pronurse

Medical Acronyms – C

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:10:00 +0200

CA carcinoma

CABG coronary artery by-pass graft

CAMHS child and adolescent mental health services

CAS casualty

CAT computerised axial tomography (scan)

CATH catheter

CCF congested cardiac failure

CCIT consultant contract implementation team

CCU coronary care unit

CDIF clostridium difficule

CDO chief dental officer

CE cardiac enzymes

CGST (NHS) clinical governance support team

CHAI Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection (previous name for
the Healthcare Commission)

CHB complete heart block

CHC Community Health Council

CHCP Community Health and Care Partnership (Scotland)

CHD coronary heart disease

CHIQ Centre for Health Information Quality

CHMS central health and miscellaneous services

CHP Community Health Partnership (Scotland)

CIMP clinical information management programme

CIO chief information officer

CIP cost improvement programme

CME continuing medical education

CMHT community mental health team

CMO chief medical officer

CN charge nurse

CNO chief nursing officer

COAD chronic obstructive airways disease

COAG coagulation

COL colonoscopy

CONS Consultant

COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CPA care programme approach

CPD continuing professional development

CPR Child Protection Register

CPR cardio pulmonary resuscitation

CRD (NHS) Centre for Research and Dissemination

CRHP Council for the Regulation of Healthcare Professionals

CRS Care Records Service

CSA Common Services Agency

CSF central spinal fluid

CSM Committee on the Safety of Medicines

CSR comprehensive spending review

CSU catheter specimen urine

CTO compulsory treatment order

CT (CAT) computerised tomography (computerised axial tomography)

CVA cerebral vascular accident

CVP central venus pressure

CXR chest x-ray

"A-B":/education/34-medical-acronyms-a-b "C":/education/35-medical-acronyms-c "D-E":/education/36-medical-acronyms-d-e "F-G":/education/37-medical-acronyms-f-g "H":/education/38-medical-acronyms---h "I":/education/39-medical-acronyms---i "J-L":/education/40-medical-acronyms-j-l "M":/education/41-medical-acronyms---m "N":/education/42-medical-acronyms---n "O":/education/43-medical-acronyms-o "P":/education/44-medical-acronyms---p "Q-R":/education/45-medical-acronyms-q-r "S":/education/46-medical-acronyms-s "T-U":/education/47-medical-acronyms-t-u "V-W":/education/48-medical-acronyms-v-w

Nursing Book Review: Of Sluices and Sisters by Alison Collin

ProNurse — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:03:00 +0100

With the recent debate about all new nurses needing to take degrees, this book about training to be a nurse in the 1960’s is a timely release.

‘Old school’ nursing skills are either feted as just what all new nurses need or dismissed as completely outdated by the academic skills of subsequent generations of nurses.

Consisting of a selection of anecdotes the reader is taken back to the starched world of Saint Bartholomew’s hospital in 1965. London was being challenged by the swinging sixties, but a student nurse’s uniform was held together by safety pins and everyone (patients included) were in constant fear of the Ward Sisters.

This is a book by nurses for nurses and will entertain anyone who has worked the wards.

Just to be clear, this is not something in the same genre as the memoir writings of Clive James or Spike Milligan. It is a very earnest description peppered with anecdotes from other members of the 1965 set and it holds a certain charm because of this.

The reader is invited into lives of student nurses who formed incredibly strong bonds, not only to each other but to St Barts and the system they trained under. The work was hard, their teachers and mentors strict, and there was little in the way of entertainment when they were not learning or endlessly cleaning the sluice.

However, this rite of passage indelibly marked the author and other contributors and they look back on it with considerable affection.

Experienced nurses will enjoy listening to the tales of learning how to create an attractive tray so food seems more appetising (a skill that the author never got the time to use) or the tricks needed to fraternise with the opposite sex when no men were allowed over the threshold of the nurses accommodation.

New nurses will enjoy the comparison of nursing in the sixties with that of the current government target drives for efficiency. However, many things will ring true with any nurses: the fear of working the night shift with minimal supervision; the sadness when a patient dies and the inventive ways that student nurses have of escaping the watchful eyes of their supervisors . Not to mention the panic you get on the night shift when you realise you have just admitted a transvestite to a female ward and there is no-one around to advise you what to do.

You can buy Of Sluices and Sisters: Anecdotes of Student Nurses at a London Teaching Hospital by Alison Collin on Amazon and you can contact Alison on the ProNurse site here.

9 Reasons to Fall in Love With Nursing

Kayla Baxter — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:33:00 +0100

In a very basic sense, nursing is a profession of love. Love means giving of yourself, without asking anything in return, and this is what nurses do every day.

You never know what you’re going to get at the beginning of a shift.

You might save lives and get a patient that is an absolute joy to work with. You are equally likely to witness death and have blood and tears all over your scrubs.

At the end of the day, what matters is that you gave a piece of yourself to people you don’t even know — you helped them no matter how badly they treated you, or how tired your feet were, or how many other patients needed you, too. And that is an act of love.

Oh nursing, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! —>

[page]

No.9: The Challenge

Almost everyone who says they love their job mentions the challenge as an important part of it. Problem solving and putting valued skills to good use are just a few of the ways that nurses find fulfilment. Of course, the challenge can sometimes cause a few problems, but that’s where the next thing we love about nursing comes in!

No.8: The Sense of Humour

An odd and often dark sense of humour develops between nurses working together. Hysterical bouts of laughter between the patients’ doors and the nurses’ station are what keeps everyone sane, and distinguishes just one more thing about being a nurse. Not everyone is cut out for this line of work.

No.7: The Outfit

You basically get to work in pyjamas. Enough said!
[page]

No. 6: For Your Loved Ones

Being the nurse in the family means that everyone calls you, asking what this rash is, or what those pounding headaches mean, or “Can you come over right away!? Bobby swallowed his toy!”

Then again, the reason they call you is because of a deep respect and trust of your knowledge.

It’s a very special, rewarding, and sacred gift to be able to help those you love the most.

No.5: A Job for Life

Nursing is one of those professions that never stops giving. You learn new things every day, and the technology is always changing, making for an interesting, varied life. Why do you think so many nurses have been at it for 15+ years? Not to mention, the opportunity for growth (both professionally and personally) is almost unlimited.

No.4: The Sincerest Thanks You’ll Ever Get

Nurses have to deal with a lot of crap (literally and figuratively) and sometimes you’ll have to deal with some really hostile patients. But sometimes, when you’re just doing your job, some of those nightmare patients will do a complete 180 and grab your hand and whisper, “Thank you.” Sometimes the simplest things are the best.
[page]

No.3: The Pace

No matter what kind of pace you like, there’s a nursing specialty out there that matches your needs. Whether you love the rush and adrenaline of the A&E or you’d rather enjoy a slow, leisurely walk with a geriatric patient, there’s a way to do it.

No. 2: Getting Paid for Helping

No doubt you would help that person choking in a restaurant for free by rushing over and performing the Heimlich. But nurses get PAID to help people out!

No.1: Saving Lives

There is nothing quite like realising that you’ve saved another person’s life. It’s humbling, awe-inspiring, and invigorating all at the same time. At the end of the day, you get to go home knowing that you gave someone else the gift of a lifetime. And then you get to go back to work and do it all over again. And again. How many people can say that?

Why do you love nursing? Tell us in the comments below!

My Opinion: It’s Time We Stopped Knocking “Old School Nurses”!

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:38:00 +0100

There are lots of SRNs and SENs still working within the NHS, these nurses have become almost universally know as “old school” nurses.

In many cases they are considered to be somewhat behind the times, not as well educated or trained as 21st century university trained nurses.

Let’s see what we can do to dispel that myth.

‘Old School’ Nursing training

I can, obviously, only speak from personal experience so here goes. We had excellent hands-on training, the teaching, by nurse tutors (in study blocks), clinical tutors and qualified nurses (on the wards), was superb.

We had practical experience in all specialities and were able to be seconded into such areas as Maternity, Paediatrics and Psychiatry.

I consider my training was broad based and comprehensive. Once qualified we (at my training hospital) were EXPECTED to “staff” for at least a year at the hospital, whilst we “specialised” in our chosen field,I chose to work in theatre.

I spent the whole of my working life doing courses, study days and further training in order in keep up-to-date with the changes in nursing.

I was, and still am, very proud of my SRN qualification, as students we worked hard but we also played fairly hard.

