HUDDLE |
Good Morning, Readers! |
As summer hits its peak, we're taking a short break to recharge and soak up some sunshine. ☀️
The Nursing Beat will be on summer recess from July 14th through August 1st. That means after this Friday, we’ll be pressing pause and returning to your inbox on Monday, August 4th, ready to bring you the latest nursing and healthcare news.
Until then, enjoy the rest of this week’s newsletters and don’t forget to take a moment for yourself this summer, too! |
Today's Top Beats |
⚖️ Nurse Wins Millions
😱 Nightmare Fuel
🏥 Joint Commission Updates |
|
|
|
|
HANDOFF |
Nurse Wins Millions in Retaliation Case |
Nancy Valla, former Chief Nursing Officer at Dignity Health St. Mary Medical Center, was awarded $27.5 million after a jury found she was fired in retaliation for raising patient safety concerns. She advocated for suicide-prevention barriers after multiple incidents in the hospital parking structure and flagged expired anesthesia machines and defibrillators. Leadership dismissed her concerns, citing budget concerns, and Valla was eventually terminated. The jury sided with her, resulting in one of California’s largest single-plaintiff employment verdicts this year. |
|
|
Is Your Diet Nightmare Fuel? |
A recent study found that what you eat can directly affect your sleeping patterns and what type of dreams you have. Roughly 40% of participants said eating influenced their sleep. Foods like desserts, spicy items, and dairy—such as milk, yogurt, and cheese—were linked to poorer rest, while fruits, veggies, and herbal tea helped improve it. About 5.5% believed food affected their dreams: 31% blamed sweets and 22% blamed dairy for nightmares. Researchers suggest that lactose intolerance might be behind this: gastrointestinal discomfort from dairy causes brief sleep disruptions or “micro‑arousals,” which can trigger more vivid or disturbing dreams. |
|
|
Joint Commission Cuts Standards |
The Joint Commission has slashed its accreditation standards nearly in half—from 1,551 down to 774—representing the largest overhaul since Medicare began in 1965. The change is part of a larger effort by the Joint Commission to modernize its approach and support healthcare organizations in improving patient care while reducing staff burnout by eliminating outdated requirements. Hospitals can expect a more streamlined accreditation process that emphasizes what truly matters for patient outcomes, allowing them to dedicate more time and resources to direct care. The updated accreditation manual will become effective January 1, 2026. |
|
|
TODAY'S TOP VITAL |
13 |
The number of states that have introduced legislation aimed at improving menopause training for OB-GYNs. Can you guess how many OB-GYN residencies currently include menopause education? |
|
|
Did you miss our last newsletter? Click here. |
|
|
|
Nurse Boss Summit |
Join our very own CEO, Tamara AL-Yassin, at the 4th Annual Nurse Boss Summit, taking place August 14–16 in Raleigh, NC. Tamara will be a panelist during this three-day experience for nurses and healthcare professionals ready to elevate their impact, influence, and income. Get your CEUs in one weekend!
|
|
|
|
BREAK ROOM |
Pilates Hack |
Do you love pilates, but have trouble working out with your busy schedule? You won’t believe how this nurse figured out this pilates hack at work. |
|
|
|