HUDDLE

Good Morning, Readers!

Last week, we ran our Unwrap the Holidays giveaway, and I’d like to thank all of you who participated! We asked you to share something you're proud of in 2023 or looking forward to in 2024. I wanted to share a few of the answers we received

⭐️ I’m proud of myself for learning how to stand up for me! - Abbie T. 

⭐️ I'm excited to go back to school and continue my journey towards becoming an NP! - Quinta N.

⭐️ Looking forward to all the things I will learn in 2024! - Ashley M.

⭐️ I am proud, at 73 years old, to continue to be working, solving problems, and encouraging nurses in a major academic hospital. The challenges have kept my brain sharp and made my life sparkle! - Cas L.

⭐️ Becoming a nurse! - Catie B.

⭐️ I’m really proud of the progress I’ve made in 2023 as a brand new ICU nurse and am so excited to continue to learn more about the many different ICU-level complexities that come through our doors this upcoming year. - Claire B. 

I wish I could go on, but you’d be reading today’s newsletter for hours! Tell us what you’re proud of from 2023 or looking forward to in 2024 here.

Today's Top Beats

🧠 Brain Drain
💊 Fentanyl + Xylazine
🫖 Stop “Venting”

HANDOFF

Where’s Your Head At?

“Brain drain” most often describes the departure of educated individuals from one area to another, such as when professionals abandon their Red State homes. But a Washington Post  investigation exposed another: the Smithsonian’s disturbing history of collecting human brains, mainly targeting vulnerable communities in D.C. In the early 1900s, anthropologist Aleš Hrdlička, driven by now-debunked racial theories, collaborated with local institutions and doctors to acquire over 280 brains for a brain collection disproportionately represented by Black people. Only five brains have been returned thus far.

Second Time Around

SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital registered nurses plan a 48-hour strike on December 27 to protest management's union-busting and outsourcing of RN jobs. Nurses stress the need for full-time staff to ensure community and patient well-being, criticizing the hospital for outsourcing coverage and undermining patient care. Contract negotiations, ongoing since May 2023, show limited progress on crucial issues. This marks the second strike this year, following a 1-day strike in September.

More Fentanyl Woes

The California Department of Public Health has sounded an alarm about the emerging threat of fentanyl adulterated or associated with xylazine in the state’s illicit drug supply. There has been an increasing presence of xylazine in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, compounding the ongoing overdose crisis. Xylazine causes notable skin problems, and early wound care is essential to prevent complications. The state urges providers to offer comprehensive follow-up care for patients with opioid use disorder. For more information or questions, contact the state’s Overdose Prevention Initiative (OPI@cdph.ca.gov/).

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

17

The number of states reporting high respiratory virus levels for the week ending Dec. 9, as admissions for Covid-19 and flu continue to rise across the country.

TOGETHER WITH NOEL ASMAR UNIFORMS

Elevating Your Scrub Life

While you’re taking care of patients this holiday season, who is taking care of you?

Noel Asmar Uniforms is here to reinvent your scrub life and remind you that health & wellness is not just for the patient. Elevate your shift by looking great through scrubs that are thoughtfully designed with a purpose for real people, real bodies, and real situations. Noel Asmar scrubs are designed to facilitate movement and solve real problems, lightening the load of your shift with uniforms that are easy to care for, made to last, flattering, functional, and sure to empower you — because your work deserves more than just a one-size-fits-all approach. Plus, their new Caribbean Blue color is the added bonus to your scrub closet you didn’t know you needed.

Noel Asmar Uniforms aren’t here to let you settle; they’re here to help you slay. Ready to level up? Noel Asmar is offering an exclusive discount to the TNB community to elevate your scrub life. Use the code NursingBeat15 for 15% off through December 31, 2023, 11:59 pm PST. 

Elevate your shift today.

PRN

MAP OF THE MODERN NURSE WITH DEBRIEFING THE FRONT LINES

Stop Using the Word Vent 

Air ducts and tea kettles vent, not people. People talk, communicate, listen and understand. 

Venting clumps everything together as a single emotion: frustration. However, the triggers and sources of these emotions are often much more complicated than the temporary attention venting receives, leaving you unfulfilled and searching. There is a fine line between venting and trauma dumping. 

As humans, we are living and breathing in the aftermath of trauma and collective heartache. So the next time you reach for the word vent, consider asking, “Do you have the space to listen as I express my emotions?” Or make it your own; what language makes this question feel most authentic to you?

This shift in language creates a container for self-exploration, discovery, and healing while ensuring emotional safety for all - you have a space to be heard, and the person on the receiving end can listen.

SUPPLY ROOM

A Team TNB Favorite!

These eucalyptus and mint shower steamers, which are bath bombs for the shower, make the perfect last-minute gift for anyone on your list.

BREAK ROOM

Hit It Off With Harlow!

You may have heard that rapper Jack Harlow loves nurses and has even written a song about dating them! Would you shoot your shot with Jack Harlow like this nurse?

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Do you need ideas for last minute gifts for your nurse friends? Then hurry back tomorrow when Sarah at New Thing Nurse has her list of recommendations ready for you!

Healthcare starts with you. This is your beat.

Get your brand in front of 35K+ industry leaders & changemakers.