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On Sunday, September 17th, the world will observe World Patient Safety Day. The World Health Organization introduced World Patient Safety Day back in 2019, and it now serves as an annual reminder of the critical importance of patient safety in healthcare settings across the globe.

The Washington Department of Health also decertified healthcare providers for DUIs, assault, and misdiagnosis. The Washington Department of Health reported on Thursday that it decertified a Clallam County home care aide for swiping the department keys and vehicle title of a vulnerable senior citizen.

President Joe Biden pledged to enhance safety in nursing homes across the nation. One significant step towards achieving this goal came on September 1, 2023, when the Biden Administration proposed new rules aimed at bolstering staffing requirements in nursing homes, especially those serving Medicaid- or Medicare-certified residents. In this blog post, we'll take a neutral look at how these new requirements could affect Nebraskans. The New Requirements in a Nutshell Under the proposed rule, each resident of a Medicaid- or Medicare-certified nursing home would be entitled to a minimum of three hours of care per day. This care would consist of approximately 2.5 hours provided by a nurse aide and around 30 minutes from a registered nurse. This shift in regulations impacts an estimated 1.2 million individuals in nursing homes across the country. Notably, it is anticipated that approximately 75% of nursing homes would need to increase their staff to meet these new guidelines. Nebraska's Current Regulations As of now, individual states are responsible for regulating staffing requirements in nursing homes. In Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services sets the standards, stating that facilities must maintain a sufficient number of staff with the necessary training and skills to cater to residents' needs. The term "sufficient" is open to interpretation, which has led to variability in staffing levels across different facilities. Under the proposed federal rule, nursing homes would be required to have a registered nurse onsite 24/7. Advocates argue that these minimum staffing standards would enhance resident safety and improve the overall quality of care. Challenges and Concerns However, there are opponents who express concerns about the potential challenges posed by these staffing requirements. Some argue that the nursing home industry is already grappling with shortages of qualified staff, and these new rules might exacerbate the problem. It's noteworthy that many nurses prefer working in hospitals rather than nursing homes, which could pose a challenge for the latter in meeting these new requirements. The Uncertain Timeline One aspect of this proposed rule that remains uncertain is the timeline for its implementation. While there's no clear indication of when these requirements will become official, it's possible that they could take effect within the next 3 to 5 years. The Bottom Line for Nebraskans The ultimate impact of these staffing requirements on Nebraskans will depend on how nursing homes within the state adapt to these new regulations. Whether there are sufficient resources and personnel available to meet the increased staffing demands will play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and safety of residents.

In a recent development, the administrator of Mountain View Community, Carroll County's prominent public nursing home, has tendered her resignation, effective from September 15, 2023. Deidre "Dee" Brown, who assumed her role on June 7, 2021, has decided to step down from her position, sparking a range of reactions from the community and stakeholders.

Is the United States’ healthcare system collapsing?. During the covid pandemic, US healthcare systems were tested and pushed to their limits. Many hospitals and skilled nursing facilities were found lacking in many areas of patient care due to their outdated protocols and guidelines. Thousands of workers left the healthcare industry due to stress and burnout, hazardous work environments, poor leadership, vaccine mandates, and countless other reasons. Many would say we are experiencing a healthcare crisis in the US. The current staffing shortages play a major role in this crisis, and this issue will not be corrected anytime soon. There is currently a decrease in young people showing interest in the healthcare industry, with universities and colleges finding it difficult to maintain some programs because of lack of enrollment.

The Washington State Department of Health reported on Friday it revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, and registrations of these healthcare providers for misconduct, including one case of alleged homicide.

A $5.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will go towards apprenticeship programs for nurses and special education teachers, the Washington Department of Labor and Industries announced Thursday.

Scabies are a contagious skin disease with symptoms such as itching and small red raised bumps. Scabies are caused by mites that burrow under a persons skin. Patients in long term care facilities who are diagnosed with scabies are often put on contact isolation to slow the spread. Unfortunately, vulnerable patients do not have the understanding to stay in isolation increasing the risk of outbreaks. Patients who suffer from dementia, senile degeneration of the brain, or Alzheimer’s Disease may forget the importance of proper hand hygiene. It is then up to caregivers to make sure proper hand hygiene is performed. Also, environmental services has to complete thorough deep cleaning to assist in keeping the spread of scabies under control.

