HUDDLE

Good Morning, Readers!

I read an interesting article recently about the new Sutter Health “innovation center” in San Francisco to help tech startups create the future of health care using artificial intelligence. Everything from remote vital sign monitoring to a mental health app designed for teens to a “hospital room of the future.” 

As the closest healthcare providers to patients, nurses are champions of user-centered design in medicine. We translate patient needs into innovative solutions that enhance their experience. Therefore, I want to hear from you: If you could innovate one area of patient care, what would it be? Let me know here.

Today's Top Beats

🧪 It’s What Remains
🙅 No Surprises
🩺 You Will Never Leave Nursing

HANDOFF

In Need of Nurses

The country is feeling the nurse shortage crunch, but some states are much more strapped for care than others. Healthcare staffing firm Medical Solutions recently unveiled the top 20 states in dire need of nurses based on current nurse-to-state population ratios and projected requirements by 2030. Utah currently has the fewest nurses for its population (6.75 nurses per 1,000 people), followed by Nevada (7.54/1,000) and Georgia (7.6/1,000). The top states in need of the most number of nurses by 2030 are Texas (37,740), California (35,000), and New York (33,420).

It’s What Remains

We recently discussed the alarming number of harmful forever chemicals in our plastic products, and it looks like things aren’t likely to get better soon. A federal appeals court has overturned two EPA orders that barred a Texas plastics treatment company from producing harmful “forever chemicals” (PFAS) during its manufacturing process. The court ruled that the EPA exceeded its authority by issuing orders under a section of the Toxic Substances Control Act meant to regulate new chemicals, despite the agency’s decades-long use of the process. 

Big Money Flight

The 2022 No Surprises Act is supposed to protect patients from large, unexpected bills. Still, it only applies to care that health plans and insurers determine to be “medically necessary,” as California mother Sara England learned the hard way. Cigna determined that the costly air ambulance that England and her unwell 3-month-old son took at her physician’s advice was unnecessary and charged her nearly $100K for it. Frustrated, England is navigating appeals, highlighting flaws in the system. 

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

10

The number of US states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. A grassroots effort is trying to remove Florida from that list.

TOGETHER WITH ASTANZA

Your "How To" Guide to Starting Your Nursing Side Hustle

Have you ever thought that all that doom scrolling we do could possibly lead to you starting your own business? Well, if you follow in the footsteps of Lexie Agostinone from Laser180, you could make this a reality. Agostinone’s Google search on how to remove her own tattoo led her to uncover a lucrative opportunity in laser tattoo removal that complimented her nursing career. 

This journey was as simple as 1, 2, 3…

Step 1: Become a certified laser technician. 

Step 2: Invest in an Astanza laser. 

Step 3: Open the Doors to your new Business

And to make it even easier for you, Astanza has you covered every  step of the way. Agostinone’s partnership with Astanza enabled her to fulfill her entrepreneurial dreams. With Astanza's guidance, nurses can transcend traditional nursing roles, fill community gaps, and make a tangible impact on clients' lives. Join the ranks of empowered nurses like Agostinone, and embark on a journey to change lives with Astanza by your side today.

PRN

MAP OF THE MODERN NURSE WITH DEBRIEFING THE FRONT LINES

Do You Miss Nursing?

When I left traditional nursing practice, people began to ask, “Do you miss nursing?” Each time someone asks this, my mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, my stomach is knotted, and for a brief moment, I am heartbroken. As I come to my senses and allow the irrational thoughts to pass and my ego to settle, I remind myself that worth is not measured by an outsider’s perception of who I am. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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Standing at the bedside

Through the doors of an outpatient clinic

In the research lab

From elementary schools to universities⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

In the cells of correctional facilities⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

At holistic wellness conferences 

Behind the screen with Debriefing the Front Lines

We are everywhere. We are authors, speakers, leaders, changemakers, innovators, mentors, entrepreneurs, non-profit founders, artists and creators. Together, we are redefining what it means to be a modern nurse. "Do you miss nursing?" I’ve never left.

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TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

Keeping it Cool 

This facial icing tool can help wake up tired, stressed skin after a long stretch of shifts. 

BREAK ROOM

Living Our Best Lives

As a healthcare professional, you may often spend time discussing ways to live a healthier lifestyle with patients. If you need a laugh, watch what nurses do after spending all day discussing healthy habits.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Interested in a career as a nurse laser tech? Check out this video from Julie Zwiefel at Aztanza about her role as one!

HEALTHCARE STARTS WITH YOU. THIS IS YOUR BEAT.

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