nightingalelost

Another health Care Election Promise...to be broken

2011-11-04T20:31:00.000-06:00

Saskatchewan will be going to the voting poles on Monday November 7th 2011, and to no surprise for many, a promise of a new hospital was made by the party seeking re-election. Four years ago the same promise was made, now the Saskatchewan party is saying, "See, we now have a completion date for your new hospital."

Moose Jaw is currently a 100 bed hospital in need of a lot of upgrades. What the Saskatchewan Party has announced is a new "30% smaller" but state of the art hospital of this city of 31,000 +. The new facility will be run as a "lean business", thus, they figure, reducing costs, waiting times for surgery, etc.

As it stands now there are not enough beds in Moose Jaw, not enough nursing homes and not enough doctors. We are going to lose more doctors if this government gets re-elected for they have no idea what health care is really all about, much less what health care consumers really need.

My hope is that the doctors in this area will speak up, and loudly, for they are the only ones to whom governments ever really and truly listen to.

As for you nurses out there, for gods sakes, more importantly for your patient's sakes....say something...and say it loudly!

Health Care and Political Promises

2011-10-16T12:45:00.000-06:00

It is election time in Saskatchewan again and of course health care is being used as a platform. No surprise there. Moose Jaw has waited many years for word on a new hospital to replace the aging one we have now. Just last year (perhaps it was 2 years ago) the ICU unit was revamped. Now, just prior to election time, we are told a new hospital will be built, beginning in 2013 and completed in 2015.

Of course my initial reaction was, "Just how small is the hospital going to be if the politicians feel it can be constructed within a two year time frame?"

It seem sour new hospital will be run under a "lean system" and be 20 beds smaller than it is now. The new facility will be a mere 80 beds (as rumor would have it). Keep in mind please that this is a city of approximately 32,000 people and many smaller facilities in and around the city have been severely downsized.

Here is my second "Letter to the Editor" on the subject

Letter to the Editor
Moose Jaw Times Herald
Not against a “lean system”, just lean thinking

I was dismayed to hear the new hospital Moose Jaw will receive is going to be only 80 beds; that certainly explains its’ ability to be constructed in just 2 years. Adopting a lean system in health care should make a 100 bed hospital function more like a 120 bed hospital. Unfortunately a mere 80 beds will likely leave this city’s residents in much the same boat as they are now, including long wait times for procedures and hallway medical care.
In brief, the lean system used in health care was adopted from the systems used by manufacturing companies to increase production and decrease associated costs. It can have many benefits for governments and health care organizations, including decreasing wastes of time and materials, better patient flow, less stress on health care staff and decreasing incidences of medication and care errors. With the money saved, more dollars could be put towards increasing training seats for doctors and nurses, help with tuition costs, more school health nurses and better access to health care practitioners for all health care consumers. More and better quality care nursing homes could also be witnessed as a result from better run systems.
Unfortunately, lean thinking seems to have seen only the immediate cost savings. The current practices of NHS services in Britain have caused a tremendous decrease in the quality of health care in their system. Is Saskatchewan to follow suit? Will Moose Jaw add this as a claim to fame? I will be most interested to hear what all political parties have to say on this issue as election day fast approaches.

Wendy Getchell
Moose Jaw

Political Elections and Health Care

2011-04-03T08:30:00.000-06:00

Canada is forced to go to the political election polls again, and again the "want to be Prime Minister" and their power hungry parties are using health care to solicit votes. I do hope most Canadians have enough sense by now to realize the promises of money and fixes for health care are basically nothing but lies. Always have been.

The hospital in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan has been promised money for upgrades, perhaps even a new hospital, over several elections. Little has happened because there is always an excuse made once the elected government takes office.

Please tell me people can learn to stop being so damn gullible?

Canada no longer (as far as I am concerned and witness) has a health care system to impress anyone!

Drug Shortages Affecting Nursing Care

2011-01-22T18:01:00.000-06:00

If you work in hospital, or nursing homes, doctors offices, or perhaps even in a pharmacy as a clerk, as I am, you may already be well aware of the growing drug shortages. As far as I am aware at this time it is all across North America.

The FDA keeps a list of current shortages and their apparent reasons; anything from manufacturer no longer makes, increased demand or even problems with raw materials are all cited as reasons. Reasons aside, nurses need to keep abreast of what is happening,and why, because health care consumers may ask, and you need to have some sort of answer.

Nurse Practitioners will definitely need to keep on top of this growing problem as they it certainly may affect what they are able to prescribe. Nurses in hospitals should be kept up to date by management and pharmacy, not just so they can help support answers to questions that patients may have, but because they need to know how to safely, and accurately, administer meds they may not be overly familiar with.

What is so scary about these shortages? In the case of the United States it seems the government has little if any effect, or control,over the situation. These drug shortages will, and do, affect the health of many.

I would like to know what nurses opinions on this subject are and any experiences they think would be important to share. How we care for our patients and assist doctors in care is going to be heavily impacted by these things that are happening today.

Health Care Reform in the USA to be Shelved?

2010-11-03T09:00:00.000-06:00

It's amazing what an election will do, even a mid term one that sees a change of power in the house. We know that health care in North America (yes, Canada too) needs an overhaul. Far too many people are without basic care, no family doctor and when an emergency happens they are left with a bill they can not pay. So one government bravely steps up to try and do something, against many odds, realizing the little guy, the citizen, needs assistance. Unfortunately government is too often nothing more than "big kids" playing "big kid" games. They cry out "it's my turn. I want to be king of the hill". In the end the little guy is forgotten again. Perhaps it is time for the little guys to speak with a very big voice.

My prediction, and this includes for Canada, if governments don't grow up, ten years from now there will be no nursing homes, fewer hospitals (both because of no staff) and people will be dying at home, in the streets, or within the walls of overcrowded hospitals. Plus, in an effort to get care, the citizens of these countries will be seeing self employed practitioners in their homes. Hopefully most of these will be learned in some way and not prove to be a danger to these folks health and lives.

I have already published my first book about the nursing profession, it's time to publish my predictions for the future of health care in the ugly years to come.

Is the Nursing Profession Wicked?

2010-08-24T20:13:00.000-06:00

A good comment from one of my readers; thank you. Let me tell you why I gave my book, "Nursing: A Wicked Profession" such a controversial title.
People love controversy. That is a big part, in my opinion, why local and federal news programs focus more on "bad stories" than good ones. It is why series such as CSI survive so well on prime time television.

The 2 main sections of the book deal with, one, how "wickedly difficult" it is to practice this profession in a time when health care consumers are so educated, and so impatient and demanding. It also doesn't help that many employers prefer to look at patients as "consumers" of goods; the good, or service, of course being health care. The other main section of the book looks at the "wicked power" the nursing profession holds. A power that many nurses themselves have no real knowledge or handle on. Did you know that many nurses are inventors; that many items used in care facilities today are there because of the ingenuity of a nurse? Did you know nurses invented the first "crash cart"?

The beginning of the book does look at one more area of wickedness. I felt this was necessary in order for readers to know I was being totally honest in my stories. Most news coverage about nursing, and nurses, are stories that stem from some professionals who have used their position of trust and care to do harm to others. I don't spend a lot of time on this, nor do I try and make excuses for these actions, but I did feel it was necessary to address.

"Nursing: A Wicked Profession" is meant as a book in defense of one of the most powerful yet misunderstood professions around the world. I may no longer be practicing as a nurse but I whole heartedly will stand up in the defense of the profession, doing whatever I can to push it forward and help nurses stand with heads high and proud.

Wendy Getchell

Nursing Fatigue and Patient Safety

2010-08-21T10:54:00.000-06:00

So how does nursing fatigue affect patient safety?

This isn't new news for most of us, but at least this is an official report. I recommend all nurses ensure their local politicians get a copy, and read it. If necessary, you might want to remind them that they may be a patient in hospital some day. At this point in time it's almost a frightening prospect.

Tackling the state nursing shortage - Topix

2010-08-21T10:25:00.000-06:00

Tackling the state nursing shortage - Topix

San Gabriel Valley nurses file petition to kick out union - Topix

2010-08-18T10:09:00.000-06:00

San Gabriel Valley nurses file petition to kick out union - Topix

First Excerpt fron Nursing: A Wicked Profession

2010-08-03T12:58:00.000-06:00

Introduction

The headlines report murder, theft, abuse, drug dealings and forgery. These are the stories most people read about nurses. Other headlines report breakdowns in negotiations between unions and health organizations, with threats of strike action. Still more stories revolve around patients appearing at hospital doors unable to make it inside without help, but being told to call 911. The public are being shown nurses who seem cruel, indifferent, greedy, lazy and power hungry.

Nurses are the largest body of health care professionals in North America and in most other countries as well. They are the backbone of every health care system, gluing all other parts together, providing support and strength in the care of health care consumers. Such news stories however create a very ugly picture of the profession. I’ve read some of the on-line comments to these stories which are mostly harsh, but justified. Media rarely presents all sides of the story however, just those that seem most news worthy. Controversy makes for great headlines

Personally, as a retired Registered Nurse, I am disgusted with such stories and believe there could not be any proper justification, even if I did listen to the other side of the story. I know that the temptations are real but that is no excuse for any nurse to misuse their position of trust. Some of the stories are really only half truths because most nurses will not speak up to clarify.

