HUDDLE
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Good Morning, Readers! |
On this day in 1927, César Milstein was born. The Argentinian immunologist won the Nobel Prize in 1984 for his work on monoclonal antibodies. Today, monoclonal antibodies are used in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including cancer.
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Today's Top Beats |
🏥 IV Supply Shortage
🧊 Contaminated Ice Machines
📚 Hispanic Health Research
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HANDOFF |
Hurricane Causes IV Supply Shortage |
In addition to all the destruction of homes and businesses, Helene’s devastation also risks endangering patients across the nation. The medical supply manufacturer Baxter announced it had to close the factory in Marion, NC that makes 60% of the country’s IV
solutions, especially those used for irrigation and continuous hydration. Mass General Brigham has already called for conserving IV bag use. It’s unclear how long the plant will be closed, but it could be months, NPR reported.
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Bacteria-Contaminated Ice Machines |
Officials had already known about 23 cases of bacterial infection with Burkholderia multivorans from contaminated ice in ice machines at two Southern California hospitals in 2021-2022. A new CDC report identifies 23 more cases from one of those hospitals plus two others in Colorado and Northern California. All four hospitals used the same brand of ice machine, filters and sanitizing products. Recent research has found ice machines can be a reservoir for multiple bacteria or fungi.
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Hispanic Health Research Gaps |
Despite Hispanics being the second largest ethnic/racial minority group in the U.S., we know less about their heart and brain health than that of any other population, according to the American Heart Association. Part of the problem is inadequate research on this
group, but it’s also the demographic’s diversity—even the two most common terms to identify them, Hispanic and Latino, technically define different groups. Read more about the challenges—and solutions—to understanding Hispanic health.
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TOGETHER WITH CONNECTRN
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Finding Freedom and Flexibility with connectRN |
As a med/surg travel nurse, Akenke Greenwood, BSN, RN, has seen it all and still loves her job. One thing she doesn’t love, though, is the inflexible scheduling as a mom. “I have a six-year-old son, and I want to be there to enjoy life with him,” she says. Thankfully, she discovered connectRN in 2023 and has never been happier.
What if you could enjoy the stability of nursing with the freedom and flexibility your family needs?
With connectRN, you can. connectRN is the leading per diem app for shifts in hospitals, home health, and senior living that connects nurses with flexible work opportunities and puts you in control of your schedule–no shift minimums, weekends, or holidays required.
Ready to rediscover your passion for nursing without sacrificing your personal life? Sign up with connectRN today and get started experiencing the freedom and flexibility of bedside care on your terms.
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TODAY'S TOP VITAL
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1.5 million |
The number of IV solution bags that the medical supply manufacturer Baxter makes every day—until Helene caused the temporary closure of their North Carolina plant. Learn how past hurricanes have harmed the medical supply chain.
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PRN
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MYSTERY Dx MINUTE WITH NURSE KEL |
Mystery Diagnosis Minute |
Welcome back for another Mystery Diagnosis Minute! It’s no secret that I absolutely love Halloween and all things spooky. So for the month of October, I thought it would be fun to dig up some diagnoses that are in line with the scary things Halloween can bring!
🎃 This disorder, also known as Stone Man’s Syndrome, is extremely rare and causes bone to develop within the body where it normally is not located (i.e. ligaments, tendons).
🎃 Because of this, the person with this disorder ultimately has their joints completely fuse which either severely limits or stops all mobility.
🎃 The first sign of this disorder is usually at birth when the infant is seen to have malformed great toes.
Think you know the answer? Click here to see if you’re right!
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Kelly McClure, MLS, BSN, RN, is a nursing school instructor for LPNs and
RNs at Ehove Career Center in northeast Ohio. She is also TNB’s resident trivia guru.
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Did you miss our last newsletter? Click here.
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Your Questions Answered: The NH4H Pitch-A-Thon |
Learn more about the 2024 NurseHack4Health Pitch-A-Thon and how to take part in future competitions.
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SUPPLY ROOM |
The Boo-Boo Crew |
Night shifters will love this adorable Halloween shirt!
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BREAK ROOM |
Beauty and Brains |
These nurses put on a fashion show in the hospital that went viral. Who knew you could do this with gloves?
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS
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Here is your weekly reminder that you are not a failure and that your mental health matters most of all. ❤️
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