4 minute read

HUDDLE

Good Morning, Readers!

Are you currently in a leadership role—or aspiring to be? Then you are going to love our new column: Leading the Way! Written by our newest contributor, Casey Green, this column will focus on all things leadership within the nursing profession.

Have a leadership topic you’d like to see discussed in a future newsletter? Tell me about it here.

Today's Top Beats

⚠️ Delta-8 Danger
🍴 Picky Eating Cause?

🩺 Charge Nurse Leaders

HANDOFF

Delta-8 Danger? 

Research has demonstrated that delta-9 cannabinoid is the main psychoactive component in cannabis that increases its risk of psychosis. But what about delta-8, now rapidly growing in popularity among high school students? Now a new study has found delta-8 exposures reported to poison control increased 80% over 2021-2022. It appears delta-8 may also induce psychosis, with ED visits for it climbing. Check out five things the FDA wants you to know about delta-8.

Got a Picky Eater? 

Any parent who has begrudgingly poured their child’s 29th bowl of cereal has probably worried and wondered, “Where did I go wrong?” Did they introduce foods too early? Too late? Not make them fun enough? Eat the wrong things during pregnancy? It turns out, some kids may simply be genetically predisposed to be picky eaters, found a new twins study from Germany. But don’t despair—there are ways to continue supporting them and helping them slowly branch out.

Multiple Firsts

We told you last week about the trailblazing Dr. Ildaura Murillo-Rohde. This week we introduce you to Hector Hugo Gonzalez, PhD, RN, the first Mexican-American RN to earn a doctorate in the U.S. After serving in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in the 1960s, Gonzalez began teaching at the Incarnate Word College’s School of Nursing while earning his doctorate. He also became the first Hispanic district president in the Texas Nursing Association and is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement.

TODAY'S TOP VITAL

135,600

The number of RNs in the U.S. of Hispanic ethnicity. Learn more about opportunities for Hispanic nurses from organizations like the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.

PRN

LEADING THE WAY WITH CRITICAL CARE CASEY

Charge Nurses: The Formal Leader

Yeah, you read that right. Charge nurses are considered formal leaders because it’s a designated leadership position with a specific title, role, and responsibility. The charge nurse has authority to make decisions, responsibility for administrative and clinical oversight, and accountability for team and organizational outcomes. 

But there’s one glaring issue: most charge nurses aren't properly oriented to the role or to formal leadership positions. 

Here are some solutions to consider:

• Formal orientation and training to the charge nurse role (like this program!)

• Regular check-ins with nurse managers and the unit educator to provide feedback

• Creation of leadership resources of common unit policies, patient diagnoses, equipment unique to the unit, and a “who to contact” phone tree
  

• The American Nurses Association (ANA) Leadership and Excellence resources where you can view webinars and courses, and buy resource e-books

Did you miss our last newsletter? Click here.

TODAY IN THE CHART

SUPPLY ROOM

Weigh Me Down 

If you love weighted blankets, check out this portable one, perfect for on-the-go!

BREAK ROOM

Which Nurse Are You?

We all know how it feels after a long nursing shift. If you need a laugh, watch Nurse Blake reenact the two types of nurses who come home to their partners. Which one are you?

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Share your unique link below 👇 via text, email, or snail mail and share it with your besties! The more friends you refer, the more swag you earn!

YOUR BEAT. YOUR VOICE. OUR FUTURE.

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