Praveen

Nurses in Michigan have said staffing levels impact patients and workers negatively, with 42% stating in a 2023 survey that they can relate patient death to shortages. The Michigan Nurses Association conducted the survey, with its results reported by Mlive. Safe Patient Care Act A package of bills known as the Safe Patient Care Act was proposed on May 11 to limit the number of patients a nurse can care for at a time, limit mandatory overtime, and mandate that hospitals disclose nurse-to-patient ratios publicly. Health advocates who oppose the proposed bills have said they can potentially harm hospitals by preventing patients from accessing care, with a joint statement reading, "Instituting a one-size-fits-all mandate requiring hospitals hire more nurses who do not currently exist will limit the services hospitals can offer to their communities, prolong the time it takes for a patient to receive care, and hinder the ability of hospitals to respond to a crisis in fear of violating Michigan law.” Currently, no laws limit patient numbers or hours nurses can work. Future Action Instead of passing the proposed bills, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association and Michigan Organization of Nurse Leaders have proposed the following: Introduce legislation allowing nurses to practice in all member states and territories of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Expand eligibility for the Michigan Reconnect program to receive scholarships to complete certificate programs at no to low cost. Increase fines for individuals who commit violent acts toward healthcare workers. Related: Nearly One-Third of U.S. Registered Nurses Plan to Quit, According to Survey This news comes to us following another survey conducted by AMN Healthcare Sevices Inc. that examined the impact COVID-19 had on the career plans, satisfaction, and mental health of 18,000 registered nurses in the US. It's main findings are the following: 30% of the surveyed RNs plan to quit their careers. 15% of hospital nurses say they will continue in the same job in one year. More nurses are experiencing a great deal of stress. Career satisfaction dropped to 71% after previously holding 80-85% for a decade.

Subway is giving away 10,000 free sandwiches for National Nurses Week. Their new program Subway Serves was recently launched and runs through Nurses Week from May 8 to May 12. Nurses can win one of the Subway Series sandwiches, with 2,000 sandwiches given away each day. To be part of this exclusive giveaway, nurses must visit the Subway Serves website beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET each day of the week that the promotion is running, and the first 2,000 people of the day to request a free sandwich will receive an electronic gift card. The first day of the giveaway resulted in all 2,000 eligible sandwiches being claimed within a short time. National Nurses Week 2023 National Nurses Week is a time to recognize and celebrate nurses' dedication to caring for their community. It was first recognized in 1954 and has since continued to be looked forward to by nurses. "The impact you make on healthcare is unparalleled... You bring vast knowledge and expertise to every healthcare setting across a wide range of specialties, serving your patients and communities throughout the continuum of life and care," states the American Nurses Association. Over the years, many companies have shown their appreciation to nurses by offering discounts and freebies for their products or services. Especially transitioning out of an unprecedented pandemic, these kind gestures are genuinely appreciated. In addition to National Nurses Week, some corporations even offer year-round discounts, acknowledging that nurses work around the clock to keep their friends and family healthy. Related: Dunkin Donuts Nurses Week | 2023 Subway has been known for supporting nurses. During the pandemic, they teamed up with Postmates and delivered thousands of sandwiches to front-line nurses and, this year, have taken it a step further by also including teachers in the free sandwich promotion. Uniquely, National Nurses Week and National Teachers Appreciation Week have fallen simultaneously in 2023. According to the Subway Cares organization, "Franchises, suppliers, and corporate team members around the globe have always been committed to helping the communities in which they live and work. From feeding first responders, assisting in the aftermath of natural disasters, or sponsoring youth sports—Subway has always been there." Subway Serves' offer is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) who are nurses and teachers and 21 years of age and older. Many other promotions and freebies are happening this National Nurses Week, including offers from Dunkin Donuts, Adidas, Hello Fresh, Samsung, and more.

Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) will expand nurses' range of clinical skills and offer an increased salary and career outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 100,000 NPs are needed between 2021 and 2031, far exceeding the expected growth for most jobs. While an excellent salary and career outlook are essential, it's important to understand the details of this advanced nursing role before determining if it's right for you. Table of Contents What Is an NP? NP Specialties Benefits of Being an NP Becoming an NP What Is a Nurse Practitioner? NPs are advanced practice nurses with either a master's or doctoral degree, with the additional requirement of passing a national certification exam. Through their education, they receive advanced-level training that gives them the authority to work within an expanded scope compared to registered nurses (RNs). This includes primary and specialized care for patients in which they demonstrate the following skills and responsibilities: Performing assessments and health histories Coordinating care to assist with the admission and discharge of patients Ordering laboratory assessments, diagnostic testing, and other treatments Providing holistic primary and secondary care to treat acute and chronic conditions Utilizing patient care and healthcare technologies Staying current with emerging technologies and treatments Nurse Practitioner Specialties NPs can specialize in various care settings, though they may require additional training or certifications in addition to NP school. Some schools focus on a specialty, providing students with the education needed to work in a specific medical niche. Some of the most common NP specialties you can choose are below. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) FNPs provide primary care to patients. They assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic illnesses with medications, procedures, and other specialized treatments. They also offer preventative care and educate and counsel patients to live healthy lifestyles. Becoming an FNP requires attendance in an FNP program, requiring rigorous training in family medical care and an advanced nursing curriculum. After graduation and passing the state exam, FNPs can work in medical offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Neonatal Nurse Practitioners These specialized NPs care for neonates or infants between birth and four weeks. They often work in neonatal intensive care units or other specialty nurseries. In addition, Neonatal NPs provide skilled care to moderately and critically ill infants. These patients may be born prematurely, at high risk, or with an underlying condition. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners NPs in this specialty provide care to patients under the age of 18. They work in emergency departments, hospitals, and primary care offices. They see patients with acute and chronic illnesses and provide preventative care like assessments and immunizations. Pediatric NPs also educate and support their patient's parents and guardians and teach about normal human growth and development and how to assess milestone achievement. Finally, they must be aware of various conditions that commonly occur throughout childhood and how to manage each independently or by collaborating with other specialty care providers. Related: 10 Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in 2023 Geriatric Nurse Practitioners Geriatrics is the care of older adults. These NPs provide primary care to seniors in primary care practices, home care agencies, and senior care facilities like long-term care and assisted living. They diagnose acute and chronic illnesses, educate on self-care strategies, and provide holistic treatment plans. In addition, geriatric NPs help older adults make decisions about their aged years and end-of-life care as needed. They must be able to support aging patients to maintain dignity and independence while also advocating for needed care in various care settings. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Advanced practice nurses treating patients with mental illnesses are known as psychiatric NPs. Some states allow these providers to diagnose and prescribe medications for mental conditions and substance abuse problems. Other states may limit the scope of practice. Psychiatric NPs work in community health settings, hospitals, and private practices. Emergency Nurse Practitioners The primary setting of emergency NPs is the emergency department or urgent care centers. These clinicians treat patients of all ages for acute and emergent care needs. They diagnose, prescribe, and administer treatments of various kinds. They may work in both rural and metropolitan healthcare systems. These professionals must remain current on the most recent medical and technological advancements to provide holistic care to patients. Women's Health Nurse Practitioners Some NPs specialize in women's health. These NPs provide gynecologic, reproductive, and sexual health care. In addition, they diagnose and treat disorders of the female reproductive system and may work in private practice, community health centers, or hospitals. Women's health NPs can work with patients in different stages of life. For example, they may care for women during and after pregnancy or those experiencing perimenopause and after menopause. Related: 10 Best DNP Programs in 2023 Cardiology Nurse Practitioner Cardiology NPs specialize in cardiac care and treat patients with various heart conditions. They provide ongoing care to those with heart disease and for patients before and after simple and extensive cardiac surgeries. They work in private care settings and hospitals. Oncology Nurse Practitioners Oncology NPs specialize in the care of patients living with cancer. They assess, diagnose, and treat various types of cancer and must stay current on cutting-edge technologies and treatment modalities. These advanced practice nurses may work in hospitals, oncology centers, and private practices. Occupational Nurse Practitioners Occupational health is the care of patients in or around employment locations. NPs specializing in occupational health help employers identify and resolve workplace hazards and provide standard care to employees. They may work with injured workers or provide education on preventative measures to remain safe and healthy at work. In addition, they may work in onsite health clinics, community-based clinics, or hospitals and must stay current on occupational health strategies. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners Orthopedic NPs specialize in treating disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. They treat conditions of the bones, joints, muscles, and other structures. They often see patients with injuries and attempt to rehabilitate their joint or muscle injuries before prescribing surgery. However, if the condition requires surgical intervention, they work with the patient before and after the procedure to minimize deterioration and then rehabilitate the joint after surgery. Benefits of Being a Nurse Practitioner There are many benefits to pursuing a career as an NP. A few of the most significant benefits include: Autonomy: NPs are provided a more significant level of independence compared to standard nurses. They practice independently or with the oversight of a medical physician while providing acute and chronic medical care. Flexibility: NPs are needed in many care settings, so you can find a schedule that fits your life. They can work eight, 10, or 12-hour shifts. They work in offices, hospitals, community health settings, or remotely, providing much flexibility. Pay: The average NP in the U.S. makes almost $124,000 yearly or just under $60 per hour. Meaningful work: NPs care for patients in a new way compared to nurses. They work to connect with their patients to provide holistic and compassionate care. Many NPs find the job fulfilling and exciting. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner Becoming an NP first requires students to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree and to pass the NCLEX-RN state exam. Most graduate nursing programs require applicants to show proof of one to two years of experience working as an RN to qualify for admittance. Once the above qualifications are met, future NPs can apply to a master's or doctoral school to obtain their training. Many programs offer hybrid learning environments, which means much of the program can be completed online. However, a specific number of hours in a healthcare facility providing patient care is required, working under the guidance of an NP or physician to gain clinical experience and knowledge. After graduation, students must pass the national board certification examination in their specialty. This test is specific to states and assesses knowledge of the expanded scope of practice and clinical competencies of NPs. Once fully licensed, a role in an NP specialty can be obtained. This article was fact-checked and reviewed by Melissa Mills, BSN.

COVID-19 was an unprecedented time in everyone's life. More than three years after the first reported COVID-19 case, the world is still battling the infection. Although we are nowhere near where we were at the start of the pandemic, thanks to the advancement of technology enabling pharmaceutical companies to mass produce vaccines and treatments, it would be premature to say the battle is over. With the nation's public health emergency set to expire on May 11, 2023, the CDC has decided to stop tracking community-level infections. The community levels were adopted in February 2022, color-coding counties by their weekly infection rates and how many tests yielded positive results. Alternatively, the CDC has now decided to continue tracking hospitalizations due to COVID-19 infections exclusively instead, as reported by CNN. Tracking Hospitalizations and Infections Tracking hospitalizations due to infections is common practice, as it is done with other respiratory infections such as influenza. But, it may be a late indicator for COVID-19 as typically, people infected do not get admitted until almost a week later. Related: Nursing Student on Spring Break Saves Collapsed Man's Life To close the gap, it has been reported that wastewater testing in communities and air travelers will continue. "We're not going to lose complete surveillance, but we will lose that hyperlocal sensitivity to it perhaps,” the source discloses. What Does the Future Hold? Due to the change in tracking, COVID-19 infections have been underrepresented in communities leading to changes in policy, such as no longer needing masks. With this change, public health units will no longer have to report COVID-19 infections to the CDC. "Some of the metrics simply cannot be sustained because of the change in data reporting,” the source said. Tracking cases has become a poor indicator of infections and transmissions as many people have opted to home testing, and many infections have gone unreported to health authorities. Community-level tracking can end as early as next week, although a definitive date has yet to be finalized. In the past week, 88,000 infections and 1,052 deaths were reported in the United States. It is evident that the residents of the United States have moved on from COVID-19, and now it appears the CDC is following suit with a much less robust tracking system. This news was first reported by CNN.

