3-2-1 Time-Out

Today's space shuttle launch of Atlantis is a great opportunity to discuss the Universal Protocol or "Time-Out" process. The launch nicely demonstrated the importance of the time-out process and why it works. Using checklists have long been used in the aviation industry and for good reason, yet healthcare entities, namely surgical and procedural areas remain reluctant to embrace the practice.

With 31 seconds on the countdown clock of the final Space Shuttle Mission due to a failure of the camera,  the clock briefly stopped. The failure prompted the NASA team to ensure the swing-arm had cleared the external hydrogen tank in preparation for take off. Each Mission Control member was heard verbally confirming the arm was clear. After it was determined that it was in fact clear, they all had to verbally agree to proceed followed by a mini-countdown to resume the official countdown clock to lift-off. 

I was impressed at the order and efficiency in which the NASA officials identified the issue, determined it was acceptable and resumed the countdown, only after everyone confirmed and agreed it was safe to proceed. Bravo to them - they continue to be light years ahead of medicine!

Finding Peace

As I sit here on my final full day of vacation looking over the sparkling blue waters of Lake Huron sipping my hot coffee breathing in the crisp air, I realize that I am totally relaxed and at peace. This is a far cry from where I was just one week and a day ago. As a critical care APN and ER nurse (and ACNP student in the ER) my work life is anything but calm. Add to that my flawed over-achieving, have-to-do-it-now-or-the-world-is-going-end & it-has-to-be-pretty-close-to-perfect thinking; it is the perfect set up for disappointment and lots of stress!

Ironically, I found this very timely article today about nurses and stress that I had to share as my vacation comes to an end tomorrow and we began the scenic drive back down towards the city and then take our plane back to our hometown and begin our hectic lifestyle all over again. I hope to heed the advice given - especially the work/life balance! Enjoy (it certainly can be applied to anyone in healthcare)

The Path to Stress Prevention for Nurses: Straight Talk, Simple Tips
http://tinyurl.com/3u3alew

From Standing Tall to being Strong!

Together. Stronger. Bolder. That's the new theme unveiled at AACN's 2011 NTI conference by incoming president, Mary Stahl just a couple short weeks ago. I can safely say it was received excitedly by the 7,000+ critical care nurses in attendance, as the crowd chanted the mantra. This once again a awesome transition from previous year's themes - Act with Intention & Stand Tall. I commented on Facebook after the supersession that the themes were 'brillantly synergystic' - and they are. These themes build and compliment each other calling on nurses to reach higher, stretch further, & work harder at doing what we do everyday. I am excited to share this theme with my not only my nurse colleagues but all those that impact patient care and incorporate this year's theme into my daily work. What does Together. Stronger. Bolder. mean to you?

NTI Count Down!

In less than a month, thousands (yes thousands!) of nurses will converge upon Chicago at the annual AACN NTI conference. Besides the fact that I have never been to Chicago (so looking forward to visiting the Windy City) I am looking forward to all the brain food! Other than a couple pre-conference courses, I am still combing through the offerings in attempt to maximize my learning potential and to network with so many nurses and other professionals. I truly had no idea how 'big' NTI was until attending my first one last year in Washington D.C. You can read my story and read the ad by clicking this link: NTI Story. It is an amazing conference and a fantastic (and fun) way to reignite your passion for nursing.

Hope to see you there!

Stand Tall - enjoy what you do!

The Great Debate

Aside from patient safety and quality scores, I bet the hottest topic in nursing is the entry into practice debate. An interesting article arrived in my e-mailbox this morning about the BSN becoming the required degree for entry into nursing practice. The debate is not new - in fact it has been going on for 47 years! And if you read the many, many comments posted in response to the article, it is clear that nurses have strong and varying opinions about the topic.

The article highlights several well-known studies and publications (see below for links) that support the BSN as entry into practice as well as support better matriculation and progression between colleges and universities. What the article did not address is the issue of continuing education (CE) for renewal of licensure. According to the ANA, a little over half of US states have this requirement. It is my opinion that continued learning and education is an essential part of developing and maintaining professional practice and ensuring safe, quality care by nursing staff. Many nurses do little to enrich their clinical practice or keep current on best-practices, products & technology, medications and other relevant topics. Once nurses have completed their degree (no matter what level), how do we keep them on the path to ongoing learning?

There is no doubt that there are many issues that need to be addressed if states are going to require a minimum of a BSN for entry into nursing including requirements for current non-BSN nurses, costs, scheduling, wages, etc. Nurses need to understand the potential benefits and positive impact of a change such as this on patient care. And hopefully the push is to focus on providing the highest quality care to patients and not for recognition purposes.


Links:

Future of Nursing Report

AACN - The Impact of Nursing Education on Practice