HUDDLE

Good Morning, Readers!

Continuing with Nurses Month celebrations, we’re proud to partner with B. Braun to highlight some of their incredible nurses; read on to see today’s feature, Kelly Vogt, BSN, RN, MPH.

On Thursday from 6-7 p.m. EST, make sure to tune in to Unlocking the Next Era of Professional Growth, a LinkedIn Live event in partnership with Indeed and hosted by The Nursing Beat. We’ll be diving into topics like job searching, interview preparation, and career planning with the Indeed Nurse. 

Have a question you want us to answer live? Tell us here. 

Today's Top Beats

💻 EHR Burden
🍽️ Risky Foods
💔 Debriefing Elements

HANDOFF

Nurses Name EHR As a Major Burden

A Black Book Research survey of over 9,000 US nurses nationwide found that poor EHR usability is a major driver of burnout, resignations, and recruitment challenges, especially for those under 40. Nearly 70% cite documentation burdens as a major contributor to job dissatisfaction, and 80% prefer employers with nurse-centered EHRs, which typically remain physician-focused and overlook nurses’ workflows. Top-rated health systems like Cleveland Clinic, Inova, Cedars-Sinai, Geisinger, and Novant Health are making progress by integrating nurse input and prioritizing workflow-specific EHR features.

Riskiest Foods to Eat

Food-related illnesses rose 41% in 2024 amid major outbreaks and recalls tied to foods contaminated with salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. In its annual risky food report last month, Consumer Reports ranked the top 10 risky foods to eat: deli meat, cucumbers, raw dairy, cotija and queso fresco cheese, eggs, onions, leafy greens, organic carrots, organic basil, and ready-to-eat/cooked poultry and meat. While these foods aren’t off-limits, experts urge stricter food safety practices at home given their propensity for food contamination outbreaks, which are sometimes widespread and deadly. 

Vagus Nerve Stimulation at Home

As the body’s longest cranial nerve, the vagus nerve plays a key role in regulating essential functions like heart rate, digestion, and inflammation by activating the parasympathetic “rest and digest” response. Some TikTok users promote vagus nerve stimulation exercises—often involving head and neck movements and massages—to naturally stimulate the nerve and “reset” the nervous system, but research on their effectiveness is limited. However, proven techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, cold water exposure, humming, and regular exercise can help prompt the body’s relaxation response and boost vagal activity.

TOGETHER WITH B. BRAUN

Behind Every Great Medical Product: A Nurse Who Gets It

When pediatric ED nurse Kelly Vogt, BSN, RN, MPH watched non-clinical consultants making decisions about her daily practice, she knew something had to change. "These people are going to decide how my day-to-day is, and how it impacts my work and my patients?"

Today at B. Braun, Kelly bridges the gap between frontline clinicians and medical product development. With 20 years of nursing experience including pediatric emergency rooms and international volunteer work, she ensures products actually solve real problems for nurses.

This Nurses Month, B. Braun is proud to have healthcare professionals like Kelly bringing clinical expertise to business decisions. Because who better to advocate for nurses than nurses themselves? Read Kelly's full story about bringing the nursing perspective to the business side of healthcare.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

25

The number of genes researchers recently found that are likely associated with obsessive compulsive disorder. Click here to learn how these genes affect the brain.

NURSE ON-CALL

MAP OF THE MODERN NURSE WITH DEBRIEFING THE FRONT LINES

5 Key Elements of Debriefing 

Emotional Support. Acknowledges the traumatic experience, facilitates the expression of team members’ emotions, and provides support from colleagues with the goal of reducing Cumulative Care Taking Trauma.

Review of Incident. An objective review with an emphasis on immediate and long-term actions.

Identification of Strengths and Areas for Improvement. Acknowledging the emotional impact, while also identifying positive aspects of the response and systemic areas that may need improvement in procedures or communication.

Stress Relief and Coping. A co-created space for individuals to share coping strategies and offer mutual support, helping staff manage the stress and emotional toll of the event.

Actionable Insights. The debriefing process aims to identify any systemic issues or procedural gaps that could be addressed to staff well-becoming and improve patient care to prevent similar events in the future.

Debriefing does not solve the systemic issues, but it is an essential step in normalizing the use of supportive resources.

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BULLETIN BOARD

SUPPLY ROOM

Stick To It 

Never lose your tape again with this simple, yet effective tape holder—perfect for your badge, bag, or scrubs!

BREAK ROOM

Relationship Goals

What do married couples over 35 fight about? You won’t believe how this doctor and her husband argue.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Recently, we asked: "What’s a phrase or situation only fellow nurses would truly get?" Check out some of the raw answers on TNB’s Instagram!

YOUR BEAT. YOUR VOICE. OUR FUTURE.