Posted by Nicole Ricketts-Murray, RN
After a long and demanding shift, an ICU nurse finds a quiet moment in the breakroom, feeling emotionally drained. The day involved comforting grieving families, advocating for critically ill patients, and juggling countless responsibilities. Despite a strong sense of compassion, there is a growing feeling of emotional numbness, as if there is nothing left to give.
This experience is known as compassion fatigue, a state of emotional exhaustion that results from prolonged exposure to patient suffering. Over time, it can lead to detachment, burnout, and a decline in overall well-being. Research shows that many nurses face this challenge, which can impact both their mental health and the quality of care they deliver. Recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue is essential to maintaining a balanced and rewarding nursing career.
Understanding Compassion Fatigue
Compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress are related but distinct conditions. Burnout arises fro...
Posted by Nicole Ricketts-Murray, RN
A severe shortage of nurses has been observed in healthcare facilities across the United States. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has called for immediate action, noting that a shortage of nursing professionals exists due to factors such as burnout, retirements, and high turnover rates, which have led to a rise in demand for these professionals.
This staffing gap means that the remaining staff have a heavier workload, taking longer shifts and being more likely to be short-staffed, which in turn impacts the well-being of the nurses and, consequently, the safety of the patients.
In these challenging environments, the risk of burnout increases, and patient care can be compromised if effective strategies are not in place. To address these challenges, nurses require three key tools: a time management tool, a task prioritization tool, and a resilience-building tool for high-stress shifts.
This blog post will offer practical suggestions for how nurses can n...
Posted by Mary Thompson
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which is part of the same family as smallpox. While historically rare and largely confined to regions in Central and West Africa, Mpox has reemerged as a global public health concern in recent years, prompting renewed focus from healthcare systems around the world.
The 2022-2023 outbreak saw widespread transmission in countries where Mpox had never been endemic, including the United States, with New York City becoming a major epicenter. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have continued to monitor cases, issue guidance, and recommend vaccination for high-risk populations. As we move through 2024 and 2025, Mpox remains a relevant and evolving concern.
This blog will cover everything New York healthcare professionals need to know about Mpox, including:
What it is and how it pr...
Posted by Nicole Ricketts-Murray, RN
The nursing profession in the United States is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with over 47% of registered nurses aged 50 or older, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). This trend underscores the increasing dependence on experienced nurses to uphold healthcare systems.
Retaining late-career nurses is essential, as they contribute extensive institutional knowledge, mentorship abilities, and leadership skills that enhance patient outcomes and team dynamics. By addressing the specific needs of senior nurses, healthcare organizations can sustain a robust, multigenerational workforce that ensures continuity of care, fosters professional development, and bridges generational divides within the profession.
The Present Condition of the Aging Nursing Workforce
According to a 2023 report from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the nursing workforce is experiencing an aging trend, with 20% of nurses aged 65 or older a...
Posted by Nicole Ricketts-Murray, RN
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, responsible for 18 million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The urgency for innovative solutions in cardiac care has never been greater. Technologies such as wearable ECG devices, which can continuously monitor heart rhythms, and AI-driven tools for arrhythmia detection are transforming the management of heart conditions.
Nurses play a critical role in this transformation, acting as educators, facilitators, and advocates for the integration of these advancements into patient care. This article will examine how these state-of-the-art tools enable nurses to enhance patient outcomes and redefine the delivery of cardiac care.
Advances in Cardiac Care Technologies
The introduction of wearable ECG devices has transformed cardiac care by providing portable and patient-friendly solutions for continuous heart monitoring. Devices such as the Apple Watch and the Zio Patch...