The Nursing Site Blog

Migration to TheNursingSite.com

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 16:39:00 +0000

Migration to TheNursingSite.com will be complete as of JULY 1,2019 and this site will be deleted. Please update your bookmarks to THENURSINGSITE.COM.

Thanks,
Kathy

We're Moving

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 05:16:00 +0000

We're Moving...
Please follow this blog on TheNursingSite.com
I am combining the Blog and Website. Please click on the link above to join us.

Seven Tips for Starting Nursing School with a Full-Time Job

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 21:55:00 +0000

By Deborah Swanson

If you’re contemplating working full-time during nursing school or you’re already struggling to balance these commitments, read on for seven tips to stay sane while going to nursing school and holding down a full-time job.

1. Find a flexible job.

Maybe you’re lucky enough to already have a flexible job: You can set your own hours to a certain extent, you have a retail or food service position, you often work remotely or you freelance exclusively and can schedule your work whenever you want. If this describes your situation, then great! That will make it easier to continue your work during nursing school. But if it doesn’t, you might need to look into making a change. Your work schedule will need to accommodate classes from the get-go — and eventually shifts for clinical work as well.

2. Search for healthcare positions.

If you’re contemplating a job change to make it easier to work full-time while going to nursing school, consider looking for positions in the healthcare field. There are plenty of other jobs available in healthcare, such as home health aides and medical assistants. These roles sometimes offer shift work or schedules that are otherwise flexible, and the relevant experience will help bolster your resume when it comes time to search for that first nursing job after graduation.

3. Talk to your supervisors and co-workers.

Once you get accepted into nursing school, you’ll need to broach it with your supervisor at work. If your school hours won’t interfere with your shift, this might be a simple heads-up so they know you’re going to school — but if you’ll need to change your schedule, prepare for a longer conversation, and have a proposal in mind beforehand.

4. Figure out your finances.

Sit down and take a hard look at your finances, with your partner if you have one. Tally up all your current expenses (rent, food, gas, etc.) as well as any specific costs for nursing school, like tuition, textbooks, scrubs, nursing shoes. See if there’s anything you can reasonably trim, and figure out the absolute minimum income you need to bring in to cover all your expenses. Even though money seems tight, it’s only for a couple years.

5. Schedule your life.

Balancing a full-time job with nursing school means you’ll need to get really good at planning ahead and maximizing your time. Break down your semesters into months, the months into weeks, the weeks into days and the days into hourly blocks. First, mark down major dates such as exams and breaks. Then put down your classes and work hours. From there, you can determine when you have time to study, cook and take care of other necessary activities.

6. Create a study group.

Speaking of scheduling study time, creating a study group can be a great way to keep yourself accountable. When you procrastinate on studying, you’re cancelling on yourself — but it’s a lot harder to cancel on other people. Being part of a group makes studying an actual event, and you’ll be more likely to show up if other people are involved.

7. Look for a low-stress environment.

While you won’t always have a choice, if you do find yourself in the position of deciding between multiple jobs it’s worth considering which one will cause you less stress. Working in a calm, slow-paced environment can give you a respite from the hustle and bustle of nursing school and hospitals and add some balance to your life.

Deborah Swanson is a Coordinator for the Real Caregivers Program at allheart.com. A site dedicated to celebrating medical professionals and their journeys. She keeps busy interviewing caregivers and writing about them, gardening and walking her dogs.

Thanks Debbie!

NurseCEO Success Summit a Huge Hit!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:35:00 +0000

Yesterday I had the honor of participating in the NurseCEO Success Summit in Los Angeles. The discussion centered around nurses building businesses beyond the bedside. The mission was "to educate, inspire, and empower nurses to be successful entrepreneurs, business owners, and business leaders." It was clearly fulfilled, and then some!

Several of the participants and attendees are not nurses, but their stories were most certainly relevant. The only negative was there was so much more to say and time ran out. Let's do it again soon!

In fact, there is another session booked for Nov. 17 in Atlanta and those of you who can, should make plans now to attend! You too will be a winner! #nurseceosummit.

Thank you Lolita Korneagay, Portia "Revlon" Wofford, Tobi Taj, and Shauna Chin!

@TheNurseCEO @lipstickandstethoscope @ShaunaChin @Tobi.Talks

National Register to Vote Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 19:53:00 +0000

Today (Sept. 25,2018) is National Register to Vote Day. Voting is a civic duty from the time American Citizens turn 18 until they are no longer alive or capable of making an informed decision. There are NO excuses! You can also check your voter registration status.

Your rights depend on your voting wherever you live. The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Midterm election Nov. 6 is fast approaching. For instance, in California the deadline is Oct. 22.

There are many ways to register. USA.gov offers tips for each state on how to register and to vote. You may be able to register online.

Military and those living overseas can find information about registering and voting at Overseas Vote Foundation.

If you have recently been married, changed your name for other reasons, moved to a new address, didn't vote in the last presidential election, or changed your political party affiliation you need to re-register. You MUST be registered in order to vote. Don't procrastinate, do it TODAY!

