Ease the Way - Gebauer Patient Comfort Blog (21)

Hospital Hazards: Top 3 Health Risks for Staff Nurses

By: Bethany Nock | On: January 25, 2017

To be a nurse is to be a selfless caregiver. From the moment a nurse walks into a hospital or clinic, their main priority is protecting the health and safety of their patients.

While ensuring the health and safety of patients is essential, nurses can’t ignore the importance of their own health and safety. Nurses not only experience the challenges of professionals who are on their feet all day (such as muscle strain and fatigue) but they also face a unique set of risks not usually found outside a hospital or clinic.

To reduce health risks, injury and illness, pay attention to these four safety issues that affect staff nurses.

Fascinating Facts about the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

By: Bethany Nock | On: January 17, 2017

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has had a big impact on the healthcare landscape. The legislation has led the shift from volume-based care to value-based care and makes health and wellness services available to millions of Americans who were previously unable to secure insurance coverage.

Healthcare professionals are familiar with a great deal about the ACA, but certain provisions of the law are not as well-known. For instance, did you know that Medicare reimbursement for services provided by certified nurse midwives (CNM) has increased to 100 percent of the Physician Fee Schedule? This means CNMs now receive the same reimbursement as physicians for services covered by Medicare.

Read on to learn even more fascinating facts about the ACA.

Surviving a Nursing Double Shift: 5 Helpful Tips

By: Bethany Nock | On: January 11, 2017

Even the thought of a double shift at the hospital can be exhausting. And if it’s an unplanned double, it’s especially taxing since you haven’t had a chance to properly prepare.

While a double is definitely challenging, there are a few ways you can make them a little easier. Here are five ways nurses can get through double shifts.

The Benefits of Medical Play for Patients and Providers

By: Bethany Nock | On: January 5, 2017

Whether a child is taking a math test or playing in a championship or receiving treatment in a hospital, he or she is bound to be anxious.

Just as a teacher has study guides to help the student get ready for the test or a coach runs drills to help the athlete be confident for the game, healthcare providers (and parents) can help pediatric patients prepare for a hospital stay using medical play.

Medical play is a therapeutic approach that uses real and pretend medical equipment, stuffed animals and dolls to assist pediatric patients in understanding not only the hospital itself but also what is happening with their own bodies. It is focused on activities that both enable a child to respond effectively to difficult medical situations and also support the child’s normal development.

In this post, we’ll discuss the best ways to leverage medical play and the benefits it can provide to pediatric patients, their parents and healthcare professionals.

Managing Healthcare Reform: 4 Areas of Focus

By: Bethany Nock | On: January 3, 2017

Nurses have always played an integral role in providing quality care. New legislation from the last five to six years has provided even more opportunities for nurses to have an important part of enacting change.

There’s never been a better time for nurses to take an active role in healthcare management and innovation because of the Affordable Care Act. As a nurse leader, you are uniquely positioned to shape healthcare reform efforts in your hospital.

Keep these four focus areas in mind as you manage healthcare reform at your organization.