Influencing the Future of Nursing

Performance Improvement in the Workplace

• Promote a culture of civility and regard
• Promote Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
• Promote Safety-Oriented Practice
• Safe Patient Handling
• Promote collaboration & partnership with Patient & Families ( Their roles, responsibilities, end-of-life)
• Promote Mentorship, Coaching & Leadership
• Promote Budget-Oriented, cost effective practice
• Promote “ Green Practice” for the environment



The Nurse Advocate

Never be a Fool Again

April 1 comes every year as “Fool’s Day” since the 14^th century, inspired by Canterbury Tales. (If you remember your literature). Why “fools” because probably you were innocent or ignorant that you lack awareness or knowledge of something that when they pop on you, you believe so quick without judgment. You fall prey to someone’s joke and foolishness on you.

 Well, never again be fooled. April has become a Stress Awareness month, Autism Awareness Month, STD Awareness month, Financial Literacy month, and most probably a lot more. Let us get the information, awareness and literacy available and just a click away from our fingertips.

While there are so many things to learn, lighten up as nature has its way of balancing our environment. As we enter this much awaited spring, let us feel the beauty around us: the morning mist that forms in the twigs of trees, the rain that falls to bring the leaves to sprout and the flowers to bloom, let the sun shine in ourselves again, regain our colors and perk up the winter’s mood that has depressed us somewhat and enjoy the company of friends and families for a cookie, ice cream or a coffee break, or a stroll in the park.

Let me see you there!

Nurses State of Mind

Nursing is not a bed of roses; it is indeed a very stressful profession, if not a difficult one. We all have developed a special bond with nursing no matter what specialty we are in. Whether we have a positive or negative feeling about nursing, we know what is out there; we can talk of it in both ways for the sake of truth. Nobody can talk about nursing and its issues more than we do.

While we can say something about our negative issues, we make it a point that we are heard. These could be taken into something to influence nursing in a positive way. While this may not be the case all the time, we can only say it and wish, after all, I’m a nurse for over thirty years and I know what it’s like.

We all know about how the shortage affects the community and more importantly our practice. Let us all be the ambassadors of nursing. Let us become advocates of this special profession and vocation.

I took the challenge that recruitment is one of our greatest contributions to nursing; talking good about ourselves as nurses, the personal fulfillment of its vocation, the professional practice of its science, the financial rewards and the legacy of a modern nightingale.

How to Set SMART Goals

To be truly successful, you need to set and pursue SMART goals. Write them down, and then check them to make sure they are:

·         Specific (detailed not general)

·         Measurable (can be tracked and inspected)

·         Achievable (realistic even if challenging)

·         Relevant (lead to important, suitable results and contributions)

·         Time-Sensitive (deadline driven)

Today's tip comes from Passport: Reach Your Goals: Accomplish Your Objectives with Intent, Planning & Determination
by Linda Byars Swindling

Disruptive Behavior in Healthcare Settings

The safety of patients and staff is always the first priority in healthcare settings. It must be the goal of every healthcare to provide a culture of safety for both.

The Joint Commission has issued a Sentinel Alert on Disruptive Behavior in healthcare settings.

·       Healthcare has more assaults than any other industry sector in the US.

·       Intimidating and disruptive behaviors can foster medical errors.

·       Disruptive behavior contributes to poor patient satisfaction.

·       Disruptive behavior contributes to preventable adverse outcomes.

·       Disruptive behavior increases the cost of care.

·       Safety and quality of patient care is dependent on:

·         Teamwork

·         Communication

·         Collaborative work environment.

Intimidating and disruptive behaviors include:

·         Overt actions such as verbal outbursts and physical threat.

·         Passive activities such as refusing to perform assigned tasks or quietly exhibiting uncooperative attitudes during routine activities.

·         Reluctance or refusal to answer questions, return phone calls or pages.

·         Condescending language or voice intonation; and impatience with questions.

·         The presence of intimidating and disruptive behaviors erodes professional behavior and creates an unhealthy or even hostile work environment – one that is readily recognized by patients and their families.

Nurses Need to KISS

Nurses on Call: How May I help you?

If you have any issues or questions that you want answers or opinions, you may ask our Nurses on Call to help you. We will try to get answers as factual as possible or refer you to our resources.

(Disclaimer)