In most states (27) you can also order a mail-in (absentee) ballot if you won't have time/opportunity to vote in person. These ballots are not always just for shut-ins and disabled persons. Twenty states do require an excuse. With the promise of more election hacking possibilities, paper ballots may be the preferred way to vote until the issues can be addressed and resolved.Check with your state for rules on Absentee Ballots.

Did you know that 3 states, CO, WA, and OR automatically mail ballots to ever registered voter?
Voters can opt to vote in person, but have the ballot in case circumstances change.

Mail-in ballots need to be post marked by election day (or as set by state law) or can be delivered by the voter to your polling place before the polls close on Nov. 6. Please check the specifics for your state. Many states have laws protecting voters which require employers to allow time off to vote. If you don't want to hassle with that, order your absentee ballot.

The focus TODAY is to be REGISTERED to VOTE! Help register family and friends!

Never Forget

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 07:00:00 +0000

photo ©Kathy Quan

No words needed. #NEVER FORGET!

That Certain Patient

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 18:07:00 +0000

Dianne Cabelus-Braley

www.nursingtheneighborhood.com

I think it’s safe to assume many of us as nurses at one point or another have had that certain patient that we somewhere along the way became a little attached to, maybe caring about a wee bit more than the rest. I realize as a nurse this probably is politically incorrect to say but this happens. We are human. But if we are performing our job correctly it is that that we care more about not provide better care for certain patients from time to time. In other words… We kinda just like them better. That being said we as nurses take an oath and in that we are to provide the best care that we can while remaining neutral, empathetic and objective but this does not mean we are lack emotion. As a nurse that is the main component in our job, to care which is based on emotion. With some certain patients we just find ourselves becoming a bit more invested. The reasons this happens, who knows?

Sometimes we relate to the person and find commonalities between us. Other times they may remind us of someone we know or maybe we just get along well. I think that we have all found with some certain patients we invest a little extra time and this can make it that much harder to leave them and even more difficult when they leave us. I know that for me the patients that I have bonded with the most are the stubborn difficult ones who have a quick wit but can make you crazy. My husband would say that type of person is very familiar to him. I have found these are my most challenging patients but the ones that I get the most satisfaction in helping when they finally allow me to do that. A nurse patient relationship is an intimate and unique one. It’s really no wonder we get attached at times. In this profession there are many highs and just as many lows and we occasionally find ourselves on an emotional roller coaster.

So how to deal...

Rule number one is you need to balance empathy with objectivity and this can be difficult, especially for a new nurse. It can be a slippery slope when you are to care for someone but at the same time not become emotionally invested. While yes, with some patients being objective and neutral will be easy to do. Others you may find it hard to balance and that’s normal.

How to balance…

Keep it professional and keep the focus on the patient. You don’t need to disclose your personal life to with your patient and it is actually unprofessional if you do. You can have conversations but keep things general and non-specific about yourself. This is not only in your best interest but in the best interest of the patient. The focus should always be on them.

Start off on the right foot…

Getting to close can cloud judgement so start off with each patient the same. Learn to keep a compassionate distance to protect yourself and your patients. This can start with setting clear expectations and boundaries with your patient and their families in the beginning as to the role you will play in providing care. I have found being a homecare nurse for years this is of vital importance. Start off right.

Take personal inventory…

Reflect on how your feeling throughout the time you are spending with the patient. Are you divulging to much personal information? Are you becoming emotionally invested? Is the care you are providing in your patients best therapeutic interest. If you feel that the boundaries have become blurry. Talk to a co-worker or manager about switching assignments or maybe not seeing this patient for awhile. Protect yourself and protect your patients.

Dianne Cabelus-Braley is a registered nurse currently working as a clinical documentation specialist and nurse blogger. She has a had a lengthy and colorful career in nursing and also holds specialized credentials in both nutrition and aesthetics. Dianne resides on the north shore of Massachusetts and is married with two human children and is also mom to two dogs and five chickens. You can check out Dianne's blog at www.nursingtheneighborhood.com

Thanks Diane for this great post!

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Best New Grad Preceptor

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 21:25:00 +0000

Becoming a preceptor is an honor for many nurses. Yes, it’s going to be more work and you probably won’t get out on time while you’re doing it, but it can be quite rewarding in many ways. Like any new challenge, you need to prepare, and the better you prepare, the easier and more successful the outcome.

Pixabay.com

Onboarding a new nurse whether a new grad or even a seasoned nurse, needs to be a positive experience to make for a well-prepared, happy new employee. You need to help her/him learn the ropes and the culture of your facility and feel welcomed into the community with a strong understanding of the expectations and responsibilities for quality evidence-based patient care.

Take note that not all situations work out perfectly, and many times no one to blame; it just wasn’t a good match. Keep your manager informed throughout and be honest and subjective. Read more....

Flexi Clip Giveaway Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 19:30:00 +0000

Thanks again Laurie Young for your Lilla Rose Flexi Clip Giveaway.

