Zen and the Heart of Medical Maintenance

Guest Blog by James Beckerman, MD Between college and medical school, I spent a year living in Spain. It was one of those “discovery” years you now only dream of, a delicate balance of academics and culture, with an appropriate complement of red wine.  It was Spain, you know. In the midst of it all, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands, and spent much of it reading – reading about…

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Prescription Drug Abuse – Major Problem in the U.S.

Doctors – First, to do no harm A Guest Blog by Kevin Soden, MD The latest news reports alleging that multiple prescription drugs have been found in Michael Jackson’s house – some unmarked, others with pseudonyms often used by Jackson and one particular medicine- should send a wakeup call to many in the medical profession, especially those doctors working with or friends with the rich and famous. It reminds me of the so-called medical professionals…

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Fireworks Bring Beauty But Can Be Dangerous

Simple Safety Tips for July 4th Fireworks By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA If you gather to watch fireworks this July 4th chances are you’ll hear many ooh’s and aah’s among the crowd as they watch the spectacular bursts of colors glowing in the sky. Leave it to the pros While fireworks are part of celebrating Independence Day, shooting off fireworks should be left to the professionals, even if they are legal in your neck…

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Nurses on TV: HawthoRNe is Strong Stuff

On the new TNT series HawthoRNe, a nurse is portrayed in a positive light. By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA I’m delighted to see that the new TV series HawthoRNe avoids most of the media stereotypes of nursing, portraying a nurse character that is strong, determined, smart and assertive. Jada Pinkett Smith, shines as she realistically depicts a nurse. While Pinkett Smith’s role as a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is bit exaggerated, that can be…

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TV Nursing Dramas: ‘Nurse Jackie’ Needs Healing, ‘Hawthorne’ Offers Hope

Nurse Jackie vs. Hawthorne Two TV nursing dramas debut next month.  Only one seems to have potential to represent the real lives of nurses. By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA Does the old adage, “You can’t judge a book by its cover” hold true for TV series?  “You can’t judge a drama series by its trailer?” Well, I took a look at the trailers for two new TV nursing-related dramas that debut next month, and…

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