The Handoff - Issue #15

Hello fellow Nurse, this is your weekly handoff. Some quick and dirty nursing news that’s worth sharing. Enjoy!

Something to warm our hearts

I hope you all had an amazing nurses week. I am hopeful you got the recognition that you deserve! Did hospital administration step up this year and realize that unless they start appreciating us, we will continue to flock from bedside? While I haven't seen much report (yet) of the forms of appreciation this week, I did see a tik tok from a nursing student who was recognized with a square of bubble wrap and a note stating it was a stress relief gift for finals. That may take the cake for worst this year. However, CBS news in Chicago goes above and beyond recognizing by interviewing and spotlighting several nurses from all types of specialties. Each nurses is given an opportunity to speak on their experience and why they do their jobs. A wholesome and great appreciation!

Something to talk about next shift

RaDonda Vaught's name is likely still on all of our minds. Her case a year ago infuriated nurses across the country when Vaught received criminal charges over a medication mistake made at work that resulted in the death of a patient. A year ago, nurses expressed outrage and fear for their own safety and license. Vaught was short staffed and working in conditions less than ideal for safe practice- a situation that far too many nurses related to. Everyone empathized with Vaught as this could have easily been them in her place. Vaught made an honest medical mistake, that unfortunately resulted in the worst possible outcome. Vaught stated in court that day that "she will never be the same person and that when Murphey died, a part of her died with her. She said she replayed the mistakes over and over again". Today, a year later, she returns to court to have her nursing license back after it was revoked. If she follows her three years of probation, her conviction could one day be dismissed. I have to say I am surprised, if this were me I would never look back at healthcare. Is asking for her license back as a way to make a statement? Does she actually want to return to work? What are your thoughts?

Something to make you angry

I may not speak for everyone, but personally, I don't usually go searching for nudes of my patients when they ask for help contacting their family. Maybe that's just me though. Nurse Luke Waski was caught sending a patient's nudes from her phone when she was alerted of the messages on her apple watch. Her recently deleted text messages and hospital security footage confirmed this. Waski was a new hire and was terminated immediately. He is now being charged with video voyeurism and sexual cyber harassment. Come on dude- Florida nurses are already having a tough time this year with the whole fake license scandal... this is the last thing that Florida, and especially this woman, needed.

If you liked this newsletter please share with your friends. Which bullet is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Email me and let me know.