The 2 winners are Carol Chiocchi and Josette Stegmair. Congrats! Laurie will be in touch with each of you. Enjoy your Flexi Clip! Thanks for all the great entries.

If you didn't win, I hope you'll keep Laurie in mind and support her business. These are really nice products.

Flexi Clip Give Away

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Hello! My name is Laurie Young. I have close friends and family members in the nursing field and have always admired their patience, gentleness, and genuine hearts. I know you are under-acknowledged and under-appreciated which is why I am so excited that you are discovering the world of Lilla Rose and even more that I get to give away TWO of our amazing Flexi Clips to the lucky winners (one to each winner)!

The Flexi Clip
The Flexi Clip is the product that I fell in love with several years ago and caused me to become a consultant with Lilla Rose. It is a patented, one-piece, flexible hair clip that works in all types of hair, from baby-fine to extra-long and thick. It comes in 7 sizes, and enables you to do a variety of simple hairstyles, from a half-up to a full french twist, in less than 30 seconds! It is perfect for anyone who needs their hair to stay put, out of the way, all day long…my nursing friends have fallen in love.

For our complete line of beautiful, versatile, & durable hair accessories, visit my website or my Facebook page. Both sites have videos showing a variety of 30 second hairstyles.

This double giveaway includes 2 winners, one flexi clip each!

To enter, complete my online form here:

https://members.fiitfu.com/pages/LaurieYoung/lilla-rose-giveaway-entry-thenursingsiteblog

Entries will be accepted until midnight (EST) Sunday night, August 26, and the winners will be chosen on Monday morning, August 27. Winners will be chosen at random.

Winners will be announced here on The Nursing Site Blog, as well as my Facebook page. The winners will be announced on the blog Monday evening, August 27. Good luck and have a wonderful day!

Thanks Laurie!
~Kathy

Nurse CEO Success Summit in Los Angeles

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 18:07:00 +0000

I'm excited to be a speaker at the Nurse CEO Success Summit in Los Angeles on September 29, 2018! The event will bring business experts together to share how they have hacked technology to create a better business, process, environment, or world! All entrepreneurs are welcome to come! I hope to see you there. http://www.nurseceo.co/successsummit

#nurseceosummit @TheNurseCEO @the_nurseceo

Life-Work Balance and Self Care

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 00:52:00 +0000

In keeping with the self-care theme this week, I would like to bring your attention to a terrific Work/Life Balance Guide I received a link to a few days ago. From GroomandStyle.com this guide to decreasing stress is just what nurses need! There's tons of ideas to work on and ways to gain control of your life and the situations that seems to drive you up the wall! Check them out and see if you can find a path to clearing out some of the major stress from your life.

https://pixabay.com/en/balance-inspiration-motivation-life-865089/

It's not rocket science and for nurses it's not new. It's about prioritizing, delegating and reviewing the success or failure. But it provides some very realistic ideas and best practices for attaining and managing the goals. Check it out. Namaste!

Smiling sorrow – The repercussions of masking chronic anxiety

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 16:35:00 +0000

Guest Post from Ariel Taylor

Many people outwardly display happiness and exuberance. In reality, they may be concealing inner turmoil and depression. Depressive people fear that others may notice they’re flawed personalities. They fear people close to them may become judgmental if the depth and intensity of depression is revealed. People try to avoid being labeled as a depressive character or manic worrier as that becomes the quickest route to social and workplace isolation.

Hidden anxiety could provoke obsessive behavior or impulse control disorders

https://pixabay.com/en/users/Counselling-440107/

Hiding worries or repressing negative emotions may be a big mistake because the underlying anxiety could provoke OCD and body focused repetitive behavior such as Trichotillomania (TTM) which is a compulsive hair pulling disorder triggered by deep seated anxieties that people avoid confronting. For more information on Trichotillomania and treatment options visit TrichStop.com.

The worst assumption depressive people make is to believe that the dark mood is just a phase, a passing cloud, or momentary discomfort that will go away if they chose to ignore it. Avoidance only generates a wave of loneliness and unremitting sadness. This is the harsh reality of smiling sorrow.

Environmental factors that encourage anxiety repression

The behavioral quirk of concealing depression is more widespread than society thinks. It has a lot to do with the way we are conditioned to hide our innermost feelings. Society encourages people to become an agony aunt, a kind of sounding board (or battering ram) for others to unburden their sorrows. Somehow, we don’t enjoy the same freedom when it comes to sharing our personal feelings of loss and anguish and seeking help for the same.

This is a good time as any to reflect whether you or maybe someone you know is falling prey to smiling sorrow. If matters are not brought under control, it becomes difficult to control obsessive compulsive disorders that erupt collaterally.

Six sure signs that people are hiding anxiety

1. Viewing life through the harsh prism of intense pessimism
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), depressed people tend to view their lives more negatively than normal people. Such people are programmed to latch on to the negative aspects of their lives, and the problems that plague society around them. Depressive realism describes this attitude. Such people take on a realistic view of their situation and how it impacts their lives, but their analysis is heavily tinged with pessimism.