So are the public’s perception of nurses, the misunderstanding, are own fault? I would have to say yes.

If you would prefer this book in e-Book format, please visit Off The Book Shelf

Excerpts from Nursing A Wicked Profession

2010-07-31T13:25:00.002-06:00

Over the next few weeks I will be posting excerpts from my book Nursing: A Wicked profession. I'm excited to share with my readers my passion for advancing the nursing profession through helping others understand the true nature of nursing.

I hope you enjoy it

Wendy

Nurses are dispensible

2010-07-02T22:43:00.002-06:00

Nurses in Quebec walk away from the bargaining table because the government has no respect for the work, and hours of work, they put in. The excuse is the nursing shortage, so a nurses health is no where near as important as the patients they care for. There is no better definition of disrespect and uncaring as that. Tell me, would you trust your life to the care of a nurse who has worked a 16 hour day? And if that nurse made a mistake, because of being forced to work overtime, who would you blame? The government or the nurse? I know the answer to that one and it makes me sick!

I'm Just a Nurse

2010-05-24T07:26:00.003-06:00

These are four words nurses should never say. Click on the title above to watch a short video I found on YouTube about nursing.

Whenever I hear nurses say this I believe these individuals have no real understanding of what their roe is in the health care system. I just recently released my book, "Nursing: A Wicked Profession" in e-Book format, and in it I give a brief picture of what the health care system would look like without nurses. No truer comparison can be made than that of our profession being the backbone of every health care system around the globe.

We must take better pride in who we are, adopt a stronger view of our importance and learn to articulate that to governments, media and anyone else who will listen.

We must make them listen.

Advancing Nursing Practice Through Nurse Authorship

2010-05-10T11:44:00.004-06:00

I had the pleasure of attending the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association AGM and conference last week in Regina. Their theme for the three days was "Advancing Nursing Practice: Where to From Here?" I learned some interesting things that were occurring in nursing education as well as the practices of Nurse Practitioners. Certainly new computerized technologies have found their way in to the classrooms, and bedside, and the nursing curriculum includes teaching students how to use these technologies. I'd love to get my hands on a Blackberry just for pleasure...
I did a poster presentation on "Advancing Nursing Practice Through Nurse Authorship" and was pleased by the positive responses I received. Many expressed interest in writing but figured they did not either have the time or the ability. I suggested keeping a journal; not only can writing help relieve stress and get you thinking clearer, but the entries in to your journal will be the launching point for your book.

There is not going to be a better way to give people a clearer understanding of this profession. It's 2010 and too many, including governments, have no idea what a typical nurses work day is like, much less the kind of knowledge we posses.

The hard part for many nurses will be leaving their familiar comfort zones. Fear has been used far too long as a weapon to keep nurses from speaking out. If we truly believe ourselves to be advocates for health care...WE MUST

Survey Says...Nurses Should Have More Influence on Healthcare

2010-03-10T19:52:00.003-06:00

This is huge news that every nurse should really take to heart.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation surveyed opinion leaders (insurance, corporate, health services, government and industry) and in January 2010 released the results of that survey. That although nursing is one of the most trusted professions, these professionals continuously squander away opportunity to take a lead role in influencing health care.

No one takes us seriously. Why? Might I suggest because we do not take ourselves seriously.

We have the knowledge, the education, the experience and the respect yet we can not find the strength, or path, to use it properly.

Please, read the results of this survey for yourself. More importantly, you must act on it..for the sake of our failing health care systems and to protect health care consumers.

That includes YOU and your own families.

SRNA's AGM and Conference in May 2010

2010-02-19T08:08:00.002-06:00

The Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association's Annual General Meeting and Conference is to be held in Regina May 5 & 6th. The theme is, "Advancing RN Practice - Where to from here".

I have been accepted to do a poster presentation around the subject, "Advancing Nursing Practice through Nurse Authorship". I am excited to share the research I have done about nurses who have made a difference in government, health professional and health consumer knowledge by taking pen in hand.

This presentation also gives me the opportunity to share what I believe are the next steps in helping the nursing profession move forward as a more dynamic and powerful profession. Even though we have come a long way since Florence Nightingale, and others like her, in proving that nursing is a viable and strong profession in it's own right, I feel we are presently at a stagnant point. It is time to move away from our current "comfort zone" to step up and out to become more visible in the eyes of the world.

Alzheimers cases to increase in next 30 years

2010-01-06T09:29:00.002-06:00

The Alzheimers Society of Canada reports that over the net 30 years there will be a tremendous increase in the numbers of people suffering from this disease. They are calling for governments to spend more money on research, treatment and training of health care workers.

I certainly believe their statistics, as we all know the populations of people over 6o are growing tremendously in North America. But I believe money must be put to better use in some other areas.

Training health care workers on understanding Alzheimers and how to care for people living with this illness already happens. The bigger issue is there are not enough health care workers. There are also not enough properly built and equipped facilities. Government cuts in health care are not going to make this easy to fix. As a matter of fact we will be seeing people dying at home, on the streets, wandering away from existing facilities and just plain being ignored and forgotten because our government does not care about the elderly.

A rather harsh statement?

No! Not really. If you look at all the facts, what they say and what they do are totally separate and they are too slow to take REAL action.

As nurses, and other health care professionals, we need to take it upon ourselves to speak up, and loudly, to government and the media on these issues. We should also take the time to help people practice PREVENTION.

No, we can not change genes or other "built in" risk factors but we can inform health care consumers on the many preventative measures that may help keep them safe from developing this very debilitating illness.

Singing Nurses Really Can Heal

2009-12-07T19:05:00.003-06:00

Who are they? A group of nurse anesthetists that managed to find some good clean humor in their practice, and keep other nurses in stitches :)
Visit their official web site and have a listen. It really is good music and music is a great healer. You owe yourself this a good laugh and smile. I did

Merry Christmas all

Decreased spending in health care to save money

2009-11-29T10:30:00.003-06:00

Saskatchewan is making health care cuts again, to save money, but not lives of course. In order to save money one of the things they are doing is holding back on monies to nursing homes. Money is needed in many of these facilities in order to upgrade older buildings.

What does this say about the Saskatchewan health care government? It makes an obvious statement that people are useless once they become old. We need not spend money on these useless beings.

It's time to get vocal on this statement they are making. I will some day be OLD, you as well, and these members of government will also. After all our contributions to this country, the economy, society...are we then to be left to die alone at home, unwanted and neglected?

Welcome to the human race

Not all Nurses Created Equal

2009-10-25T11:41:00.000-06:00

"Alberta health-care cuts..."

2009-08-26T19:38:00.003-06:00

Yet another clear picture of how little governments, including provincial health services, understand how to use tax dollars efficiently. Alberta is in a deficit so their idea is to cut spending on health care salaries. But, get this, they are still promising to reduce wait times. How the heck can they see providing better health care with even less than they have now!

Health workers in Alberta being stiffled

2009-07-28T19:19:00.001-06:00

Swine Flu Affects on Nursing Workload

2009-07-14T17:55:00.002-06:00

As companies like Glaxal-Kline announce they are working to complete a vaccine for the H1N1 flu I have to stop and wonder how this pandemic is going to affect nurses workload. World wide it sounds as though hospitalizations of people suffering from this new influenza virus are picking up. And as Autumn seasons approach many experts are predicting a new surge of cases. Nursing workloads are already at maximum so what's to come? News media has already reported some of those infected have been health care workers so I would personally, and professionally, advise nurses to take the vaccine at the first available opportunity.
I would be very interested in hearing from nurses about the affects this virus is having on their hours of work, their own state of health and that of their family. Also, are you noticing any move by employers or governments in regards to new, and faster strategies, to increase nursing numbers.

StatsCan reveals 1/3 of nurses report abuse

2009-04-16T09:16:00.002-06:00

In the news today (cbc.ca)StatsCan released a report from a 2005 study that revealed about 1/3 of nurses reporting physical and/or mental abuse. I'm surprised that the numbers are so low. If they interviewed every single nurse in Canada I am certain those numbers would rise dramatically.
What I find really interesting are the comments people are leaving. Some believe it, others say we should stop whining. What it all boils down to is that the profession has done a very poor job in educating the public, and governments, as to what the nursing profession truly does "on the job". I am in the midst of updating my book, "Nursing: A Wicked Profession" and this story only reaffirms my position on the difficulties involved caring for others. It also reaffirms my opinions on how poorly our professional organizations speak about nursing to others. This years nursing week theme (here in Canada) is "Nursing, You Can't Live Without It". I wonder if the powers that be truly understand those words.

A New Year for Nursing

2009-01-01T10:52:00.004-06:00

Well, we are heading in to a new year which is seeing most countries dealing with an economic recession. What will this mean for nurses and their profession? First off, it is a job that is recession proof. But that does not necessarily mean wages will keep up with inflation. Seems New Brunswick may actually see a salary drop for a Nurse 2 position go from $69,000 to $60,000. Many provinces are considering allowing private health clinics to open, more and more children and adults are becoming obese, the Canadian government is considering taking away consumers ability to buy herbal supplements at health food stores...it will be interesting to see where this new year leads.