We were obliged to “live-in” during our training as most of us had come into nursing straight from school at the age of 18 (minimum age for training) and were therefore legally minors.
Most of us were educated in the old-fashioned grammar school system up to “A” level standard.

SENs trained for two years, their course was not as academic.

So, yes, we were trained in the “Old School” way but that does not mean we were less academic than today’s university trained nurses.

Yes, we were “schooled” in the very practical aspects of nursing, we knew how to make a bed, give a bed bath, change a dressing, but we also knew the diagnosis and treatment of all the patients on a 30-bedded Nightingale ward.

We were able to do a ward round with matron (the old type!) and we also knew how to properly clean a bed-space when a patient was discharged.

If you still want to call us “old school” go ahead but please don’t call us out-of-date, not as well trained, less academic and, worst of all lazy.

All of us can learn something new every day and that includes 21st century university trained nurses as well as “old school” nurses.

SRN Training

Entry Requirements to train at Teaching Hospital.

5 x GCE “O” levels @ grade C or above, including English Language and a Science.

• PTS (Preliminary Training School) 6 weeks

• Study Blocks (8-12 weeks) in each year

• State Preliminary Exam, (this exam was in 2 parts, one of which was a comprehensive A&P exam), practical and theory at end of 1st year

• Hospital Exams, practical and theory at end of 2nd year

• State Final Exam practical and theory at end of 3rd year

• Hospital based training with both practical and theoretical teaching from ward/department based Clinical Tutors.

SEN Training

Two years training followed by written and practical exams.

My Opinion: Why Nurses Need Nursing Research. A Call To Action

ProNurse Interviews: Dawn Bowes, Nurse and Director of NursesStore.co.uk

Nurses Need To Stop Complaining, Get Fitter and Demand More Support

ProNurse Interviews: Dawn Bowes, Nurse and Director of NursesStore.co.uk

ProNurse — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:35:00 +0100

Many nurses have an entrepreneurial streak. It probably comes from the need to think on your feet to do the best you can for your patient.

Here we talk to Dawn Bowes who saw a gap in the market for providing goods for nurses and who combines nursing with e-commerce. The end result was NursesStore.co.uk.

Don’t believe us?

She had just finished a run of nights when did our interview!

PN: Why did you become a nurse?

Dawn: It sounds a cliché but I had always wanted to become a nurse and when I turned 18 I couldn’t wait to get started, I have to say that it also had a lot to do with moving away from home to stay in the Nurses home in a new city. Starting my nurse training offered me the adventure and independence I craved at that age.

PN: How long have you been a nurse for?

Dawn: I started my training at Leeds general Infirmary in 1985 when I was 18 and I qualified 3 years later in 1988 which means I’ve been a qualified nurse for just over 20 years – time flies.

PN: What type of nurse are you and what is your specialism?

Dawn: I now work on a specialist stroke ward which I really enjoy, though I have in the past been a senior sister on an oncology ward but that was before I had children. I worked on many different wards types as a bank nurse during that time to fit around the needs of the kids.

PN: Why did you move into this specialism?

Dawn: I really enjoy medical nursing and the stroke ward I work on has great group of nurses as well as a great manager, so not only do I enjoy my job but I’m lucky enough to work in great team atmosphere.

PN: What made you see a gap in the market for NursesStore?

Dawn: I was trying to buy a leaving gift from the ward to a colleague who had expressly asked for a fob watch, a new tourniquet and some decent scissors. Finding these items in one place and displayed/described so I could see what I was buying proved very difficult and hence the initial idea took hold.

I wanted a store that provided the core tools that I needed as a nurse to do my job, with detailed photography and proper explanations of the goods. I also wanted a store that was ethically based, I know where all my goods are sourced and I know that no one has been exploited in their manufacture because I will only deal with reputable companies.

PN: Did you use your nursing friends to do market research?

Dawn: Yes, they must be sick of me! I would turn up early for every shift with new ideas and samples and ask for their feedback on everything from tough cut scissors to data reference cards and everything in between. Friends who are nurses were also drawn into my research and I still keep looking for new ideas from everyone to keep the store up to date and exciting.

PN: Do you intend to keep working as a nurse rather than concentrate on the business?

Dawn: Yes I am still a nurse and I don’t think I could ever give the job up as I enjoy being on the front line too much. I think I would miss the hustle and bustle and the camaraderie. I set up Nurses Store with my partner and he does a lot of the day to day work, though I have the last say on the products we chose to stock and a big say in the design and presentation of the site.

PN: Do you think being a nurse gives you a better insight into your target market?

Dawn: Oh yes, as I said I have been in nursing for over 20 years and many of my friends are the same, so not only can I draw on my own experiences but also the experiences of my colleagues and friends, we are after all the target market ourselves.

PN: What is your best selling product?

Dawn: The best selling products at the moment are our silicone fob watches which unlike traditional metal fobs can be taken apart for thorough cleaning and so are a help in the fight against HAI’s. They come in eight great colours and you can also buy extra coloured skins, so you can have a choice of colour dependent on how you feel!

PN: What’s your favourite product and why?

Dawn: I really like the Nite Writer pens that we have just sourced from America where they are really big in the healthcare and emergency services. They let you do your obs on a night shift discreetly without disturbing the patients, you really can write in the dark with these pens and I am never without mine these days.

PN: What products would you like to be able to sell?

Dawn: We are moving more and more into reference books for nurses. Not text books rather pocket sized guides for general nursing and more specific specialities. These are proving really successful and we hope to continue to expand the range to cover all specialities, though it will take time and investment.

PN: What would be a dream product for nurses?

Dawn: For me the dream product is the Smart Finder electronic key tags we stock and which we now use on my ward at work. No more wasted hours searching for the ward keys or even the drug keys that someone has left by a bed, under some notes or even in the sluice. These days we just press a button and hey presto, keys found. It’s absolute heaven!

PN: Do you get any funny requests for nursing related products?

Dawn: We have had some nursing homes contact us about continence pads etc when they found us under a web search for nursing supplies but it’s not something we intend stocking right now!

PN: What three words sum up a nurse and the role of nursing?

Dawn: Three little words to sum up being a nurse, well from my experience they would have to be “never standing still”, but I could never do a desk job so I guess this suits me fine.

Dawn has kindly agreed to give a 10% discount to ProNurse members or visitors who buy from NurseStore.co.uk before 1st March 2010.

Just enter the voucher code PRONURSE at the first stage of the payment procedure – please note the code must be all in upper case for it to work!

NursesStore.co.uk – For the healthcare professional

My Opinion: Why Nurses Need Nursing Research

ProNurse member Marjorie Lloyd — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:01:00 +0100

It seems strange that a site for professional nurses pays very little attention to nursing research.

Nursing research is how we prove or disprove that our practice works and what makes us different from other professionals such as doctors and psychologists.

Most professional sites have research and publications sections where you can search for recent updates in practice e.g. British Medical Association, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

However in nursing we are not very good at saying how good we actually are.

This leads to the accusation that we are semi professional, vocational e.g. we do the job because we care, or just doing what is expected of a largely female workforce. The feminine quality of nursing care provision can be, and is, provided by men as well as women, but it is often a silent or invisible aspect to our work. Whereas many of the more valued aspects are thought to be masculine traits e.g. managing, educating, budgeting and task allocation.

In order to address the balance nurses need to be able to make more evident what they do and that it works. This evidence not only proves our worth, as one of the largest workforces in the country, but also as individuals going about our daily practice, sometimes in very difficult circumstances.

If nursing is to survive in a country where market forces dictate cost and quality as being the two main drivers then we have to prove that it is more cost effective to employ a qualified nurses over a unqualified nurses, and that nurses contribute to a faster recovery rate than if people were not provided with qualified nursing care.

We may already be too late as many NHS and private health care facilities are replacing qualified nurses with non qualified staff. If there are qualified nurses in post they may be there to manage risk and the work of the non qualified staff. This is a masculine task as outlined before and while very important it is not what qualified nurses enter the profession to do and a reason why many of them leave.

Nursing research is the only way to provide evidence of effectiveness and efficiency. Using research from other professions does not prove that nursing in itself works. Nurses need to ensure that research they read and carry out is actually focused on nursing and not about practices that are not directly related to their work such as drug treatments, surgical procedures or psychotherapy.

