Recently, I noticed an increase in patients undergoing the WATCHMAN procedure to reduce the risk of stroke with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). It was not until my father was scheduled for the procedure…
As 2018 comes to a close, we can look back and reflect on the year’s notable medical news. Medscape.com recently highlighted top news in the article “The Year in Medicine 2018: News that Made a Diffe…
Only old people get shingles. You are in the clear once the rash is gone. The shingle vaccine just doesn't work. Do you still believe common myths surrounding the shingle virus?
Do you feel defensive, resentful and uneasy when told you will be caring for a “very important patient (VIP)”? Have you been caught off guard when asked to treat a VIP differently from your other pati…
Nursing students often realize past study habits are not as effective in nursing school. Understanding your preferred learning style will help identify what class and study strategies will best suppor…
Once a year, annual performance evaluations roll around and employees are asked to complete self evaluations. Do you actually reflect on your job performance over the past year? If not, you are missin…
As a healthcare professional, you have an important role in protecting patients and communities against the flu virus. Although most vaccination campaigns roll out in October, it is important to conti…
It is difficult to imagine a student self-sabotaging their academic journey. I don’t think any student intentionally tries to prevent themselves from progressing in a nursing program. However, in my e…
The first day of autumn brings the promise of relief from high temperatures and high humidity. As the dog days of summer exit, fall ushers in many unexpected health benefits and an opportunity to rese…
Every September, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association sponsors Recovery Month to raise awareness of substance abuse and mental health issues. The concept of recovery is often difficult fo…
Today’s nursing force is aging with an average age of 44 and average retirement age at 61 Current strategies to address the continued nursing shortage includes retaining older nurses and delaying reti…
The phenomenon of near death experience (NDE) has been widely explored in research; the patient experiences a sudden event, either dies and is resuscitated or death is imminent. Afterwards, they are a…
Have you ever drawn a complete blank when answering a test question for material you studied and know? As a nursing instructor, I would often have students come to my office and tearfully described ho…
Did you realize just how difficult nursing would be when you were a student wearing rose colored glasses? Nursing in today’s healthcare environment is challenging, stressful and often chaotic. It is e…