The Influence of the Influenza Vaccine:

Getting the Influenza vaccine, as a healthcare provider, is an interesting conundrum: there are recommendations from the CDC that are made to promote healthiness, but then there are hospital mandates. I would lose my job if I didn't get vaccinated, so I do, without a true informed medical decision. When medical interventions are required, hospital policies seem a little too invasive.
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Fix me NOW (but on my terms or I'll leave AMA)

Dear patient, I cannot fix your problem of 3+ years in the ER on Sunday evening. I am sorry (but not surprised) that your doctor fired you. I am sorry you have sat in this room for so long but I was tending to my OD who arrested shortly after arrival. I am sorry you are going through this. HOWEVER, stop telling me..
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Caring for the Greatest Generation: Making Time for Your Patient's Unique History

Your patient's history is a part of assessment, but sometimes their personal history is just as important as their medication list. As Veteran's Day approaches on November 11th, it is the perfect time to ask your patients about their service. Here are some of the ins and outs of finding the time to appreciate a former soldier.
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Don't Call Them Nurses!

The majority of doctors in my area refer to their medical assistants as nurses. This is going to become a real problem in the future. Most people do not know if they are getting misinformation. Anyone else out there have any stories or opinions on this subject?
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I'm Just Doing My Job...

There are some times in your career that you are really put under the microscope; why you do what you do every day. Sometimes the reasons that we look more closely at our practice is because of questions from unlikely sources, that aren't in the field. That happened to me recently and it really has made me think about responding to the 'thank you' from a patient with the phrase, "I'm just doing my job."
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MICU vs SICU

I was currently offered a training position at Cedars-Sinai Hospital at the MICU/RICU and SICU department. They were asking about my preference. I came from a Med-Surg/Tele floor and I was wondering which unit is harder MICU or SICU? Where can I learn more and have the best nursing experience?
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The Fine Line

As part of our job, nurses can develop relationships with patient's and their families through the daily contact we have caring for them. Sometimes, the professional relationship line can get a little blurry, and it is hard to keep boundaries in place - friendships can be made. I have sometimes faced this dilemma - and I am glad for my decisions.
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How do you handle emotional codes/deaths?

I am just wondering how you all decompress after a particularly high stress, emotional situation. I find myself at times becoming too empathetic to the point that I am putting myself in the patient or families place which gives me a great deal of anxiety.
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[Toon] Look, nurses, administrators and doctor's getting along.

Its been proven that when colleagues do not get along that patient care suffers. The healthcare team must work in concert to achieve the goal of good patient outcomes. Do you get along with your providers, do you see administrators often, not so often....or wonder who they are? If you don't know who your administrators are - do you feel that patient care suffers?
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