HUDDLE
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Good Morning, Readers! |
Today marks World Pain Day. Did you know that minorities are often undertreated for pain?
Black patients are less likely to receive pain medication—and receive lower doses when they do.
Hispanic patients are twice as likely as non-Hispanic white patients to receive no analgesics for long-bone fractures.
It’s an important reminder for us as clinicians to be mindful of bias in pain management in order to provide equitable care for every patient.
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Today's Top Beats |
💊 Suicide & Obesity Drugs
🤔 Will I Get Fired?
🆘 Bystander Naloxone Use
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HANDOFF |
Strike Planned, Another Averted |
A one-day strike is planned at University Medical Center in New Orleans after contract negotiations with management failed to reach an agreement over nurses’ safety concerns. An overwhelming 98% voted in favor of the strike and the union must give 10 days notice before the strike begins. The announcement comes one day after University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey avoided a strike after nurses secured a satisfactory contract featuring improved staff-to-patient ratios. State legislation on ratios, meanwhile, remains stalled.
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Lower Suicide Risk with Obesity Drugs? |
Early reports linked the use of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic/Wegovy and Mounjaro/Zepbound to suicidality. But examination of FDA reports suggested no increased risk, and now a new study adds to the safety profile of these drugs. In fact, the study in JAMA Pediatrics found a 33% reduced risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts in youth with obesity who used the medications. Read more on experts’ thoughts about these drugs in youth.
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More Bystander Naloxone Use |
We told you the good news last month about overdose deaths finally beginning to decline. Now a new study suggests one possible factor in that improvement: greater use of naloxone by non-medical professionals. Narcan administration by bystanders is known to be safe, but bystanders may not have access to it or feel comfortable administering it. Luckily, that’s changing—and research has even shown teen peer training programs are effective in teaching how to respond to an overdose.
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TODAY'S TOP VITAL
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24 |
The number of women who have received Nobel Prizes in the sciences throughout all of history—a number that notably did not change this year as men collected all the honors in physics, chemistry and physiology/medicine.
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PRN
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YOUR NEW THING STRATEGY WITH NEW THING NURSE |
Will I Get Fired if I Evacuate for a Hurricane? |
Several states issued mandatory evacuations due to recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. Evacuation is a luxury for many and nurses are sometimes no exception.
Nurses are essential workers and are often required by employers to stay and care for patients, even during natural disasters. But what happens when these employer requirements go against mandatory evacuation orders? Can a nurse get fired for evacuating with their loved ones?
The situation is sticky. While there are federal protections for workers, there are many examples of organizations not complying.
Since each situation is unique, nurses must evaluate state and federal laws and regulations, as well as their employer’s policies and disaster plans. However, if an employer threatens to terminate—or actually terminates—a nurse based on their absence while under mandatory evacuation orders, it could be unlawful.
Nurses are humans first. We should have the right to decide what is best for our safety—and our loved ones’ safety—without fearing job loss.
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Why Nurse Engagement in Health Policy Matters |
Despite policy’s daily and direct impact, nurses question why they must be involved in policy-making and political activity.
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SUPPLY ROOM |
That's So Fetch |
When nursing school and "Mean Girls" collide, you get this funny notebook!
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BREAK ROOM |
Break the Mold |
Tired of working at the bedside or in the outpatient clinic? Check out these non-traditional nursing roles that would surprise you. You can do so much more with your RN license than you think!
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS
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