Latest Entries Journal of Nursing

Empathy vs. Emotional Reasoning -What is the Difference?

It is mind reading when one person proposes to know what another person is thinking or feeling. Emotional reasoning is defined as "a cognitive error whereby a person who is nervous or anxious resorts to emotional reactions to determine a course of action. Nurses need to be aware of this in treating patients.

Rolling Away

Tags: aging elderly care nursing community

This heartfelt article recounts a humorous yet poignant moment at a long-term care resident council meeting, where a lighthearted suggestion about putting weed in breakfast muffins sparks laughter and deeper reflections on autonomy. Through the lens of an Ombudsman, it highlights the importance of listening not just to complaints, but to the joy, imagination, and desire for choice that still thrive in residents' lives.

Prolonged Grief, Loneliness and Depression

Tags: behavioral interventions counseling Empathy grief mental health psychology wellbeing

A groundbreaking study explores how prolonged grief symptoms contribute to loneliness and depression, shaping mental health interventions.

Innovation and Technology in the AI Era: Enhancing Healthcare Systems and Nursing Care in the U.S.

Tags: artificial intelligence diagnosis Health Care Reform innovation training program nursing technology

This paper explores the impact of AI innovations in the U.S. healthcare system, particularly within the nursing profession. Key AI applications such as predictive analytics, robotic assistance, personalized medicine, and virtual nursing assistants are examined.

The Power of Word Choice in Healthcare Settings: A Critical Examination

Tags: communication Empathy healthcare education patient care

Effective communication is vital for high-quality patient care in healthcare settings. Both verbal and non-verbal communication significantly impact patient outcomes and experiences, especially for cognitively impaired individuals. Miscommunication can lead to distress and misunderstandings. This article explores the nuances of verbal and non-verbal interactions, offering real-life examples of miscommunication and practical strategies for healthcare providers. By prioritizing clarity, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, healthcare providers can foster trust, reduce anxiety, and improve overall patient care.

Advocating for the Vulnerable: Upholding Core Values in Healthcare and Education

Tags: educating ethical standards healthcare leadership leadership

In both healthcare and education, true leadership embodies service over self-interest, building bridges instead of walls, and leading with integrity. Advocates in these fields play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals' voices, wishes, and preferences are heard, their rights are upheld, and their needs are met, particularly when they have difficulty speaking up for themselves.

The Negative Impacts of Fast-Track Nursing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tags: burnout challenges COVID-19 future of nursing Nurse Education staffing shortages

Fast-tracked nursing graduates faced challenges due to limited training during COVID-19. Learn how this impacted patient safety, workplace dynamics, and the future of healthcare.

Emma: raised in a care facility

Tags: child Health Care Reform Hospital for Sick Children

I have been working closely with a little girl who has spent her life in a long-term acute care facility, and I am heartbroken by her lonely existence.

Hypertension Patient Education

Tags: blood pressure Educational Practices heart disease hypertension learning patient education

A lesson plan for hypertension in the cardiology clinic setting.

The Crucial Role of DEI in Education and Healthcare

Tags: diversity education healthcare education Nurse Education

The U.S. population is becoming increasingly diverse. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for culturally and linguistically competent healthcare professionals and educators from diverse backgrounds. Incorporating DEI education becomes vital for preparing a workforce equipped to improve health outcomes for the communities they serve.

The Importance Of The Nurse Role In A Turner Syndrome Multidisciplinary Clinic

Tags: clinicals patient assessment patient care practic support

The Turner Syndrome Multi-Disciplinary Clinic (TSMDC) was established in 2015 to provide comprehensive, coordinated care for TS patients and their families. Initially led by a genetic counselor, the clinic evolved with a nurse coordinator taking over in 2018, streamlining patient triage and care coordination. The nurse coordinator ensures seamless communication between providers, organizes necessary tests, and helps maintain adherence to clinical guidelines. Over the years, the clinic expanded its team and services, leading to increased patient accessibility and improved outcomes. With a 90% adherence rate to clinical guidelines, TSMDC highlights the crucial role of nurse coordinators in enhancing efficiency, patient care, and long-term well-being.

