MyNursingUniforms Blog

Nurses Make Care Happen-Part 2

The reform of the US health system has not been without controversy. But in forced change there lies great opportunity. In seeking to avert the collision course of an aging chronically ill population with a financial inability to maintain the current system, policy makers have had to reflect and discover a hitherto unrealized fact, that nurses are the backbone of the health care system, both by virtue of their numbers and diversified involvement in caring for patients. With informatics being mandated into the health care system the nursing profession is in an ideal position to create a synergy between their work and technology. (more...)

Communication is always a buzzword being utilized in any profession, because of its influence on productivity and outcomes. Ineffective communication contributes to lost time, misunderstanding, strained relationships, and inhibits future communication. In health care communication is even more critical because it is not numbers, buildings, or sales targets that are the ultimate goal, it is people; patients and their health. Good, bad, or nonexistent communication has been shown to impact the patient’s outcome. (more...)

What would a hospital that consistently provided the best care for their patients and had a fulfilled staff look like?

All the necessary components for optimal care are present in the nation’s health care system, however, the execution to achieve maximum potential in all clinical locations is questionable.

An ideal acute care setting would first of all view the patient as an essential partner in the care environment. Instead of present care systems being planned around the providers they would involve the patient and family as integral to any decision made about treatment. (more...)

According to a study by researchers at UCLA's Jonsonn Cancer Center about 16% of the nurses in the United States smoke. The same study shows that smoking has negative impacts on nurses' interactions with patients, such as making addicted nurses spend less time with patients and more time taking frequent breaks. It's a nasty, unhealthy that has thousands of people in its grips, and every year thousands of people die from diseases directly related to smoking. Let's get down to some serious facts:

More than 430,000 deaths occur every year from smoking-related illnesses and disease. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in 2003 approximately 171,900 new cases of lung cancer were reported, with 157,200 dying from lung cancer. Men who smoke are 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers, and women who smoke are 13 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. And if you think having your cigarette isn't hurting anyone else, think again. Secondhand smoke has been reported to cause as many as 300,000 cases of pneumonia and bronchitis in children up to 18 months of age every year. It also increases the chance of babies dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

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The U.S. Department of Labor notes that registered nurses comprise 2.3 million jobs in the healthcare field – the largest, by far. Furthermore, the Department projects that among all occupations in all fields, more nursing opportunities will be created over the next decade than any other. From a distance, things do indeed look quite good for the nursing profession. After all, we’re still living in an era of tremendous job uncertainty and labor market misalignment. It’s nice to know that, based on this promising statistical outlook, nursing is an wise career move for millions of people today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Yet there is more to this story than rosy statistics; and the nurses reading this article would no doubt criticize any attempt to paint an incomplete picture of what’s really happening in the trenches. Despite the professional and personal satisfaction that comes from applying their considerable skills to help patients heal or face illnesses with dignity, more and more nurses are facing a situation that, by its very term, sends waves of dread through even the most battle-hardened health professional: burnout.

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Like most people, when you wake up in the morning you probably start your day with the best of intentions. You shower, fix your hair, put on a little make-up, get dressed and head off into the world looking like you are ready to take on the day. You're all together and you look and feel terrific. Unfortunately, by mid-shift you might look a little worse for wear! There are simple ways to make sure you look and feel fresh all day, and considering that nurses are the face of healthcare and that you need to look good for your patients, we've come up with some really simple and effective ways to make your personal care routine a breeze.

Rule #1 – Simplify Your Morning Routine

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For those looking for adventure and career experience, nursing abroad in another country may be the right fit. Nurses are in high demand across the globe, so why not seek out new opportunities abroad? Traveling and working in other countries will add to your resume, but will also allow you to experience the world, and in so doing, help others.

American nurses will be more likely to restrict their job search to English speaking areas. Knowledge of the language of a country will obviously be beneficial to your administration of care, but even a basic understanding of a language will enable you to venture into non-English areas. Don’t be afraid to enter a country because of language barriers! Nurses can work with organizations that are English speaking within foreign countries.

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Thinking about career advancement? Have you ever noticed that if someone does something wrong on the job or is disliked, everyone is going to hear about it – but if someone does their job well and is really well liked, you don't hear about it as often. Why is that? People are more apt to actually voice when they are dissatisfied than when they are satisfied. With this in mind, how does a medical practitioner go about boosting their reputation and getting the recognition and opportunities they deserve for a job well done?

In a guide called "The Nurse's Etiquette Advantage: How Professional Etiquette Can Advance Your Nursing Career" created by Kathleen D. Pagana, PhD, RN, the idea of etiquette from a nursing perspective is discussed. Simply stated in her introduction, "Nursing education focuses on leadership, management, and professional issues, while etiquette is the "missing link" for success in the workplace." Everything from introductions, interviewing for a new position, proper networking with other professionals and enhancing established relationships is addressed important to help you manage your reputation and get ahead in the nursing field.

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Obesity and Nursing in America

Obesity is currently the number one health risk in America. A growing epidemic that threatens the health care system, obesity is forcing changes in equipment and care in hospitals. Reports show one third of American adults are overweight or obese, and 17% of teenagers are in the same category. This is a disturbing trend that is putting added strain on the healthcare system, not only due to issues of accommodation for these patients, but because of the diseases and illnesses stimulated by obesity.

Children at Extreme Obesity Risk

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You may have heard of the term "Super Woman (or Super Man) Syndrome", a phrase that describes those people who appear to the world to be at the top off their game, juggling task after task, all while appearing to be in control and managing life's pressures without effort. In today's fast paced world, more men and women are struggling keep up with the pace of their own lives!

It is a fact that many nurses are facing work vs. rest time conflicts. As some hospitals run short of staff due to either cut backs or simple lack of staff for other reasons, nurses are faced with doing more work in a shorter period of time. This day to day physical, mental and emotional stress may lead to exhaustion, and when combined with the "outside of work" demands of everyday life and family, he or she may not have an opportunity to slow down, relax, and decompress at the end of the day. When asked how he or she is, the answer is usually something along the lines of "Busy, but that's okay. You know me, I'm always on the go." When this constant activity becomes normal and there is no time to recharge your life batteries and care for your own needs, super-hero syndrome begins – as does the trouble.

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