HUDDLE

Good Morning, Readers! 

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with a staff nurse from connectRN in Tennessee to learn about her nursing journey. 

What I can say about Akenke Greenwood is that she is a vibrant human that is committed to her family, her profession, and pursuing her dreams. Read her article below.

Today's Top Beats

🏥 “No Confidence”
📉 Children’s Health Decline

🌀 Disaster Nursing

HANDOFF

Nurses Vote Against CNO 

She has to go. That’s the message that 133 nurses at Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut sent when they voted “no confidence” in Chief Nursing Officer Michelle Diaz, BSN, RN. Of 138 voting nurses, 131 of them said they’ve considered leaving the hospital, which is also under investigation for patient abuse. Among the complaints are outdated computers, ineffective leadership, and supply and staff shortages, according to a spokesperson for Connecticut Health Care Associates 1199.

Hurricane Relief in NC

As Hurricane Helene’s death toll tops 130, hospitals are soldiering through in the midst of communication disruptions, water system failures, and their own anxiety about the storm’s destruction. To help those without access to care, Atrium Health has deployed its MED-1 mobile hospital to western North Carolina for triage, treatment and transport as needed. The Head of the North Carolina Healthcare Association called the ongoing work “managed chaos” and all 22 acute care hospitals in the region now have grid power.

Children Aren’t Meeting Standards

It’s not just American kids who aren’t getting enough exercise or sleep—or spending too much time with screens. Fewer than 1 in 6 kids in 33 countries around the globe are meeting World Health Organization guidelines, according to a new study. The findings come from data on over 7,000 children. No clear patterns differed between low-, middle- and upper-income countries, but only 7.7% of kids in North and South America met guidelines compared to 24% of children in Africa.

TOGETHER WITH CONNECTRN

Fighting Burnout with Per Diem Nursing: Akenke Greenwood’s Story

Akenke Greenwood, BSN, RN, loved her job as a med/surg nurse, but the rigid schedule and grueling hours made it difficult to care for her son. “Not having control over your schedule can leave you feeling burned out. I definitely was during COVID,” she said. After working as a travel nurse, she longed to be home more and struggled to find a traditional role that didn’t leave her feeling burnt out–until she discovered connectRN.

connectRN is the leading per diem app for shifts in hospitals, home health, and senior living that connects nurses with flexible work opportunities and puts you in control of your schedule. 

Are you ready to rediscover your passion for nursing without sacrificing your personal life? Sign up with connectRN today and experience the freedom and flexibility of bedside care on your terms.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

37%

The proportion of people who have received flu and Covid vaccines in the past, but don’t think they need them this year, according to a national poll of about 1,000 people conducted by Ohio State University. Check out the other interesting findings of the poll.

PRN

YOUR NEW THING STRATEGY WITH NEW THING NURSE

Disaster Nursing: Hurricane Recovery

Hurricane Helene has left much of the American Southeast devastated, and nurses are helping pick up the pieces, caring for the physically and mentally traumatized residents in hospitals and throughout the community. 

While disaster response is a specialty of its own, every nurse can prepare themselves to help in a crisis. Jamla Rizek, an expert in disaster preparedness and response, shares the following advice: 

• It’s not a matter of “if” but “when” the next disaster will strike—be prepared.

• Be aware of your capacity to care for a surge of patients.

• Know disaster policy and procedures.

• Learn about interoperability and populations of focus.

• Explore crisis standards of care. 

• Protect your mental health.
  

And don’t forget: there are lots of disaster response resources and trainings for healthcare professionals. You can also sign up to be a disaster preparedness volunteer.

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TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

Flick of the Wrist 

Gone are the days of writing vitals on the back of your hand! This silicone wristband can be written on in pen and erased with alcohol.

BREAK ROOM

General Surgery Shenanigans

Whether you work inpatient or outpatient, you may have placed a NG tube before. If you need a laugh, watch this general surgery resident place a NG tube into himself!

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

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