HUDDLE

Good Morning, Nurses!

Did anyone ever warn you away from becoming a nurse? Two of my aunts (both nurses) campaigned against my nursing school application with plenty of knowing looks at one another, heavy sighs, and head shakes. I went anyway, and now I’m happy I did. 

But over the years, I wondered plenty of times if they were right. Today, one of our stories says negative nurses on social media may scare off our potential new nurses. Are you happy you chose nursing? Tell me about your naysayers and how you feel now!

Today's Top Beats

😱 Socials Scaring Future RNs
🏥 VA Nurse Jobs

🙈 Zoo Doctors

HANDOFF

Social Media vs. Nursing

Negative social media content about nursing is deterring Gen Zers from pursuing nursing careers, according to a survey from nursing marketing platform ShiftKey. About half of respondents who decided against nursing reported seeing posts about patient-related issues, and 45% saw content about nursing-related mental health struggles, versus 44% and 39%, respectively, of those who pursued nursing. What’s more, 64% of the 749,000 nursing-related posts on TikTok analyzed were negative, and 78% of respondents who were deterred from nursing say more positive content could have impacted their decision.

NNU to VA: Melt the Hiring Freeze

The National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United is urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to end a supposed hiring freeze, citing 13,000 vacant nursing positions since mid-March that they say threaten patient safety. The union organized a protest at the VA headquarters in Washington D.C. last week, noting severe staffing shortages in intensive care units. The VA denies the hiring freeze, claiming significant recent increases in its nursing workforce and low turnover rates. They also express a commitment to addressing the union's concerns. You can find available VA positions here.

Depoliticizing Gun Violence

The White House is urging healthcare leaders to collect more data on gunshot injuries and counsel patients on firearm safety, calling gun violence a public health crisis. With Congress deadlocked on gun legislation, the Biden administration is leaning on the healthcare sector to address the issue, having already enlisted educators to talk to parents about proper gun storage. The administration seeks to depoliticize gun violence and implement prevention strategies through healthcare engagement and federal grants while advocating for increased CDC research funding.

TOGETHER WITH BOMBAS

Treat your Feet

Ready to ditch the post shift discomfort and step into pure bliss? Your new nursing obsession is here. Bombas are the perfect socks that you won’t ever want to live without. Bombas compression socks come packed with reasons you won't want to step into another shift without them: 

1. They'll make your day (and night) on the job feel like a breeze! With their Airvent system, they are able to temperature regulate to help keep your feet cool and  dry.. 

2. Bombas are your nursing must haves. With their Honeycomb Support System, they cradle the arch of your foot, like a firm but comfortable hug around your midfoot.

3. These socks will take compression from impression. Whether you are working a 12 hour shift, on a long flight since you stacked your schedule for trip, or are expecting, these socks are great for relieving soreness, aciness, fatigue, & swelling. 

4. Bombas are great for your piggies and your piggy bank. Get 5-15% off select packs + free shipping on orders $50+. New customers get an extra 20% off with code NURSING20. 

Treat your feet with the comfort the deserve. Bombas has you covered.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

3,000

The number of physician messages that 75 nurses at UW Health have created using generative AI since April 2023. Learn more about how AI is being used in the pilot program here.

PRN

THAT REMOTE LIFE WITH NURSE FERN

Nurse to Freelance Nurse Writer: One Nurse’s Journey

Despite a rewarding 15-year career in various nursing roles, Angela McPhillips, DNP, RN, struggled to find a position that met her professional goals and personal needs after an extended maternity leave. She even considered leaving the nursing profession altogether–a shocking thought for this dedicated and passionate nurse. 

Financial pressures and a desire for flexibility pushed her to explore non-bedside nursing opportunities. Discovering Nurse Fern’s blog ignited her passion for freelance nurse writing, a role that perfectly blended her clinical expertise and love for writing. 

Angela's journey highlights the potential for nurses to reinvent their careers in non-traditional ways, offering hope and practical advice for those considering a similar path. Her story underscores the value of perseverance, adaptability, and the endless possibilities within the nursing profession. Read Angela’s inspiring transition from a traditional nursing career to a fulfilling role as a freelance nurse writer here. 

Did you miss our last newsletter? Click here.

SUPPLY ROOM

RN Specialty Headbands

This twist headband comes in 12 cute patterns for lots of medical specialities!

BREAK ROOM

Zoo Doctors

We always appreciate physicians who partner with us to provide the best patient care in the clinical setting. However, have you heard of physicians giving quality patient care at the zoo? Watch how this doctor saved this unique patient’s life!

NURSE BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Nursing shortage cure?? Check out this story on our Instagram feed.

HEALTHCARE STARTS WITH YOU. THIS IS YOUR BEAT.

Get your brand in front of healthcare's leading changemakers.