Sick Around the World

2008-04-28T12:10:00.002-06:00

This news article, by FrontLine and Washington Post foreign correspondent T.R. Reid compares the American Healthcare system with 5 other democratic countries. I very worthwhile, and eye opening report. There are some great systems out there that greatly benefit health care consumers.

I would love to see this report expanded on to delve more in to how these systems affect nurses' quality of workplace as well as lifestyle. Do they pay enough? It was obvious that in most systems doctors can not "get rich" like in North America, but they do manage a descent living (I believe). But do nurses?

If you have not seen this program yet, aired on PBS this month, I strongly recommend you take 30 minutes and have a listen

Sick around the World>

Nurse to Patient ratios in long-term care

2008-03-22T13:13:00.002-06:00

Acute care settings are starting to get serious about safe staffing ratios, with some push from registering bodies. But my concern is that extended / long term care residents are not getting the same consideration and care...and that is dangerous. Not everyone in these facilities is set to pass from this world in the near future. Many still have quite a few years left to live. See, long term care facilities are not just for older folk. Accident victims who end up paraplegic, perhaps even requiring a ventilator to assist breathing, can spend 5, 10 or more years in long term care.
I have worked in several nursing homes/extended care facilities and it seems (at present) that the normal staffing ratio is one (1) licensed nurse (RN or LPN) for 30 or more residents. That one licensed nurse is responsible for medications and treatments for all those residents. I have also worked with ventilated patients/residents where nurse/patient ratios seem to show that the lives of those in long term care are not as sacred as those in an acute care setting. In hospital, each nurse has no more than 2 ventilated patients. In long term care, on night shifts particularly, each licensed nurse has 3, and far to often 5, residents to themselves PLUS another 10 (or more) non-ventilated residents.
I said earlier this is dangerous and I stand by that. Dangerous for the lives and quality of life for the residents as well as the professional and personal life of the nurse.

Licensure costs

2008-02-03T08:03:00.000-06:00

Every year when I renew, or apply for license in a new province, I am astounded at the amount of money I must put out. A yearly subscription to the federal magazine can't cost that much to create surely. And does having someone look up your previous information in the computer, fill in a form and place a stamp on the envelop really equal the cost of verifications or reinstatements? I have had to nearly turn down job offers because I could not find these funds (my husband came through with a credit card, but should that be so necessary?).
More recently I faced a different cost put out by a provincial licensing body. I am supposed to trust and pit faith in my professional nursing bodies, I follow their guidelines and rules for being licensed so I do not practice nursing without a license. And I have done so in the past. Recently however, after having sent in all appropriate documents and fees I made a simple phone call to my registering body to find out why I had not yet (after 3 weeks) received my certificate in the mail. The person at the registers office looked up my information on their computer and merely said..."oh". I'm too scared to ask what that meant exactly. She then put me on hold and later came back with "we'll mail that out right away". Three days later I still can't log in the their member page on the web site...it does not recognize my registration number.....Now what?

Horizontal violence

2007-12-29T08:35:00.000-06:00

A fancy name given an on going problem, that of nurse to nurse violence. I have been reading a lot of stories lately in chat rooms about other nurses stories, stories of verbal abuse from coworkers, all too often coming from managers. The consequence of course is an added burden to the nursing shortage as nurses leave the profession because nothing is being done. And I mean nothing. Fancy articles published in journals by those holding PHDs about how we need to pull together, methods we could use for handling stress in our lives and what managers should do to increase mentorships, nurse to nurse. Reality check here...it is not being done and we continue to lose good nurses.
Let's cut to the chase shall we. There are far too many crappy (and cranky) managers, whose own managers are probably just as bad if not altogether blind. I'm tired of reading pretty theories, it is time for real action. Nursing is a powerful profession but we are using this power wrong. Put in to the hands of professionals with real vision nursing can become a vibrant and caring strong hold that nurtures its' own. It can be seen as a profession that many will want to embrace because of what we can accomplish for the health and well being of the world. That is not a load of crap! Think about this for a moment...if health care systems around the world lost nurses the entire health system would crumble. It would become nothing more than a hit and miss entity when sought out by the sick or injured. Nursing holds it all together. FACT!
There is no excuse for abusing and mistreatment of coworkers by coworkers, management or governing bodies. It must stop now! We are well educated and well practiced and we are necessary. If you want a strong future for nursing we must all find the strength to stand up and say STOP, and we must do it now. The only consequence you need to worry about is that if this horizontal violence continues you will have no one to blame but yourself.

Nursing still viewed as lowly work

2007-09-26T15:23:00.000-06:00

As I was researching nursing life in other countries I turned up some disturbing facts. Countries such as India and Indonesia still view nurses as nothing more than hand maidens of doctors. Training is not comparable to North American standards (and I'm comparing here because this is where i was trained) and more highly educated nurses are not entirely welcome by upper management of hospitals. Letters to newspaper editors in these countries often state how poor people can not afford health care (in some instances must show up with own chemo drugs for treatment) and are treated coldly by nursing staff.
Here we are in 2007 and depending upon what country you are in women...nurses...are treated poorly, as is the profession overall. The profession has much work to do indeed, to increase government and overall understanding and respect for what we do, who we are.

If nursing were run like a business

2007-09-18T19:59:00.000-06:00

I know I have mentioned in the past that part of the current problems with nursing and the health care system might be attributed to management treating health care more like a business. I was at first upset by having to refer to patients as clients and taking customer service courses. Now I think health care organizations may have better luck retaining nurses (and others) if they treated them as well as many larger retail chains treated their employees. I have spent a little time in the retail industry during these last 11 years of nursing and have been left impressed with how managers encourage sales associates to grow through performance incentives and employee discounts. The hours of work may be long, the days very busy, but I have always found more enjoyment in my work (in retail) because of these factors.

Poorly paid nursing faculty adds to nursing shortage

2007-09-16T10:02:00.000-06:00

In researching the part of my book dealing with the question "is there really a nursing shortage" I found information regarding the pay scales for nursing faculty. Now, one of the reasons nursing schools turn away prospective students is because of lack of faculty. And it seems that this lack of faculty may have everything to do with poor pay. Most faculty members are prepared at the Masters level (at the very least), yet they are paid (in the USA) at 39% LESS than a Nurse Anesthetist.
Underpaying nurses for their skills and knowledge is, in my eyes,a show of disrespect for the profession.

Elections using nursing shortage as leverage

2007-09-06T16:22:00.000-06:00

The "Saskatchewan Party" is using the nursing shortage in that province as an election promise. No new news here as political parties are almost always using health care as an election tool. Well for the last couple of years I have been trying to encourage nurses to speak out. I did today on the feedback page at CBC.ca

My advice to the political party was they were not likely to magically pull 800 nurses (that's what they were quoting) out of a hat with promises of money. We are more intelligent than that and what we require are governments with backbone who can address the real issues around the nursing shortage. One of those issues I told them was nursing management who would provide respectful workplaces for us. I for one have had enough of being treated like a second class citizen, using outdated equipment and even more outdated educational resources.

Extraordinary Nurses

2007-08-29T14:17:00.000-06:00

When hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans 2 years ago little was said about how nurses responded. The only news afterwards were accusations about possible mercy killings by doctors and nurses. There is much more to the story and it continues as New Orleans tries to recover. If it ever will.
Many hospitals remain closed today and health care is sparse. But in the midst of it all are caring individuals who continue to look toward donating their skills to help in times of disaster. Real heroes, heroes who far too often go unrecognized.

I invite you to click on the link provided and learn more. Be proud of your profession.

http://www.calnurses.org/rnrn

Back on track

2007-07-30T14:44:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been a while since I made an entry in to my blog. I do appologize but I have been rather busy updating the web site. I have added a page for news articles. I figured if I was doing reading and research in to what was happening in healthcare and nursing around the world it only made sense to take my readers with me.

One of my previous posts was in regards to hearing very little in the media around Nurse Week. A reader recently responded with a very understandable dislike for nurses. The typical phrase we must tell callers, "I'm sorry but I can not give you that information". He was concerned for a family member and "we" were instructed (by legalities) not to give out information except to immediate family.

I definitely do not blame him for his anger and frustration. Governments and health authorities give little explanation to the general public (in too many instances) as to why we do things, PLUS, there are far too many (unnecessary) rules. What ever happened to human compassion as opposed to "let's not get our asses sued".

I'm frustrated too!

Nurse Week invisible

2007-05-18T09:29:00.000-06:00

Nurses Week here in Canada came and went and I just realized I had not seen, or heard, anything. I am self employed as a nurse presently so, like many other community members, I am not exposed to the goings on in hospital, clinics or nursing homes. There was nothing in the local paper, I heard nothing on the local radio (though I do confess I don't listen to the radio very often) and I saw nothing on either the local or national news networks.
I think nurses failed again. Failed to become visible in the public eye, failed to publically announce our importance in the global health scheme and failed to take serious pride in the profession. It is 2007 and still we are unable to make our voices heard where it really counts.
Is nursing then still considered in the eyes of many a lowly profession? Is it simply "womens' work" (I know that's not true) and so deserves no special mention?
I am truly disappointed.

