HUDDLE

Good Morning, Readers!

The CrowdStrike IT outage on July 19 sent the healthcare sector into overdrive and left hospitals particularly vulnerable. As hospitals and health systems grapple with the aftermath, I’m curious to know about your facility’s recovery process. Are you still fully or partially paper charting? Back up and running like nothing happened? Has your facility discussed how they will handle large downtimes like this in the future? Let me know here.

The CrowdStrike outage is ALSO expected to cost the healthcare industry A LOT. Any guesses on exactly how much? Find out here.

Today's Top Beats

🙀 Resolve Your Anxiety
💩 Colorectal CA Blood
🆙 Embrace Your Growth Mindset

HANDOFF

Boston Nurses Authorize Strike

Nearly 3,000 nurses from Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Faulkner Hospital have voted to authorize a strike after 10 months of unsuccessful contract negotiations with Mass. General Brigham. They demand better staffing and safety measures, among other things. Despite claims from the hospital of negotiating in good faith, the nurses cite ongoing concerns regarding patient safety and working conditions. Faulkner nurses also contend they make “significantly less” than Brigham and Women’s Hospital nurses. 

Dementia Risk Linked to Anxiety

Anxiety may nearly triple the risk of developing dementia, new research suggests. The study tracked 2,132 participants aged 60 and above over a decade and found that chronic and new-onset anxiety significantly increased dementia risk. Early and resolved anxiety, however, did not heighten this risk. The findings underscore the importance of early anxiety treatment through lifestyle changes, therapy, or medications, but further research is needed to explore the biological mechanisms linking anxiety and dementia.

Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer

The FDA has approved the first blood test as a primary screening method for colorectal cancer—the second-most common cause of US cancer-related deaths—in adults 45 and over with average risk. Guardant Health’s Shield blood test also meets Medicare coverage criteria. Traditional screening methods often deter people due to their invasive nature, but Shield offers a more convenient alternative, with high adherence rates and strong performance in clinical trials. 

TOGETHER WITH BETTERHELP

Mental Health Hygiene

The first thing many of us do post-shift is head straight for the shower. Physical hygiene is second nature, a routine we perform multiple times a day. Yet, when it comes to our mental health hygiene, it's an area where we could all benefit from more attention.

In our daily lives, centered around caring for others, it's easy to forget that we also deserve care ourselves. It's time for a change. You deserve to be cared for. You deserve to be heard. You deserve engaging conversations about whatever you're going through.

Make mental health hygiene second nature with BetterHelp. While adding another task might seem like adding stress, that's not the case here. BetterHelp offers a comprehensive solution: flexible scheduling, no commute, affordable prices, and access to numerous clinicians. Let BetterHelp take care of you.

Join millions who are prioritizing themselves today with $50 off your first month by using this link. You deserve this.

This content is sponsored by BetterHelp.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

524

The number of employees that UnitedHealth’s health services segment Optum will lay off in California, including nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare providers. Click here to learn which locations are affected and when the layoffs are expected to occur.

PRN

THE BREAK ROOM WITH SELF-CARE CATALYST

Embracing a Growth Mindset

Feel more confident by shifting your self-talk! Embrace challenges and believe in your ability to grow and improve with these affirming scripts!

Self Belief:

"I can learn, grow, and overcome any challenge."

"I trust in my ability to figure things out."

Learn from Setbacks & Seek Feedback:

“Failure is not the opposite of success; it's part of the process."

“I welcome feedback and consider it a gift that helps me evolve into the nurse I want to be."

Value the Process:

"The process of learning is just as important as the outcome."

"Each step I take brings me closer to my goals."

"I am excited to see what I can achieve by tackling this challenge."

Celebrate Growth:

"I acknowledge and celebrate my progress, no matter how small."

"I am proud of the person I’m becoming and my growth."

Want to release imposter syndrome & perfectionism? Step into a more confident version of yourself with this.

Did you miss our last newsletter? Click here.

TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

Happy Pills

These adorable crocheted "happy pills" are handmade and come in 15 different color combinations!

BREAK ROOM

Paper Charting? What’s That?

After a glitch in a cybersecurity company’s update, businesses including hospitals worldwide experienced an IT outage. If you need a laugh, watch how this nurse revisits paper charting during an outage.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

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