by Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA It was at the American Medical Association’s Medical Communications Conference when the words of Julie Gerberding, M.D., Director for the CDC validated what is imminent in the minds of some nurses, or at least mine; that it is both health care professionals at the bedside, doctors and nurses that make excellent medical communicators. Nurses are generally regarded as being kind, compassionate and angelic. What is not generally recognized are…
Read More...Michigan Governor takes Decisive Steps to Address the Nursing Shortage
Michigan Governor takes Decisive Steps to Address the Nursing Shortage By Patricia Thomas, PhD, RN In her State of the State address, Governor Jennifer Granholm took bold and proactive steps to address a sluggish economy and the health concerns that face the state of Michigan. Central to these efforts were measure to address the nursing shortage. In an interview, Granholm said, “Training workers to fill the good-paying jobs available right now in health care facilities…
Read More...Holistic Nursing: Its Time Has Come
By Susan Luck, RN, BS, MA, HNC, CCN Over the past few years, the Integrative Health movement has grown in popularity in Medical Centers and teaching hospitals throughout the country. Research now shows that tools and techniques such as relaxation, imagery, massage, biofeedback, and mindfulness meditation can lower blood pressure, improve glucose metabolism, and promote a sense of well being. Holistic practices are being driven by consumers demanding options to our current medical model. Many…
Read More...Nurse Practitioners and Their Role in Healthcare
by Ruth M. Kleinpell Ph.D, RN, FAAN If you have received healthcare lately, you may have encountered a nurse practitioner, but you may not be familiar with what they do. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced education and training, which enables him or her to diagnose and manage many common illnesses, either independently or as part of a health care team. Nurse practitioners have a master’s degree in nursing, and many obtain…
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