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HUDDLE

Happy Fri-YAY, Readers!

If you’re a fan of The Pitt like I am, you need to read this opinion article written by Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby. 

I think you’ll be impressed by his advocacy, especially from a guy who’s never actually worked in healthcare. 😊

Today's Top Beats

🩺 Nurses Want Reform
💔 “Less-Lethal” Weapons

🧠 PTSD Trivia

HANDOFF

NYC Nurses Push for Major Changes

New York City nurses are calling for urgent reforms to address unsafe staffing, job cuts, and a healthcare system they say is broken and unsustainable. Nurses face worsening conditions as hospitals slash staff to cut costs—even as some, like NewYork-Presbyterian, report financial stability. The New York State Nurses Association warns that patients are arriving sicker, care is being delayed, and Medicaid cuts loom. Nurses are demanding accountability, better working conditions, and stronger investment in care to protect both their profession and the communities they serve.

How Tear Gas and Rubber Bullets Affect the Body

During the recent LA immigration protests, police used military-style tactics such as tear gas, flash grenades, rubber bullets, and pepper spray, resulting in injuries to protesters and reporters. While labeled “less-lethal,” these weapons can cause severe short- and long-term health effects including respiratory issues, vision loss, and even death (up to 1,100 every year). Tear gas and pepper spray increase vulnerability to infections, and rubber bullets have caused permanent injuries and fatalities. Experts warn outdated science underpins their use, noting “they're not less lethal if they're used lethally.”

Who Is Calley Means?

Calley Means is a top aide to RFK Jr. and co-founder of the wellness platform Truemed. A bombshell AP report found Means has used his White House role to criticize the medical establishment for financial bias—while promoting supplements and unregulated tests sold through his own company, which profits from products aligned with Kennedy’s health agenda. Due to his status as a special government employee, Means is not required to disclose financial interests, raising concerns about ethics and potential self-dealing.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

6,029

The number of “excess” firearm deaths in children and adolescents from 2011–2023 in states with the most permissive gun laws. Click here to learn what this all means.

NURSE ON-CALL

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH NURSE KEL

Today’s Trivia Topics

It’s time once again for another round of Today’s Trivia Topics! The month of June recognizes three important healthcare awareness months: Alzheimer’s disease, brain health, and PTSD awareness.

Today’s trivia is all about PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). To find the answers, click on the emojis at the start of each question.

🧠 True or False: A medical illness can be the root cause of a patient’s PTSD. 

🧠 How long must a patient’s PTSD symptoms be present before a diagnosis can be made? (The symptoms also have to cause the patient substantial distress and affect their daily life.)

🧠 Which classes of medications are most often used to help patients manage their PTSD symptoms, as well as any mood difficulties they experience? 

(If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of PTSD or their mental health, here is a list of resources compiled by the US Department of Veterans Affairs that can help in the event of a crisis.)

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SUPPLY ROOM

Hospice Love

Hospice nurses will love this pretty sweatshirt with an inspiring message!

BREAK ROOM

Viral Cottage Cheese Bowl

You may have seen the viral cottage cheese bowl recipe that has taken over TikTok. However, have you tried this recipe with a queso twist?

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Jobs within the nursing profession are expected to grow significantly by 2033. Can you guess which nursing role is projected to grow the most?

YOUR BEAT. YOUR VOICE. OUR FUTURE.