Recruiting frenzy

2007-04-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

I have spent the last couple of months talking with companies who recruit nurses for jobs in the USA. That seems to be where the big push is. Most of these recruiters have few positions in Canada, or atleast are working for few canadian employers. I'm not quite sure why hospitals, and staffing agencies, in the USA prefer to use staffing agencies as opposed to how many Canadian health care agencies are recruiting. Cost perhaps. Many staffing agencies make good money off of employers, charging far more than the give the nurse in salaries. For profit hospitals in the USA can perhaps afford this style of recruiting better than Canadian hospitals.

Several agencies have found my web site and are soliciting my help in recruiting nurses. What I have discovered with the process is that most of the nurses looking to come to North America (mostly to the United States) are from India, Africa, the UK and the Philippines. I have also discovered that several staffing agencies are geared to helping these international nurses.

I have missed several career fairs lately because for the most part they were just too far away physically. Still, as my resume is posted online, and I have emailed same to companies that are hosting the career fairs, and do find potential employers (ie staffing agencies) contacting me.

Health care is hungry for nurses

Nursing: A Wicked Profession

2007-03-04T10:09:00.000-06:00

This controversial book is now available on CD (in PDF format).

For those who are, or have ever been, a part of the nursing profession you know how difficult the art of nursing is to practice. Problem is, few others really understand what is involved in caring for others.

Nursing: A Wicked Profession was written to help people understand who nurses are and what the profession is really all about. Nurses are not angels, not bit players in a movie, but the essential backbone of healthcare systems across the globe. Without nursing professionals people requiring care for illness or injury would die more often, would suffer greater pain and life expectancy would fall. Medical breakthroughs would mean little without nurses to carry through on treatments and support of patients in hospital or out in the community.

This book takes a very real and human look at who nurses are and what they feel as they practice the art of caring for others.

As human beings some have succummed to the temptations of power resulting in abuse, even death, of others under their care...the "wicked side of human".

As the world population ages, new diseases emerge and nursing schools turn away potential students, it becomes "wickedly difficult" to provide the kind of care needed. Abusive situations are on the rise, baby boomer nurses are set to retire and fear of persecution...and prosecution...all contribute to present nurses leaving the profession.

Few, including governments, realize the "wicked power" nursing professionals have. We influence patients on a daily basis, have and continue to influence world health policy and out of necessity have become inventors of equipment, procedures and policies used everyday by nurses and other health care professionals.

Nursing is one of the most powerful professions in the world today and probably the least understood. This book opens the doors to understanding and I hope, like it's title, will cause controversy and discussion amongst professionals, governments and the health care consumer.

To order your copy on CD please click on the link above or visit
www.nursesentry.com

Coming soon: Paperback version

Nursing shortage made worse through ignorance

2007-02-02T10:34:00.000-06:00

Expereinced nurses, that is, "well rounded", are unable to land nursing employment at this day and age because they are not "specialized". I don't know how many nurses today realize that being well rounded, or a "jack of all trades" will not pay off in the long run. There are nurses today who would like to work but are having difficulty landing ANY job because potential employers want "experienced" nurses. Even in long term care facilities, where they are often hurting for the lack of staff, are not hiring unless the nurses has previous experience.

In a time where nurses are desparatly needed employers seem to be cutting their own throats, and perhaps in essence risking the health of the patients in their facilities. If there are unemployed nurses WILLING to return to the work force (and sometimes this unemployment has lasted no longer than 3 months from their previous job) employers should be willing to train and mentor.

For myself, I feel much like a high school student who is unable to find work because they do not have experience, and can't get that experience unless someone gives them work. I have been an RN for 21 years (working fulltime for 17 of those; casual the other 4), have never been "let go", "fired", or placed under investigation, I'm honest, hardworking, a team player, willing and able, yet because I have been a generalist for so long I am not seen as employable. Due to financial situations I have not been able to complete my BN studies. Now, I have not written this as a "poor me" entry, but as a warning to other nurses and certainly employers. Specializing in several areas of nursing (1 or 2 anyway) will be in a nurses best interest for the long haul. For employers, under todays circumstances they must think more ahead, perhaps change their ways of doing things and learn to use potential staff more wisely. If nurses can no longer find work in their profession they will not, can not afford to, just sit and wait. They will seek work (education too as monies and circumstance allow) in other fields. The world will lose yet another health care worker for the future because of blind site by those who could make a difference.

A Wicked Profession

2006-12-31T08:44:00.000-06:00

Just a couple of weeks ago there was a news story on a teen who died in custody (at a boot camp sort of place for troubled kids). I can always research the exact article to be more specific, but what I want to mention is the fact that a nurse was charge in the matter along with the police officers.
I am angry! First off I doubt (I have been invloved with police incidences before) she had any say in the matter that was happening. There were several police offers trying to subdue the young man and you could see, in the video, the nurse standing off to the side. There was no way the officers were going to change what they were doing because I nurse might step in and say, "you're hurting him". But because she was present at the time she is being charged. I sometimes feel we nurses are damned if we do, damned if we don't. What do the powers that be think she should have done? That would have changed the outcome? It was a police matter, not a nursing matter.
This can be a wickedly difficult profession to be in when people do not understand what exactly our role is. IT IS NOT law enforcement!

Nursing: A Wicked Profession is the title of my upcoming book on the more human realities of the nursing profession. Due out in February 2007 I hope it opens the eyes and minds of many who thought they KNEW the profession. I also hope many who have never had any interest in nurses find time to learn something new. It will shock them.

Replace RNs with EMTs "occasionally:?

2006-11-05T23:02:00.000-06:00

I was reading yesterdays local paper and came across a letter submitted by an area MLA. Some of the more rural hospitals in the area are short of nurses (no real news there) and one had to close it's acute care because they could not guarantee 24 hour nursing coverage. The MLA thought the provincial government as well as the refional health authority were not donig enough to secure RNs and suggested legislation could be changed to allow licensed practical nurses and emergency medical technicians to take over "on occassion".
We are nearing the end of 2006 and it is painful to see how little politicians understand regarding the role registered nurses have in securing the health and well being of patients (I hesitate to use the word "role" remembering how California's Governor Schwarzenegger referred to nurses as extras). Tomorrow I submit my own comment to the paper in an attempt to point out the the MLA the standards of practice health care professionals are governed by to ensure patient safety.

Provincial monies mispent again

2006-10-29T16:33:00.000-06:00

I was reading on CBC web news how the Ontario government has just decided to put $142 million into ER's in Ontario. They discussed paying ER doctors more, opening more beds, putting more money into rural hospitals. The problem? You can not run an ER much less a hospital without nurses. When will so called knowledgable governments stop ignoring the real problem. Yes, there is a shortage of doctors, but the shortage of nurses will screw the health care system more.
Doctors will not give prescribed meds to their own patients; doctors will not do the dressing changes; doctors will not change the linens on the beds; doctors will not do the admissions paper work on the patients...
Where the hell is the money to get more nurses in to the system!
How can governments be so blind. More beds need more nurses. More money for doctors is good, but you must help the other important half of the health care system too.

Is there power in the color of white

2006-10-07T19:35:00.000-06:00

I recently posted this question on a nurses discussion board and I'm already receiving some very varied opinions. Basically I asked if nurses felt more respect from patients, patient families, governments and even supervisors when they wore white uniforms.
Indeed some feel insulted, or like a "student" yet others immediately noted how patients referred to them as the "real nurse".
Could the disrespectful behavior of patients toward nurses (and might I add visa versa) change if we brought back an easily identifiable nurse symbol, like a white uniform, or is this bitterness (from everyone) just a sign of todays stresses in the world?

Health care consumers suffer losses from nursing shortage

2006-09-24T21:28:00.000-06:00

I was talking to a collegue today who informed me one of our area hospitals might have to close because of the shortage of nurses. It is a rural hospital, down to 6 acute care beds. Now that number may not seem like much to some but for people who live one half hour, or more, from a larger city hospital it may at some point in the future be the difference between life and death.

There is no easy answer for the situation today; many hospitals are running on shoestring satffing, but there is an answer for the future. We must encourage others to enter the nursing profession. By word of mouth, through written word and by demonstartion, we who are already in the profession should take on the responsibility of showing just how powerful this profession is.

Calgary will be opening a brand new childrens hospital later this month. I have not to this point had much chance to research where the nurses will be coming from to staff the facility. Are they closing down another site? Are they luring nurses away from other facilities, and if so what other hospitals ...and health care consumers...will suffer because of it?

Time will tell.

