HUDDLE

Happy FriYAY, Readers!

Many of you may wonder why TNB attends so many conferences, particularly non-nursing ones. Well, did you know that only 2% of health-related stories identify nurses as sources? TWO PERCENT! Can’t you hear my scream? 

As the largest healthcare workforce, our perspective is absent, leading to inefficiencies that ultimately impact patient safety. We deserve to be in every room, helping to shape the future of healthcare. So, today, we are in Austin, reporting on all the good healthcare content at SXSW. 

Stay tuned, nurse besties. 

Today's Top Beats

📚 New Kind of Curriculum

🥰 Boosting Dopamine & Serotonin

🤑 Maximize Your Tax Return 

HANDOFF

A New Kind of Curriculum

The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is embracing the future of nurse training through virtual reality—with impressive results. According to a new study, the VR curriculum, experienced through an Oculus Rift headset, effectively enhanced new nurses’ clinical assessment skills, particularly in recognizing pediatric respiratory distress and impending respiratory failure. The VR environment simulated realistic clinical scenarios, offering hands-on experience crucial for early-career nurses’ development.

A Change for Vaccines

Starting this fall, US flu shots will contain three strains instead of four. Declining before the pandemic, the Yamagata lineage B strains appear to have been killed off thanks to Covid-19 prevention measures, such as wearing masks. Both the WHO and FDA now see Yamagata protection as unnecessary, and the FDA is working with manufacturers to remove it from US flu vaccines in time for the 2024–2025 season, a change that could free up capacity for more doses and new vaccine formulations. 

Boosting Dopamine and Serotonin

Practicing gratitude confers many benefits, from releasing dopamine and serotonin to reducing depressive symptoms, stress, and burnout. Some quick and easy ways to incorporate gratitude into your life include starting and ending your day by identifying things you’re grateful for, sending a message of appreciation to your colleagues, and journaling your gratitude with a free phone app. Check out the ANA’s Gratitude Practice for Nurses Toolkit for Well-Being for more tips.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

34.5%

The percentage of hospitals currently complying with the price transparency rule. 

PRN

FINANCE FRIDAY WITH NETWORTH NURSE

Maximize Your Tax Return

Do you dread tax season? You aren’t alone. Most of us would rather get a root canal than do our taxes, but it’s not too late to ensure you get the biggest return possible. 

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• File on time. Make sure to file by April 15th. If you need more time, file an extension for free on the IRS website. 

• Don’t panic. If you still have no idea where to start, check out this TNB article on how to get the most out of your tax return. 

• Think about hiring an expert. Similar to how you help others manage their medical conditions, a quick coaching session to help you navigate any questions might be worth considering. 

Still want to learn more? Read another great TNB article on the top five myths nurses have about taxes, or contact me here.

Did you miss yesterday's newsletter? Click here.

TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

Chill Out

These chillable eye stones are the perfect remedy for tired, strained eyes after a long shift. 

BREAK ROOM

Happy Foodie Friday!

If you’re craving a creamy lasagna soup, but want to watch your calories, check out this recipe by @low.carb.love! It will cure your greatest pasta cravings!

The Beat With Nurse Kel

🎶 The Tempo

🎵 The Backbeat

🏋️ The Workout

🎧 Podcast of the Week

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but, nurses are sleep deprived. Check out this article about the sleep we’re not getting. 

HEALTHCARE STARTS WITH YOU. THIS IS YOUR BEAT.

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