HUDDLE

Happy Fri-YAY, Readers!

I’ve seen a lot of posts on social media recently where people are sharing their favorite holiday traditions from their childhood. I absolutely love reading these because it gives me so many great ideas to use for my own kids!

Do you have a favorite holiday tradition that you always look back on fondly? Tell me about it here.

Today's Top Beats

🏥 Laboring Patient Controversy
🚫 Carcinogenic Solvent Ban

🩺 Top Health Threat

HANDOFF

Laboring Mothers Reported for Drug Use from Hospital Meds

An investigation found that hospitals often report laboring patients to child welfare authorities for their newborns’ positive drug tests…which were caused by medications (like benzodiazepines and narcotics) the hospitals themselves administered. Despite the lack of safeguards against reporting faulty results and clear evidence linking positive results to prescribed medications, these reports have led to temporary child custody losses and traumatic investigations. Experts urge reforms to ensure drug testing is medically necessary, results are reviewed, and automatic reporting is halted.

EPA Bans Two Common Carcinogenic Solvents

The EPA has banned trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (Perc), toxic solvents linked to cancer and other health risks. TCE, used in cleaners and glues, and Perc, used in dry cleaning, have long been criticized for contaminating water and harming communities. Some industrial uses of Perc are still allowed with safeguards, such as in aviation and defense. The bans face potential political challenges, but highlight the push for safer alternatives and stricter chemical regulation.

Obesity the Top Public Health Threat to Americans

The latest Axios/Ipsos American Health Index identifies obesity as the top public health threat in the country, surpassing opioids and fentanyl. The public is also concerned about mental health, food safety, and respiratory diseases like COVID. While most Americans trust agencies like the CDC and FDA for health information, their trust in figures from the incoming Trump administration is low and partisan. Most people support strengthening or maintaining public health programs and food safety measures. And, unsurprisingly, many say it would be difficult to get legal abortion services if they need it.

TOGETHER WITH BOMBAS

Your One-Stop Shop for Holiday Gifting

This holiday season, skip the stress and head straight to Bombas for all your gifting needs. From cozy essentials to thoughtful, feel-good presents, they have something for everyone on your list (yes, even the hard-to-shop-for ones). Here's why Bombas is your perfect one-stop shop:

👚 Luxuriously Soft Tees & Socks

Ultra-comfy, with arch support and seamless toes. These are the everyday upgrades you didn’t know you needed—perfect for long shifts or lounging at home.

💖 Do Good, Feel Good

For every item you buy, Bombas donates an essential clothing item to someone in need. Over 150 million products donated and counting. Your purchase does more than check a box—it makes a difference.

🔄 100% Happiness Guarantee

Shop stress-free with Bombas' guarantee. If you’re not 100% happy, they’ll make it right—no questions asked.

🎉 Shop Bombas' biggest discount yet! Enjoy 25% off all socks + free shipping on your first order of $125+. From cozy sock-ing stuffers to gift boxes, Bombas has you covered.

This year, make Bombas your go-to—where comfort, style, and kindness meet.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

5 Years

How often women 30 years or older should get HPV tests, according to new recommendations. Click here for an overview, including how often pap smears should be done, what the guidelines are for younger women, and what the recommendations say about self-collecting vaginal samples.

PRN

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH NURSE KEL

Today’s Trivia Topics

Are you ready for another round of Today’s Trivia Topics? For the month of December, your trivia is going to focus on some respiratory disorders that you may have forgotten about since nursing school. Let’s get into it! To find the answers, click on the emojis at the start of each question.

🫁 Which disorder is a genetic condition where the patient lacks a protective lung protein and includes pulmonary symptoms like a chronic cough, shortness of breath, and frequent colds?

🫁 What disorder results from an allergic reaction that causes inflammation within the lungs and is frequently associated with mold, fungi, bacteria, and even things like animals and plants?

🫁  Which disorder causes the development of cysts within the respiratory tract, renal system, and lymphatic system, and causes the patient to have hemoptysis?

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TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

Relatable 

Fans of the Simpsons will love this badge reel...Lisa just gets it.

BREAK ROOM

A Monumental Birthday

In honor of Dick Van Dyke’s 99th birthday today, check out this heartwarming video—we dare you not to cry!

NURSE BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Four Texas Children’s Hospital nurses were recently honored in a very special way—with a new car! Check out the full story on TNB’s Instagram!

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