Bloglist page

Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, announced the launch of its second annual Mosby’s Nursing Suite “Superheroes of Nursing” contest, aimed at recognizing the work and dedication of individual nursing professionals. The contest officially opened for 2012 applicants during Nurses Week (May 6-12), and calls for applicants who fit into four categories – The Validators, The Achievers, The Educators, and The Protectors, to battle the villainous Obstructo.

Clearly, Judy McHugh’s continuing quest for quality improvement, spawned by a patient incident early in her nursing career, is what drives her. Judy is the recipient of one of four Mosby's Superheroes of Nursing Awards announced at the 2011 ANCC National Magnet Conference®. She was named “The Validator” for her ability to lead the way to quality, excellence, and accreditation.

Ron Oman’s life has not always been easy. He credits his mentors for guidance in staying on the right path. There was Sister Rose, a Catholic nun, who took Ron under her wing when he was a teenager. Another mentor always encouraged him to keep going, regardless of any difficulties. 

Clearly, he took her advice to heart. Today he is a highly skilled and well-respected clinical educator at Grays Harbor Community Hospital, an acute-care facility in rural Aberdeen, Washington. 

When you get to know Amy Richardson, RN, CEN, you quickly learn that her motivation and perseverance is what has enabled her to demonstrate such an exemplary level of nursing skill. Amy is the recipient of one of four Mosby Superheroes of Nursing Awards announced at the 2011 ANCC National Magnet Conference®. Her award was as “The Achiever,” the nurse whose seemingly endless knowledge and skill allows her to deftly tackle task after task. 

When April Morris, RNC, BSN, began her nursing career 19 years ago, she found her niche and never left it. “I fell in love with neonatal nursing in nursing school, and I still love it,” she explains. She started out as a staff nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge and eventually advanced to charge nurse, a position she’s held for the past 13 years.

April certainly fits the bill of The Protector, someone who is strong in skills and steadfast in spirit. She is a highly skilled nursing professional who tries to make everyone feel safe in pursuit of outstanding care.

Every year, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) sets a week in October aside to celebrate Emergency Nurses. This year, Emergency Nurses Day® is Wednesday, October 12. The theme this year - “Emergency Nurses...Prepared for the Unexpected” - reflects the dedication of emergency nurses in the United States and around the world. To help prepare nurses for major emergencies, Mosby's Nursing Suite has developed ReadyRN: Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness, an interactive online course. 

Nurses are special people. To honor their special calling, the Kansas State Nurses Association has created a touching tribute that remembers nurses’ selfless commitment at the end of their life’s journey. The Nightingale Tribute is a two-minute ceremony that is performed by a nurse colleague during the deceased nurse’s funeral service. The tribute offers fellow nurses an opportunity to commemorate and recognize their colleague’s work while recognizing that nurse’s unique contribution and dedication to saving lives.

How do hospitals attract and retain the very best nurses? As described in the previous Connect blog post, What It Takes to Be 'Magnetic', magnet hospitals must demonstrate fourteen clearly defined characteristics, according to the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®. These characteristics foster the highest quality of care—and attract the best and brightest nurses. They also make these “magnet” hospitals among the most desirable employers.

Evidence suggests that unhealthy work environments contribute to medical errors and ineffective care as well as conflict and stress among healthcare professionals, which ultimately affect nurse recruitment and retention. In fact, many experts believe the nursing shortage will only be resolved by developing healthy work environments for nurses. 

Nurse turnover packs a significant punch for any healthcare organization. Such turnover decreases patient and physician satisfaction, decreases staff morale, contributes to inconsistent patient care and imposes a financial burden on the organization. When Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, began experiencing a higher-than-usual turnover rate about three years ago, the medical center decided to improve staff retention by offering nurses a better orientation experience—one that provided gradual acquisition of knowledge and skills in a supportive environment.