Normal people, on the other hand, tend to have realistic expectations and temper their world view with optimism. Depressive realism fundamentally changes one’s attitude from “Sara will definitely achieve her goals, given time and encouragement” to “I’m pessimistic about Sara’s chances of achieving what she desires.”

Action point: Keep the conversation positive and gently encourage people to view their situation in a brighter light.

2. The happy countenance hides behind a stream of excuses

The signs are unmistakable; the individual seems to be forcing a smile. As you spend more time with this person, the mask drops sooner than later. To hide their depression from prying eyes, such persons spend as little time as possible with others, preferring the anonymity of isolation. The excuses come fast and thick why they cannot meet you, come for dinner or attend a function. It’s only a genuine heartfelt conversation that unearths the depression and gets the person to spill the beans on what anguishes them.

Action point: Break the barriers of isolation and encourage the individual to engage socially with you and mutual friends.

3. There’s a conscious attempt to escape from the realities of life to philosophical thinking

Speaking to these troubled souls, you get the feeling that they wax philosophical about abstract topics such as their goals in life, and how they struggle to find meaning and purpose in their lives. A little probing might reveal hidden thoughts of violence, fear of death and the urge to inflict suffering on imagined foes. Theirs is a constant search for happiness without the willingness to tread the path leading to fulfilling lives.

Action point: An emotional plea and a spiritual renaissance would do wonders to dispel the darkness within these souls.

4. Binge eating, addictive behavior, and sleep disorders may indicate hidden turmoil

Any behavioral change that sharply deviates from the normal may indicate hidden depression. Sound sleep is essential to physical, mental, and emotional health. Changing sleep patterns are reliable signals of distress. Too little sleep or excessive sleeping both signal silent suffering. Clinical studies prove that sleep deprivation can aggravate depression.

Where the normal person eats frugally to live, a depressed person may find himself living to eat. The urge to binge frequently beyond normal cravings creates a feeling of fullness that calms the depressive mind. The problem is worsened by withdrawal symptoms following alcohol or drug intoxication. On occasion, the extreme opposite may happen - total disinterest in food because there is ‘no joy in eating anymore.”

Action point: Encourage such persons to follow a proper diet, juxtaposed with plenty of exercise and fresh air to drive away the cobwebs of despair.

5. The depressed soul is desperate for assistance, but will fight shy of asking for help

Chronic depressives will be mortally scared of revealing their darker anxieties and will fight tooth and nail rather than disclose their mental handicap. The fear of being exposed makes them retreat into their shell of exclusivity. On the rare occasion they open up, you will catch a glimpse of a troubled universe. In such moments they may respond to persuasion either to seek personal help or professional counseling.

Such individuals may end up knocking on the doctor’s door, only to retreat into their world thinking that they’ve gone too far, and others may judge them poorly. The very thought that another person would be probing their weak spots discourages many from seeking the help they desperately need.

Action point: Handhold the person through personal or professional counseling, assuring them constantly that it is for their benefit.

6. The depressed soul exists on an emotionally hypersensitive plane

It is the norm for the depressive mindset to express emotions strongly. Such individuals could suddenly break into a flood of tears on watching an emotive reel life episode. They become unduly aggressive in the face of the slightest provocation, situations that normal people would calmly ignore. The close friend who is unusually calm may suddenly express his abiding love for you. It is as if the troubled soul has boxed up so many depressive thoughts inside that genuine emotion somehow escape through the gaps to see daylight.

Action point: When such individuals hyperventilate, respond calmly and allow them to seek emotional fulfillment. You can always try humor to bring the situation under control.

The Bottom-line: One cannot assume that each of these symptoms is a definitive sign of hidden depression. Some people are naturally introverted or introspective or irritable. What you need to watch out for is chronic worrying mentality that could aggravate more dangerous as obsessions and impulse control disorders. When you see this happening, you need to step in and take corrective action.

Top 10 States for Nurse Salaries when Compared to Cost of Living

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 18:34:00 +0000

Sharing some valuable info...

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for RNs nationwide is $70,000, while for LPNs it's $45,030. You may be wondering, in which states can I do better than that, and what type of expenses should I expect?

EasyNCLEX.com, a provider of NCLEX exam practice, recently conducted a study to find out. The study looked at the median salaries of Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses. The salary for each state was then compared to its cost of living index.

The salaries in the table below are taken from the latest U.S. Government statistics from May 2017. The cost of living data is taken from the 2017 cost of living index as reported by the . Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Cost of living percentages are in relation to the national average.

Top 10 States for RNs

State	Salary	Cost Of Living
Nevada	$85,020.00	104.7 %
Minnesota	$77,810.00	99.7 %
Arizona	$74,260.00	95.6 %
Texas	$70,730.00	91.2 %
Michigan	$68,370.00	89.7 %
New Mexico	$69,570.00	94.9 %
Georgia	$66,110.00	90.8 %
Washington	$77,470.00	107.1 %
Illinois	$70,190.00	97.2 %
California	$100,730.00	141 %

Top 10 States for LPNs

State	Salary	Cost Of Living
Arizona	$52,620	95.6%
Michigan	$47,570	89.7 %
Nevada	$54,690	104.7 %
Delaware	$52,880	102.9 %
New Mexico	$48,170	94.9 %
Illinois	$48,390	97.2 %
Texas	$45,400	91.2 %
Washington	$53,180	107.1 %
Colorado	$50,040	102.3 %
Wyoming	$46,660	95.6 %

From StudentLoanHero.com here's a great list of top cities for nurses who have big student debt to pay off.

