Demand for nurses is outpacing enrollment in schools of nursing. Unfortunately, a shortage of nurse educators and other faculty, clinical sites, and classroom space, plus budgetary restraints, mean that nursing schools are actually turning away interested applicants. In 2016, nursing schools in the United States had to turn away more than 60,000 qualified applicants from Read More
Month: July 2017
3 Staffing Challenges for EMS Departments
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a necessary and important public service role, and demand for career professionals is high. The jobs are there, but hard to fill. EMTs and paramedics tend to be underpaid, overworked, and exposed to abundant risks. It takes a lot of physical and emotional strength to be in pre-hospital medicine, and Read More
5 Ways Automated Dispensing Machines Improve Patient Safety
One potential mechanism to improve hospital efficiency and patient safety is the automated dispensing cabinet (ADC). An ADC is a decentralized medication distribution system that provides computer controlled storage, dispensing, and tracking of medications. Hospital pharmacists have been exploring strategies for improving patient safety in the hospital setting, and the ADC – also called an Read More
UV Safety Prevents Eye Disease
Overexposure to UV rays can cause cataracts; eye cancer; photokeratitis, or temporary sun blindness; and pterygium, also known as surfer’s eye. While many people have gotten smarter about protecting their skin from the sun, people still forget to take precautions to protect their eyes. For example, according to an online survey, about 53 percent of Read More
Remembering Innovator and Medical Educator Dr. Michael S. Gordon
Michael S. Gordon, MD, Ph.D., was the founder and director emeritus of the Michael S. Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education. He passed away suddenly on July 7, 2017. He was 80 years old. Gordon is recognized for being an innovator in medical education and simulation. He was instrumental in creating emergency training programs Read More
Teaching Workplace Violence Prevention
Workplace violence is an obstacle for healthcare professionals, and shouldn’t be ignored or labeled “part of the job.” Nurses must be able to provide care without concern for their personal safety. It’s in the best interest of the healthcare professional, facility, and patient to take steps to avoid workplace violence. In the free, online course Read More
Preventing Lyme Disease
The tick population in the United States has soared this year. In order to prevent bites from these insects, which can lead to tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, take the following precautions. 1. Avoid direct contact with ticks. Avoid wooded areas with bushy undergrowth, high grass, and leaf litter. Walk in the center of Read More