This is a difficult task, as we currently rely quite heavily on the research of other professions to carry out our work and they should not be ignored completely as this would be dangerous. What is needed to address the balance is more nursing research in the things that nurses do best supported by the research from other professions. These basic often invisible tasks are very often taken for granted as anyone can do them such as hygiene, diet, rest, diversity of needs and even observation and restraint. These everyday tasks require the nurse to be ever vigilant to changes however small and in addressing the balance to ensure that health is promoted at all times.

If nurses do not start paying attention to what they do best then it will not be very long before they are replaced by people, or machines, that are task orientated and mechanical operators of health and life. This will be a sorry day for nursing as it will be the day that cost overrides quality in nursing practice.

Some good points here from Marjorie and we will be making an effort to include more nursing research in future. Please do add comments below to discuss Marjorie's ideas further.

If you would like to write an article about something you feel strongly about please contact "Russ via his ProNurse profile":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/member/Russ. ProNurse will edit the article and insert relevant links for you and get your final approval before publication.

My Opinion: Nurses Need To Stop Complaining, Get Fitter and Demand More Support

By ProNurse member Pelagia — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:26:00 +0100

This rant has been bottling up inside me for a while and the article recommending that student nurses give up smoking as part of their training has galvanised me into action.

I realise that what I say below will probably infuriate and offend some of my fellow nurses but I still think it needs to be said. Even if only to put across another perspective on these debates.

We are so protective of ourselves as nurses that we often stonewall proposals without actually listening to them. One thing I ask is that you read to the end before making your judgements.

Nurses need to set a health example

Much is said about the current ‘nanny state’ yet heart disease, smoking and alcohol abuse continues to ravage the UK population. Even worse, the average person knows what they need to do to stay healthy: exercise; 5 portions of fruit and veg a day; alcohol in moderation; avoid smoking; safe sex; be safe in the sun .

None of this is difficult, however putting it all into a busy, modern life is. If you have started smoking then it is very difficult to give up.

Cigarette packs have graphic warnings on them but this is counteracted by the fact that you see smokers walking around looking happy and healthy. This reinforces the belief that ‘it won’t happen to me’. If a patient is treated by a nurse who smells of smoke then this link to fatal diseases seems even more remote. A nurse knows all the risks so they can’t be that bad can they?

You see a similar situation with obese patients who are treated by obese nurses. I overheard one nurse correctly advising a patient that they needed to lose weight, but ruining the advice by saying, ‘but who am I to give advice?’ as she was more obese than the patient. Will that patient take the advice seriously? Not a chance.

A nurse has rights just like anyone else

There is no doubt that nurses are a persecuted breed. We are expected to be vivacious sociable beasts who easily bond with a huge variety of people and to respect these peoples’ point of view or beliefs. Yet, we are not allowed to have fun in our free time and we have ridiculous ‘laws’ where nurses are advised not place photos of themselves with a drink in their hand on Facebook.

There have also been occasions where nurses have been reprimanded for criticising management online and this is why I have written this anonymously and why my membership on ProNurse is anonymous.

So doesn’t this contradict what I’ve said above? A nurse is entitled to do what the rest of the population does: go to parties; fall in love with the wrong person; yes, even smoke if they really want to. But when they are on duty they should be fit, healthy and certainly not hungover.

In an ideal world they wouldn’t smoke or could at least go through a shift without smoking (or becoming grouchy due to cravings).

Scrubs camp?

The Armed Forces have ‘Boot Camp’ where new recruits are trained to be fit and healthy including proper hygiene practices, to bond with their peers and work as a team, to follow orders and to develop self-confidence.

They need this as they may depend on their fitness and health in difficult conditions for their survival. They need to work as a team, to step up to the plate when required and to instantly follow an order as it may save their life or the lives of others.

Would you like to work on a ward where you could depend on all their peers for support and feel confident in their role.
Scrubs camp and a required basic fitness level for all nurses (with the correct allowances for the capability of disabled nurses) would increase the health of the nursing workforce and reduce stress levels.

I’ve heard nurses, especially nursing students, saying that they need to smoke to cope with the pressure of the job. That’s rubbish! Smoking is an addiction and the craving for the ‘stress release’ of a cigarette adds to stress when you can’t smoke at will.

Nurses can’t do it alone

Nurses have a potentially more stressful job than the average person so they need to have above average fitness, but they also need more support.

It is NOT acceptable that nurses have to go without breaks. To make another comparison with the Armed Forces, a soldier may be placed in stressful situations where normal periods of relaxation are not possible. However, they do receive (slightly) more pay for the duration of their tour and they have a defined length of time in these conditions.
To expect nurses to work shifts without breaks is unrealistic and takes advantage of the fact that a good nurse will not let their patient down. The response to the article 10 Ways for nurses to stay healthy on the job on the ProNurse Fan Page on Facebook was revealing.

While I agree that suggestions to do exercises on the ward in between tasks is patronising, the general consensus of the response was that it was not feasible to follow the basic advice to stay healthy at work.

If the NHS wants to improve the morale of nurses and reduce burn out and turnover of staff they need to invest in the health of nurses.

We need breaks, we need to be properly de-brief with someone after a particularly difficult shift and we need concessions to help us fit exercise and healthy living into our hectic lifestyles.

We need respect.

However, to earn that respect we need to do some of the hard work ourselves by practising what we preach and taking steps to improve our health so we can be role models for our patients.

A role model nurse doesn’t need to have the figure of a Hollywood actor or actress, we come in all shapes and sizes. We just need to be fitter than the general public.

Thanks to Pelagia for being our guinea pig for this series of articles. Please do add comments below and while Pelagia is expecting criticism and debate please make it constructive rather than insulting!

10 Ways For Nurses to Stay Healthy On the Job

ProNurse — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:56:00 +0100

Time to get up and at them!

You know the nursing drill-long hours, high demands, and stressful situations leave you feeling accomplished, fulfilled, and…exhausted!

You may feel like there’s just no time in the work day to take care of your number one patient: yourself.

Although the work you do for others is amazing, it is important to give yourself the same attention!

Here are 10 ways to stay healthy while working your shift:

1. …Eat! >>

[page]

1. …Eat!

You’ve heard it before, but you may have neglected this fact. Your body functions according to the food you feed it.

While at work, it can be hard to make sure you eat well. Try to bring some healthy snacks such as nuts, seeds, fruit, and veggies with you to work.

When it’s time for a meal, remember that the food you choose to eat can empower you to keep going strong throughout long hours.

Choose foods high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and low in refined fats and sugars. Some great options are lean meats, fish, rice, pasta, and vegetables.

2. Stealthy Exercises>>

[page]

2. Stealthy Exercises

Who needs exercise when you are running around for 12+ hours per shift?

Many nurses get unstuck thinking that being on their feet for 12 hours straight will burn off huge amounts of calories and keep them fit.

Nursing may sometimes feel like being paid to go to the gym, but unfortunately even the most active shift is not really a substitute for taking regular exercise.

Some easy exercises that don’t interfere with your work include:

• Flexing Your Core: Tighten your ab muscles while standing, sitting, or walking around-your abs will thank you!

• Quickie Push Ups: Have a 5 minute break? Find some floor space and do 5-10 of these. Even a few will make a difference.

• Super Fast Squats: Use a chair or even an empty hospital bed to work your thighs. Stand with your back to the chair/bed, put your hands face down on the surface behind you, and bend your knees downward. Do 10-20 of these and feel the burn!

Just don’t let your boss see you or they might think you need more work to do!

3. Water Is the Way>>

[page]

3. Water Is the Way

You know how important water is for your patients. So don’t forget you need it too. All living things must have water to survive!

Water makes up more than half of your body weight and a person can’t survive for more than a few days without it. Your body would simply stop functioning properly without water.

Water is also part of your immune system, which helps you fight off illness. You need water to digest your food and get rid of waste, too.

Be sure to drink as much water as possible. Ideally, anywhere between 6-10 glasses a day should do it for most people. Remember you can also get your daily water intake from juices, fruit, vegetables, and tea.

4. You Need Those ABC’s>>

[page]

4. You Need Those ABC’s

Vitamins are absolutely essential for cell growth. A foetus begins to develop from the nutrients it absorbs at the moment of its conception.

And, from then on humans need these nutrients for their skin, bone, and muscle. And deficiency in these nutrients can cause permanent damage.

We get most of our vitamins from food.

That’s why it is so important to eat a variety of healthy, hearty foods for our well-being.

