HUDDLE

Good Morning, Readers!

I am honored to be featured in a recent Bloomberg News article discussing the critical issue of nurse burnout. I have witnessed firsthand the immense toll the pandemic has taken on our profession. We are not superheroes. We are human beings who deserve adequate support and resources. What resources do you want to see in your care setting? Email me here.

Today's Top Beats

🏥 Safe Staffing
🦠 Local Malaria
💼 Side Hustle Truths

Photo by Maranie Staab/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

HANDOFF

Oregon Congress Passes Safe Staffing Bill

Oregon’s House and Senate have passed a safe staffing bill with several provisions that benefit nurses and patients. Aside from implementing minimum nurse-to-patient ratios, which differ depending on the unit, the bill establishes new staffing committees for service workers, technical providers, and professional providers. It also requires the state to enforce the staffing law, including ensuring that nurses get their meal and rest breaks without affecting patient safety or other nurses’ workloads. The bill heads to Governor Tina Kotek for approval. 

Texas and Florida Confirm Locally Acquired Malaria

A person working outdoors in Cameron County was diagnosed with malaria, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed. The resident did not travel outside of the country or state. Florida health officials have also confirmed two cases of locally transmitted malaria. What’s unusual about these cases is that the US hasn’t documented locally transmitted malaria in 20 years! Thankfully, the species behind the three cases is Plasmodium vivax, which is not the worst of the malaria species, P. falciparum (ten times more deadly than P. vivax.)

New Contracts Approved for USC Arcadia Hospital Nurses

Registered nurses with the California Nurses Association and healthcare workers with Caregivers and Healthcare Employees Union (CHEU) have voted to ratify new three year contracts with USC Arcadia Hospital in California. CHEU represents certified nursing assistants, licensed vocational nurses, laboratory and radiology technicians, and respiratory therapists. The contracts ensure that the nurses and healthcare workers receive the best PPE, including when caring for Covid patients. They also include comprehensive wage increases to improve employee recruitment and retention.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

57%

The percentage by which In-hospital delivery-related maternal mortality rates decreased between 2008 and 2021.

PRN

THE BREAK ROOM WITH SELF-CARE CATALYST

Three Truths About Nurse Side Hustles No One Is Telling You! 🤯

As nurses, we are lucky to have transferable skills and are intelligent. We have so many options for our roles within nursing. And yes, one is starting a side hustle as a nurse. 

As a nurse entrepreneur, I wanted to share a couple of realities of the side hustle journey:

1. It’s a lot of work, especially if you don’t have the luxury of leaving your job to start your side gig. 

2. There will be things that don’t work out. It doesn’t mean giving up. Failure is feedback!

3. More information ≠ success. You must take action to see results. Comparison, imposter syndrome, and fear will hit hard, but that’s just your brain trying to keep you safe.  

Snag my complete list of “things I learned the hard way as a nurse business owner” here for free!

TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

Stay Hydrated

You can ensure you’re getting in your daily water intake with this half-gallon water bottle!

BREAK ROOM

Murder Charge

Kentucky nurse Eyvette Hunter, 52, was formally charged with the murder of a patient, James Morris, 97, after administering Lorazepam without a physician’s order. When asked what Hunter gave to her agitated patient, she said, “something special.” 

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Ambulate with a dancing gait! See you q.d. M-F!

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