Why nurses hurt people

2006-09-14T08:46:00.000-06:00

To start with, let me say I can't answer this question. Only those who have done the hurting can.
In the researching for my book I looked at stories of nurses who have crossed the line. Those who have taken their position of trust granted them because of their chosen profession...and misused it. The result of that misuse is the injury, even death, of patients, or even coworkers. The most recent case I have read was the nurse in Grande Prairie who pleaded guilty to drugging her coworkers.
It is beyonf me to come up with a good reason as to why but I understand ultimately that we are only human. And any human being can be led astray by power. Nursing in its' tasks is difficult enough and yet we still must deal with the difficulties of overcoming the temptations of greed and power over anothers life.

Media view of nurses and the profession

2006-09-11T10:43:00.000-06:00

During the research for my book, taking a human look at the nursing profesion, I have run across many opinions of nurses and what we do. Both good and bad, it is still shocking (and yet not) how much people, including the media, do not understand. And we have no one to blame but ourselves.
I found an entry from CBC News Online (Sept 7, 2004) with these statements;
"They check your blood pressure, they give you pills, they clean you and they comfort you. They're nurses...".
If only the job were that simple!

A little later in to the article;
"...because of staff cuts in other areas of the hospital, nurses are often left juggling their own responsibilities with a host of others. They may have to answer phones, clean up spills, and clear away food trays."
Nice to know someone has noticed that we do far more than "give you pills", but this still shows an understanding that does not go deep enough in to the realities of what takes place during a 12 hour shift.
On my web site (www.nursesentry.com) I encourage nurses to write about what they do. I sadly get very little response. But hopefully I have got many thinking about the possibility. It is up to individual nurses, not just our registering bodies, or other organizations to educate people, via the media, as to how "wicked" the profession really is; wickedly difficult and wickedly powerful. I will continue to urge nurses voices in to the open and hopefully my own book will start to spark some true interest in to a profession that is like no other.

CNA's views of the health of Canadians

2006-09-11T10:24:00.000-06:00

When I visit the CNA web site they still have posted that people today live "longer and healthier". Strangely I am almost angered by this comment, perhaps because the CNA is supposed to be the representative body of nurses in Canada anf I believe they should know better. Both diabetes and obesity are near, if not already past, epidemic status. When you think about all the other diseases that are caused by, or compounded by these two diseases it has to be clear that we ARE NOT healthier. Living longer? Probably and it has much to do with all the drugs that are now available that doctors can give their patient to prolong their lives. But are they (we) actually "healthier"? In my opinion...by no means.

Please CNA, revisit this statement and outlook on the health of Canadians. Nurses can play a key role, if not THE KEY ROLE, in keeping the next generations healthier than myself or my parents. But we desparately need to entice more people in to this dynamic and powerful profession.

Humor in the ER

2006-07-29T17:36:00.000-06:00

Last night I was reminded of 2 things; how laughter at work, in a hospital setting, has diminished over the years and the healing power of laughter.
We all probably know these things subconsciously but rarely talk about it.
Well, in my present position as a Nursing Shift Coordinator the ER is required to inform me of the need for beds for admissions, or overnight observations. The only ones I am required to screen and give permission for are for admits to the Medical ward. So when the ER paged me asking for an assessment for a pediatric screen I was perhaps slightly confused. Upon entering the ER and asking about the patient and who the admitting doctor was I was presented with a small white fluff ball of a dog. It was just a puppy and I like dogs so I did appreciate the slight humor.
It seems the dog was involved in a family car roll over accident. All passengers, including the dog, managed to escape with very minor injuries. But the on call physician, having a fine sense of humor himself, filled out an ER admission form on the dog, including assessment details such as "wet nose" and "tail wagging excitedly", and presented the animal to the xray department along with the proper requisition.

So perhaps it was not protocol but it was a wonderful uplift for the staff, not to mention the state of mental health of the human family members. They were very attached to their little pet, and though slightly battered and bruised, left with a smile and a little laughter in their hearts.

Humor, in just the right dose, can be a wonderful healing medicine...for everyone.

Finding inspiration

2006-07-23T11:42:00.000-06:00

I attended just a few sessions of the 2006 Saskatchewan Festival of Words. I couldn't get in to see Margaret Atwood so I choose a session with a CBC announcer and a childrens writer.
At first I thought, "oh no, not what I wanted. I don't really want to know anything more about Canada's Native peoples" (Tom Roberts from CBC in northern Sask).
And on day 2, expecting to listen to childrens writers I found myself saying, "but I'm not really in to poetry" (Dan Tysdale and Pamela Porter).
But I came away both days with inspiration to write about my years of nursing experience in some new ways. Amazing where you might find inspiration. Looking past the more obvious and listening and watching more the people whom the words are coming from. Their inspirations, their lives, their experiences.

The move to independent practice

2006-07-12T08:20:00.000-06:00

I have been spending a lot more time lately adding to my own web site.

I am, and always will be, a strong advocate for the nursing profession, but I have tired from hands on nursing. Instead of just throwing away years of education and experience I have chosen to use my skills and knowledge in a new way.

My web site, NurseSentry.com, brings together a comprehensive collection of information for nurses seeking employment within Canada or the United States. I am proud of the site and I continue to update information. I want to be the best, most reliable source for nurses and employers.

I mention this briefly for a reason. See, one of the other things my web site does is help to encourage nurses to stay in the profession, whether in a more traditional setting or as a nurse in independent practice.

Nurses started out this way, being paid in money, food, or what ever people had to offer them for their services. Florence Nightingale helped ensure all those calling themselves nurses were properly trained, thus ensuring patients received the best care possible.

Today, many are returning to independent practice either on a full or part-time basis. And I encourage this.

Why?

Nurses today are not exactly the picture of health. It's not that "traditional employers" do not care about nurses' health, but the nature of the work is not often conducive to a healthy lifestyle.
We eat on the run, if we eat at all; we do not rest enough; physical activity is limited after hours because it is impossible to muster the energy after a 12 hour shift to go to Curves.

A more sain lifestyle is better and can keep nurses on the job longer. A self employed nurse has the option of remaining in the profession atleast part-time. I hope to help avoid situations where a nurse "burns out" altogether and thus leaves the profession entirely.

Now, with so many nurses nearing retirement having ones own business could make retirement more busy. Plus help supplement any pension income.

If you are a nurse seriously considering leaving the profession, I beg you to reconsider and look at the options available for nurses in business for themselves.

Nursing continuing education too expensive for most nurses

2006-05-07T10:42:00.000-06:00

One of the things that fustrates me most about the nursing profession is how "UNAFFORDABLE" continuing education is. I get fustrated, all to often, to the point of wanting to quit.

If nursing is so important (no doubt in my mind the health care system would collapse without nurses) why do the powers that be make attending workshops and conferences so damned expensively out of reach for the majority of nurses.

Leadership conferences, annual CNA conferences hold valuable information about the profession and its' future but it costs a minimum of about $700.00 to attend.
You must then add on the costs of hotel and food.
Damned near impossibe for most nurses unless they're (ie no need to worry about anyone elses welfare than their own).

I just tore up the CNA AGM and Conference registration form for June 2006. Having bills and 3 kids needs to care for, my husband and I just can't afford to see me attend.

There can be no good reason for such costs except that the heads of professional bodies and those that assist in organizing such events have little if any vision or foresight. They must also have very little real insight into what grass roots (hands on care) nursing is like.

Nursing image=Nursing power

2006-05-06T21:42:00.000-06:00

This was the title of an article I found in the Sacramento Bee online news paper. Originally published in June 2004, the article by Dr Patricia Raymond deduced that people took nurses more seriously when they dressed professionally and could easily be recognized from other health care personell.
The colour white was the answer and not scrubs.

I am apt to agree with the author that a good part of the reason we are not taken seriously, by most people, is a fault of our own doing.

What are your thoughts?

Anyone out there got nerve, and professionalism, enough to speak their mind?

The ultimate cost in patient care

2006-04-13T09:39:00.000-06:00

Several days ago I was listening to a doctor on the Womens Health Unit recounting stories she was told by another doctor in her practice. It struck me then how horribly the nursing shortage, and perhaps the physician shortage as well, has impacted patient care.
The doctor in question was from South Africa where he worked in womens health. Following the delivery of her baby, a woman is expected to get out of the bed and change her own sheets. She must also clean up the area including disposal of her own placenta in an appropriate container, located apparently "down the hall". She then goes to the postpartum area and as soon as her new born learns to latch to her breast she is sent home.
Now I will admit that I am uneducated as to normal patient care in Africa, but I am well aware that their nursing shortage is far more severe than that of North America.

At present I just have no comment to this fact but find my mouth still hangs open in disbelief and disgust.

Falsification of records cost nurses their career

2006-03-07T16:50:00.000-06:00

I was reading some nursing message boards today and was horrified, though not surprised, to hear of some nurses who had recently been arrested for fraud.
Organizations have been known to actually ask nurses NOT to chartmissed medication, nurses have charted things that were not done and governments don't seem to give a cr...!! either way.

Professional bodies will say that nurses are responsible for their own professional conduct but will not step in to help health care organizations find better ways to deal with patient load (and care) and staffing shortages.

The public ultimately blames nurses for improper care of loved ones.

Doctors do not always practice safely, or can be overly demanding, and often place undue stress on nurses.

Ultimately though...