Restrictive diets have the potential to cause prolonged vitamin deficits, which may result in often painful and potentially deadly diseases.

5. Counting Sheep>>

[page]

5. Counting Sheep

The combination of long hours and lots of stress can take a major toll on your body.

This can often cause you to lose some sleep. Ironically, sleep is the very thing you need to combat stress.

Try to relax on your breaks during work.

Even a 10-15 minute chill down can you give you the energy you need to sustain yourself throughout your shift.

When you do finally get to hit the sack, make sure your sleeping environment is appropriate. Here’s a quick checklist for your bedroom:

• Lights Out: Bright lights can deter you from getting good shut-eye. Turn off any lights in or around your room and get thick curtains if you work nights.

• Sound Off: Loud noises are an obvious reason for little or no sleep. Try using earplugs or a noise machine if necessary.

• Sleepy Smells: Try using lavender or chamomile in the bedroom to trigger a sense of restfulness in your mind.

• Calm Comfort: Make sure your bed and pillow are comfortable enough to use for you to get some deep sleep.

6. The Big No No’s>>

[page]

6. The Big No No’s

Okay, so you now know all about the essential build blocks for a healthy body: food, exercise, vitamins, and sleep.
There are of course the evil-doers that break down our bodies too.
So, try to avoid the following:

• Too much sugar.

• Too much salt.

• Too much alcohol.

• Artificial foods.

• Drugs.

7. It’s All About You>>

[page]

7. It’s All About You

You understand what to do (and not to do) for your body. But, what about your mind?

At work, your mind is constantly working to keep you awake, alert, attentive and active.

During your shift, try to give yourself a little personal time.

Even 5 minutes of “you time” can work wonders.

Listen to what your mind and body tell you- are you hungry, tired, anxious, excited?

By being in touch with yourself at work, you can do your best and feel your best.

8. Don’t Ignore Symptoms>>

[page]

8. Don’t Ignore Symptoms

If you do notice you are too tired or stressed to keep working, you may need a break.

Don’t ignore mental, emotional, or physical signs that tell you it’s time to stop.

If you do, you may end up burning yourself out which could ultimately cost you your job, or more importantly, your happiness!

9. Remember to Breathe>>

[page]

9. Remember to Breathe

As we age and endure the stress in everyday life and work, there may be up to a 20% reduction in oxygen blood levels in our bodies caused by our breathing habits.

Poor breathing decreases our energy levels and negatively affects our mental alertness.

Taking slow, deep, long breaths helps to deepen breathing, cleanse the lungs, increase energy and decrease stress and anxiety.

Try to do this for at least 5 minutes each day.

10. Happiness is Power>>

[page]

10. Happiness is Power

Ever notice a fellow nurse who works twice as long, with the most difficult patients, and yet still has a smile on his or her face?

Many studies and statistics show that people who think positively have less stress, anxiety and are healthier.

So, at work take care of your body, your mind, and your soul. Come on, get happy even if it is just to keep everyone else guessing what you are up to!

Have You Confirmed Your Account on ProNurse?

ProNurse — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:11:00 +0100

The sign up process for joining ProNurse is quick and easy but there is one step that is essential.

You need to respond to the account confirmation email you receive from us.

If you don’t do this you will not be able to log in to the site when you re-visit it and will not receive notifications of messages from other members etc.

We did have a problem with our confirmation process at the end of December, but that has since been rectified.

What can I do if I cannot confirm my account?

Firstly look in your spam folders for our confirmation email as it may have been wrongly assigned as spam.

If you have deleted or lost this email, or if you received an email in late December that didn’t have an activation link you can email us on notes@pronurse.co.uk and ask to confirm your account.

Make sure you use the email address that you used to create your ProNurse account or we can’t confirm the account.

This is not a short-cut to becoming a member, you need to have registered via the site before or our system will not find you.

Why do I need to confirm my account?

Quite simply, it’s the law and it’s there to protect you. If you sign up for anything online in the UK you need to complete a ‘double-opt in’ process. This means that no-one else can sign you up for something.

Ten Nursing Career Resolutions for 2010

Dan Miller, Monster Staff Writer — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:52:00 +0100

The world of nursing is at your finger tips

Like the old saying, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life," it's never a bad time to start moving your career in a better direction.

Here are 10 New Year's resolutions to help.

No. 1: Pay Attention in Class >>

[page]

1. Pay Attention in Class

Treat every workday like a school day. Be sure you learn something and use it to make yourself more productive.

It doesn't have to relate to your skills set. It may be as simple as understanding how to work with specific peers or emotional intelligence.

Take mental notes. Don't sleepwalk through the day.

No. 2: Look for the Next Rung>>

[page]

2. Look for the Next Rung

You need to excel at your job. This is how you gain credibility.

But understanding your next step is key to career happiness. Career pathing is critical to remaining engaged on the job.

Schedule discussions with your manager to get clarity on the next challenge. If you don't get it on your team or in your trust, it may be time to look elsewhere.

No. 3: Understand the Trusts' Goals>>

[page]

3. Understand the Trusts' Goals

Make sure you understand how your job contributes to your trust's business objectives.

Yes, your top priority is the patient and you want to do everything you can to give them the best care possible, but does your role also impact on your team?

Knowing how your job fits into the big picture will give you inspiration and a sense of accomplishment -- and will help you understand your job's impact.

No. 4: Be Ethical >>

[page]

4. Be Ethical

Bring integrity to your job. Whether you're running the company or cleaning its bathrooms, be honest in all you do.

Don't call in sick just to get a day off -- that's stealing. Put in an honest day's work. Be accountable.

If you're working remotely, be sure you are. Do what you say you're going to do. Honesty and reliability mean a lot to your manager.

No. 5: Stay Fit >>

[page]

5. Stay Fit

OK, this was probably on your last New Year's resolutions list, but that's because it's so important.

Try to break a sweat for 20 minutes, three days a week. Join a gym. Lift weights.

A healthy body makes a healthy mind and reduces stress. Exercising increases blood flow to the brain and gives you ideas.

You'll be more productive at work, and best of all, you'll feel better.

No. 6: Stretch Your Role >>

[page]

6. Stretch Your Role

Occasionally think how you can go above and beyond. Are there projects outside your defined role you could help with?

Be proactive; ask to join. Come up with your own ideas, and work with your manager to implement them.

If you're a hamster, step off the wheel and poke your head out of the cage. Stretch a little. This won't go unnoticed.

No. 7: Manage Up >>

[page]

7. Manage Up

Make sure you and your manager are in firm agreement on what you're doing. Be proactive and get on his calendar to ensure you're meeting or exceeding expectations.

Don't assume he's paying close attention. There are bad managers.

If there's a disconnect between what you're doing and what your manager wants, you're partly to blame.

Don't wait until review time.

No. 8: Manage Across >>

[page]

8. Manage Across

Even if you work primarily alone, be sure to make time to understand your peers' roles and how they go about their jobs.

Show an interest. Don't just choose a few friends and become part of a clique.

You never know when you may need people -- or be reporting to them.

No. 9: Communicate >>

[page]

9. Communicate

Don't leave people waiting for answers. If you're in an email environment, return emails promptly.

Let people know what you're doing. If you're working on a project, always ask yourself who needs to know about it, then tell them.

Talk to people; give them a heads up. And when someone helps you out, be sure to thank him.

It's amazing this even needs to be on a list, but bad communicators abound. Don't be one of them.

No. 10: Make Time for Play >>

[page]

10. Make Time for Play

Have fun. Work hard, but smile while you're doing it. No one likes a grump.

Approach each day with a positive spirit and stay loose.

Enjoy your family and friends as well. Make time for them -- and you.

It's called work/life balance. All work and no play makes life a chore.

See our "Career Advice section for useful articles about all facets of your nursing career":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/education/articles/list?article_search[keyword]=&article_search[category_id]=238

What Nursing New Year Resolutions Will You Make This Year?

ProNurse — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:15:00 +0100

The turkey has been gobbled, the brussel sprouts avoided and you’ve probably eaten and drunk more than is good for you. Now it is time for those New Year’s Resolutions.

Research done for the stop smoking aid Nicotinell claims that “28 million adults will pledge to be fitter, thinner, healthier and wealthier as they enter a new decade. “

Unfortunately it is claimed that up to seven million people will have given up their resolutions in a week.

Apparently those people who pledge to give up chocolate, a relatively easy lifestyle change, are most likely to break their resolution within 48 hours.

