HUDDLE

Happy FriYAY Readers,

If you are working this weekend, our team wishes you safe shifts filled with yummy breakroom potlucks and zero Code Browns 💩. We are taking some time off to recharge this holiday season, so there will be no newsletters on 12/25 and 12/26, but we will see you on the flip side on

 12/27! Happy Holidays, TNB fam! 

Today's Top Beats

🩸 Help for RA Patients

🎄 A Holiday Poem

🎁 Recharge & Renew 

HANDOFF

What a Waste

Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, states hurriedly acquired PPE as supplies dwindled quickly. As we approach four years into the pandemic, they are now facing a surplus, and at least 15 have resorted to auctioning off or trashing millions of dollars worth of expired PPE. This underscores the challenges in managing stockpiles and the consequences of a “boom-and-bust” public health system. States say they’ve distributed more gear than discarded, with some using expired gear in training exercises while others plan to “update” their stockpiles.

Another Day, Another Lawsuit

In 2019, HCA Healthcare took over Mission Hospital in North Carolina. Following a STAT investigation, the state is now suing HCA, alleging breaches in promises related to emergency and cancer care at Mission Health since the for-profit hospital chain's takeover. The complaint highlights claims of patients treated in open view, nurses handling non-medical tasks, ambulances lining up to drop off patients, and cancer patients missing chemo doses, among other dysfunctions. The state wants HCA to address these breaches and restore services to pre-2019 levels.

Help for RA Patients

A new blood test called PrismRA could significantly improve arthritis patients’ lives by determining if they will respond well to TNF inhibitors. A second-line of arthritis drugs following the side-effect-laden methotrexate, TNFIs, only significantly help about half of the patients who take it, according to KFF Health News. However, the complicated US landscape of healthcare, health insurance, and pharmaceutical industry influence means many patients may not get PrismRA. Rheumatologists are, in essence, at the mercy of insurance companies, who dictate which drugs they will cover—and under what circumstances.  

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

$6,900,000

The amount of money Scripps Clinic Medical Group will pay to settle claims that it forced physicians to retire at age 75 years. 

PRN

FINANCE FRIDAY WITH NETWORTH NURSE

A Holiday Poem for Wealth

Twas the night before Christmas, with a wallet so light,

Credit cards are declining; oh, what a sight!

Wanting more gifts, but money was tight,

Santa, please bring me some financial insight!

Santa replied with a big belly laugh,

“My dear, come close, let me show you the path.

Avoid more debt, buying meaningless things, 

Investing’s your gift, and the wealth it will bring.

And please know it’s not about presents under the tree,

But the love in your heart, as pure as can be.

So start saving now, and soon you’ll see,

A stable future ahead, where you feel free.”

Now, every Christmas, as the bells start to chime,

I remember Santa’s advice every single time.

Quality over quantity, save and invest,

Financial security is truly the best!

Merry Christmas, TNB Family! Let us know if you’d like to help us spread financial wellness this holiday season and throughout 2024!

TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

Fun For the Unit Potluck!

This holiday unit activity from Nurses Inspire Nurses can be downloaded instantly for a festive competition that’s sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!

BREAK ROOM

It’s Foodie Friday!

Happy foodie Friday, TNB besties! What better way to enjoy the cold weather than with warm, vegetable-packed tortellini soup? Check out this easy, 5-ingredient recipe from Trader Joe’s!

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Sometimes we question if our judgment calls or thoughts as nurses even matter. Take a look at what one doc has to say about working with nurses here. 

Healthcare starts with you. This is your beat.

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