Always a lesson in every situation...

I haven't blogged in some time. I would like to think it's due to the fact that I am so busy with juggling several jobs, raising a teenage daughter, planning a wedding (and getting married!), assisting my new in-laws with their move and other, numerous time-sucking things I have been doing this summer. But perhaps it is laziness in part; not taking time to put my thoughts down on issues that matter to me. Well, today that changed - well at least in part. These are not my words, but those of a friend and fellow blogger. I had to share simply because I was struck by the emotion of the words (the story was not new to me) and the renewal of the call many of us have answered in following a career in healthcare.

I invite you his blog and read about Pip, the flying squirrel.

Because of Pip: Taking Action

The NTI countdown begins

So we are just days away from undoubtedly the largest gathering of nurses - the AACN's NTI conference in Boston, MA.

I have to admit, I have been slow to get excited for this conference; especially since the bombing occurred. Glued to the TV for days as the events of the attack unfolded, I was shocked and horrified and angry that yet again a senseless tragedy occurred on American soil. Relief poured over me when details emerged and the suspects were caught.

As many of my nursing colleagues have thought about I'm sure, I have prayed for not just the victims but the numerous nurses, paramedics, physicians, and other healthcare providers impacted by this act of terrorism. No doubt we will hear more this week from these frontline providers that worked tireless to save lives.

This is my first time presenting at NTI. Part of me is terrified. But I am starting to feel a tiny bit of excitement build deep within me...I am after all presenting on something I feel very patient about.

Over the past week or so I have given much thought about this trip to Boston...specifically NTI. I was reminded by someone very dear to me that it is a time to recharge my nursing batteries with many strong and powerful nurses. He's right. Nurses are strong and overcome crises and struggles everyday to care for patients and ensure the best possible outcomes. We are passionate and forward moving.

It turns out that Boston is a great place for NTI this year. Nurses and other providers always rise to the occasion and remain strong and resolute. So has Boston.

Yeah, I think I'm ready.

Boston Strong                                 Nurses Strong

History taking getting too personal?

Whether or not you support the constitutional right to bear arms and what you believe the right to free speech covers, there is a definitely a controversy brewing in Florida over the "Gag Law."  A recent ruling states that Florida "cannot enforce a law that prohibits physicians from asking patients whether they own a gun because it infringes on their First Amendment right to free speech." The National Rifle 

Association (NRA) helped lobby for the law believing the second amendment was at risk and stating that the information obtained by healthcare providers would go into individuals' permanent health records. Physician groups argue they are trying to protect children and that assessing whether there is a gun in the home is necessary to provide education on gun safety, similar to bike and car safety. Other groups disagree. But what about adult patients? 

The question then becomes what information is necessary for healthcare providers? How is some of this and other social information used in relation to patients' overall health care? Some argue that some information should not be kept in their permanent medical record and do not understand the relevance. 

Would it be appropriate to assess a person with profound depression risk for suicide? Part of that assessment would include assessing for a plan, access to methods and ability to carry it out.  How about a patient that has substance abuse issues - is it appropriate to ask about the use of drugs and alcohol? Sexual orientation, partners? You get the point...

As an ACNP I understand the concept of history taking but I also understand the need for being respectful of sensitive information. Of course many patient's do not share everything with healthcare providers out of fear, or stereotyping or some sort of recourse. Will this situation in Florida have the effect they are looking for - preventing unintentional firearm accidents? I'm not sure. But I do know that constitutional rights are polarizing topics and it seems that most sit on one side or the other. Regardless of your personal beliefs on firearms or free speech, when it comes to caring for patients, the patient must remain central in order to be a true advocate.

Florida 'Gag Law' on Physician Gun Queries Blocked for Good

Roundup: Doctors entitled to free speech, too

Live from Las Vegas... EMS World Expo!

This is the first time I have ever attended a large scale EMS conference (I understand that EMS World Expo is the largest in North America) and it has been incredibly fascinating networking and meeting people from not only the United States but Europe and Canada. As an advanced practice nurse in Emergency & Critical Care I have a different perspective than that of my pre-hospital counterparts, but what I have truly come to appreciate this week is the need for continued focus for the collaborative and integrative approach to care between pre-hospital and hospital personnel and organizations. And not just with direct patient care management, but with quality improvement, patient outcomes and community outreach initiatives.

We as healthcare professionals tend to stay close to our own kind but it is important to branch out and seek knowledge and learning opportunities from other disciplines as we are all working to the same end and have an important role to play. Getting a different perspective on issues or perhaps solutions can improve system processes and ultimately improve patient outcomes. I met some interesting people that share the same challenges and obstacles in their systems of care thousands of miles away and even on different continents; a great reminder that we are all doing the same work and trying to improve care delivery and patient survival. I am a huge proponent of working smarter not necessarily harder; we have a lot to learn to from each other if we just listen.

Check out some helpful links:

EMS World EXPO
EMS 12-Lead Blog