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Nurse Entrepreneurs Helping Nurses Find Direction in Their Career Paths

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 20:50:00 +0000

I recently sat down with a couple of nurse entrepreneurs to talk a bit about me and my nursing career, but also about nursing in general and hopefully provided some insights for those considering a career in nursing or looking for a new path for their nursing career. Health care is a challenging industry to say the least and nursing is never an easy occupation.

For young people today, I think nursing is going to have a few new challenges. Nursing is a service profession and you really need to be passionate and serious about helping people if you want a career in nursing. It's all about the patient and patients are never at their best when they don't feel well. That's something to really think about. Especially if you don't like dropping everything to go help someone else!

The first interview was done via Skype with Cara Sevier on The Not Just Nursing Show. I would suggest you close your eyes and listen. I don't play well to the camera! My eyes wander too much!!! But it was a fun time and worked out well for her first time Skype interview. She's in the eastern US and I'm on the west coast so we couldn't do it in studio as she does with many of her guests. Check out her previous guests and subscribe to her You Tube Channel.

The second interview was with Patricia Ramsey Laramee of the Nursing Assistant Podcast. We had some technical difficulties which just added to the learning process and the fun! You only have to listen, it's a podcast and she's had some really great guests so be sure to listen to all of the episodes., and Subscribe on Spotify or iTunes. I hope we inspired some CNAs to consider continuing their education and becoming RNs in the future as we discussed my roles away from the bedside in home health and hospice.

Confidentiality and Social Media Don't Mix Well

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 21:15:00 +0000

I wrote an article several years ago on the subject of confidentiality in nursing. It has since disappeared from the site I wrote it for. It deserves updating now as it continues to be a big part of medical ethics. Technology continues to change our lives and social media and confidentiality do not mix well. Younger nurses who have grown up in the era of social media and sharing everything may have a hard time understanding confidentiality issues.

Confidentiality has morphed with the HIPAA laws. HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 which was first designed to allow employees to keep and carry their health insurance coverage from one employer to another. In the process, privacy laws had to be built into the act to protect employee’s rights and privacy from becoming available to their employer. For instance an employer might find a way to not hire a person if they discovered he or she had cancer or some chronic disease.

For all health care providers, the HIPAA act demands full confidentiality and protection of every patient’s privacy. It’s not just nurses and doctors. It’s everyone working in health care who cannot share patient information. A need-to-know basis is implicit to the plan. There was an episode several years back in which Brittney Spears was hospitalized and several employees were fired for looking at her information on the hospital computer. They weren’t involved in her direct care and had no need-to-know, and so it was a violation of her privacy rights as well as hospital rules under the HIPAA law. Other cases have involved an unusual health even such as shark attacks, or impalement injuries.

Whether or not you share any of the information or just look at it for your own curiosity, if you’re not involved in the direct care and need-to-know, then you’re in violation of HIPAA.

We have all probably worked in situations where we have had patients who are celebrities or well-known community members in the crosshairs of our hospitals, clinics or medical offices, or have provided care in their homes or other places of residence.

I could tell you about many I have encountered in my career, but you have no need-to-know, so I cannot. If I had their permission to share certain information that would be a whole different ball game. On the other hand, if I changed up some of the identifying details or managed to make sure you couldn’t figure out who I was talking about, I could tell you some information that might be relevant such as how to deal with entitled or highly unhappy patients or family members. That seems to be a common theme with some of the rich and famous. But otherwise, I have to take these secrets to my grave.

Along came social media and everyone is sharing every little detail about their lives. But the HIPAA laws haven’t changed, and nurses (and anyone working in health care) need to be perhaps more careful than ever not to expose private patient
information.

Posting photos on Instagram and Facebook is a common mistake, often made very innocently to celebrate a milestone event with a patient. The last chemo treatment, a milestone birthday, someone walks again when they were told they wouldn’t. Who wouldn’t want to share the joy/! Technically if you post a picture of anyone, even your best friend, without their permission it can become a whole huge issue. This is an area of particular concern because we often don’t even think about it. We have access to cameras on our phones and we post the pictures all over the Internet to share with friends and family.

Even if your patient is not a well-known celebrity, s/he has the right to privacy, and HIPPA will get you if you violate the confidentiality! If you do have permission to post that selfie you took with your 100-year-old patient on his birthday, you MUST say so. I would advise that your better choice is to NOT post it, but if you do, you MUST get his permission and then be sure to document that you have his permission to post. (I would also let your employer know you’re posting and be sure to know what their rules are before even considering it.) If he has dementia or is otherwise incapable of making his own decisions, you’d better have permission from his next of kin or DPOA! And you MUST post that as well. And then save the post in a manner so that it cannot be shared.