Enhancing Nursing Education: Unfolding Case Studies with Standardized Patients for Difficult Conversations

Tags: Clinical Education Educational Practices Nurse Education

Discussing the use of standardized patients (SPs) for difficult conversations with patients regarding substance use. We included student feedback to support the importance of using SPs.

Celebration Party

Tags: health care professionals networking nursing education online learning

Hi I had to write a "celebration party" paper at the end of my first semester in school when i was in school for my MSN. I always held on to this paper because even though it didn't need references, it was just a story from ourselves. I thought one day I would try to publish it if possible. I reached out to my professor at the time who said it would be ok to use her real name in it. I will post it below.

The Future of Healthcare Training: Embracing Online Learning Platforms

Tags: education Educational Practices healthcare education healthcare training online learning

The healthcare industry is ever-evolving, and with it, the methods of educating and training future professionals are also transforming. Online learning platforms have emerged as a game-changer in healthcare education, providing students and professionals with the tools to gain knowledge and skills in flexible and accessible ways. This shift is not just a response to modern technology but also a reflection of the growing need to meet the demands of a dynamic and complex healthcare landscape.

Addressing the Nursing Shortage

Tags: nurse Nurse and Burnout nurse shortage nurse workload Nurse-to-Patient Ratios nursing shortage profession students

The nursing shortage, a critical issue in the U.S. and globally, is driven by interconnected factors and projected to persist for years. Addressing this challenge requires innovative educational programs, expanded partnerships, and systemic solutions to build a sustainable nursing workforce.

How to Stay Current with Continuing Education in Nursing

Tags: career education learning nurses online learning professional

Continuing education empowers nurses to stay current, advance their careers, and provide high-quality patient care in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Top Trends in Healthcare Technology That Are Changing Patient Care

Tags: patient patients technology tools

A look into the top cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing healthcare, from AI-driven diagnostics to telemedicine and wearable tech, transforming patient care and medical efficiency.

Breaking Barriers: Addressing Transportation Challenges and Healthcare Access for Expectant Mothers in Impoverished Communities

Tags: health care systems health disparities mother pregnancy Transport and Relief

Access to healthcare is a critical component of health equity, yet impoverished and rural communities face significant barriers, particularly due to a lack of reliable transportation. This work explores how transportation challenges disproportionately affect access to prenatal care for pregnant women, contributing to adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

The Elusive Lessons of Encephalitis Lethargica

Tags: autoimmune diseases clinical COVID-19 disease infection neurologist

Encephalitis Lethargica (EL) emerged as a deadly pandemic in the early 20th century, leaving many permanently disabled. Though rare today, its cause remains unknown. EL has two forms—dyskinetic (children) and Parkinsonian (adults). Researchers suspect links to influenza and COVID-19 due to shared neurological effects. Treatment is limited, and future viral pandemics could trigger EL’s return.

An Effective Orientation Program is Key to Laying the Framework within a Virtual Nursing Environment

Tags: healthcare workers nurse Nurse Education nurse's responsibility virtual learning

This article describes the importance of developing a well-structured orientation for virtual nurses. It also outlines components to include in a virtual nursing orientation.

The Preconception Blueprint: What Women Need to Know Before Trying to Conceive

Tags: birth headache health care mother stress

The journey of motherhood begins long before pregnancy is confirmed, with preconception health playing a pivotal role in both maternal and fetal well-being. The preconception period is technically defined as the three months prior to conception, because that is typically the amount of time it takes for a fertile couple to conceive (Stephenson et al.). This paper explores the essential components of preconception planning including nutritional considerations, lifestyle modifications, environmental factors, and psychological readiness. Nutritional health is critical, as deficiencies in the body can negatively affect fertility and fetal development. Certain lifestyle choices such as being physically active and refraining from smoking plays a large part in enhancing reproductive health. In addition, environmental toxins and pollutants must be assessed to minimize risks during conception and pregnancy. Furthermore, psychological readiness is vital for coping with the challenges of pregnancy and parenting. All in all, a comprehensive understanding of preconception health can empower women to make informed decisions and enhance their journey through pregnancy.