... if things go wrong...

...nurses are held as the responsible scape goats.

Some nurses will leave their place of employment to find a more caring and sincere organization; some will leave the profession entirely.

For myself, knowing the TRUTH about health care scares me, but also drives me to remain to do what I can to drive change.

If I can't maintain a management position that allows me to work toward this endevour, I will continue to drive change outside the more tradtional stream.

Being a freelance writer I am able to speak out on my own terms and make media and government aware of their role to make health care safer.

Nursing IS the BACKBONE of every part of health care and it is WE who must speak up. Only WE can make the change happen.

News headlines damaging to nursing profession

2006-01-28T10:24:00.000-06:00

What do you suppose the general public thinks when they read headlines like,
"evil nurse" in reference to someone convicted of killing another human being?

I saw this headline this morning as a former nurse (they make no mention of whether this person was a nurse during the times of the crimes) was convicted of murdering several people, including a prostitute and his own father.

And frequently enough we read of nurses who assisted in suicides or killed patients in their care.

Nurses are no more "evil" than any other human being on the face of this earth, but the use of the title of the persons profession could, perhaps does, affect peoples' perceptions of the profession as a whole.

Influenza pandemic...coming

2006-01-11T20:42:00.000-06:00

I watched the program 5th Estate this evening, on CBC television . They televised a reality show focusing on what would happen in North America (and world wide) should an Influenza pandemic occur.
Too real? Too true, and I hope many people took it to heart.
We take too much for granted; our ability to go to the store , any day, any time, and be able to get most anything we need or desire.
We take garbage pick up for granted; electricity and water supply.
We take for granted our "right" to seek and get medical care anytime, night or day.
And we are not prepared to deal with what WILL happen during an Influenza pandemic.
I personally am pleased, and feel somewhat comforted that country governments take the threat seriously and have prepared pandemic plans.
What scares me though are cities and towns who are not all taking this seriously enough; and it may be already too late.
Attitudes like,
"we're isolated, it won't affect us here", or
"My schedule is pretty full right now. Maybe we can meet again in a couple of months to talk about more planning".

Nurse will be at the front lines when a pandemic occurs.
Perhaps we should take on some responsibility, as did CBC, to open the eyes of our own local governments, help them realize the very real threat that is not too far off.
Tomorrow is too late to start planning.
It must happen now.

Canada votes. On health care?

2005-12-17T19:57:00.000-06:00

What a time for an election, Christmas season. Ah well, I suppose if the government is given a lack of confidence vote we most.

I must admit, I have not had the opportunity to follow the candidates as closely as I might like. But I am interested of course in what they have to say about health care.

So far I've heard mention of fulfilling wait list tracking promises, ensuring provisions that all Canadians will get equal opportunity to quality care, whether they can afford to purchase privately or not; but has anyone mentioned (or asked) about health care human resource shortages?

The Alberta government has given more money toward opening more beds in several facilities but little mention of how they intend to care for the patients in those beds.

I emailed them (right from the web site) asking questions on this point and mentioning how some of that monies might have been better spent on more seats in nursing schools, and better pay for instructors.

Surprise, but I never heard back. I think two months is really sufficient time to respond to an email. Don't you?

Nurses, and other health care workers have a rather large voice in Canada (numbers wise). But no one will hear if we don't speak up.

Start asking serious questions.

Settle for nothing less than complete and honest answers.

staffing shortage survey results

2005-11-27T10:31:00.000-06:00

I've said it before and I must repeat myself...it sure is hard getting nurses to write. I left the survey up on my web site for 9 month and managed to get only 15 responses. So of course this makes the results (in a researches mind) somewhat limited.

So are nurses too shy to fill in surveys? Too busy? Not intersted?

Or perhaps the nursing shortage is not as severe as we are lead to believe and very few nursing care mistakes occur?

Perhaps for now you should decide for yourselves. In the mean time here are the results.

>Age of nurse respondance: 53.3% had ove 10 years experience; 33.3% had 6 - 10 years experience; 13.3% had 1 -5 years in

>Current education level: Doctoral 0%; Masters 13.3%; Baccalaureate (BN, BSN) 13.3%; Degree/Associate (RN) 73.3%

>Increasing education level in the future? 66.7% said yes; 20% were unsure

>Just over half, 53.3%, said they wouldNOT be intersted in teaching positions in nursing schools

>What should the education level of nursing instructors be? Only 13.3% felt a Doctorate was necessary, compared to 60% who felt a Baccelaureate degree was enough

>60% admitted to making a patient care error

>77.8% were medication errors, 22.2% treatment

>90.9% felt a nursing staff shortage played a role in the error

>But only 53.8 % felt the facility where they presently worked was dealing with a nursing shortage

>85.7% worked overtime shifts, 23.1% because of necessity, and 69.2% worked extra as a combination of necessity and choice

>The final question was addressing whether the nurses were planning on leaving the nursing profession within the next 5 years.
66.7% said no, 13.3% said yes, and unfortunately 20% were still undecided

Invisibility in times of crisis

2005-10-13T19:00:00.000-06:00

It is disheartening to hear of the thousands of lives lost in Pakistan from the recent large earth quake. And now there are huge numbers of people homeless; and winter is coming fast.

I visit the World Health web site regularly and yesterday there was a desperate call for help.
Food, water, blankets, shelter, and most of all health care workers.

They are desperate for many more doctors and public health specialist but no where did I read the words "nurse". Doctors may flock to the site to lend their assistance but they will be almost helpless without the support of nurses.

Are we invisible, still, that people don't think of nurses in the first breath of a call for help? I am sure we are in their thoughts, yet never seem to be immediately on the lips.

If you can, if you are in a position to help, even for a short time, why not contact the World Health Organization and find out how you, as a nurse, can help.

www.who.int

RSS site updates

2005-10-12T18:53:00.000-06:00

Nursesentry.com now supports an RSS feed.

So if you would rather not give out your email address, to this site or any other site, you can still keep in touch with changes to web pages by signing up for RSS.

RSS means "really simple sindication". An easy way to get updated news, current additions to your favorite web sites, and more, delivered direct to your desk top.

Pandemic scare

2005-10-12T18:39:00.000-06:00

Working presently as a Public Health Nurse I have been keeping up with the world wide talk that has been going on about the next Influenza pandemic.

Many feel, looking at what history has done and what the Avian Flu is now doing, that a new Influenza pandemic is not far off.

The recent scare of an unknown respiratory illness that took the lives of atleast 16 people from a Toronto nursing home made my heart jump. We now know it was legionaires disease,but what if it had not been?

Too many cities and townships are still only in the planning stages for handling a pandemic. If this had been influenza, infection could have spread quickly and deaths and illnesses could have been far worse than they could be.

What does this have to do with nurse, besides directly involving us in client care of one sort or another?

As nurses, we are capable of initiating change and advocating for health care consumers. We must get pushy, speak out, and encourage governments and employers to take action faster. Plan now!

Never leave a meeting with merely the promise to meet again. Insist on a date to return and continue planning.

Later may prove to be much too late.

Heroes of New Orleans

2005-09-02T22:10:00.000-06:00

Pray and give praise to the nurses and health care staff of the hospitals in flood and fear ravaged New Orleans.
I just read that in one large city hospital the staff are feeding each other intravenous fluids just to keep going. Pray that the governments not forget they too are victims and refugees. Too often we are forgotten; our services merely expected of the profession.
My heart and prayers go out to you. You are the strength, the brick and mortar which is keeping many alive, in mind and body.

Heroes each and every one.

God bless you.

What are they going to do...fire me?

2005-08-30T19:51:00.000-06:00

I wonder how many others have heard these words recently from coworkers.

How many people have accidently overheard a nurse say these words?

Have we become so disillusioned with our profession that we have adopted such an attitude? Or have we become so arrogant to think we can break small rules (being late for work, not following employer no smoking rules) then snub our noses at managers and supervisors?

I know not all nurses act or feel this way, but it saddens and angers me to hear about coworkers who do. How can we expect other health care professionals, much less health care consumers, to respect us when they hear such things. What kind of example do we set as we care for clients? Are our attitudes showing through in our daily work without us realizing it?

Ask your coworkers. Have they overheard you say something disrespectful to others or about your profession? What do your actions say?

Something to think about.

Ready...Set...Ready...Set

2005-07-23T10:00:00.000-06:00

I have been spending a great deal of time lately reading the enoromous amounts of research done on the nursing shortage and the resulting recommendations. Problem is, I have found little proof of anyone actually acting on these recommendations.
The problem is only getting worse. Organizations continue to concentrate on spending thousands of dollars on recruitment and retention yet they are still falling short of the numbers of required staff. Schools continue to turn away qualified individuals interested in becoming nurses.
The realities here are many of these "would be" student nurses will not return. If the waiting list is 1 to 2 years these individuals will have chosen another career venue. It is seriously time to "fire" on some of those recommendations...and fast.

Customer service is lacking

2005-05-29T19:59:00.000-06:00

Like many businesses today, health care institutions often lack in quality customer service. Now I know a lot of nurses will feel upset with health care being referred to as a business, but if they would open their eyes, and pick up the dictionary, it would become obvious that indeed it is a business.