The nursing profession plays a crucial role in healthcare delivery, ensuring the well-being and recovery of patients. However, in recent years, the United States has faced a persistent nursing shortage that varies across different states. Nurse.orgrecent study broke down the nursing shortage by state and found that 91% of nurses believe that the nursing shortage is getting worse. In fact, a study released by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Center found that 800,00 nurses intend to leave the workforce by 2027.

Perhaps you, or someone you know is currently enrolled in nursing school. Maybe you are getting ready to sit for your licensing exam. If so, you most likely understand the stressors that come along with prepping for test day. Early mornings & late nights, daunting hours spent studying in order to retain the loads of information that is thrown at you in your coursework. Whether you are in your first semester of nursing school or prepping for a final exam, there always seem to be a test that you must prepare for. Either way, sticking it out and taking that leap of faith, sitting for your state boards is the ultimate objective on the long road of nursing school; aside from providing care to your very first patient as a licensed nursing professional! The process can seem a bit overwhelming and outright torturous. But hang in there, because there is light at the end of the tunnel (or pen [light]).

The Washington State Department of Health reported on Monday it took disciplinary actions and withdrew charges against the following healthcare providers. According to the Department of Health (DOH), healthcare providers charged with misconduct have 20 days to respond to charges before entering the settlement process. If no disciplinary agreement can be reached, the case will go to a hearing, DOH rules state.

In a recent Reddit post, a mother shared her experience nursing in front of her family at a picnic, and how it went south. *This is a work of non-fiction sourced from social media discussion boards and verified experts/specialists.*

Carroll County's Mountain View Community nursing home, a long-standing provider of care for elderly residents, recently received a one-star rating from Medicare.gov. This low rating came as a surprise to many, considering Mountain View's previous strong ratings and reputation for quality care. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind the rating, its implications, and the nursing home's response.

In a concerning turn of events, the staff at a nursing home in Chicago's Austin neighborhood has initiated a walkout due to a dispute over their pay. The nurses claim that the new management has caused significant issues in ensuring timely and consistent payment. With frustration mounting, some of the staff members have taken a stand and refused to work until their concerns are addressed. Let's delve into the details of this pay dispute and its impact on the nursing home and its employees.

Niche.com ranks these institutions for nursing education excellence. Illinois is home to several prestigious institutions that offer exceptional nursing programs, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to excel in the healthcare field. Among them, Loyola University Chicago, Illinois Wesleyan University, and the University of St. Francis stand out as the top three colleges in the state for nursing education. These institutions have been recognized for their commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and clinical training opportunities.

Sandra Sexton Welling, Ph.D., RN, PAHM, CCM, CNE, is the Founding Director of Nursing at HSU,Photo byHardin-Simmons University. Sandra Sexton Welling, Ph.D., RN, PAHM, CCM, CNE, joined the Hardin-Simmons University family earlier this year as the Founding Director of Nursing and Associate Dean for the College of Health Professions. Dr. Welling brings a love for Jesus, a wealth of knowledge, and a collaborative spirit.

Kimberly McDonald, RN, MSN has been named the new Associate of Science Nursing Instructor for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College on the Coffee Campus. McDonald has been working in the Nursing field since 2016. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Biology from Berry College, an Associate of Science from Darton State College (now Albany State University), and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science as a Nurse Educator from Western Governors University.

Second careers are more than the chance to get it right, they’re the chance to turn a job into a vocation. Though nursing certainly has its difficult moments, and nursing as a whole (especially right now) can and will need to improve, it is also one of the most rewarding career paths out there.

JOHNSON CITY, TN — As the sun rises over the Appalachian Mountains, marking the beginning of another day, the city of Johnson City is already bustling with activity. This week is special, not because of a festival or a historical event, but because of a celebration close to every resident's heart – National Nurses Week.