Critical Care Chronicles

Tags: critical care Family Presence ICU intensive care unit support

Utilizing a journal for Intensive Care Unit patients to help manage the day to day challenges, physically and emotionally during their stay. Along for emotional release, better communication, or recollection of the events that took place.

Introducing De-escalation Techniques in Nursing Education

Tags: healthcare education nursing education nursing students student

Introduces the need to address the potential to encounter violence in the workplace and how de-escalation and physical crisis intervention can be utilized to promote safety for the patient and the staff members. It includes the importance of utilizing the team approach and staff debriefing after a physical intervention.

Saving Flatlines Through Mechanical Resuscitation

Tags: Cardiac Amyloidosis cardiac arrest cpr heart disease

Introducing the new Lucas device, which provides mechanical resuscitation, allowing for better patient outcomes during a cardiac arrest.

A Nursing Approach to the Efficacy of Corticosteroids in Community Acquired Pneumonia Treatment

Tags: critical care morbidity mortality nursing nursing community

This study aims to describe the use of corticosteroid therapy in treating community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), determine differences in morbidity and mortality between groups receiving corticosteroids and groups receiving standard care, and examine relationships among clinical outcomes. This literature review will explain and determine the effect of corticosteroids on patient recovery and assess the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in CAP treatment.

To the Nursing Students...

Tags: education jobs nursing school nursing students

The article is directed to nursing students who have maybe lost hope during nursing school and to let them know that there is a happy ending to their journey. I was one of those people who struggled greatly, but came out stronger with my dream job. It is important for nursing students to hear that it does get better.

My Experience as a Stroke Nurse

Tags: neurologist nurse patient care stroke

As a stroke nurse, the role involves providing high-quality clinical care and offering emotional support to patients and families during challenging times. Stroke care requires medical expertise, empathy, and critical thinking. Nurses assess neurological function, administer medications, and work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive recovery. The rehabilitation phase involves guiding patients through recovery while addressing their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Nurses also educate patients and families on stroke prevention and lifestyle changes. The role is deeply rewarding as it allows nurses to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life while continuously learning and advocating for stroke awareness and prevention.

Professionalism in Nursing: Presenting Yourself as a Professional

Tags: health care professionals mentoring nurse professional rn

Professionalism in nursing is often defined as acting with altruism, caring, and professionalism. Professionalism is defined as the educational level required to enter the field. Presenting yourself as a nursing professional depends on several other factors, including your resume/CV, professional attire, social media accounts, and participation in professional organizations.

Compassion in Care: Rethinking Pain Management for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder

Tags: opiods pain management pain relief

Op-Ed discussing post-operative pain management options for patients with Opioid Use Disorder. Every patient deserves adequate pain control, no matter their personal or medical history. Ensuring adequate pain control for all patients is a fundamental aspect of compassionate, effective healthcare, but it is especially crucial for patients with OUD. A carefully designed, multimodal protocol that reduces opioid use but still provides relief allows patients with OUD to recover safely and with dignity. This, in turn, lowers their risk of dependency complications while supporting both their physical and psychological healing.

Capnography: A Missed Vital Sign in Post Anesthesia Care Units

Tags: anesthesia nurse opiods PACU

Capnography provides essential data on how well a patient is ventilating regardless of what the oxygen saturation monitor is reading. This is an under-utilized tool that can detect adverse respiratory events such as hypoventilation leading to hypoxia. Capnography is a non-invasive nasal cannula that sits just below the nose and captures end-tidal carbon dioxide. Nurses should make it a standard of practice to implement capnography for all patients who arrive into the PACU.