The most popular resolution is to get fit or improve fitness (28%) with saving money (22%), going on a diet (20%) and giving up smoking (16%) following soon after.

The next five resolutions had significantly lower percentages with assessing work/life balance (8%), learning a new skill (8%) and being kinder to myself (7%). This leaves giving up or reducing alcohol intake (6%) and chocolate (5%) and the very specific ‘clear wardrobe on eBay’ with 4%.

Of this list of the resolutions that are most likely to be broken are giving up smoking and getting fit. However, although being kinder to myself and learning a new skill let the side down by coming in at numbers four and six respectively, assessing work/life balance only made the list at number nine.

No-one can be a successful long term nurse if their work/life balance is out of kilter. You can’t care for others if you don’t care for yourself. We have lots of information on making manageable changes in your life from our resident nursing life coach Claire Westwood.

Take a look through the articles below and take some steps to improve your work/life balance in 2010. Make a manageable change this year that could lead you to make further positive changes during the year!

src="http://www.pronurse.co.uk/nfs/pronurse/attachment_images/0001/4351/flustered_nurse_cropped.jpg" width="160" />

Create a Balanced Life while Nursing

Six Top Tips to be Happier as a Nurse

4 Key Principles to Create an Amazing Life!

What Do You Want From ProNurse in 2010?

ProNurse — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:38:00 +0100

We try to bring an eclectic mix of information, news, jobs, career tips and fun to ProNurse.

However, we need your help to let us know how we are doing.

What do you want to see more of?

Is there anything you want to see less of?

To give you some food for thought here are a few areas where we could make changes:

News. Would you prefer:

• More news based on the nursing industry

• More articles about health advances

• Some news that mixes health with celebs etc

Quizzes. Would you prefer:

• More academic style quizzes

• More fun quizzes on nursing topics

• More quizzes on general issues

Features. Would you like:

• More interviews with nursing experts

• More career tips

• More information on becoming a nurse

• More finance information

You can either comment at the end of the article, you can send "Russ a message via his profile here":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/member/Russ or if you want to remain anonymous you can use this thread in the "Anonymous Forums":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/topics/2068-what-do-you-want-from-pronurse-in-2010/posts.

Would you like to contribute to ProNurse?

You can already upload news articles, or articles you have written, videos and photos but we’d love to feature your articles, blogs or let us know if you’d like to be interviewed for our "My Experience of...":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/careers/articles/1048-my-experience-of-return-to-practiceseries of articles.

We can also a more structured interview if you want to share something in more detail about nursing. We won’t publish anything from an interview until it has been approved by the interviewee and you can remain anonymous if it is in anyway controversial.

And finally… "What would you tempt you to invite your friends to Pronurse?":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/education/articles/2104-dear-santa-for-christmas-this-year-we-would-really-like

This is the lifeblood of all web sites. Let us know and we’ll do our best to oblige!

PS. There is absolutely no reason at all for the pirate photo, the other choice of photos were all of pretty women so we thought we'd have a change! All opinions on our photos gratefully received too!

7 Ways to Manage a Complaint (and Protect Your Nursing Registration!)

ProNurse — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:36:00 +0100

Don't let a complaint result in being struck off…

Did you know that anyone – your employer, a co-worker, a patient, even a jilted lover – can file a complaint against your practice?

Handle it well, and you could turn it into a valuable learning experience. Handle it poorly, and you could lose your registration.

This is certainly not an easy situation to find yourself in but unfortunately many nurses do. Nurses identify themselves very strongly as being a nurse and this can be a devastating experience for any nurse to go through.

But hopefully, with our eight tips, you can overcome a complaint, avoid losing your nursing registration and continue to practice for many years to come.

No. 1: The NMC Comes First >>

[page]

1. The NMC Comes First

The NMC is more than just a government body to which you pay your yearly registration fee. It is an organisation set up by Parliament to protect the public by ensuring that nurses and midwives provide high standards of care to their patients and clients.

Nurses don’t often think of the NMC as a disciplinary body. They think they’re on your side but the NMCs mission is to protect nursing practice, and first and foremost, the public from poor nursing practice.

In addition, your ultimate obligation is to the NMC. If an employer tells you to do something and it’s not within your scope of practice (as outlined by the NMC), you can’t do it.

No. 2. Get a Union Rep >>

[page]

2. Get a Union Rep

Get yourself a Union Rep who can advise and help you with these matters.

A good Union Rep – one who understands nursing – will help you identify ways to improve your practice, so you’ll be reviewed more favourably by the NMC throughout the process.

They’ll also help you understand the complaint, any conditions being placed upon you and the steps you need to take to overcome them.

No. 3. Act Pre-emptively >>

[page]

3. Act Pre-emptively

Let’s say you’ve just been caught drink driving. Or maybe you realise you need help with an addiction.

Don’t wait for the NMC to come to you.

Going to your employer voluntarily to request help will go a long way towards protecting your registration.

Think of it this way: they’re going to find out eventually. It’s better if they find out from you.

Even better if they see you making a sincere attempt to address the issue before it has to come to disciplinary action.

No. 4. Improve Your Practice >>

[page]

4. Improve Your Practice

Consult with your Union Rep to evaluate the nature of the complaint. Whatever it is, begin to take steps immediately to improve your practice.

Maybe you could benefit from continued education?

Maybe you’ve been less than meticulous about your documentation? These are all issues that you can and should address before you stand before the NMC.

By improving your practice immediately and by your own will, you show the NMC that you understand the problem, and that you’re willing and ready to take the steps necessary to rectify it.

No. 5. Document Everything >>

[page]

5. Document Everything

You learn it during your training and in practice, but you may not realise quite how important it is until you are actually facing a complaint.

If you, for example did a dressing change on a patients wound but didn’t document it, then legally it didn’t happen. If the patient’s wound gets infected, and a complaint is made, it doesn’t matter if you say you did it.

If it’s not in the patients records it doesn’t count.

You are accountable for everything that you do.

No. 6. Keep Up with Changes to Your Scope of Practice >>

[page]

6. Keep Up with Changes to Your Scope of Practice

You got to know the ins and outs of your Scope of Practice in Nursing School. But have you re-read the NMC Code since then?

You should. Your job depends on it.

It’s important to keep a close eye on these, as they can and do change over time.

And it’s your job to keep abreast of the changes and keep yourself updated.

No. 7. Meet All the Conditions >>

[page]

7. Meet All the Conditions

Whether you’re facing a complaint, have had your registration suspended or have already had your registration revoked, getting back to nursing depends on successfully meeting the conditions set forth by the NMC.

If you have something like drug dependency, make sure you complete the rehabilitation process successfully. If you get caught giving less-than adequate service, identify the issue and get some nursing continuing education to enhance your work performance.

Whatever you do, make sure you make a sincere effort to reform, and that you document everything you do along the way.

src="http://www.pronurse.co.uk/nfs/pronurse/attachment_images/0001/3389/nurse_megaphone_cropped.jpg" width="160" />

How Can Nurses Report Poor Care?

Seven Mistakes to Avoid in Your Nursing Career

10 Things You Should Never Say To A Nurse

Six Things Never to Say to a Younger Colleague

ProNurse — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:58:00 +0100

There is lots of talk about ageism is the workplace these days, but it goes both ways.

It's not just older nurses who can receive offensive comments from their colleagues.

Here are six topics to avoid and if you missed the advice on what not to say to older colleagues. You'll find the link at the end of the page!

Read, take note, and never offend your nursing colleagues again!

1. “Are you the new nurse?”

Just because a newer colleague is younger doesn’t necessarily mean they are newly qualified. You were once their age, remember how intimidated you felt by all the experienced health care professionals in your first week?

The new, younger colleague is probably already feeling vulnerable and out of place, so skip the demeaning questions and offer support instead. Who knows, you could even become a respected mentor for the new, younger nurse, which is always rewarding.

Being condescending only makes younger employees feel like their professional contributions aren’t valued, which drastically reduces productivity. So, for the sake of a happy working environment, be nice!

2. “You sound like my son/daughter”

This comment might seem harmless, but think about what you’re saying. Your colleague is not your son or daughter, and comparing a new member of staff to your child at home can certainly be insulting.

Comparing your younger colleagues to your child blurs the lines of professionalism because it immediately tells them that you view them as subordinate. Show your younger colleague that you take her seriously, and skip the comparisons to your child.