Health care agencies, hospitals, etc provide a service that others need and are willing to pay for. That is a basic definition of business, and we do pay for it, either through taxes or privately.

But on to the point of lack of customer service. A health care agencies' customers are not only those seeking care but also those who work for the company. Otherwise known as employees. Though most businesses try sincerely to offer great customer service to the consumer (apart from what a shortage of professionals can not cover) health care businesses often lack in caring for the employees on a similar footing. So a shortage of nurses leaves businesses scrambling with a new notion of,

"gee, maybe we need to offer nurses special incentives and bonuses".

Those that are smart enough to realize we like to be treated with respect too, will find it easier (and ARE finding it so) to fill in the staffing gaps. To the general public it looks as though nurses are greedy and I guess I can understand why. Yet perhaps if we tried harder to help these people recognize what nursing really entails they might then also agree we deserve certain "perks".

The problem I see is that nurses are terrible at speaking, or speaking out, for the general population to hear (of course, California nurses are progressing nicely in letting their opinions and circumstances be known lately). Too much of what I am reading is simply geared toward, and read by, only other professionals.

My opinion is simple, speak and be sure you are heard or you will simply cease to be of any importance to the world, or atleast continue to go unrecognized in their minds.

The lure of career fairs

2005-05-01T14:43:00.000-06:00

I couldn't resist but to attend a recent career fair in Toronto this weekend. It was a whirlwind 3 day affair for reps from hospitals across the USA and Canada. Actually, now that I think about it, there were very few from hospitals in Canada; mainly Ontario, BC and Calgary. Of course there were prizes and free give-aways and it was a little embarassing to watch participants crowd the tables trying to get their share. I did walk away with a door prize (a pen) and I did pick up a water bottle, but my main focus was obtaining information from the exhibitors, not checking out the "goodies" available. Maybe that's my age showing.
Before the fair opened they held a half hour information/question-answer session in an adjoining meeting room. What came across clearly was that many health facilities were expanding and needed more nurses to staff the facilities. my question again would be,
"and where do you expect to find these nurses?"
I remember only 1 educational institution in attendance in Toronto. I must say I did not pay real close attention as I was focusing on California hospitals that were willing to take an old nurse like me (I'm 45 with 20 years almost full time experience) and update. I have been running into situations of "you're not qualified", and very few (actually only 1) interview opportunities. Monies are getting tight. Supposedly several hospitals are very interested in me, siting I am indeed NOT out of date. We'll see what the next couple of weeks in followup calls and emails bring.
Oh, back to my main point...one of the hospital reps from California was saying she needed to hire 80 to 100 nurses each month for the next several months (I think 8) in order to properly fill their vacancies. Now, there were some new grad RN's and soon to graduate students at the fair the day I attended. But there were also many other professionals, LVN's, CNA, Medical Laboratory Technologists, looking for work opportunities. I wonder if she will actually find the numbers she is seeking? How many months will be needed "on the road" attending career fairs?

Another death in the ER waiting room

2005-04-28T17:13:00.000-06:00

On the local news tonight it was reported that a 2 year child died in the ER waiting room of a large city local area hospital. The parents apparently reporting having been waiting one hour to see a doctor, the hospital disputing this. My question is...
...was it related to a nursing shortage?
Could the death have been prevented?
Was the triage nurse properly trained?
What kind of stress level are the nurses now feeling? And does anyone care?
Certainly not the parents. Why should they. They are mourning the loss of a child.

If you build it will they come?

2005-04-28T06:16:00.000-06:00

As I am trying to renew my registration with the Alberta Registered Nurses Association, (and still waiting for California to send my varification through) I discovered that there is a new hospital being built in the province. I believe it will be a cardiac care facility. Of course when this came up in conversation I asked what had to be asked,
"and where do they plan on getting the nurses from, to staff this new facility".
The rep I was talking to couldn't really answer the question, or maybe I didn't give her the opportunity. I answered myself. Perhaps a new modern facility will help Alberta attract more nurses.
We all know they are certainly not just going to magically appear out of the sky. Some facility (s) somewhere is going to lose their nurses in order to staff this hospital. Why does it always seem to me that governments and governing boards keep spending the money in the wrong order. I don't want to say on the wrong thing, because I am quite certain, having been in Alberta myself, that some of their hospitals are in great need of updating. But how can you build and expect to staff it with nurses (someone needs to carry out the orders written) when they do not presently exist. The "hire ups" are doing things in backwards order....again.

The International Nursing Shortage

2005-04-25T08:20:00.000-06:00

I have nurses and allied health professionals from all over the globe visiting my web site. Many fill in the forms I have placed there, seeking assistance with finding permanent and travel jobs. I am often challenged by those who are writing from developing countries. One such request came recently from a nurse in the Asia/Pacific area. Instead of looking for placement in North America, this nurse was wanting to move to another island. So in my research to locate agencies who recruit through these areas I happened across a radio broadcast from October 2004, on Asia Pacific radio station.
The headline read,
"Nurses abandon developing countries for more lucrative pastures The efforts of developing countries to build up their health systems is under serious threat from a shortage of professionals, especially nurses. Nurses from the Philippines, the Pacific and elsewhere are
leaving their homes and hospitals in increasing numbers for the greener pastures of the UK, the US, New Zealand and richer Asian nations".
This was from the 2004 Asia Pacific Nursing Congress, and the speakers were Professor James Buchan from Queen Margaret University College in Edinburgh (recently involved in the
first global survey of the nursing workforce for the International Council of Nurses), Kuini Lutua (General Secretary of the Fiji Nursing Association), Pelenatete Stowers from Samoa (the Government Chief Nurse).
They were discussing their problems with the nursing shortage. Yes, it is a global problem. Many nurses from Asia and Africa, from the smaller islands as well, are leaving for "greener pastures".
They are actively recruited from developed countries who have more money to offer, plus better working conditions. I was somewhat surprised to learn nursing schools in developing countries are also faced with turning away elligible candidates.
Australia will be short 40,000 nurses by 2010. Africa's growing problem with Aids and HIV infected persons in putting huge strains on the limited nursing population, and the small islands also lose nurses to better paying jobs in developed countries.
When the radio interviewer asked what were the solutions none of the participants could offer an answer. There is work being done on an international agreement dealing with nurses (and I believe nurse recruitment) but as far as I could determine there was nothing set in stone yet.

Can hospital policy strangle your future?

2005-04-19T18:48:00.000-06:00

When I was nursing in the USA (2002-2004) I discovered some hospitals have come out with policies that will not allow them to give out references to other employers. I'm not certain the reason for this but I am well aware of the consequences such policies can have on a nurses future employability. Human resource departments will only say that
"yes, this person was employed here as a nurses between such and such dates",
but they will not make any mention of whether you demonstrated safe and competent patient care. Now, if you were an employer, would you not be a little reluctant to hire someone about whom you had no indication of their competency as a nurse?
I am back in Canada at present, trying to re-register in a province where I have worked before. In order for the registering body to give me my certificate one of the things they would like is a simple reference from a recent past employer. Unfortunately that employers' policy is to "not" give out any professional information. So the registering body says to me,
"we have a glitch, the employer will not answer the questions we need answered".
So now what?
My point here is this. If employers practice these policies, which seem to make little sense at this point, could they cause a good, safe practicing, has never had their professional license suspended nurse, lose the ability to practice nursing any more?
Forced (due to circumstances) retirement? Driven from the profession for no reason? How many is this happening to?
Are we (the nursing profession) furthering the nursing shortage through ignorance of what our policies might be doing to individuals?
Think about it.

Nurses unite...and write

2005-04-18T08:26:00.000-06:00

I was in the library yesterday doing some research for my book. At this point I need to know what type of competition I am up againsy for nursing non-fiction books. Well, little it seems. There are a number of medical mystery books about, some new ones like "Pandemic" by Dr. Daniel Kalla. What few books there are written by nurses, or about nursing, are mostly non-fiction "how to" or fiction classified under romance. Now these are good, sure, but much to scarce. So much "real" information about nurses and the profession can be portrayed in non fiction mystery or contemporary genre books. So why aren't there any? Either my research is severely lacking or nurses are just not writing.
When in comes to writing many people truly believe they can't. Yet anyone, with a bit of practice, can, and without having to go back to University to take special courses (though if you can afford a couple it sure may help. If you can read, you can probably write the same type of book. My childrens writers course aften reinforced the point, "write what you love"..."read what you write". And nurse have lots of practice writng to get the point across in as short a form as possible.

So write! Please!

Writing is good for you emotionally (and perhaps financially), reading is good for the general public (ask any school teacher), reading and writing exercises the mind which can help ward off Alzheimers, and if you consider non-fiction...WE can help people stay out of hospitals and emergency rooms, especially during this time of shortage of nursing professionals.

