The Handoff - Issue #5

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

Something to think about

The Florida fake nurse scandal continues. If you aren't up to date, more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas were discovered to have been issued by several Florida based schools between 2016 and 2021. Last month, 25 individuals were arrested for being affiliated with the universities that were dishing out these fake diplomas. The investigation titled Operation Nightingale (They really couldn't think of a less cliché investigation title??) continues to look into everyone involved and has begun to revoke nursing licenses. The article states a fake nurse is still yet to be charged though. I am still just dumbfounded at how in the heck these “nurses” pulled this off. I was shaking in my scrubs on my first day and I WAS trained. How could so many get away with this for so long? Many had zero medical background. Regardless, what a bad time to answer your patients’ question “Where are you from?” if you’re from Florida.

Something from the future

For anyone who had to finish their education during/after 2020, I am sure you are no stranger to virtual learning. This is next level though. The college of New Jersey just published an article discussing their upcoming use of virtual reality headsets to assist nursing students to practice their bedside manner. It will help students to practice hard conversations with patients in a safe environment with real actors. However, when I first read virtual reality, I pictured more of a video game set up. One level you have to duck out of the way of the objects being thrown at you by your patient threatening to leave AMA. The next level you have to dive to catch your fall patients as they try to get out of bed on their own. Still would be useful if you ask me... 

Something to talk about next shift 

Nursing shortage? It's only been talked about every shift since the beginning of the pandemic. Well this week on Nurse Day in Austin a large crowd of nurses gathered as shortages reach an all time high of 20,000 in Texas- triple what it was at the beginning of the pandemic. After perusing the linked policies being discussed, it seems Texas lawmakers are focusing mainly on education programs to create more nurses, rather than a lot of funding towards keeping nurses. Current working nurses meanwhile continue to fight for safe patient ratios, higher pay, and compensation for training new nurses. "The nurses in Austin the week say solutions will have to come from a team effort, from both the Texas legislature and through changes from management within the industry".  Think it will ever end? Or will the management pizza parties continue?  

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.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Can’t wait to show you what I find for next week's newsletter.