3. “How old are you?”

This question is a big “no-no” according to any trust’s HR policy, your work colleague’s age, race, creed, and sexual orientation is none of your business.

The added emphasis on “are” makes the question extremely condescending, and asking this question to a younger colleague sends the message that you think he/she is inexperienced. So skip the age talk altogether.

4. “As this is your first job, you probably wouldn’t understand”

This statement is risky in that it assumes the following, 1) That this is their first job, and 2) That they therefore would probably not understand.

This is certainly one of the worst things you can say to a colleague because there’s no way this could be construed as a harmless comment. It’s an attack, presumptuous, and just downright rude.

Don’t assume this is your colleague’s first job just because she/he is young. Lots of younger health care workers get valuable, hands-on experience by volunteering. Never presume that your colleague wouldn’t understand. It’s a cast iron way to make instant enemies in the workplace.

5. “When I was your age…”

Your younger colleague probably gets enough of this phrase from his/her parents, so do him/her a favour, and don’t use it in the workplace. It’s understandable that you want to help your younger counterparts out, but this is the wrong way to go about it.

Instead of starting a sentence with this phrase, engage in a more fruitful conversation if you’re trying to give advice. Ask your colleague questions and show interest, and only give advice if he/she asks for it. You can tell him/her how you “went about things” while moving up the ranks, but avoid this phrase, always.

6. “The real world doesn’t work like that.”

Newly qualified nurses have the bad reputation of not being “worldly wise”, thinking that certain things are their right, and having a bad work ethic, but you can’t assume that all younger workers are this way. There are hardworking younger workers out there, and the ones you’re working with must have stronger work ethics than most, they got the job, didn’t they?

It’s true, younger workers may not know as much as you but they probably know just as much as you did when you were their age. So don’t tell them what the “real world” is about. It’s condescending and implies they don’t know any better, which they very well could.

Above all, keep your mind open to what a younger colleague might be able to teach you, they might just have a trick or two up their scrub sleeves!

We're hoping that you haven't offended any of your younger nursing colleagues recently, but what about you older colleagues. It's time to find out the "Six Things Never to Say to an Older Colleague":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/education/articles/2074-six-things-never-to-say-to-an-older-colleague then?

Have your say on the topic! "Which type of nurses face the most discrimination?":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/topics/1985-which-type-of-nurses-face-more-discrimination/posts

Six Things Never to Say to an Older Colleague

ProNurse — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:17:00 +0100

With the downturn in the UK economy, workplaces are becoming more and more diverse age-wise.

With this generational gap among health care workers widening, there’s a lot of potential for misunderstanding or differing perspectives.

Though many people will absolutely deny that they have any pre-conceived notions about certain people, let’s face it, stereotypes are a reality in our culture whether we like it or not.

To ease relations between older and younger healthcare workers, ProNurse has come up with six things never to say to an older colleague and six never to say to a younger colleague.

Some of these may seem obvious, but you’ll be surprised to hear how many people have actually been asked these types of questions. So whatever you do, don’t say these 12 things!

1. “Do you know how to use email?”

Older healthcare workers always get a bad name for not being able to learn new tasks or skills. Yet there’s really no evidence to say older people are less likely to be able to learn new tricks than they are at any other time in their lives.

This question, along with any question that challenges the competence of an older worker, should definitely be avoided in the workplace. Email has been around since the ‘80s, and research also shows that older workers have been using computers in some form for the past 20 years.

2. “I didn’t know you were so old!”

This comment might come from an initially innocuous and complimentary thought, as in, “there’s no way that person is that old, she looks so young”! But saying this out loud or expressing shock at an older healthcare worker’s age might well turn out to be extremely offensive to them.

Before gasping or widening your eyes, put yourself in your colleague’s shoes and think about the intent of your statement. If you’re just trying to say your older colleague looks good for her age, just say so. “You look great for your age!” will be taken far more graciously than “I didn’t know you were so old!”

3. “So are you planning to retire soon?”

Just because a colleague has grey hair doesn’t mean they’re going to retire tomorrow. In fact, many healthcare professionals enjoy working well past the age of 60 because their work gives them a sense of purpose.

A career can be truly rewarding, helping you feel like you’ve accomplished something or made a difference in a patient’s life.

Another big consideration to keep in mind is the current economic situation. Your older colleague may not have sufficient retirement funds to allow them to retire, which would then turn this into a very awkward conversation. To stay on the safe side, don’t bring up the topic of retirement.

4. “My grandpa gave me that same advice”

Your older colleague is not your grandpa. In fact, he might not even have grandchildren, which would make this comment especially irritating and offensive.

Think of the connotations of grandparents. In popular culture, they’re depicted as old-school, not as physically capable, and suffering from some sort of dementia. This comment implies that your colleague’s advice will always be outdated and out of touch with reality.

Older healthcare workers are generally sensitive to age as a topic, so skip the grandparent talk altogether. If your colleague gives you advice you’ve heard before, just say “I’ve heard that advice before!” Just don’t specify that your grandpa gave it to you.

5. “Your are going back to university?”

Contrary to popular belief, college isn’t just for twenty-something-year-olds. With the economy in decline, more and more older healthcare workers are choosing to go back to university to get a competitive advantage.

Getting certifications, completing continuing education units, and gaining a bachelor’s or master’s degrees can set a candidate apart amidst a large pool of job applicants. And in this competitive job market, standing out is more important than ever.

So it’s not that unusual that your older colleague is continuing their education. In fact, it’s actually a really smart decision on their part. If you want to, you could even compliment them for having the great idea and initiative, and strike up a conversation about what they plan to do at university.

6. “There were some last-minute changes. Will that be too much to handle?”

People generally stereotype older healthcare workers as less adaptable and more resistant to change. They say that since older workers have seen more initiatives fail in the workplace, they’re more likely to question change, but this isn’t necessarily true.

Older workers can adapt well to change as long as they understand the reasons for it, which, of course, can be said about any worker any age. Don’t be condescending and question an older worker’s ability to be flexible. Age has very little to do with it.

How did you do? Have you said any of the above recently? No? How about the "Six Things Never to Say to a Younger Colleague":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/education/articles/2075-six-things-never-to-say-to-a-younger-colleague then?

Have your say on the topic! "Which type of nurses face the most discrimination?":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/topics/1985-which-type-of-nurses-face-more-discrimination/posts

When Will The Media Recognise That Nurses Want To Do A Good Job?

ProNurse — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:47:00 +0100

It is perhaps not surprising with a General Election due next year that there is much excitement in the media about the recent reports of unacceptable patient safety in NHS hospitals.

Contrast the approach of newspapers that back the Conservatives like the Mail and the Telegraph on this issue with that of the Independent.

There are articles from the Telegraph and the Independent on ProNurse today.

Shamed: Top Hospitals With Worst Death Rates – Sunday Telegraph.

Opening paragraph - The three hospitals with the highest patient death rates in the country can be named today, amid a deepening crisis over the standard of care in the NHS.

Demand for Overhaul in Wake of Hospital Report – The Independent

Opening paragraph - A massive overhaul in the way hospitals are inspected was demanded yesterday, as a new report revealed that nine trusts rated excellent or good by the official health regulator were failing when it came to patient safety.

Is there a genuine crisis in the standard of care in the NHS? Or is there a failing by the official health regulator?

The media are not alone in criticising poor nursing care and no-one is saying that all nurses are fantastic at their job. The ProNurse forums contain instances of members complaining that some of their peers aren’t doing a good job.

So why do we say that nurses want to do a good job?

Imagine that your job was looking after a set amount of patients in a ward, and that providing the necessary care for all of them within the time limits of your shift was a challenge.

Imagine if you knew that the patients were hungry, sore, scared, or needed to use the toilet.

Imagine how difficult it would be to ignore all this and spend time chatting to your colleagues and surfing the Internet instead?

Imagine then returning to the ward and facing the uncomfortable patients and at visiting times, the anxious questions from worried relatives.

So why is it so easy to jump to the conclusion that most nurses are lazy and don’t care at all about their patients?

People DO believe what they read and with nursing it affects how they perceive the industry as a whole.

If people ask me what I do for a living and I tell them that I run a social networking site for nurses the response I get depends on what has recently been reported in the media.