Governments close gates to willing nurses

2005-04-04T17:36:00.000-06:00

There are nurses from other countries willing to come to the USA but the US government has put a 3 year hold on Phillipine (and I believe other foreign trained) nurses filling positions. I know of atleast one hospital (and surely there are probably others) who tentatively hired a number of nurses recently, expecting them within a year to fill needed positions. What now? The government surely doesn't expect other nurses will magically appear to fill the vacancies when they could not be filled locally (or nationally) before?
Again, it looks as though governments and schools are causing a worse shortage of nursing professionals than there needs to be.

The "COST" of nursing

2005-04-03T12:18:00.000-06:00

I would agree that Registering bodies for nurses is important to protect the public, keeping nurses professional and accountable. But sometimes the cost of a nurses' licensure can drive them from accepting an employment offer.
Today it seems most Associations charge $250.00 and up (USA & Canada) per year, and if you want to work in more than one state/province, or accept a job in another jurisdiction, the cost can be enormous. In my case recently, trying to re-register in a province I have worked in before I needed to provide proof of registration over the last 5 years "in every jurisdiction I have held an RN registration". Plus I needed to provide proof of my "initial" registration after passing the Canadian exams. I understand the need for ensuring a nurse is legite but they already have received some of this information in the past. Everyone charges me a fee for "providing" information to another registering body, anywhere from $28.00 CAD to $60.00 USD. When you are looking for work because you're struggling each month to meet the rent just where are you supposed to find these extra dollars?
There is no real benefit to the nurse member, such as provision of liablilty insurance or free CEUs. Would it not make more sense to have national databases? Faster information for registering bodies, faster fulfillment for employers who are standing by with a job for you ( and a real need for your nursing services) , and certainly more affordable for the individual nurse to accept a job.
I wonder how many nurses have not been able to accept employment offerred because the could not afford to?
Like I said to my husband,
"I'm not sure I can afford to accept this job".

The future of hall way medicine

2005-03-25T11:52:00.000-06:00

I wonder what the ER's will be like in 2010 when the continent will be short the predicted 400,000 nurses?

Governments set forth plans and policies to ban hallway medicine, set nurse to patient ratios, give out monies to recruit more nurses yet authorities continue to predict short numbers of nurses.

Our population grows older in larger numbers, and we continue to live longer. But we are also unhealthy. Obesity and all its associated problems continues to rise to near epidemic proportions. People are increasingly going to recur services of hospitals so how is it we are not heading toward MORE problems of hallway medicine.

In one of my more recent past nursing positions I have had to deal with nurses refusing to take anymore patient assignments. The management authority side of the brain says,
"you must, we can not turn people away requiring care".
The more human nursing side of me agrees with the nurse;
"If I take on more patients how can I not endanger the lives of all my patients?"

What happens when nurses on the units refuse to take patients is, for a time anyway, they are placed on stretchers in hallways, cared for the nurses working the ERs. How bloody safe is that!

An ER nurse has his/her more immediate standards of practice to contend with. Now they have to somehow find the time, and energy (and I don't mean that in any nasty way) to care for a med/surg classified patient.

Tell me, Mr Prime Minister, Mr President, how well could you tolerate being cared for in an unsecured, total privacy lacking hallway? Why should you have priviledges above and beyond any other health care consumer?

No more studies. Utilize the excellent resources we already have. A piece of paper does not necessarily mean a better nurse.

Nurse questioning WHY they should stay in the profession

2005-03-23T07:25:00.000-06:00

I have spent some time the last couple of days reading through chat rooms. Too many nurses seem to be questioning whether, even after 20 years, to stay in the profession.

They are stating reasons like the way nurses treat each other (you know many are too rough on students and new grads), heavy patient loads, long hours, lack of support or appreciation from superiors.

So in the forums and chat rooms they look for support. They try to look back at how nursing has shaped who they are now, the good things that have come from caring for people. But I have read nothing about looking forward to the future.

Scares the crap out of me. I may need hospitalization some day, yet there might not be enough nurses left to care for me. I think I'd rather dye at home, or atleast instantly from an accident.
A hell of a thing for a nurse to say but it is NOT going to get better. Why? Because the powers that be are not reading through these chat rooms, and if they are, then it is obviously with closed ears and minds.

Shortage of our own creation?

2005-03-21T08:41:00.000-06:00

I have read on many news and provincial registering body sites that it is estimated we will be short about 400,000 nurses by the year 2010. And schools repeatedly turn away qualified applicants for nursing programs. In addition, there is a shortage of "qualified" instructors (the reason for turning away students). They require apparently Masters prepared (and preferrably Doctorate) nurses.
Too many meetings, too many committees, too many fancy papered reports on the problem and no one has given, not that I have seen, a concrete suggestion for a solution.
I believe they need to stop wasting time and money, and "qualified" resources. There are very well qualified, educated and experienced nurses who may hold only a Baccalaureatte degree whom they are ignoring.What happens when we hit 2010? What happens when we hit a number greater than 400,000 and the population in need of nursing care far exceeds what it is now?

My fear is too many will be dying waiting for care, excessive hallway medicine and even more nurses leaving the profession due to long hours, burnout and the fear of "accidently" killing someone.

The nurses "instinct"

2005-03-06T15:09:00.000-06:00

Not too long ago a couple of local area (my home town) nurses saved the lives of 5 people. Not so unusally you may say? Well, using their keen instincts and knowledge about poisonous substances (in this acse carbon monoxide), they noted that the patient they were caring for in hospital (acutely ill in the ER) lived with 5 other people. With little hesitation they had emergency vehicles dispatched to the patients home immediately. There were indeed 5 people in the home who were in need of immediate assistance. Thanks to their instincts, and not fearing to act on them, they were heros (atleast in my eyes).
But how many other peole recognize them as such? Not enough!

speciality as necessity

2005-03-06T15:01:00.000-06:00

After 19 plus years of nursing, seems I have worked myself into neer unemployability.
Nursing has become very specialized, requiring certificates for every area of practice.
I would recommend to all nurses to not stay too generalized. Just keeping updated on CPR and ACLS proves to be of little value to most employers now adays.
I have been trained (as an outpost/community health nurse) to do extensive history/physical exams, deliver babes, suture minor wounds, immunize adults and children, even diagnose and prescribe for simple illnesses. I have had management and supervisory positions where I trained, taught, hired, worked on policy and procedures. Yet after 19 years people are telling me I am under-qualified. I am even not qualified for working PostPartum.
It sort of feels like a nasty kick in the teeth. Afterall, havn't I been working on a BN? Yes, but I have yet to have that paper in hand...;.it makes a huge difference.

Nurse / patient ratios

2005-01-30T13:37:00.000-06:00

I was thinking again today about the nurse to patient ratios the California government is bringing in. They are at 6 now (other States have followed suit; not sure which state started this) and were hoping to move to 5:1 this month. That has apparently been put on hold, and nurses are angry. I understand the desire to have limited patient numbers. Lord knows med/surg patient care is heavier today then when I first started nursing. My question is, aside from turning away patients how are people that need hospitalization going to be cared for? There is a shortage of nurses world wide, so what do governments, and nurses, expect to happen? People will not stop getting sick. We are living longer yes, but with more and prolonged illness.
The USA, and probably Canada, has waiting lists at nursing schools. The shortage of qualified instructors seems to be a big problem. Perhaps the real problem, schools and governments want Masters prepared (and up) instructors. Sorry, but there are just not enough to go around. So are we unnecessarily causing a shortage of professionals. There are some wonderfully talented and seasoned nurses out there, with only a Diploma or BN degree, who would make wonderful teachers.
I have a strong distaste for those who see more value in a piece of paper than the person standing before them. Experience counts for not? Sometimes (I have seen) all you get is the paper...useless.

Government cuts...again

2005-01-27T18:12:00.000-06:00

So the Ontario government is cutting nursing jobs again. Hospitals are in an awful budget crunch, as is the provincial government. In an effort (supposedly) to better meet the needs of health care consumers, they want to focus more on Public Health and prevention. I think they have done this before though; cut in one program before the other is in place. The Health Minister says no worry though, as laid off nurses will soon find other positions opening in the new focus. Don't suppose he stopped to think that many of these hospital nurses will not be qualified to fill new public health positions? No, don't suppose.

Intro to nightinglae lost

2005-01-26T20:12:00.000-06:00

I created this blog to keep thoughts, comments and feedback from others as I reflect on my own nursing profession and the status of nurses world wide.

I am a freelance writer and hope to publish real life stories of REAL nursing. Too often it's not pretty, and it the profession is little appreciated by many.

Since Florence Nightingales time, there are days I feel nursing has made little more progress than mere handmaids of physicians. Even nurses, though registering bodies "talk the talk" sort to speak, think little of their own knowledge and abilities. We could be, we are , so much more than most realize or want to talk about.

This blog is a chance to share, freely and openly, thoughts, feeling, encounters with the nursing profession. Please be aware, I will probably use posts to this blog in my book. But also realize anonimity will be respected as much as possible. I for one am not afraid to speak, for the good or bad , about the truths of the profession, as I see and have experienced them.

It is a good profession, an honest one, and a hellishly difficult one. Nurses can be abused, ignored, misused, revered, abandoned and loved. I still recommend it as a career for men or women, but suggest any person entering do so with a strong will and an open mind.