February 2014 Vol. 9 No. 2 Archives

February 2014 Vol. 9 No. 2

Best hospitals share secrets for success

February 11, 2014

Healthgrades has released “America’s 100 Best Hospitals 2014” list. Based on interviews with representatives from the various hospitals, there are three themes that are vital for success: ensure…

Continuing use of statins may reduce risk of delirium in ICU patients

February 11, 2014

Continuing statin therapy in patients already on this therapy is associated with a lower daily risk of delirium in ICU patients, according to a study in the American…

Defending yourself through documentation

February 11, 2014

Complete, objective, and accurate documentation of the care you provide can help you avert or defend against lawsuits.

Faith, community, and health: Partnerships with good neighbors

February 11, 2014

Our editor-in-chief turns a spotlight on faith and community partnerships.

FDA approves Imbruvica to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia

February 11, 2014

On Feb. 13, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the approved use of Imbruvica (ibrutinib) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients who have received at least one…

From our readers: One nurse’s journey into patienthood

February 11, 2014

As I lay on the table staring up at the ceiling tiles and waited for my biopsy to begin, I suddenly became keenly aware of the fact that…

How do we get into morally questionable situations?

February 11, 2014

Leah Curtin discusses the dangers of bottom-line thinking.

Learn more about how to prevent violence in the workplace

February 11, 2014

New multi-media training resource helps prevent workplace violence

Number of RN smokers declines

February 11, 2014

According to a study in JAMA, the number of RNs who smoke significantly declined from 2003 to 2010-2011 (from 11% to 7%, a 36% decline.) The 2010-2011 survey…

Our Readers Respond

February 11, 2014

Some thoughts on nursing In 1994, after 12 years in software and system engineering, I decided that I wanted the same job satisfaction that my friends found with…

Postdischarge nursing care of stroke patients

February 11, 2014

Home health nurses play a vital role in helping patients recover from stroke

Quiz time

February 11, 2014

Which of the following does not help address issues related to post-intensive care syndrome? a. Diaries kept jointly by family, ICU staff, and physicians b. Post-ICU clinics for…

Recovery lessons from the Sandy Hook trauma

February 11, 2014

Children are people with small hearts and big emotions that often come from the people around them, particularly family members. As a pediatric nurse and mother of two…

Study: Decriminalization of marijuana increases pediatric ED admissions

February 11, 2014

A study in the Annals of Emergency Medicine found dramatic increases in children requiring medical intervention in states that decriminalized marijuana, although the overall number of unintentional marijuana…

Study: Melanoma increases among middle-aged adults

February 11, 2014

A study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reports that the incidence of cutaneous melanoma among middle-aged adults (40 to 60 years) has increased nearly eightfold between 1970 and 2009,…

Study: Nurse workload and education affect patient mortality

February 11, 2014

A study in The Lancet found that patients are more likely to die after common surgical procedures when they are cared for in hospitals with heavier nurse workloads…

Study: Psychological adverse effects of antidepressants

February 11, 2014

Thoughts of suicide, sexual difficulties and emotional numbness as a result of anti-depressants may be more widespread than previously thought, according to a study of 1,829 adults in…

Study: Radiation therapy skin reactions may be preventable

February 11, 2014

Severe skin reactions during radiation therapy could be prevented by applying a thin transparent silicone dressing to the skin from the first day of treatment, according to a…

Study: Sedentary behavior associated with disability

February 11, 2014

A study in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health reports that sedentary behavior in adults aged 60 years and older is a risk factor for disabilities in…

Study: SNFs have high readmission rates of Medicare patients

February 11, 2014

A high percentage of Medicare patients who are discharged from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) will return to the hospital or the ED within 30 days, according a study…

Study: Use of antibiotics to prevent complications from respiratory infections in children isn’t supported

February 11, 2014

An analysis published in The Cochrane Report says current evidence doesn’t provide strong support for using antibiotics to prevent ear infections and pneumonia in children with undifferentiated acute…

Study: Well-child visits may increase risk for flu-like illness

February 11, 2014

Well-child appointments for annual exams and vaccinations are associated with an increased risk of flu-like illnesses in children and family members within two weeks of the visit, according…

Surviving the world of academia

February 11, 2014

Some basic strategies will help you thrive in academia.

The patient engagement imperative

February 11, 2014

Engaging patients is essential to ensure optimal reimbursement. Here are tips for engagement that leaders can apply in their organizations

Weapon use predicts subsequent abuse incidents

February 11, 2014

Women are up to 83% more likely to experience repeat abuse by their male partners if a weapon is used in the initial abuse incident, according to study…