HUDDLE |
Good Morning, Readers! |
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I hope everyone had a safe and fun Independence Day! Do you have a favorite 4th of July tradition? What food do you look forward to most? Fireworks or no?
Tell me all about it here. 🎆 |
Today's Top Beats |
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🤳 Anemia App
🏥 Supervisors Arrested
😔 Loneliness Rising |
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HANDOFF |
Can an App Help Spot Anemia? |
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Ruby Health, a smartphone app created by Sanguina Inc., helps detect anemia using just a photo of a person’s fingernails. Based on a project started in 2015, the app estimates hemoglobin (Hgb) levels without needing a blood test. Since launching in 2021, it has been downloaded by 1.4 million users in the US. While it's a useful tool, especially in places with limited access to medical care, it can’t detect very low hemoglobin levels or identify what type of anemia a person has—something a full blood test is still needed for. Some experts are concerned about its accuracy on darker skin tones, though the developers say using fingernails reduces that issue. While the app can be a helpful first step, it should be considered a screening tool—not a diagnostic replacement. |
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Lucy Letby’s Supervisors Arrested |
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Three former supervisors of Lucy Letby, a former neonatal nurse convicted of murdering seven infants in her care at the Countess of Chester Hospital in the UK, have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Police are investigating whether their leadership—or lack thereof—contributed to a rise in infant fatalities at the hospital. Earlier this year, we reported on how a team of medical experts are evaluating Letby’s possible innocence—now, Chester police have submitted new evidence to prosecutors suggesting Letby may have harmed additional babies, including during her time at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. |
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Loneliness on the Rise |
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A new report highlights a growing problem: loneliness among U.S. adults is rising—and poses serious health risks. Around one‑third of Americans aged 50–80 say they often feel lonely, with peak isolation during the pandemic and levels still above ideal. Loneliness increases risks for heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, anxiety, and early death—sometimes rivaling smoking in impact. Surprisingly, middle‑aged adults in the U.S. now report higher loneliness than older adults—a contrast not seen in most other countries. Key factors include being unable to work, living alone, poor health, low income, and excessive screen time. Experts urge doctors to screen patients for loneliness and connect them with community groups, volunteering, or therapy. |
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TODAY'S TOP VITAL |
16 |
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The number of $2,500 scholarships AACN is providing to nursing students interested in pursuing critical care. Learn more here. |
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NURSE ON-CALL |
THAT REMOTE LIFE WITH NURSE FERN |
Remote Nursing: Too Good to Be True? |
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“Remote nursing sounds like a dream, is it as good as it sounds?”
Yes…but also no. Your happiness in a role depends on the work environment you thrive in and the company/team you work for.
Nurses who love their remote roles often enjoy autonomy, clear metrics, and a trusting team. Nurses who dislike their roles are typically in positions that don’t mesh with their interests and have micromanagement, subpar training, or poor pay.
There is always a certain amount of compromise, and no perfect job exists—but any role should strike a balance weighed in your favor of wants and needs. Try making a list of the things you want from a job and rate them in importance. For example:
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Gain experience in Interqual & MCG.
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Flexibility to pick children up from school one day a week.
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Don’t want to be patient-facing.
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Prefer M-F.
If this list is in order of your priorities, you now know exactly what is most important when evaluating a potential job.
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Ready for remote nursing? Check our daily remote nurse job postings.
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Did you miss our last newsletter? Click here. |
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Building a Newsletter for Nurses, by Nurses |
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Learn more about Ayla Roberts’s journey from pediatric nurse and nursing instructor, to managing editor of The Nursing Beat. |
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SUPPLY ROOM |
Color Pop |
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Add a little color to your shift with these vibrant pens! |
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BREAK ROOM |
JB, RN |
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Justin Bieber recently went viral after he ran into paparazzi. Click here to see this moment on your unit. |
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