Bad press

“Oh I bet they love that! Gives them something to do while drinking cups of coffee all day and ignoring their patients”
“No doubt it is full of photos of them going out and getting drunk all the time”

Good press

Come on! Good news does not sell papers. However, when there have not been recent health scandals in the news I tend to get responses like this:
“That’s a good idea. It must be stressful being a nurse.”
“My mum had a wonderful nurse…” leading on to a long story about what good nursing care their mother received.

There is NO excuse for bad nursing. Just please realise that it is not always the nurse that is at fault.

It also might help the media to remember that nurses make up a significant portion of the voting population for next year’s election!

If you are a nurse and you are concerned about the conditions at your place of work please read our article What Can Nurses Do To Report Poor Care Within Their Workplace?

What Can Nurses Do To Report Poor Care Within Their Workplace?

ProNurse — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:28:00 +0100

A few months since the scandal of the Mid Staffordshire Hospital and there are more horror stories about above average death rates in hospitals and the neglect of patients.

Since the Mid Staffordshire Hospital hit the news, Margie Haywood, the nurse who filmed the footage of poor nursing standards for the BBC Panorama programme, was reinstated.

Judging by the comments on ProNurse about the recent findings it is obvious that nurses are not prepared to put all the blame on management. So how do you safely raise and escalate concerns? Is it worth the trouble you are bringing on yourself?

In our recent interview with nurse entrepreneur Dave Dawes we covered this difficult area:

ProNurse: You have lots of great quotes on your web site about breaking the mould and not being afraid to challenge the status quo – doesn’t this sort of behaviour run the risk of being seen as whistle blowing?

Dave Dawes: I explicitly don’t encourage whistle-blowing, I’ve coached a lot of people through that process. There are various ways of approaching problems in clinical areas and whistle-blowing involves going above your managers to the senior managers, to the media, to outside organisations and so on. There is inevitably a cost and it is almost guaranteed that you will not be able to work in your area afterwards.

The worst examples, and these are the ones we tend to hear about in the media, are where the person making the complaint don’t seem to have a plan. They see something and they immediately raise it in an unstructured way. They don’t get the support mechanisms behind them and often their career and their mental health deteriorates.

There are a lot of nurses who do it very successfully but you don’t hear about it as it has been handled well.

However, it can also be the people who don’t do anything about a problem that can suffer the most. If you look at examples like Bristol Royal Infirmary about 10 years ago where there were operations on kids who died needlessly, I think the people that came out worst there were the people who knew what was happening but didn’t say anything. They were the ones who tended to suffer through guilt afterwards. If you do speak up at least you get to think that at least you achieved something.

Response from the NMC on the NMC Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust and Basildon & Thurrock NHS Trust

The NMC Chief Executive and Registrar Dickon Weir-Hughes is quoted on the NMC web site as saying:

“As a nurse of over 30 years experience I know that nurses and midwives often work in difficult environments, however they are also responsible for upholding the principles within The code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives. Within the code they are expected to manage risk and make the care of people their first concern.

"The code remains relevant throughout a nurse or midwife's career so applies equally to those in senior leadership roles. We are now considering our course of action in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Order (2001).”

The following is a recent press release from the NMC on whistleblowing. Whilst it is short on the actual details of the process you need to follow it does provide contacts for you to discuss your situation with people outside of your workplace.
[page]

Nurses and midwives to receive whistleblowing guidance from regulator

Edinburgh - Nurses and midwives are to have guidance to help them raise and escalate concerns in a way that won’t get them into trouble with their regulator.

Since the summer we have been working with key professional and patient groups to develop information that will support nurses and midwives to raise and escalate concerns they may have that people could be at risk of harm.
At our council meeting, which for the first time for this Council was held in Scotland, members agreed the principles contained within the document which included seeking confidential and independent advice throughout the process of escalating a concern. The Council also agreed that the document should be published as guidance, requiring a 12 week UK-wide public consultation period starting in January 2010.

NMC project lead, Caroline Williams said:

“Nurses and midwives have a code of conduct they must follow. Within that code they have a duty to manage risk which could mean speaking out against a colleague. As many nurses and midwives work as part of a multidisciplinary team we recognise the difficulty they may sometimes face if they have a concern about a colleague’s actions or behaviour or the environment of care.

“Our goal is to provide nurses and midwives with clear information about the steps they should be taking when raising or escalating a concern while acting within that code.

“However the guidance alone is not enough. There is a need for open and transparent policies at the local level and managers have a responsibility to support their staff and promote patient safety. We will be working closely with employer groups to acknowledge and promote the central role they have in creating an environment that is supportive of those who raise or escalate a concern.”

In the meantime, nurses and midwives who are unsure about how to raise concerns in their workplace are advised to follow their employer's policy, or to seek confidential advice from their professional body, trade union or Public Concern at Work. They can also contact our dedicated professional advice line on 020 7333 9333 or email advice@nmc-uk.org.
There is more information on the NMC web site .

Related Reads:

ProNurse Interviews Dave Dawes

ProNurse Interviews Bestselling Author Bethan Siviter

8 Things You Should Never Say To A Patient

Seven Mistakes to Avoid in Your Nursing Career

ProNurse — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:56:00 +0100

Have a happy and healthy work life!

When you first become a nurse, it’s easy to believe that you’ll always love your job.

But there will come a time where stress, frustration and boredom take their toll. Whilst you can’t overcome every hurdle, there are some you can avoid.

Make the most of your career as a nurse by avoiding these seven mistakes.

No. 1: Rushing Into Becoming a Nurse >>

[page]

1. Rushing Into Becoming a Nurse

Some of us can make a career or educational change with ease.

Most of us need a little more preparation.

Deciding on a career is a big decision, whether you’re 17 or 47, but it’s particularly important to think through your choice to become a nurse.

If you are thinking of becoming a nurse contact your local university to find out what courses they offer and their entry requirements.

If you can get a job at your local hospital as an HCA this will give you a taste of what the job entails and the chance to chat with the nurses on the ward.

And, of course, you can always ask your fellow members on ProNurse!

Nursing is one of the most rewarding jobs but it’s best to be weigh up all the options before you take that first step on the ladder.

No. 2: Changing Specialties Too Many Times >>

[page]

2. Changing Specialties Too Often

Moving between specialities can be a great way to learn what you really have a passion for, but changing areas too quickly or too often can have a negative effect on your career.

You might begin to feel like you don’t have a place in nursing and potential employers might wonder why you haven’t committed to one area for any length of time.

Give each specialty you enter a chance before moving on to something which appears to be more enticing. Talk to nurses who are currently working in the area you are considering as well as nurses who have left that specialty. They can give you the low down on what the area is really like.

No. 3: Not Changing Speciality Often Enough >>

[page]

3. Not Changing Speciality Often Enough

On the other side of the coin, you could damage your career by not trying out enough different specialties.

Of course, if you love the NICU, don’t leave just to try something else.

But, if you’re staying in the Operating Theatre because it’s safe and familiar, but you’re bored out of your mind, take the risk and apply to another area.

You never know what you might be destined to do!

No. 4: Letting Your Job Control Your Life >>

[page]

4. Letting Your Job Control Your Life

With shift work and long hours, it’s easy to let your nursing career take over your life.

Maintaining work-life balance is essential if you are going to remain stress free, both at work and at home.

There will be times when your 12-hour shift seems to stretch into a 24-hours, but leave that pressure at work.

Remember to take time for yourself, your friends and your family, even if it’s only one night a week.

No. 5: Ignoring the early signs of stress >>

[page]

5. Ignoring the early signs of stress

Work Related Stress is, unfortunately, becoming increasingly common and can affect even the most conscientious nurse.

The key is recognising the early signs and taking steps to deal with them.

Of course, there will always be those patients, families, and colleagues that make you want to tear your hair out, but that doesn’t have to ruin your nursing career.

If you are feeling stressed take a step back and think to yourself “What am I worried about?” “Is it work or something outside work that is putting me under pressure?”

Look into changing shifts if working in the middle of the night isn’t your cup of tea. Try to take a break, alone or with family and friends. Lastly, think back to all the reasons you wanted to become a nurse.

Make a list of these reasons and look at it every once in a while to remind yourself of all the great things about your job.

No. 6: Believing You’re “Just a Nurse” >>

[page]

6. Believing You’re “Just a Nurse”

There honestly is no such thing as being “ just a nurse”.

You have worked hard to get where you are, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Be proud of what you have achieved and take pleasure in that “I have really made a difference today” feeling.

