HUDDLE
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Good Morning, Readers. |
Over the weekend, you may have heard about the devastating hostage and shootout attack that took place at UPMC Memorial Hospital. Our hearts are with the healthcare workers, patients, families, and victims affected. No one should ever feel unsafe while at work, and we hope the rise in violence against healthcare workers will come to an end. Please take care of each other and utilize resources like Debriefing the Frontlines and Self Care Catalyst to navigate tragic moments like this. For more immediate support, check out these crisis support organizations for nurses:
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Today's Top Beats |
💔 UPMC Penn
🩺 Physician-Assisted Death
🦠 11
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HANDOFF |
Deadly Hostage Situation at UPMC Penn |
A hostage situation at UPMC Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania left a police officer dead and five others wounded—two officers along with a doctor, nurse, and custodian—before the gunman, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, was killed by police. The attack highlights rising violence against healthcare workers, who suffer the majority of nonfatal attacks against workers in the private sector, which are often driven by grief, disputes, or dissatisfaction with care. Hospitals are increasing security and experts suggest training can help staff recognize early warning signs and prevent violence.
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Physician-Assisted Death Gains Support |
Ten states and Washington D.C. have laws allowing some form of physician-assisted death or “medical aid in dying” (most professional medical organizations oppose the term “physician-assisted suicide”), with more states expected to introduce similar bills. Supporters argue for autonomy and relief from suffering, while critics fear it devalues vulnerable groups. Though 7 in 10
Americans approve of end-of-life interventions, legalization remains slow and contentious (in 1997, the US Supreme Court found no constitutionally protected right for such interventions).
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Mental Health Toll of Government Shakeup |
Thousands of federal workers and contractors have been abruptly fired in recent weeks, causing widespread fear and mental health struggles for those affected. Experts warn the instability reduces productivity and creates a culture of fear—with some workers experiencing severe anxiety and suicidal distress—potentially leading to the
loss of “team psychological safety.” Trump officials, including budget director Russell Vought, have openly stated that inflicting trauma on federal employees is a deliberate strategy to undermine the bureaucracy.
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TODAY'S TOP VITAL
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11 |
The number of deaths that have resulted from listeriosis traced back to frozen shakes from Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial. Click here to learn how many people have gotten sick and hospitalized from the Listeria contamination and which states are currently affected.
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PRN
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THE BREAK ROOM WITH SELF-CARE CATALYST |
Rotting on the Couch: Self-Care or Cause for Concern? |
You finally get a day off, and what do you do? Absolutely nothing. You become one with the couch, scrolling aimlessly, eating snacks of questionable nutritional value, and ignoring the laundry that's now a sentient being.
And then the guilt creeps in. Should I be productive? Should I be working out? Should I at least put on real pants?
Here’s the deal: Rest is not laziness. You spend your days/nights sprinting, making life-or-death decisions, and absorbing everyone else’s stress. If your body says, we are horizontal today, listen to it. But if every off day feels like a black hole of exhaustion, that’s worth examining.
Are you recharging or running on empty?
The key is balance—some days, you rot; other days, you do things that fill your cup. Guilt has no place in rest. So go ahead, embrace your couch era—but maybe drink some water while you're at it.
Proud of you always.
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Quiet Nurses Rarely Promote Change |
Read our exclusive Q&A with former ANA president and diversity advocate Ernest Grant.
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SUPPLY ROOM |
Only The Best Compress |
We all know that compression socks are a game-changer during a 12-hour shift. Check out some of Clove's adorable pattern options.
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BREAK ROOM |
Statin Oddity |
One of the statins is not like the others. Can you guess which medication it is?
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS
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Check out our post on the incredible Dr. Loretta Ford, who changed healthcare by advancing the nurse practitioner role.
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