HUDDLE

Good Morning, Readers!

One of today’s top beats discusses the significant financial burden of patients using the Emergency Department for non-urgent matters. It’s definitely a complicated issue, but we want to hear from you! What do YOU feel is the best solution to address ED misuse? Let me know here.

Today's Top Beats

⚖️ Supreme Court Rulings
🩺 Nurses Cutting Costs

🍺 Alcohol Misuse Rising

HANDOFF

Top Court’s Health Rulings

A slew of recent Supreme Court decisions are health-related. In one, the court ruled Idaho cannot ban emergency abortions that stabilize a woman’s life. Another decision rejected a controversial bankruptcy deal that would have given the Sackler family, owners of the Oxycontin-producing Purdue Pharma, immunity from future lawsuits if they paid $6 billion. But possibly the most significant decision makes it much harder for federal agencies to regulate public health, the environment and workplace safety.

Nurses Cutting Costs

Among the biggest expenses in healthcare—for patients and in tax dollars—is using the emergency department for health issues that primary care could address. But many people don’t have a PCP or know how else to seek care. But a New York housing assistance nonprofit found a way to bridge that gap: they hired on-site nurses. The result was slashing the number of ER visits in half and a 93% increase in primary care usage.

Alcohol Misuse Rising

Problem drinking in the U.S. has been getting steadily worse since the pandemic, starting with a 25% spike in alcohol-related deaths between 2019 and 2020. An in-depth feature at STAT digs into the details of the problem, one that’s growing across the globe, with the World Health Organization warning last week of the “unacceptably high” rate of alcohol-related health problems and deaths. Check out STAT’s map of states with the biggest drinking issues.

TOGETHER WITH BOMBAS

Treat your Feet

Ready to ditch the post shift discomfort and step into pure bliss? Your new nursing obsession is here. Bombas are the perfect socks that you won’t ever want to live without. Bombas compression socks come packed with reasons you won't want to step into another shift without them: 

1. They'll make your day (and night) on the job feel like a breeze! With their Airvent system, they are able to temperature regulate to help keep your feet cool and  dry.. 

2. Bombas are your nursing must haves. With their Honeycomb Support System, they cradle the arch of your foot, like a firm but comfortable hug around your midfoot.

3. These socks will take compression from impression. Whether you are working a 12 hour shift, on a long flight since you stacked your schedule for trip, or are expecting, these socks are great for relieving soreness, aciness, fatigue, & swelling. 

4. Bombas are great for your piggies and your piggy bank. Get 5-15% off select packs + free shipping on orders $50+. New customers get an extra 20% off with code NURSING20. 

Treat your feet with the comfort the deserve. Bombas has you covered.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

170 billion

The mind-blowing number of cells in the human brain — which create a lot of waste during the brain’s day-to-day duties. Scientists now think they know how the brain deals with all that waste.

PRN

TECH TUESDAY WITH NURSE MANNY

The Importance of Nurse Anatomy

With July 4th around the corner, freedom is on our minds. This Independence Day, let’s talk about a specific kind of freedom: nurse autonomy. While we are bound by organizational policies, fostering nurse autonomy is crucial.

Research indicates that greater nurse autonomy leads to happier nurses and improved patient care. Professional autonomy enhances decision-making and skill utilization, contributing to healthier work environments. In one study, nurses expressed that true autonomy requires a supportive environment and involvement in decision-making processes.

Promoting autonomy not only supports our professional growth but also directly benefits the quality of care we provide to our patients.

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TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

An Inspiring Read

If you're looking for a new book recommendation, check out All We Had, which was inspired by the author's real-life experience of working as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BREAK ROOM

In Sickness and In Health

Influencer, @ctrl.skin, has suffered from topical steroid withdrawal for the past 2.5 years. However, he’s faced his obstacles with a positive attitude and with the help of his soulmate. Watch their epic story if you need a smile!

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

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