HIPAA was updated with the HITECH Act in 2009. Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act covers patient confidentiality and technology advances. When taking pictures for clinical use and medical records, for example wounds, make sure you have permission to photograph. Check for your employer’s policy and follow it to a “T.” Use a medical record number and date but be sure there is no other identifying information in/on the photo. Zoom in on the wound or other reason for the photo. And the DELETE the photos from your device as soon as you have posted in the appropriate place.

Confidentiality is not just about photos, it’s any information you glean from/about your patient. Something they told you in confidence or not is still a privacy matter. I can share that a patient I had several years back was the stunt double for a famous actor or actress in the 1920’s and 30’s. If I say anything more than that, you might be able to figure it out and then know he or she was a patient treated by XYZ and could learn he or she was treated for ABCD. That would be violating the patient’s HIPPA rights that extend for 50 years after death.

I can also share with you I’ve taken care of the fathers of rock stars and the grandmothers of actors, along with athletes and politicians and community leaders, but that’s the extent of what I can say. I can say some of them were very nice and grateful for all we did, and others were rude and obnoxious the same as any other patient or family members. But I can’t tell you who they were or any other situational information that could identify them.

It's a covert operation and it has to remain such. HIPAA also prevents you from sharing any information with a family member or friend of any patient without the patient’s permission. Only the DPOA can tell you who in the event the patient cannot. These laws were written to protect all of us.

Take care of you and don’t let curiosity put you in jeopardy. Don’t forget and post or otherwise share information or pictures you took with a favorite patient unless you have permission and state so. You put your career on the line and could cost your employer a lot as well. Mumm’s the word!

photo:https://pixabay.com/en/confidential-secret-private-font-264516/

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Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Mon, 28 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

2018 Nurses Week Give Away Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Fri, 18 May 2018 21:59:00 +0000

As promised, I have randomly selected winners of our generously donated Nurses Week Give Aways. This year we had far more entries than prizes and our social media hits were off the charts compared to previous years. This all means it was quite successful for all! Nurses Inspire, Innovate Influence.

Thanks to all who entered. I have notified the winners and they should be hearing from their generous donators very soon. I will also be notifying those who didn't get a fabulous prize and sending them a consolation prize.

I want to take the opportunity to once again say a huge THANK YOU to all who donated fabulous prizes for our Nurses Week Give Aways:

Day 1:
Uniform Advantage for a $50 egift card

Day 2:
Nurse Born Products for the Nurse Invented Gift Set
Karen Ingalls for her book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir

Day 3:
SugarWish for a SugarWish Duet
Meketta for LED Solar Boxes

Day4:
Maevn Uniforms for a set of Blossom Signature Collection scrubs

Day 5:
Elizabeth Scala for a set of her 3 books, Nursing From Within, Stop Nurse Burnout, and Your Next Shift

Day6:
Christine Magnus Moore for her book, Both Sides of the Bedside: From Oncology Nurse to Patient, an RN’s Journey with Cancer

Day 7:
Brittney Wilson and Kati Kleber for their book, The Nurse's Guide to Blogging

Consolation prizes of $5 Starbucks gift cards were sent to all who entered and did not win a big prize. Happy Nurses Week to all.

If you didn't have a chance to enter, and aren't among the lucky winners, please be sure to support these great products and say thanks for supporting the nursing profession during Nurses Week and throughout the year.

I hope you all had a great Nurses Week! Keep making a difference in someone's life everyday! Thanks for all that you do!

Kathy
#2018NNWGiveAways

Happy Mother's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Sun, 13 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Happy Mother's Day!

photo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-dahlia-flower-60597/

~ Kathy

2018 Nurses Week Day 7

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Sat, 12 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Wow I hope you have had a fabulous Nurses Week! Never forget to honor yourself for ALL that you do for everyone. I hope you all had a chance to see this post. It says so much about who we are as nurses and why we do what we do....

Today, we prepare for Mother's Day tomorrow. Each of us has (had) a mother whether or not we are mothers or grandmothers or in the realm of great grandmothers. Take a moment to say Thanks Mom!

The Nurse's Guide to Blogging

Whether you blog or want to become a blogger, The Nurse's Guide to Blogging is a must have for your library. I've been blogging for years, but I learned a ton from this book!

Brittney Wilson and Kati Kleber put their heads together and produced a wonderful book to guide every step of the process.. Today I'm honored to be able to offer a copy for our final Nurses Week Give Away.

So head over to read the Rules to Enter once again and send off your email. You just might win one of our fabulous prizes! Happy Nurses Week!!!!

Thanks Brittney and Kati!

I will announce the winners May 20.
#2018NNWGiveAways

2018 Nurses Week Day 6

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Fri, 11 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

It's Friday of Nurses Week -- TGIF!!! I have a couple of things to share with you before we get to the Give Away for today. First here's a nice compilation of Discounts and Freebies for Nurses anytime. We can always appreciate saving a little money or time!