Natalie Davies, a senior at Sacred Heart University, was on Spring break when she selflessly presented herself to the aid of a man who collapsed at John F. Kennedy Airport, stated a report from ScrubsMag. "With my clinical experience, plus my work in the emergency room at Yale New Haven Hospital, I just reacted,” stated Davies. This is often the reality of nurses, whether working on the frontlines or on holiday, such as in Natalie's case, when an emergency arises, you automatically switch into nurse mode. Despite being only a nursing student, Natalie trusted her ability and began performing CPR and was eventually able to get the man talking again with the administration of an AED by the time EMS arrived. Related: $100 Million Fake Nursing Diplomas Scheme: Twice as Many Florida Schools Now Under Investigation Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the many skills taught to nursing students. CPR is used when an individual's heart stops beating or beats ineffectively, causing poor blood perfusion to body organs. No one wants to ever be in a situation where they may have to perform CPR or receive CPR, especially when you are still a student learning your trade. AEDs are essential tools that are needed in addition to high-quality compressions in order to get a heart beating again. "We were lucky the AED was so accessible,” Davies added. Recognition from Sacred Heart University Natalie's quick thinking and action caught the attention of Karen Daley, dean of the school's nursing department, and Heather Ferrillo, undergraduate nursing program chair. "We are proud of her and commend her for taking this life-saving action. She translated our mission of caring and compassion into action, which is at the heart of what we do in nursing,” Daley mentioned. "Natalie exemplifies what it means to be a SHU nursing student. She put into practice what she has learned over the last four years and didn't hesitate to share her knowledge and skills in an unexpected situation,” said Heather. Importance of Learning CPR Davies' passion for helping people grew from a young age, being the daughter of a physician and spending countless days in a doctor's office. Davies is on course to graduate this Spring and has accepted a critical care registered nurse position at Yale New Haven's Emergency Department. "In this case, there were a couple of us right there who knew what to do. It's important for everyone to learn how to administer CPR when needed,” advised Davies. This article was originally reported by Scrubs Magazine.

Florida officials were reportedly investigating three institutions that have allegedly sold fake nursing degrees in a staggering $100 million scheme. This number has since risen to seven, but countless numbers remain throughout the rest of the United States, keeping federal officials on high alert. Nurses go through rigorous educational programs that span many years. In these programs, nurses are provided with the knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to practice safely in the real world. Some individuals bypassed this process by fraudulently purchasing degrees from uncredited institutions. Many of these institutions, when investigated, either did not exist, had false addresses, no address, and missing seals of approvals, to name a few. "In January, the Justice Department charged 25 people in five states connected to the alleged scheme. The investigation found evidence that between 2016 and 2021, the defendants sold more than 7,600 phony diplomas from three formerly accredited South Florida nursing schools. Siena College and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County and the Palm Beach School of Nursing," said NPR's Peter Haden. Nursing & Public Safety "To have someone that has never attended nursing school taking care of you or your loved one is terrifying. It's truly a public safety issue," stated the NPR report. Paula Meyer, Executive Director of the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, noted of 150 people identified as graduates from the three Florida schools, some "had legitimate degrees." Despite the few occurrences, "some of them didn't have the seal. Some of them didn't have the address of the school. Some of them had different fonts on them," continued Meyer. Related: Candida Auris: Dangerous Fungus Spreading in US Health Care Facilities "Transparency by state boards of nursing could help allay some of that patient anxiety," added Dr. Gwen Randall, noting that despite the flagrant risks involved with fake nursing credentials, investigations have found "no harm caused by any suspect nurses to patients so far." News of fake nursing degrees comes to us at a time when the skills of nurses are more essential than ever, as global health systems function within many social and economic constraints, scientific and technological advancements, and many more variables affecting relationships with patients. Proper education increases a nurse's skill set, which includes empathy, stated to be "key to quality care," as per the National Library of Medicine, among many more important lessons taught in proper nursing education. This news was originally reported by NPR.