »

Everyone encounters angry people. And everyone gets angry from time to time. Patients get angry. Nurses get angry. Everyone “loses their cool” or “hits the roof.” It may be uncomfortable to handle anger, but it is a necessary task. On the positive side, sometimes dealing with anger or other emotions can strengthen and enrich a relationship. Anger is an emotion–nothing more and nothing less. It’s a very powerful emotion that...  Read More »

The desire from educators and nurse leaders to develop nurses’ critical thinking skills is undoubtedly pressing for new graduate nurses. Why do nurses, who have just completed their education, have a difficult time displaying the qualities and skills educators and leaders want? It’s important to understand that new graduates face many stresses as they transition from being students to being registered nurses, and these stresses impede their ability...  Read More »

By its nature, nursing involves a tremendous amount of multitasking. You assess the color and quantity of urine in the Foley catheter while you are hanging the IV, all while you’re talking to the patient and trying to listen for the physician you just paged. Being present with a patient these days is challenging for even the most experienced of nurses. Here are some tips for staying present when you walk into a patient’s room: Try to jot down...  Read More »

We can learn a great deal from nurse leaders. Aside from clinical and managerial skills, those in leadership positions have been around the industry for years. They can provide a great deal of insight and perspective into some of the most important issues facing nurses today. So, we asked them to do that. Last year, HCPro put together a survey about everything from preceptors and staff meetings to technology and why nurses are leaving their jobs. After nearly...  Read More »

Katherine Heigl, who plays Izzie Stevens on ABC’s popular healthcare drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” recently announced plans to launch a line of designer scrubs. Heigl, who is partnering with Peaches Uniforms on the fashion project, is hoping to make nurses feel more fashionable and confident. Four different styles-”London,” “Connecticut,” “Los Angeles,” and “Seattle”-will provide nurses with...  Read More »