October 23, 2020

Are you interested in disaster nursing?

Disaster nursing is the adaptation of professional nursing knowledge, skills, and attitude to recognize and meet the physical and emotional needs of disaster victims. The origin of disaster nursing can be traced back to the founder of modern nursing herself, Florence Nightingale, whose service and dedication during the Crimean War influenced many to follow in her footsteps as a nurse. What does disaster nursing look like today, amidst a pandemic and natural disasters? Kaithlyn Rojas, MSN, RN, CCRN, an active member of the California Health Corps and the California Medical Assistance Team (CAL-MAT) explains all. Read more

30 healthcare technology influencers to follow —

While healthcare organizations have been adapting to digital changes and advancements for years, COVID-19 has definitely hastened this process, emphasizing the need for more physically distant healthcare resources as well as other evolving forms of care delivery. Learn more about the 30 healthtech influencers that you can rely on to keep you up to date with the industry's latest trends and developments. Read more

Elementary school teacher saves stroke victim via Zoom —

An elementary school teacher in Michigan, Julia Koch, noticed that a student's grandmother was speaking irregularly when discussing some technical difficulties over Zoom. Koch knew something was off and immediately called emergency services. Koch remained on the line with the grandmother until paramedics arrived, while also reaching out to the school's principal, who shortly after sent school personnel go to check on the student and other young child who were with the grandmother. It turns out that the grandmother was indeed having a stroke but received care just in time, thanks to Koch's quick efforts. Read more

Top-growing nursing specialties of 2020 and beyond —

A recently published list of 31 nursing specialties reveals the top-growing and increasingly popular specialties of 2020-2022. While also presenting basic salary information, this list highlights nursing specialties based on their job growth trends between now and 2022. Which specialty landed the number one spot by growth projection? Nurse Midwife, with an astonishing 31% expected growth rate by 2022. Second, Certified Dialysis Nurse, with expected growth of 26% by 2022. And third, Legal Nurse Consultant, also expected to see a 26% growth within the specialty by 2022. Read on to see where your specialty stacks up! Read more

Coronavirus Updates

CVS & Walgreens to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to nursing homes —

The federal government recently announced a partnership with CVS and Walgreens—the country's largest drug store chains—to "provide and administer" COVID-19 vaccines to all Americans living or working in long-term care facilities, namely nursing homes and assisted care centers. While nursing home residents account for less than 1% of the United States' population, they account for about 40% of its COVID-19 deaths. This statistic is largely to thank for the efforts behind this partnership. The vaccines, if and when available, will be administered at no cost to the recipients. Read more

Record-high COVID-19 cases in the US —

At least 10 states have recently reported record-high COVID-19 cases, with total confirmed cases blowing past eight million domestically. Last Friday (October 16), more than 900 new deaths and nearly 70,500 cases were reported. That was the first time since July 24 (during the summer spike) that more than 70,000 cases were reported within 24 hours. The average uptick in cases the same week was up 30% from the daily average just two weeks prior. Moreover, 10 states—Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming—also reported their highest daily COVID-19 case counts last Friday.

This past Tuesday, over 60,000 new cases were reported across the United States, while South Dakota, Iowa, Idaho, and Wisconsin have all reported an alarming 20% positive test rate. Overall, at least 37 states are seeing cases on the rise, with growth rates of 5% or more in nearly 40 states. TL;DR — it's not looking good for the winter, so wear your mask and keep your distance. Read more

Upcoming Events

10/28, 3pm PDT: Travel Nursing: Where to Live, What to Do & How to Thrive —

We recruited three experienced travel nurses to share their insights on how to prepare for your travel assignment and how to excel all the way through to the end. Brittany Greaves, Jeri Ford, and Russ Mortland will share tips and tricks that will help you thrive as a travel nurse, both on and off shift. You’ll learn what to pack, how to find housing, how you can confidently navigate a new unit, and so much more. If you’re about to take a travel assignment, you don’t want to miss this event! All nurses are invited to this event, just make sure you RSVP! RSVP

Clockin' Out 😷

We recently came across an apt parody from @scarymommy on Instagram of "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast that seems rather... timely: "You can shout, you can glare, but listen Karen I don't care. Never seen folks so dramatic... over a f****** piece of fabric!"