HUDDLE

Hello, Nurses!

It’s Friday, and I’m sad because I didn’t get my weekly dose of The Pitt last night. 😭If you haven’t checked out this new medical show yet, I highly recommend it. I’ve never seen a more accurate portrayal of how things really go down on a shift.

The whole season covers one ER day shift in Pittsburgh, and each hour-long episode had me riveted. Are you a fan? Tell us what you think of the show here. (And don’t worry—season 2 is already in the works!)

Today's Top Beats

🤔 Diet Beats Exercise?
🧑‍⚖️ New UK Transgender Law

🥑 Protein-Packed Avocado Toast

HANDOFF

Science-Backed Dietary Changes for Better Health

Little changes can go a long way—a few servings of fruits and vegetables daily may be just as good for your health as walking 4,000 extra steps. Other small dietary steps you can take to improve your health include eating water-rich fruits with electrolytes like watermelon, bananas, and oranges; making matcha-infused protein balls; topping oatmeal with blueberries; getting your omega-3s from whole food sources like salmon and walnuts; and swapping extra table salt on your meal with garlic powder.

Autism Diagnosis Rates Continue to Climb

About 1 in 31 children in the US had autism in 2022 (up from 1 in 36 children in 2020), according to a new CDC report. Boys and children of color were diagnosed most often, though the report includes data from only 14 states and Puerto Rico. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claims autism is a “preventable” crisis-level epidemic—experts largely attribute the rates to better screening and broader diagnoses—and has launched a controversial autism research effort, to be led by a person who has repeatedly promoted discredited vaccine-autism links.

Transgender Women Not Legally Women in the UK

The UK Supreme Court ruled that under Britain’s 2010 Equality Act, “woman” refers only to someone born biologically female—excluding transgender women (the ruling does not mention intersex people, who are not explicitly protected). The case challenged a Scottish law that allowed trans women in gender quotas for public boards, with the court ruling that a “broader definition” of women would make the law unworkable. While trans people remain protected from discrimination, the ruling may make it easier to exclude trans women from female-only spaces and services.

TOGETHER WITH B. BRAUN

The Risks of Toxic Chemicals in IV Bags

As nurses, we always want what is best for our patients. However, a recent survey by The Nursing Beat revealed that over 70% of healthcare professionals lack awareness about Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), common components of IV bags and tubing. 

DEHP is a documented toxicant and carcinogen, and despite over 40% of the 500+ respondents having over 20 years of healthcare experience, nearly three-fourths of those surveyed were unaware of DEHP’s presence in IV bags, or its risks.

A new law in California aims to ban DEHP-containing products in the healthcare setting. B. Braun, the first medical device manufacturer to remove DEHP from many of its products, supported this legislation, striving to protect patients from exposure to this harmful chemical during IV therapy.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

300+

The number of female physician assistants suing over wage discrimination. Click here to learn the staggering claimed average pay difference between genders.

NURSE ON-CALL

FINANCE FRIDAY WITH NETWORTH NURSE

Zero-Based Budgeting: TikTok’s Latest Viral Money Hack

If budgeting has always felt like a confusing or overwhelming task, TikTok’s latest viral money hack, zero-based budgeting, might just be the game changer you need. This strategy is gaining traction for its simplicity and effectiveness. 

Here’s the idea: you give every single dollar a job. That means, instead of just tracking what you earn and spend, you assign each dollar to a specific category: expenses, savings, or fun. The goal? To have your income minus expenses equal zero, but in a positive way.

The beauty of zero-based budgeting is that it allows you to take full control of your finances without needing complicated spreadsheets. It’s all about being intentional with your spending, so you know exactly where every dollar is going. By adopting this method, you can take the guesswork out of managing money and start saving more while still enjoying life’s little pleasures.

No spreadsheets, just smart spending. 💸📊

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TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

Use The Force 

Star Wars fans will enjoy these badge reels! Choose from five different chibi characters.

BREAK ROOM

Protein-Packed Avocado Toast

Are you looking for an easy, healthy breakfast that is high in both protein and fiber? Check out this delicious avocado toast recipe as recommended by a dietician to get your days started the right way.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

What does Katy Perry’s trip to space have to do with C. diff? Find out here!

YOUR BEAT. YOUR VOICE. OUR FUTURE.