If you start to feel that you are “just a nurse”, think back to all those patients and fellow nurses you have helped, encouraged and inspired and then, think again.

“Just a Nurse”, there really is no such thing.

No. 7: Not Gathering Nurse Allies” >>

[page]

7. Not Gathering Nurse Allies”

We’ve all heard the phrase “Nurses eat their young” and many ProNurse members have said that is definitely true.

But even with the drama that may occur, there is always room for friendship.

Connecting with other nurses is a great way to avoid burnout, re-ignite your passion for nursing, and expand your knowledge.

Whether it’s nurse friends at work or nurses from another facility, they will understand you like your non-nursing friends and relations never will.

Nurse allies can benefit more than your mental health. They can help you advance your career by writing recommendations and finding job openings.

It’s always good to have someone who’s looking out for you, and who better to do it than someone who can literally save your life!

Need some more nurse allies? It's time to "introduce yourself on our forums.":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/discussions

ProNurse Celebrates a Year of Connecting Nurses and Improving Careers

ProNurse — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:21:00 +0100

It’s been an interesting and successful first year for ProNurse.

We’ve gone from a new arrival on the nursing scene to a big player for career-based nursing information.

We have very good links with the main social networking tools and now we’re cropping up more and more often in Google searches so next year looks like it is going to be even better!

Here are a selection of some of the highlights from the year in case you missed them and to be sure to take a look at the BIG thank you from the Editor for everything that nurses have done for ProNurse.

From guides on becoming a nurse:

Ten Steps to Becoming a Nurse

What Funding am I Entitled to?

Training to be a Nurse after having Children

How do I Train to be a Nurse While Working as a Healthcare Assistant?

How much do Nurses and Midwives Earn?

To advice on developing your nursing career:

Nursing Management

The Importance of a Bedside Manner for Nurses

8 Things You Should Never Say To A Patient

And staying sane:

Six Top Tips to be Happier as a Nurse at Work

How to Create a Balanced Life while Nursing

To our interviews with people at all levels:

Stuart Sorensen, Advanced Practitioner in Psychosocial Interventions

Bestselling Author and Nurse Bethann Siviter

Dave Dawes, Nurse and Social Entrepreneur

Stuart Sorensen, Advanced Practitioner in Psychosocial Interventions

Sarah Beeny, Property Expert and Professional Matchmaker

Cheryl Doyle Welsh Practice Nurse of the Year 2008

Not to mention our ever-popular quizzes:

General Nursing IQ Test

Are You a Naughty or Nice Nurse?

The Nursing Calculation Quiz

What Motivates you to Succeed in your Nursing Career?

To the amusing bordering on the daft…

10 Things to NEVER Say to a Nurse

ProNurse’s Top 11 Reasons to Date a Nurse

ProNurse’s Top 11 Reasons to Date a Male Nurse

Next year is going to be even better!

Are The Anonymous Forums Helpful or Harmful for Nurses?

ProNurse — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:53:00 +0100

There is no doubt that the ProNurse forums are the heart of the site.

The way that most members share information with other nurses, student nurses or wannabe nurses is indicative of why nurses chose to care for others for a living.

One area that has always caused controversy is the Anonymous Forums.

When the site was started it was thought that these forums would be used to share frustrations about particular issues at work and to ask advice without having to put your name to your comments.

The forums have been successfully used for this on many occasions, even though a number of times the advice was sought on very personal issues rather than work matters!

Unfortunately there is also a tendency for some people to make unpleasant, or even insulting comments secure in their anonymity.

Suggested ways to use the Anonymous Forums

Keep your sense of humour!

If you post something that you need advice about, do expect some cheeky comments. It can be just too tempting not to make a funny comment when no-one knows who is saying it! Some may border on insulting, but we hope that these remain at a minimum level.

Don’t feed the ‘trolls’

If someone has said something ridiculous or annoying they are probably just trying to wind you up. Just ignore the comment and move on. Nurses know that there are some strange people out there – they visit forums and some of them are nurses too!

Don’t believe everything you read!

Any anonymous person can appear to be an expert. If someone makes a comment in our standard forums you can look at their profile to see something about them.

Be nice!

Treat other people as you would like to be treated. It is such a good feeling when a stranger does something considerate for you with no thought of reward. This happens a lot in our forums so join in and continue the trend!

Should I sign my posts in the Anonymous Forums?

There are some people who sign their posts as they feel that if you should stand by what you have said. However, while this does have many advantages, the aim of the forums is to cater for the majority and we know that a significant proportion of people using forums are worried about what people will say about their comments.

We want to ensure that these people continue to post and continue to get the benefit of the advice and friendship that they can receive from these forums.

If you want to put your name after your post that is fine and it can certainly help in some situations. However, it is not called the Anonymous Forums for nothing so don’t feel obliged!

pronurse

Medical Acronyms – C

Nursing Book Review: Of Sluices and Sisters by Alison Collin

9 Reasons to Fall in Love With Nursing

Oh nursing, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! —>

My Opinion: It’s Time We Stopped Knocking “Old School Nurses”!

ProNurse Interviews: Dawn Bowes, Nurse and Director of NursesStore.co.uk

More nursing entrepreneur articles...

My Opinion: Why Nurses Need Nursing Research

More nursing entrepreneur articles...

My Opinion: Nurses Need To Stop Complaining, Get Fitter and Demand More Support

10 Ways For Nurses to Stay Healthy On the Job

1. …Eat!

2. Stealthy Exercises

3. Water Is the Way

4. You Need Those ABC’s

5. Counting Sheep

6. The Big No No’s

7. It’s All About You

8. Don’t Ignore Symptoms

9. Remember to Breathe

10. Happiness is Power

Have You Confirmed Your Account on ProNurse?

Ten Nursing Career Resolutions for 2010

1. Pay Attention in Class

2. Look for the Next Rung

3. Understand the Trusts' Goals

4. Be Ethical

5. Stay Fit

6. Stretch Your Role

7. Manage Up

8. Manage Across

9. Communicate

10. Make Time for Play

See our "Career Advice section for useful articles about all facets of your nursing career":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/education/articles/list?article_search[keyword]=&article_search[category_id]=238

What Nursing New Year Resolutions Will You Make This Year?

What Do You Want From ProNurse in 2010?

7 Ways to Manage a Complaint (and Protect Your Nursing Registration!)

1. The NMC Comes First

2. Get a Union Rep

3. Act Pre-emptively

4. Improve Your Practice

5. Document Everything

6. Keep Up with Changes to Your Scope of Practice

7. Meet All the Conditions

Six Things Never to Say to a Younger Colleague

1. “Are you the new nurse?”

2. “You sound like my son/daughter”

3. “How old are you?”

4. “As this is your first job, you probably wouldn’t understand”

5. “When I was your age…”

6. “The real world doesn’t work like that.”

Have your say on the topic! "Which type of nurses face the most discrimination?":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/topics/1985-which-type-of-nurses-face-more-discrimination/posts

Six Things Never to Say to an Older Colleague

1. “Do you know how to use email?”

2. “I didn’t know you were so old!”

3. “So are you planning to retire soon?”

4. “My grandpa gave me that same advice”

5. “Your are going back to university?”

6. “There were some last-minute changes. Will that be too much to handle?”

How did you do? Have you said any of the above recently? No? How about the "Six Things Never to Say to a Younger Colleague":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/education/articles/2075-six-things-never-to-say-to-a-younger-colleague then?

Have your say on the topic! "Which type of nurses face the most discrimination?":http://www.pronurse.co.uk/topics/1985-which-type-of-nurses-face-more-discrimination/posts

When Will The Media Recognise That Nurses Want To Do A Good Job?

So why do we say that nurses want to do a good job?

What Can Nurses Do To Report Poor Care Within Their Workplace?

Response from the NMC on the NMC Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust and Basildon & Thurrock NHS Trust

Nurses and midwives to receive whistleblowing guidance from regulator

Seven Mistakes to Avoid in Your Nursing Career

1. Rushing Into Becoming a Nurse

2. Changing Specialties Too Often

3. Not Changing Speciality Often Enough

4. Letting Your Job Control Your Life

5. Ignoring the early signs of stress

6. Believing You’re “Just a Nurse”

7. Not Gathering Nurse Allies”

ProNurse Celebrates a Year of Connecting Nurses and Improving Careers

Are The Anonymous Forums Helpful or Harmful for Nurses?

Suggested ways to use the Anonymous Forums