ACCESS Nursing News and Blog

Every head injury should be considered potentially life-threatening. That’s one of the key messages for this month’s Brain Injury Awareness Month, with a reported 3.6 million people in the US sustaining brain injuries each year. The recent tragic death of 65-year-old actor Bob Saget highlights just how serious any head injury can be. (The actor accidentally hit the back of his head, didn’t realize the severity, and went to sleep, as far too many people do).

February is American Heart Month and a time to focus on cardiovascular health. It’s critical that nurses take their own health just as seriously as the health of their patients.  

There have been many significant African American Nurses throughout history. Since February is Black History Month, we’d like to take this time to honor a few of the outstanding nurses who have made history with their amazing achievements.

A person living with Alzheimer's needs help coping with a unique set of challenges affecting their daily lives. According to the CDC, Alzheimer’s is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that affects over 6 million adults and is the most common type of dementia. As a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s, it’s crucial that you adapt to your patient’s individual needs.

The nursing shortage in the US has reached a record high and taking a heavy toll on the health care industry. One of the fallouts of this shortage is a pervasive sense of burnout and exhaustion among our nation’s nurses.

Vaccinations are essential to protecting not only yourself, but also your patients. As Omicron cases reach an all-time high, it is now more vital than ever for healthcare workers to receive a booster dose as soon as they become eligible.

Nurses are once again being stretched to their limit. The recent surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the US due to the Omicron variant has left hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical care facilities critically understaffed with nurses suffering from burnout and stress.

New Year’s Resolutions are a fantastic way to kick off your year and start fresh. You can set meaningful goals for yourself; like being more productive at work, focusing on your career path, reflecting on your life goals, your relationships, and more!

If your shift falls on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you may not feel very holly or jolly about it. As a nurse, you often need to give up your own family celebrations to care for your patients. After all, there are no vacation days for those who are sick or injured.

It is crucial for caregivers to establish a good relationship with their patients. Creating a friendly rapport is key to providing quality care and for healing to take place.