The concept of Full Practice Authority (FPA) for advanced practice registered nurses has become a topic of frequent discussion in recent years as hospitals and primary care providers look for new ways to deal with rising costs, recruitment and retention challenges, and increasing administrative demands.
For patients, a blood draw can be more than just a routine medical procedure. The fear associated with anticipated pain can overshadow the medical necessity, leaving patients feeling anxious and dreading future appointments. This can lead to needle phobia and even avoidance of essential care in the future.
During the beginning of the COVID pandemic, when hospitals were overwhelmed and personal protective equipment was in short supply, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) significantly increased after declining for years. Now, as more people succumb to “pandemic fatigue,” many have seemingly become less cautious about getting sick and are abandoning preventative behaviors, such as wearing masks and social distancing. Hospitals are beginning to fill up again as the flu, COVID, RSV, and other infectious diseases spread. Now is a good time for hospitals and private practices to review infection prevention strategies and be prepared for whatever the future may bring. Here are five strategies to get you started:
We often hear nurses described as dedicated, empathetic, trustworthy, and even heroic — especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But while there are plenty of adjectives we can attribute to these life-saving professionals, the job often seems too complex and dynamic to capture in one, easy-to-read definition.
For nearly two decades, nurses have ranked No. 1 in Gallup’s annual poll of the most honest and ethical professions, surpassing doctors, grade-school teachers, and even clergy. And, as the pandemic continues on, public perception of nurses has only improved.