NursingCE.com, for whom I also write, has posted several things for Nurses Week. First they have a FREE CE course for Nurses Week on Evidence Based Practice. And another one involves a little humor. We can ALL use more laughter in our lives and many of these I'm sure you can relate to: 25 GIFs That Only Nurses Will Understand. Enjoy! Don't forget you can get 25% off the CE at NursingCE.com.They're also giving away 5 MDF MD One stethoscopes for Nurses Week. Enter to win.

Both Sides of the Bedside

Our Give Away today is a fabulous book from Christine Magnus, Both Sides of the Bedside: From Oncology Nurse to Patient, an RN’s Journey with Cancer.

Christine Magnus Moore, RN, BSN, PHN, BMTCN has worked in the nursing field for over twenty-five years with more than sixteen years in oncology. She is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor of fifteen-and-a-half years, and is the author of a book titled Both Sides of the Bedside: From Oncology Nurse to Patient, an RN’s Journey with Cancer. Christine has authored articles about survivorship which were published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, CONQUER The Patient Voice magazine, and the ihadcancer website.

Christine has a Master’s Certification in caring for teenagers and young adults with cancer. She created, and is the co-leader of, a young adult cancer survivor group through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society called the LLS SoCal Cancer Connection. Christine’s passion is to help those on the cancer journey and to help people understand it as a deeper level. She currently works as a Hematology Stem Cell Transplant Nurse Coordinator at City of Hope. Christine writes her own blog and can be contacted through her website www.bothsidesofthebedside.com

Remember to enter our daily Give Aways contest -- see the Rules. Good luck and enjoy your Nurses Week!

Thanks Christine!
#2018NNWGiveAways

2018 Nurses Week - Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Thu, 10 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

It's Thursday of Nurses Week. Just another day in the life of a nurse. Remember to replenish often and take care of YOU. You cannot pour from an empty pot! You have to know that what you do makes a difference. Your patient may not even know it yet, but he'll figure it out. Probably long after he's moved on without you. Take every opportunity to thank yourself!

3 Books from Elizabeth Scala MSN/MBA RN (1 winner)

Elizabeth Scala has honored us with a donation of 3 of her books. For one lucky (US based) winner, this is a fantastic prize!!! I own all 3 and I love them!!! Elizabeth was trained at Johns Hopkins University. She is a Reiki master and coach. Elizabeth blogs, writes and produces some fabulous podcasts. In her spare time, she pulls together a fabulous program for Nurses Week each year the Art of Nursing.

Nursing from Within: A Fresh Alternative to Putting Out Fires and Self-Care Workarounds offers the innovative solutions today’s nurses need. Although it outlines the problems nurses face, this book is not about trying to change the working environment. Rather, it’s about altering inner perspectives. With boundless energy and passion, it addresses an element that’s largely missing from nursing self-care programs focusing on diet and health: the spiritual self.

Stop Nurse Burnout: Individuals typically enter their careers with a desire to provide compassionate, heart-based care. Challenged by regulations, financial pressures and technological advancements, today’s healthcare professional struggles to balance the art with the science of practice. Elizabeth inspires nursing teams to reconnect with the passionate and fulfilling joy that once called them to their roles.

Your Next Shift: How to Kick Your Nursing Career into High Gear: Nursing offers many opportunities, but there’s no denying it’s tough—and sometime thankless—work. A nurse’s mindset often means the difference between an average and awesome career, but few nursing books focus on this vital aspect of the profession.

Entrepreneur and clinical nurse Elizabeth Scala, MSN/MBA, RN, provides the means to take your nursing career to the next level. Beginning with the many issues affecting nursing, Scala describes the negative “monkey” mindsets that interfere with a nurses’ ability to enjoy their profession. She then introduces a set of seven spiritual laws to help improve a nurse’s career outlook.

ONE (US based) winner will receive all 3 books. Follow these Rules to Enter.

Thanks Elizabeth!!!

#2018NNWGiveAways

2018 Nurses Week - Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Wed, 09 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Nurses Week is also a time to reflect on the nursing profession and how we can work together to improve working conditions as well as quality patient care. Staffing ratios are one of the biggest issues we all face in any field, but especially true in hospital care.

Advocate for Nurses

Nurses Take DC is a collaborative effort to educate the public and to persuade legislators to vote on safe staffing ratios. Alene Nitzky Phd, RN, OCN, shares her experiences at the 2018 event on her blog. Learn more about the grass roots organization collaboration and their efforts to get S1063 and HR 2392 the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2017 passed.

Additionally the National Nurse for Public Health Act S1106 and HR 1651 needs your support and help to educate the public and your legislators. Recent hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and other natural disasters serve to remind us of the need for unified nurse leadership to ensure the best quality care for victims and their families. This year's flu season was a harsh one and the flu vaccine was not all that effective. Nurse leadership in the area of public health information and preventative care is essential to containing costs, meeting patient needs and preventing complications from acute and chronic illness.

Investigate these grass roots efforts working diligently to promote quality health and safety issues for all. Get involved and advocate for the passage of this important legislation. Stand up for nurses!

