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Good Morning, Readers!

You might notice a new column title in today’s newsletter—Nurse On-Call. We’ve retired PRN in favor of a name that better reflects the heartbeat of this section: nurses who are "on call" to share their expert takes, insights, and advice.

From health equity with Tesiah Coleman to professional growth tips from Sarah Wells and trivia that keeps your clinical brain sharp with Kelly McClure, our contributors are always ready to deliver what matters most.

Stay tuned—your go-to experts are just a scroll away.

Today's Top Beats

🧠 Another Nurse’s Brain Tumor
👷 Improved Hospital Safety for Nurses

❌ 5 Interview Mistakes to Avoid

     New Column Title Alert!

HANDOFF

Improved Hospital Safety for Nurses

Nursing is among the most dangerous jobs out there, with eight in 10 nurses reporting in a 2023 report that they’ve experienced violence at work and more than a third having considered leaving because of it. But a Georgia health system has found a way to make it a little safer: location-tracking badges for its 10,000 staff members. When someone presses the safety badge, the nearest staff members are alerted at the same time as security and can respond quickly.

New Gonorrhea Treatments Soon?

Due to antibiotic resistance, there’s only one drug left on the market that reliably and effectively treats gonorrhea. But a new study in The Lancet suggests there’s hope for another one on the horizon. A phase 3 trial found that a new antibiotic, gepotidacin, was non-inferior to ceftriaxone plus azithromycin for treating gonorrhea. Another, zoliflodacin, had similarly good results in 2023. However, the federal administration’s closure of the CDC’s STD’s lab may still hamper efforts to fight growing infection rates.

Another Nurse’s Brain Tumor

We told you earlier this month about the multiple nurses in one unit at a Massachusetts hospital who have brain tumors. Now an additional nurse working in the maternity ward of Mass General Brigham’s Newton-Wellesley Hospital has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Meanwhile, a hospital investigation has not identified any work-related reason that can explain the tumors. An update on the hospital’s website states that "no environmental risks have been identified at our hospital."

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

20,000

The shortage of nurses Pennsylvania expects by 2026. The problem is already apparent—see how bad it already is here.

NURSE ON-CALL

YOUR NEW THING STRATEGY WITH NEW THING NURSE

5 Interview Mistakes to Avoid 👀

1. Be prepared. Don’t let the day of the interview be the first day you plan what you’re going to say. Prepare answers to common interview questions. Structure answers with the S.T.A.R. method. 

2. Don’t make a bad first impression! Practice an approximately 30-second to 2-minute introduction of yourself that highlights your credentials, strengths, and accomplishments and why you are the best candidate for the job. 

3. Do not be vague. Give specific examples of your success and impact in past roles. Examples can include projects or processes implemented that optimized patient care, participation in councils/task forces/work groups + outcomes, etc. 

4. Avoid negativity. Be positive. Do not speak poorly of past employment experiences. Instead, share your personal growth from past challenges in a positive tone.

5. Send the follow-up email. Use the post-interview thank you email to address any other interview topics or questions + attach your resume to remind them of your SHINE.

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TODAY IN THE CHART

BREAK ROOM

I Be-LEAF In You

If you feel like your workspace could use a little positive affirmation, check out these adorable crocheted veggies!

SUPPLY ROOM

Code Blue Calls

What does your SBAR sound like when you page a doctor about a deteriorating patient? Click here if you need a laugh and want a way to revamp your next SBAR.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

How can AI work for nurses—not against them? Find out here!

YOUR BEAT. YOUR VOICE. OUR FUTURE.