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Today's Top Beats

😷 Facemask Ban
🦠 Oropouche
🫂 Peer Support Groups

HANDOFF

A Controversial Facemask Ban

New York’s Nassau County has enacted a controversial ban on wearing face coverings in public, purportedly in response to protests of the Gaza crisis and aiming to prevent masked crimes. The ban includes exceptions for medical, religious, or cultural reasons, but civil rights activists say the ban attacks free speech and may incite anti-Asian hate and discrimination, as mask-wearing is now common in many Asian cultures.

Hospital Fights Nurse Union Gains

The first wave of COVID-19 galvanized New York City nurses, who strengthened their unions to win better wages and working conditions. But New York-Presbyterian, the city’s largest private hospital system, is challenging these gains in court, including appealing to recover over $270,000 awarded to understaffed nurses and to fire a nurse who left her OR post to attend a union meeting. Nurses are now concerned about job security and their own union activities.

The “We-Don’t-Know-What-Else-to-Do” Drug

Originally approved for epilepsy and shingles-related nerve pain, gabapentin is now widely used off-label for a range of conditions, from fibromyalgia and arthritis, to itching, alcohol dependence, and sciatica—though evidence for its effectiveness in these conditions vary. It’s also frequently used as an alternative to opioids, especially among older adults, concerning experts as it carries fall-related risks such as dizziness and drowsiness when used with other CNS-affecting medications. But when used with opioids, it can be deadly—it’s not uncommon for drug overdose deaths to involve both gabapentin and opioids.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

11

The number of travel-associated cases of Oropouche the US has seen this year. Check out the CDC’s health alert to learn what this deadly virus is, how it’s spread, and more. 

PRN

MAP OF THE MODERN NURSE WITH DEBRIEFING THE FRONT LINES

Solitude is Insufficient

Explore these organizations utilizing peer support as an integral part of trauma recovery. 

• Debriefing the Front Lines provides debriefing of single incident and cumulative care taking trauma, emotional wellness offerings, sobriety support and CE workshops to nurses working the bedside and beyond. 

• Don’t Clock Out is a non-profit dedicated to supporting healthcare workers through the impacts of moral distress with weekly peer support groups. There is no standing commitment, just come as you are whenever you need support. 

• Introspective Spaces is a mission-driven organization building reflective communities for women in healthcare with an emphasis on trauma-informed care through creative self-expression. 

• Rekindled Nurse is specific to the Pennsylvania region and works to empower, support, and encourage nurses through resources and events. If you are local, learn more about their in-person nurse-led peer group. 

Discover additional resources, including sobriety support and advocacy groups, by clicking here.

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TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

Peace, Love, and Notebooks

This cute, retro-inspired notebook is perfect for jotting down notes during meetings or continuing education!

BREAK ROOM

Show Me the Money

A resident physician makes as low as $16/hour. If you need a laugh, watch what this resident does when he finds out McDonalds pays $31/hour. Share this article with your resident friend and advocate for equitable pay!

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