The Handoff - Issue #18

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

Something to consider

For those who thought covid was only impacting our current nursing staff, you may want to take a look at this article. Three years later, it may now also be affecting nursing by diminishing the number of students who even pursue this career. Overall, undergraduate college enrollment has dropped 8% from 2019 to 2022. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing just posted this article to compile a list of the most recent nursing and nursing education statistics to help both assess and plan how to prepare for potential incoming nursing shortages. One statistic states that 30 schools are planning new accelerated BSN programs. However, 71 RN to BSN programs are closing. How will this even out to fill the ever growing nursing needs? Do we flash forward to the future to see that nursing has once again returned to no schooling and just bedside training like in the early 1900s to fill these nursing needs?

Something to talk about next shift

I wonder if Rochelle Perry will ever have a documentary made about her because she was found to have applied to five separate LPN positions with different identities. Perry knew she would not pass the background check if using her own. She also did not even have have an LPN license (minor detail I guess). Meanwhile, her true identity was collecting over $50,000 in disability benefits. It makes me wish there was a way I could truly split my identity. Have me sit at home while my doppelganger is out there working my shifts. Currently, Perry is looking at 5 years in prison- this is all for the identity fraud though. What about her just casually faking being an LPN from 2019-2022? Watching how there are zero consequences from the Florida fake nurses and now this, it makes me see how these people are willing to risk faking a license.

Something to fight for

A recent national survey of over 900 nurses states that 80% of nurses have experienced racism from patients. Hearing that number shocks me, but also hearing the way old people with delirium throw around racial slurs, I think that number is being generous. The number that does shock me is that 60% stated they experienced racism from colleagues. Nurses being mean to nurses? Surely that doesn’t fly. Though it was also reported that many incidents reported to upper management were not met with much assistance. The survey reported that more diversity in management and more clear no tolerance rules within the hospital would assist with this. How do you think this can be changed? We can do so much better.

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.