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Compassion Fatigue vs. Burnout: Spotting the Difference in Your Work

Posted by Mary Thompson

For those who dedicate their careers to helping others, such as nurses, teachers, social workers, counselors, and healthcare professionals, emotional and physical exhaustion can feel like an unavoidable part of the job. These professionals demand empathy, patience, and compassion every day. Over time, the constant exposure to other people’s pain, trauma, or stress can start to take its toll. But not all exhaustion is the same; two of the most common challenges in helping professions are compassion fatigue and burnout. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they describe distinct experiences that require different approaches for recovery and prevention. Understanding the difference isn’t just about labeling how you feel; it’s about protecting your health, your relationships, and your ability to keep doing the work you love. This blog will help you recognize the signs of compassion fatigue and burnout, understand how they differ, and explore practical...

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Barrier Precautions in Nursing: PPE, Hand Hygiene, and Infection Control Basics

Posted by Nicole Ricketts-Murray, RN

In the busy reality of healthcare, even the most experienced staff can slip into habits and overlook the small, crucial steps that keep infections at bay. Barrier precautions aren’t just a technical requirement—they’re one of our best shields against the spread of illness, protecting our patients, our teams, and ourselves. Whether you’ve spent years in practice or you’re just starting out, it pays to revisit the basics of PPE and barrier routines. Sometimes, a quick refresher is all it takes to stop an outbreak in its tracks. Why Barrier Precautions Still Matter Hospital-acquired infections are still an everyday reality, no matter where you work. The CDC reminds us that on any given day, 1 in 31 hospital patients is dealing with at least one of these infections. It’s a stark number—but what it really means is that even small slips, like skipping hand hygiene “just this once” or grabbing the same gown twice, can give pathog...

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Mandated Reporting in New York Healthcare: Red Flags, Responsibilities, and Protections

Posted by Nicole Ricketts-Murray, RN

If you work in healthcare in New York—whether as a counselor, nurse, dentist, or social worker—you have a crucial responsibility to look out for those who may not be able to speak for themselves. State law makes you a mandated reporter, which means if you see or suspect signs of abuse, neglect, or maltreatment in a child or vulnerable adult, you are required to act. Recognizing red flags in your everyday work isn’t always easy, but your attentiveness can truly make a difference in someone’s life. This guide is here to support you: it will help you spot important warning signs, explain how to report concerns, clarify the protections in place for reporters, and connect you with valuable resources and training. Understanding the Mandated Reporter Role in New York In New York, a wide range of professionals—like nurses, dentists, social workers, and mental health counselors—are required to report suspected abuse. If, as part of your job, you hav...

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Creative Arts Therapy in Trauma Recovery: Emerging Evidence

Posted by Mary Thompson

Trauma can leave a deep and lasting imprint, not just on mental health but on the entire body. The effects of trauma can show up in anxiety, depression, chronic pain, disrupted sleep, and difficulty in relationships. Traditional talk therapy has long been the gold standard for recovery, but it does not always capture the full range of human experience, especially for individuals who struggle to put overwhelming events into words. This is where Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) is emerging as a powerful tool. By using art, music, movement, drama, and writing as therapeutic modalities, CAT provides new ways for trauma survivors to process experiences and restore a sense of wholeness. Importantly, New York State is one of the few states that officially licenses Creative Arts Therapists, which elevates the profession and sets clear standards for clinical practice. In this article, we will explore what Creative Arts Therapy is, why it works, the latest research supporting its role in tr...

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Infection Control Training Requirements for New York Healthcare Providers

Posted by Nicole Ricketts-Murray, RN

Infection control isn’t just a box to tick on a lengthy list of professional requirements—it’s truly at the heart of what it means to provide safe, ethical healthcare. Here in New York, the state has recognized this by requiring all licensed healthcare professionals to complete rigorous infection control training since August 1992, with important updates rolled out in 2008 and ongoing changes that now include sepsis education. The expectation is simple but crucial: every provider must renew their infection control training every four years. This isn’t done just for a show; it’s a serious matter. Failing to stay current isn’t just a minor oversight—it’s considered professional misconduct and can put your license at risk in the eyes of state regulators. The following guide is designed specifically for New York’s diverse healthcare community—nurses, doctors, dentists, optometrists, physician assistants, and allied healt...

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