Maevn Scrubs

Now for the Give Away information you're waiting for....

Maevn Uniforms is generously donating one set of their Blossom Signature Collection scrubs (winner's choice of color, style and size) for a US based winner.

Maevn Uniforms, a leading U.S. supplier of fashionable medical uniforms, recently announced its new women’s Blossom Signature Collection. The new medical scrub separates line is designed to bring functionality and style together by featuring multiple pockets and loops (for medical tools) while maintaining a flattering and modern fit. All styles within the new collection are comprised of signature cotton-blended fabric to provide a breathable stretch for maximum comfort.

Maevn Uniforms offers men and women in the medical field high-quality, fashionable apparel at competitive prices. The brand's collections are currently available nationwide at over 500 specialty stores that carry medical scrubs and accessories. For more information please visit: www.maevnuniforms.com

Follow the Rules to Enter and good luck! Thanks Maevn Uniforms!!

#2018NNWGiveAways

2018 Nurses Week Give Aways - Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Tue, 08 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

Wow it's Day 3 of our Nurses Week Give Aways. Don't forget to register for the ANA webinar. Today is the last day to do so. What have you been doing to honor yourself this week? Take time for you. Even if it's just a moment. Recognize YOU for all that you do for everyone!

Today's Give Aways offer a little something sweet and a light for your safety when outdoors.

Sugarwish

I was the lucky recipient of a delightful box of delicious candies from Sugarwish awhile back so I can highly recommend them! And I need to remind my family where they can get my Nurses Week gift!

Sugarwish takes the guesswork out of gifting allowing your favorite Nurse to choose the candy gift they receive (so you don’t have to know whether she’s craving Holland Mints, Caramel Creams, Swedish Fish or Roasted Almonds!).

Sugarwish starts as an e-card that seamlessly brings the recipient to the Sugarwish virtual candy store, where they get to customize their gift. The gift is then packed in a beautiful gift box, and delivered lickety split. Sweet happiness. Delivered.

Sugarwish is generously donating a Sugarwish Duet to one lucky US based winner. Enjoy! Thanks Sugarwish!

Remember to see the Rules and enter to win any of our great Give Aways

to make your Nurses Week complete!

MeKetta LED Solar Box

Safety is a big issue for nurses especially those who work shifts that begin or end (maybe both) in the dark. Inclement weather can cause visibility issues as well. The MeKetta LED Solar Box can make a difference for you. It's very versatile and can be handheld or attached to anything from purses and backpacks to bicycles, strollers, dog leashes, etc. It's 2 3/4” X 1 3/4” X 7/8” and has 10 LED lights. Charging options include using a standard micro USB cord (not included) for about an hour; or by sitting it in the sunlight for several hours. It continues to charge as long as it's exposed to direct sunlight. There are 3 modes: solid light, slow blinking and fast blinking.

MeKetta Health and Safety Products has generously donated 2 LED Solar Boxes so we can choose 2 US based winners of this great Nurses Week Give Away.
Thanks MeKetta!

#2018NNWGiveAways

2018 Nurses Week - Give Away Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Quan) — Mon, 07 May 2018 07:00:00 +0000

How was your Nurses Day? I hope you got some good food and maybe a token something to recognize all that you do. Remember, Nurses Week is about celebrating ourselves and the difference we make for others. If no one remembered to say Thank You to you.... say it yourself!!! And say it to your co-workers!

Today we have a couple of great Give Aways. Be sure to check the Rules to Enter and email your entry.

Nurse Invented Gift Set

Sarah Mott who owns Nurse Born Products has kindly donated the Nurse Invented Gift Set for one lucky US based winner. The set includes:

Koala~Qlip Stethoscope Holder
Set of 30 Comprehensive Badge Reference Cards
Gripsors Bandage Scissors 5.5 inch with hook and gripping teeth

Read more about these great products and all of the other great items available from Nurse Born Products.

Thanks Sarah!!!

Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir

by Karen Ingalls

Karen Ingalls has graciously donated a paperback copy of her award-winning book Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir for our Nurses Week Give Away (US based winner only.)

Here's a little about Karen. I am a retired nurse, active blogger, author, and advocate. I do presentations about gynecologic cancers, particularly ovarian. My experience as a nursing student and practicing nurse was that there was no (or very little) education or training on gyn. cancers. I find this to still be true among medical students and nursing students. Even many doctors are not aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

When Karen Ingalls was diagnosed with Stage II Ovarian Cancer, she realized how little she knew about what was once called ''the silent killer.'' As Ingalls began to educate herself she felt overwhelmed by the prevalent negativity of cancer. Lost in the information about drugs, side effects, and statistics, Ingalls redirected her energy to focus on the equally overwhelming blessings of life, learning to rejoice in each day and find peace in spirituality.

Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir is a story of survival, and reminds readers that disease is not an absolute, but a challenge to recover. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO GYNECOLOGIC CANCER RESEARCH.

Thanks Karen!!!

#2018NNWGiveAways